3x9 is suffice. I have seen guys with really high end optics shooting the 1000 with a 10x scope on. I use a 6.5x24 on my AR and my 22 I use a 3x9. There is talk of a 22 Cal course next year at thunder valley and it will be out to 300 yards possibly. A 3x9 would be just fine for something like that. I guess I should say I use a scope that size on my AR because I shoot better if I can pick out a very small part of my target. Like on steel targets I like to pick out a bullet mark that is already on the plate. It makes me focus more on my breathing and follow thru after the shot.