Hey there, fellow night hunters and shooting enthusiasts! Joel Mccartan here, back with another gear roundup to help you get the most out of your M&P 15-22. As an avid hunter who’s spent countless nights stalking prey under the stars, I know firsthand how crucial it is to have the right scope on your rifle.
The M&P 15-22 is a fantastic little plinker, but to really unlock its potential, you need glass that can keep up. I’ve put dozens of scopes through their paces on my own 15-22 over the years, and let me tell you – not all are created equal!
In this guide, I’ll walk you through my top 10 picks for 2024, breaking down the pros and cons of each to help you find the perfect match for your shooting style and budget. Whether you’re looking to reach out and ping steel at 100 yards or just want to nail those up-close varmint shots, I’ve got you covered.
So grab a cold one, kick back, and let’s dive into the world of M&P 15-22 optics!
Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x40mm: Best Overall Scope
Kicking off our list is the cream of the crop – the Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x40mm. Now, I know what you’re thinking: “Joel, isn’t that overkill for a .22?” But hear me out!
I’ve had this beauty mounted on my 15-22 for the past year, and let me tell you, it’s a game-changer. The glass clarity is phenomenal, even in low light conditions. I was out pig hunting last fall, and even as dusk settled in, I could still make out every detail of a sow rooting around 75 yards out.
The 3-9x magnification range is perfect for the 15-22. At 3x, you’ve got a nice wide field of view for those close-in shots, but crank it up to 9x and you can really reach out there. I’ve consistently nailed 2-inch groups at 100 yards with this setup.
Durability-wise, this thing is built like a tank. I’ve dropped my rifle more times than I care to admit (don’t judge!), and the Leupold hasn’t missed a beat. The turrets are crisp and tactile, making zeroing a breeze.
The only downside? It’s not the cheapest option out there. But in my book, you get what you pay for. If you want a scope that’ll last a lifetime and perform in any conditions, the VX-Freedom is worth every penny.
Vortex Crossfire II 2-7×32: Best Value
Coming in at a more budget-friendly price point, we’ve got the Vortex Crossfire II 2-7×32. This little scope punches well above its weight class.
I picked one up last summer for a budget build, not expecting much. Boy, was I surprised! The glass is remarkably clear for the price, and the 2-7x magnification range is ideal for the 15-22’s effective range.
The Crossfire II really shines in terms of durability. I took it out on a rainy squirrel hunt last fall, and despite being absolutely drenched, it never fogged up or lost zero. The turrets are a bit mushy compared to higher-end scopes, but they get the job done.
One thing to note – the eye relief can be a bit finicky at higher magnifications. It took me a bit of practice to find the right cheek weld, but once I did, it was smooth sailing.
For the money, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better scope for your M&P 15-22. It’s a great choice for beginners or those on a tight budget.
Bushnell Banner 3-9×40: Best Budget Option
Alright, let’s talk ultra-budget options. The Bushnell Banner 3-9×40 is about as cheap as you can go while still getting a usable scope. Is it going to compete with the Leupold? Heck no. But for under $100, it’ll get the job done.
I mounted one of these on my nephew’s 15-22 last Christmas, and I have to say, I was impressed for the price. The glass is decent in good lighting conditions, though it does struggle a bit at dawn and dusk. The 3-9x magnification range is more than enough for a .22LR.
Durability is… okay. It’s held up fine to normal use, but I wouldn’t trust it to survive a hard drop. The turrets are basic but functional. One nice surprise was the good eye relief – even my nephew with his goofy shooting stance had no issues getting behind it.
If you’re just getting into shooting and want to dip your toes in without breaking the bank, the Banner is a solid choice. Just don’t expect miracles!
Aimpoint ACO Red Dot: Best for Fast Target Acquisition
Switching gears a bit, let’s talk red dots. The Aimpoint ACO is my go-to when I want lightning-fast target acquisition on my 15-22.
Now, I know some folks think red dots are overkill on a .22, but hear me out. If you’re into running and gunning, or just want to improve your snap shooting, a quality red dot is hard to beat. And the ACO is about as bombproof as they come.
I’ve had mine for three years now, and it’s never let me down. The 2 MOA dot is crisp and easy to pick up, even in bright sunlight. Battery life is insane – I change mine out once a year just to be safe, but it’s never actually died on me.
The built-in mount makes installation a breeze, and it co-witnesses perfectly with the 15-22’s iron sights. I’ve taken this setup to a few Appleseed events, and let me tell you, it’s a tack driver out to 25 yards.
The only real downside is the price – it’s not cheap. But if you want a red dot that’ll outlast your grandkids, the ACO is the way to go.
Simmons 3-9x32mm .22 Mag: Best Bang for Your Buck
Here’s a scope that really surprised me – the Simmons 3-9x32mm .22 Mag. Don’t let the budget price fool you, this little scope can hang with the big boys.
I picked one up on a whim for a budget build last year, and it’s quickly become one of my favorite 15-22 scopes. The glass clarity is shockingly good for the price, easily on par with scopes costing twice as much. The 3-9x magnification range is perfect for a .22LR, giving you plenty of versatility.
One area where the Simmons really shines is its durability. I’ve put this scope through the wringer – dropped it, banged it around in the truck, left it out in the rain – and it just keeps on ticking. The turrets are basic but functional, and it holds zero like a champ.
The only real downsides are the somewhat narrow field of view and the basic reticle. But for the price, it’s hard to complain. If you’re looking to maximize your bang for buck, the Simmons is tough to beat.
Nikon P-Tactical .223 3-9×40: Versatile Option
Next up, we’ve got the Nikon P-Tactical .223 3-9×40. Now, I know what you’re thinking – a .223 scope on a .22LR? Trust me, it works better than you’d think!
