Old guy shooting a new game, needs help. Up to this time I’ve been primarily an offhand shooter, lever action and rifle silhouette. The only time I’ve shot off a bench was to get sight settings. I’m 77 and shooting off a bench is becoming more attractive (Gravity , I guess). 
I’m looking for either a Lyman Super Targetspot or Unertl for my CPA .22 rimfire. I understand that greater magnification is better, to a certain extent, but can also become a liability.  Sixteen power scopes appear to be more readily available than 20x. My question, which power scope would you suggest?  Also, I’m open to any suggestions you might have to shorten the learning curve.  Thanks, Tom

Here's an alternative to a 50 year old Lyman or Unertl scopes (nothing really wrong with them IMO) BUT the Hi-Lux Malcolm 20X Vintage Target Scope is currently manufactured, is optically superior to either Lyman or Unertl, has improved scope mounts that are nearly the quality of the Lyman or Unertl and its overall configuration is very close to the 20X Unertl. I have been using one on my .22LR BR rifle for the past 2 years and find it fills the bill nicely and helps me stay competitive (I'm an old fart too). Only things I'm not pleased with are that it weighs about half pound more than a 20X Unertal 1 1/2" target scope (not really a problem on a BR rifle) and they are made in China.
The list price is $850 but shop around and you may find a better deal. I don't keep up on what used Unertl and Lyman are going for but a nice 20X will likey cost as much or more than a new Malacolm 20X.
Just throwing in my 2¢ worth

I just bought a HiLux 20X and like RSW said the glass is good but the copied Unertl type mount I don't like. It is good if you don't change from say 100 war ds to 2,3 or more. You better not loose count of the clicks. The graduation lines on the knobs are not like the Lyman or Unrtl for references. I ended up getting a DZ rear mount to replace the HiLux.
Also shooting off hand the higher powder the targets just don't stay still. I just use it for load development and change over to the 8X.
Bench shooting it's great if you don't need to adjust for longer ranges and return to close range unless you carry a big glass so you can see and count the lines.

Kurt

I especially like learning about the pros and cons of each scope and the mounting systems. It helps one make an informed buying decision. Tom

For a 22, the 15 is probably fine, just depends on how far you're reaching out. When I'm looking at a 1.5" bullseye at 200yds, I like all the magnification I can get.

For the offhand stages, I did just have a new scope block put on for my 6x, 28" MVA because the 20x moved around too much

My vote would be for a 20x Lyman.  The biggest issue you need to be aware of is the possibility of contracting “Long Scopeitis”. This debilitating condition makes it difficult to pass up good deals on Lyman, Unertl, Fecker and other long external adjustments scopes. Like long Covid there is little medical consensus as to why this issue exists.  When you have close to a dozen of them you have to have a chart on the wall to tell you which scope goes with which rifle. Then when you acquire a new scope OR rifle you spend sleepless nights trying to figure out what goes where.  Beware!

Jack

I personally don't think even a 20 power is strong enough for 200 yd shooting considering all the options we have these days for better scopes

Skalkaho wrote on Oct 23^rd, 2024 at 9:03am:

Pete, 
About 4 years after I shot that target, I had cataract surgery. 

The cataracts were effecting my iron sight scores though.