I haven’t spent a ton of time behind the glass of the V22, but for practical applications there’s not much else you can really ask for from a no frills rimfire scope.

first advertised as new by Weaver in 1964, the V22 featured a 7/8-inch tube and 3X-6X variable zoom specifically for rimfire rifles. By the 1966 catalog, it’s clear Weaver had began to place a much greater emphasis on variable optics while continuing to offer the widely successful K-series of fixed-powered scopes. Alongside the V22, Weaver’s lineup shifted with the introduction of the A and C series, replacing the earlier J and B series in the catalog. These budget-friendly 3/4-inch scopes reflected Weaver’s move towards more economical manufacturing, incorporating a greater use of plastic components than their predecessors. Collectively, these changes marked the beginning of a transitional era for Weaver, one in which variable-power optics no longer sat at the fringe, but as an increasingly mainstream choice for American hunters. It’s also important to note the American optics market at this time. The Japanese imports flooding the market actually started to prove themselves as legitimate competition to American scope makers. This is a period where like the A and C series, Weaver had began to employ more streamlined and economical manufacturing methods, perhaps to stay more competitive against the lower priced imports.

the V22 is a perfectly usable scope for a rimfire rifle. The 7/8-inch tube is a little funky compared to today’s standards but it really does strike a nice balance for a vintage .22LR. Large enough to have a fair light gathering ability, but slim enough to match the profile of a vintage rimfire. For most of your plinking or thick woods squirrel hunting, 3X-6X is probably the most utilitarian magnification range I’ve seen on a rimfire scope. These scopes do seem to move pretty quickly on the secondary market, but anything less than mint is quite affordable, and the rings tend to stay matched with the scope. Enjoy the photos!

First look before cleaning. Plastic turret covers differ from the many Weaver optics before the V22.

The variable dial is much more usable than on the Weaver V8. Take note of the plastic ocular assembly.

3X at 10 yards for the backyard clarity board test. Glass is clear and crosshairs are fine!

6X 10 yard clarity board test.

Ocular lens

Objective lens

Windage turret with the weather guard cap removed. I’m partial to screw on caps, but overall pretty streamlined and easy to remove/attach.

Thanks for reading! Should you have anything you think should be added to the V22 first look, or have any good stories about the V22, feel free to contact us. Cheers!

- Hayes