I stumbled onto this combo last year when I was testing scopes for my AR-15. On a whim, I threw it on my 15-22, and wow – it was a match made in heaven. The BDC reticle, while designed for .223, works surprisingly well with .22LR if you take the time to learn your holdovers.
The glass clarity is excellent, as you’d expect from Nikon. The 3-9x magnification range gives you plenty of flexibility, and the 40mm objective lens gathers light like nobody’s business. I’ve used this setup for everything from plinking to small game hunting, and it’s never let me down.
One small gripe – the turrets aren’t the most tactile. They work fine, but lack the crisp clicks of higher-end scopes. But honestly, at this price point, it’s hard to complain.
If you want a scope that can pull double duty on your 15-22 and a centerfire rifle, the Nikon P-Tactical is well worth a look.
UTG 3-9X32 1″ BugBuster Scope: Best for Close Range
For those who like to keep things up close and personal, the UTG BugBuster is a solid choice. This compact little scope is perfect for those who primarily shoot at shorter ranges.
I mounted one of these on my truck gun (yes, it’s a 15-22 – don’t judge!) last year, and it’s been a trusty companion ever since. The 3-9x magnification is more than enough for most .22LR applications, and the compact size keeps your rifle nice and handy.
One standout feature is the adjustable objective, which lets you dial out parallax down to 3 yards. That’s a godsend for those of us who like to plink at close range. The illuminated mil-dot reticle is also a nice touch, though I rarely use the illumination.
Durability is decent for the price point. It’s held up well to bouncing around in my truck, though I wouldn’t trust it to survive a hard drop onto rocks. The turrets are surprisingly good – tactile clicks and easy to adjust.
The main downside is the somewhat narrow field of view, especially at lower magnifications. But for close-in work, it’s not a huge issue.
If you’re looking for a compact scope that excels at closer ranges, the BugBuster is worth a look.
Vortex Optics Crossfire II 2-7×32 Rim Fire: Solid Mid-Range Option
Here’s another winner from Vortex – the Crossfire II 2-7×32 Rimfire. This scope hits a real sweet spot in terms of performance and price.
I’ve had this mounted on my squirrel gun (yep, a 15-22) for the past two seasons, and it’s quickly become one of my favorites. The glass clarity is excellent for the price point, and the 2-7x magnification range is perfect for the effective range of a .22LR.
One standout feature is the V-Plex reticle. It’s simple and uncluttered, making it easy to get on target quickly. The eye relief is also generous, which is great for those long days in the woods.
Durability-wise, it’s rock solid. I’ve banged it around plenty scrambling through brush, and it’s never lost zero. The turrets are crisp and easy to adjust, even with gloves on.
My only real gripe is that the parallax is fixed at 50 yards. It’s not a deal-breaker, but having an adjustable objective would be nice for those really close shots.
All in all, if you want a no-nonsense rimfire scope that’ll serve you well in a variety of situations, the Crossfire II Rimfire is hard to beat.
Primary Arms SLX 1-6x24mm SFP: Best for Versatility
Now, here’s a scope that might seem like overkill for a 15-22, but hear me out – the Primary Arms SLX 1-6x24mm is a versatility monster.
I picked one of these up on a whim last year, thinking I’d use it on my AR. But after mounting it on my 15-22 for a 3-gun style match, I was hooked. At 1x, it functions essentially like a red dot, allowing for lightning-fast target acquisition. Crank it up to 6x, and you’ve got enough magnification to reach out to the limits of the 15-22’s effective range.
The ACSS reticle is a game-changer. While it’s designed for 5.56, with a little practice, you can use it effectively with .22LR. I’ve found the holdover points work surprisingly well out to about 150 yards.
Build quality is excellent. It’s survived more than a few drops and bumps without issue. The illuminated reticle is daylight bright, and battery life is solid.
The only real downside is the weight – it’s a bit heavier than your typical rimfire scope. But if you can deal with the extra ounces, the versatility is well worth it.
If you want one scope that can do it all on your 15-22, from close-in plinking to reaching out for those long shots, the Primary Arms SLX is tough to beat.
Trijicon MRO Red Dot: Premium Red Dot Option
Last but certainly not least, we’ve got the Trijicon MRO. If you’re looking for the cream of the crop in red dots for your 15-22, this is it.
Now, I know what you’re thinking – “Joel, that’s way too expensive for a .22!” And you’re not wrong, it’s a significant investment. But hear me out. I splurged on one of these for my competition 15-22 build last year, and it’s been worth every penny.
The 2 MOA dot is crisp and clear, easy to pick up even in bright sunlight. The large objective lens gives you a wide field of view, making target acquisition lightning fast. Battery life is outstanding – I’m going on 18 months with the original battery.
But where the MRO really shines is its durability. This thing is built like a tank. I’ve dropped my rifle, banged it against barricades, even had it fall off the bed of my truck (don’t ask), and the MRO hasn’t missed a beat. It holds zero like it’s welded in place.
The only real downside, aside from the price, is that it doesn’t come with a mount. But that’s easily solved with a quality aftermarket option.
If you want the absolute best red dot for your 15-22 and budget isn’t a concern, the Trijicon MRO is the way to go.
Conclusion
Well, folks, there you have it – my top 10 scopes for the M&P 15-22 in 2024. From budget-friendly options to high-end glass, there’s something here for every shooter and every budget.
Remember, the best scope for you is the one that fits your shooting style and needs. Don’t be afraid to try out a few different options to find what works best for you. And most importantly, get out there and practice!
Happy shooting, and I’ll see you under the stars!