M&P 15-22 is a very popular rifle that is chambered in .22 LR and is designed to be like a standard AR 15. When it was introduced in the market way back 2019, the hunters and shooters were given a cheaper option for the AR 15 type of rifle. It is more affordable because it has more ammunition, and parts are far cheaper than the original AR 15. There have been multiple reviews that say M&P 15-22 outsells the firearm it mimicked.
This rifle is affordable, accurate, and can be used in all kinds of hunting and shooting adventures, from bench-shooting to run and gun. Being lightweight and durable, MP 15-22 has gained praise from critics. It also has many other specifications like its low recoil, user-friendly features, quiet feature, and other attachments, making it a must-have for amateur hunters and shooters.
Unlike other rifles, M&P 15-22 offers a few very distinct features. Its frame is made of polymer instead of the usual aluminum, and it also uses proprietary polymer magazines. One major factor that sets it apart from other standard firearms is that instead of operating on a direct impingement system, it works on a blowback mechanism.
Maximizing the use of your M&P 15-22 depends on the type of uses you are planning to subject it to. A lot of models and designs are available in the scopes that you can choose from based on the price, quality, and specifications. If you plan on doing short-range shootings, you can look for a good red dot. If you are planning to do hunting or long-range shootings, you can look for scopes that provide eye relief and good quality pictures to lock easily on a target.
BEST PERFORMANCE
- Brand: Aimpoint
- Magnification: 1x
- Reticle: 2 MOA Dot
- Eye Relief: Unlimited
To ensure that we cater to all kinds of shooters with the M&P 15-22, we have kept this list as diverse as possible. So, you will find scopes of all varieties in this list and one of these can very easily be your go-to scope for the M&P 15-22 for all kinds of shooting.
M&P 15-22 is the perfect rifle to cater and a wide variety of scopes. But it all depends on how you are going to use the weapon. You could bring out the best in your M&P 15-22 if you partnered it with a scope that will work best with what you intend to use it too.
Whatever you want to use your MP 15-22, it is highly recommended to look for the scope that will really work for you. In this article, we will be listing out the 10 best scopes for M&P 15-22 in the market.
10 BEST SCOPES FOR M&P 15-22 IN 2021
- Aimpoint ACO Red Dot Reflex Sight - Good for hunting
- BARSKA Plinker-22 Riflescope - Lightweight scope
- Simmons 511039 Riflescope - Best Budget-friendly scope
- Vortex Optics Crossfire II - Best looking scope
- Sightmark Ultra Shot Reflex Sight - Best for close-range shooting
- Leupold 113872 VX-1 Rimfire Scope - High-quality scope
- Bushnell 613510B Rimfire Optics Scope - For close to mid-range shooting
- Nikon P-RIMFIRE BDC 150 Rifle Scope - Preferable for professional hunters
- Nikon PROSTAFF RIMFIRE II RifleScope - Good choice for night hunting
- Bushnell Optics Drop Zone-22 Riflescope - User-friendly scope
10 Best Scopes for M&P 15-22 in 2021
1. Aimpoint ACO Red Dot Reflex Sight
Aimpoint Carbine Optic (ACO) Sight is a specifically designed scope for M & P 15-22. It is equipped with a red dot reticle, making it easy to lock and focus on a single target while you are target shooting.
Aimpoint Carbine Optic (ACO) Sight is the most affordable option of all the other scopes produced by Aimpoint Carbine optic, but that doesn’t make it any less than the other models. You can partner it with your M&P 115-22 and have the high-quality target shooting experience you are looking for.
Aimpoint Carbine Optic (ACO) Sight is highly recommended among hunters and shooters because it is easy to operate and control. Once you have installed it in your firearm, it will be easy to operate from there. One thing that reviewers love about this scope is that it can be used in any assault rifle and promotes high-level co-witnessing quality.
Like any other product made by Aimpoint, this model is made to last for a long time. It is durable and sturdy and is designed to work for a year with only a single battery. It is very cost-effective in the long run because you can use it continuously for a long time without charging the battery.
Specification
- Magnification: 1x
- Objective: 30 mm
- Tube Diameter: 30 mm
- Reticle: 2 MOA Dot
- Eye Relief: Unlimited
- FOV: Unlimited
- Length: 6.75 in
- Weight: 7.8 oz
Made with high-quality aluminum, which enhanced its durability. It is also made to be waterproof so that it can be used during different weather conditions. Another thing that makes it absolutely one of a kind is that it has a matte finish, reducing the glare that a glossy finish will cause while using it.
Although it has 9 brightness settings, Aimpoint Carbine Optic (ACO) Sight is not designed to be used with night vision. But despite that disadvantage, it is made to be completely waterproof, fog proof, and shockproof, making it possible to be used no matter the weather. You can use it in almost any situation, that’s why it is considered the best scope to partner with your M & P 15-22.
The lenses of Aimpoint Carbine Optic (ACO) Sight are coated with several layers, making it best to limit reflection that is possible to cause to strain the eyes. It has 2 MOA dot size reticles that help when hunting and shooting trips at night. Aside from the feature mentioned, this scope also provides an amazing eye relief feature and helps you avoid eye strain.
