Buy Once, Cry Once

Surprised how many times this is true.  Many folks just entering the sport typically will have a budget set.  Be cautious here!!  Like most on a budget, we look for places to stay.  This can and most likely will turn out to be a trap.  I am guilty of it as are many of the other shooters.  We look at say a scope... Many of us getting started just see a scope...  Well, there are many aspects to picking the right one, and most will go with what they can afford, or compromise because they see one on sale... Honestly, the scope should cost as much as your rifle as a good rule of thumb...  In my humble opinion, you should spend more on a good scope.  Typically for Base Class in the NRL22, there is a $1300 limit to your rifle and scope... Given that, I would spend an MSRP price on the rifle of $649 and the same for the scope.  Many times in purchasing such an investment, we make mistakes on not knowing what we dont know.  I cannot impress on all new shooters do your research before committing your money.  Big oversights are minimum parallax range.  In the NRL22 we shoot very small targets down to 25 yards, and your scope will need to parallax down that low if you expect to see your target.  Next one is focal plane (I recommend first) and a recital (try to pick one not too busy and be aware at lower price point you options may be limited).  Then MIL vs MOA.  This is a contested debate, but I recommend MIL mainly as most people use this.  Scope needs to have good clarity... Lastly, pick a scope that will zoom in a range from about 4x to 24x...  Anything less wont help and much above you will struggle to find targets.   There are some good options out there for base shooters and we can get into those another day.  The main point of all this is to do your research and dont box yourself in based on price and especially dont box yourself in on a class because of a couple hundred dollars.  The Open Class is competitive but you can build a very competitive rifle without breaking the bank in Open Class.  Many have including myself... Honestly, my CZ 457 out-performs my high end custom Vudoo...