RS55 4 x 32 scope

Optics for what I call 22 rimfire, military look-a-like semi-auto rifles are more for fun/action shooting and generally used out to a maximum of 100-yards, probably less. Given the look, shooters like to keep that style and go with something that follows the theme. If money is no object then the Trijicon ACOG is top shelf, however in this case the glass would cost twice as much as say an S&W M&P 15-22; ouch!

WALTHER BRANDED

More cost effective and still in keeping with the theme is Walther’s RS55 rifle scope. The unit is no ACOG but the mounting base and objective shape give it a similar look and feel, which fits right in with guns like the M&P 15-22, SIG522 etc. The build looks to me to be based on a red dot type body as it has those tiny turrets and a top-mounted rheostat. However, it has a focusable eyepiece and a specification of 4x32, which is enough for this sort of work.

The RS55 shows a compact and solid all-aluminium alloy body, it’s 5.75” long and weighs 13.5oz. The base is a Weaver/Picatinny; one-piece, twin-bolt clamp so will suit any flat top receiver. The rheostat is the standard, 11-position rotary drum located on top of the body and runs on a CR2032 cell under the cap. Turrets are under removable caps and according to instructions offer ¼” clicks at 10-yards (7mm @ 10m), so making a big 2.5” per click of movement @ 100.

There are 36-clicks per turn and seven rotations, you have to be a bit careful as there seems to be no upper/end position, I stopped at seven as I could see the adjuster starting to appear above the lip of the drum. 

CHRISTMAS TREE

The reticule has five, pre-set range stadia in a tapering pattern much like an inverted Christmas tree, with a sixth being where the thin vertical line bisects the thick post at 6 o’clock. The last two are marked 4 and 6. But what it gives is a multi, aim point grid with lead arms that once set up will give fall of shot register dependent on calibre. I found with a 50-yard zero I needed to be aiming on the 3rd line down to be on for 100 with 22 LR standard-velocity ammo.

Visually the reticule is a little fine and I found it did not contrast too well with darker backgrounds. However the illumination sorts this out and though bright does not flare even at full setting (#11), so light or dark you can see things clearly! Though perhaps seen as a rimfire sight the RS55 would be equally at home on a 223 AR15 and make a most practical choice should you want a low-powered and compact scope.