Seeing a 1/4" hole at 300yds with a cheap optic is a stretch even if your target is backlit. Your best bet is to find a used scope or make a trip downrange after 3 or 5 shots to give your barrel time to cool. My buddy has an older 80mm KOWA spotting scope with a 32x eyepiece. It's a fine...
Freeman has been in business here for a long time. That says something (not sure what). A couple of guys in my hood have used Guy Bros for complete replacement and were happy with their service.
I have a very likely used 9422 for sale for $1000, price is firm. Beautiful wood/bluing rimfire that handles shorts, longs or LR. Scope/mounts have been sold.
I have a few bricks of .22 high velocity old stock, some HP, that I want to trade 1 for 1 for standard velocity. If you are interested, please send me a PM. Thanks.
I can't tell you how many threads I've read that start with, "I picked the perfect gun for my wife, girlfriend, mom, auntie, granny, etc. and she doesn't like it, won't carry it, can't rack it, whatever." Take her to the store and let her pick out the one she likes and then let her shoot one...