Aside from using it for sport, you can also use it for a number of different purposes, such as self-defense and combat shooting. Aimpoint Carbine Optic (ACO) Sight will surely be a great addition to your hunting and shooting kit and will contribute to your performance because of the accuracy it provides because of the red dot sight.
Pros
- Durable aluminum body
- Clear optical aperture
- Waterproof
Cons
- Not compatible with NVDs
- Less battery life
2. BARSKA Plinker-22 Riflescope
BARSKA 3-9×32 Plinker-22 Riflescope is yet another model that can pass your budget requirement. It works well with your M&P 15-22 because it is lightweight, compact, and user-friendly. It is easy to manage and control, providing you with service that is comfortable and hassle-free. It is specially made to complement a .22 LR round, and designed to be mounted on any standard rail, making it easy to be used in any firearm.
With a 3-9 magnification range, BARSKA 3-9×32 Plinker-22 Riflescope can easily be considered an all-around scope that can be used with different range and different firearms. Having almost the same features as other models of scope, the best advantage of purchasing this scope is that it is very affordable and worth buying.
Other features of BARSKA 3-9×32 Plinker-22 Riflescope include being waterproof, fog proof, and shockproof. It is resistant to anything and can be used in any weather as well as any intense environment it might encounter.
Specification
- Magnification: 3-9x
- Objective Lens: 32 mm
- Field of View @ 100yds: 36 ft (3x) – 13 ft (9x)
- Tube Diameter: 1 in
- Eye Relief: 3.5 inch
- Exit Pupil: 10.7 – 3.6 mm
- Length: 12 in
- Weight: 11.46 oz
Adding the BARSKA 3-9×32 Plinker-22 Riflescope to your hunting and shooting kit will for, sure be a worthwhile decision on your part because it comes with a lot of features and adds on. It comes with mounting rings, and lens covers ready to be used to keep your scope safe from external factors that might affect its effectiveness.
BARSKA 3-9×32 Plinker-22 Riflescope works best with hunting small targets and in casual shooting competitions. If you are planning just to have a good time with your hunting buddies, this scope will be best for that. It provides high-quality pictures so that the hunter or shooter will have an accurate aim and target. It also provides a quick-zero feature that gives the user the capability to quickly and easily zero in on a target.
Pros
- Fully coated lens
- Lifetime warranty
- Windage and elevation turret
Cons
- Designed for .22 rimfire
- Blurry crosshair above 5x
3. Simmons 511039 Riflescope
Simmons 3-9X32mm .22 MAG (511039) Rifle Scope is the last but not the least scope in this list. It is definitely the cheapest one among all the scopes, which makes it loved among the professional hunters and shooters. It is constructed with one-piece body armor, making it extremely durable and strong to be used on the field.
The adjustment controls of Simmons 3-9X32mm .22 MAG (511039) Rifle Scope are easy to use and control, even by first-timers on the field. It has fully coated optics that are very useful especially when you are planning to go on a hunting or shooting trip in unpredictable weather.
Specification
- Magnification: 3 – 9x
- Field of View @ 100 yds: 31.4ft /10.5ft
- Eye Relief: 3.75in
- Exit Pupil: 10.7 – 3.6 mm
- Reticle: Truplex
- Weight: 10.8 oz
The makers of this scope are boasting about its quick target acquisition that enhances eye relief and quality pictures. To provide you with the utmost comfort and ease while in the field, Simmons 3-9X32mm .22 MAG (511039) Rifle Scope has upgrades such as adjustments that have positive clicks to let you know that you are hitting or locking the target with every shot you take.
All of that for a very affordable price of $54, all the features you will ever need is achievable and easy to reach with this model.
Pros
- Affordable Price
- Grip adjustments
- HydroShield coating
Cons
- Reticle issues
- Adjustment issues
4. Vortex Optics Crossfire II 2-7X32 Scope
Vortex Crossfire II is the best scope available at the optics market that will fit your Smith and Wesson M&P 15-22 rifle. Vortex Crossfire is not a high-end scope but it is a budget-friendly rifle scope with a good reputation, and therefore it can be used in hunting.
Using this scope’s magnification range 2 – 7X and 10 cm long eye relief, you can aim the target accurately, and it will also protect your eyes from the injuries due to the recoil effect.
Specification
- Magnification: 2-7X
- Objective Lens Diameter: 32mm
- Reticle: V-Plex reticle
- Field of View @100 yards: 52 – 12.6 ft
- Eye Relief: 3.9 inches
- Parallax setting: 50 yards
- Tube size: 1 inch
- Weight: 14.3 ounces
- Length: 11.52 inches
With the aid of these scope lenses, the image you view through your scope will be good clarity and resolution. Because the lenses are fully coated with an anti-reflective coating that will ensure detail-rich visions. You can easily view the target at a far distance and aim the target with a V-plex reticle which makes it apt for hunting applications.
It is constructed with a single piece aircraft-grade aluminum housing which is the reason for the strength and shockproof performance of the scope. This riflescope is sealed with nitrogen to prevent water and fogging in rainy situations.
