So after upgrading my Ruger 10/22 with new barrel, stock, trigger, etc. and a new scope it has become a very accurate little 22 rifle. This is in no small part due to the Nikon 3 - 9 x 40 ProStaff Rimfire scope I installed with the Nikon BDC (Bullett Drop Compensation) reticle. Not having bought a new scope in about 15 years, this was a revelation. Not only were the optics much improved but the BDC reticle was very easy to use and actually worked. While BDC reticles are not really new, what sets the Nikon apart is the fact that they have developed a cartridge database and an easy-to-use app that allows you to configure the reticle to your load at the magnification you are using. I was so impressed with how well it worked that I spent the last few weeks changing out old scopes and a few other optics/sights related things.
First up, I replaced an old Bushnell 4 x 32 scope on my Marlin 39a with the exact same Nikon scope I used on the Ruger. I also used a new DNZ one-piece mount with integral scope rings for added rigidity. I cannot wait to take it out as it always shot better than the Ruger.
Next was my deer rifle, a Marlin 336 in 30/30 Winchester (the perfect white-tailed deer cartridge for the Eastern U.S.). This had an old Tasco 3 - 9 x 50 that never let in as much light at dusk as the pricier scopes. So I decided to up the ante and go with a Nikon ProStaff 5 3.5 - 14 x 50 scope with side-focus and an illuminated BDC reticle also mounted on a one-piece DNZ base.
Before:
After:
I also put a ProStaff 5 scope without side focus and a non-illuminated BDC reticle in 2.5 - 10 x 50 on my Ruger American Rimfire in 22 WSM. I used a pair of Warne QD rings I had in a drawer to mount the scope to the built-in Picatinny rail.
The last Nikon scope I mounted was a Force XR 2.5 - 8 x 28 EER scope with BDC reticle mounted with four Warne rings on the supplied rail for my new hunting handgun, a Magnum Research BFR also in 30/30 Winchester. According to MRI, BFR stands for Big Frame Revolver, but here at H-C it stands for Big Fucking Revolver, 15” long (7.5” barrel) and over 6 pounds with the scope. No one-handed off-hand shooting with this one.
Since I will no longer be using this for hunting I removed the scope from my S&W model 28 and replaced the rear sight. It took me quite a while to find a rear sight that actually fit since this revolver was bought in 1972 and none of the current rear sights, though they look basically the same, fit. It also cost over 2x the price for the used sight.
Lastly, I installed an Eotech holographic sight using a trinity rail mount on my Benelli Nova 12 gauge.