This long-range scope is specifically designed for sports shooting, wildlife and bird observation, varmint hunting, and also, it has a night video recording option.
Pros
- Rough and durable construction
- Good clarity
- Long eye relief
Cons
- No BDC reticle
5. Sightmark Ultra Shot Reflex Sight
Sightmark Ultra Shot Pro Spec Sight NV QD is another scope that has a high rank on the list of most effective scopes in the market. It has a very effective optic cable designed to have a square-windowed design that provides a better and wider view of the field.
If you wish to have a holographic optical view that is effective as affordable, this scope is the best one for you. It has a mounting system that can be detached easily, giving you easy control of the scope. It also has a night vision mode in its setting that can be useful when you plan on hunting and shooting at night or at places where there is low lighting.
Sightmark Ultra Shot Pro Spec Sight NV QD is made with aluminum and is created to put up with extreme situations. It can be partnered with a .22 LR without having much trouble. It has a lot of features and options that will really help in your trips and practice shooting. You can enjoy all of the additional features that not all of the scopes have.
Specification
- Material: Aluminum
- Magnification: 1x
- Objective Lens Diameter: 25 mm
- Reticle: 4 pattern
- Illumination Color: Red
- Field of View @100 m: 35 m
- Battery Type: CR1620
- Length: 3.7 in
- Weight: 5.7 oz
The reticle pattern used in Sightmark Ultra Shot Pro Spec Sight NV QD is considered one thing that makes it stand out. It has four reticle patterns, which allows you to make easy adjustments on the visibility that depends on the lighting condition of the field. It also has a locking system that helps in holding a zero very accurately.
This scope is best used for close-range shooting. It has a lot of advantages, it has an easy-mount system and it is beginner-friendly. New hunters and shooters can be trained with this scope because it is a very few models that don’t have many complications. It has double pane glass, making it useful for beginners to shoot or lock on a target accurately.
Sightmark Ultra Shot Pro Spec Sight NV QD is made to be sturdy and strong to last for a long time and withstand different weathers and situations. It can go through extreme shock and impact, and other different elements like water and fog.
Pros
- Fast target acquisition
- Lightweight yet durable for its size
- Has four different reticles
Cons
- Difficult windage and elevation adjustment
Sorry for the inconvenience, Sightmark Ultra Shot Reflex Sight is no longer available on Amazon and OpticsPlanet. We will update the information once it gets available on these sites.
6. Leupold 113872 VX-1 Rimfire Scope
Leupold VX-1 Rimfire Scope came from the creator of a premium brand. It is considered to be an all in one scope because it offers all features that you are looking for. It can be used for short, mid, and long-range shootings, and it is made with high-quality material for its casing.
Specification
- Magnification: 2 – 7x
- Objective Lens Diameter: 28 mm
- Reticle: Fine Duplex
- Tube Diameter: 1 in
- Field of View, Linear: 41.7 – 16.5 ft
- Eye Relief: 3 – 3.8 in
- Weight: 8.2 oz
- Length: 9.9 in
Different from other scopes in this article, Leupold VX-1 Rimfire Scope has 2x up to 7x range of magnification, thus making it perfect for short-range to mid-range shooting. Since the types of M&P 15-22 are not usually used with long-range shooting, it is a wise choice for the creators of Leupold VX-1 Rimfire Scope to design to be best for short-range and midrange, making it a perfect fit for the rifle.
Leupold VX-1 Rimfire Scope is also very light and helps with the balance of the firearm. Its multi-coated lense feature makes it provides you with high-quality images and contrasts even when used in low lighting. It is also made to be waterproof and fog proof to withstand any kind of weather with ease.
What really impressed the reviewers about Leupold VX-1 Rimfire Scope is its design. It is created to be precise and accurate when locking and shooting on a target. With its adjustment knobs, the controls can be smooth and responsive, you will be able to control the scope with ease.
Pros
- Affordable price
- Produce crisp and clear images
- Easy to use
- Good light transmission at dusk
Cons
- Edges of the lenses can be blurry
Leupold 113872 VX-1 Rimfire Scope is discontinued by the manufacturer and therefore the product is not available on Amazon and OpticsPlanet.
7. Bushnell 613510B Rimfire Optics Scope
Bushnell AR Optics is also one of the popular scopes on this list because of its features. It is originally based on the 5.56 caliber. Still, since the AR 15s are more popular in the market, the creators have decided to create another purposely model made for .22 caliber rifles.
You can still purchase a quality scope, even with a tight budget, that you can use for hunting or practice shooting. Bushnell AR Optics is the best for close-range to mid-range shooting because it is made with quality aluminum alloy, the casing of this scope is very sturdy and intact. Its Q-ring lenses can be kept inside to be safe from elements that might disrupt its effectivity in the field. It is also made to be safe from fog, rust, and water, making it possible to be used regardless of the weather and location.
Specification
- Magnification: 3.5-10x
- Eye relief: 3.4 in
- Tube diameter: 1 in
- Length: 12.5 in
- Dimensions (LxWxH): 12.5 x 2.5 x 3 inches
- Weight: 0.94 Pounds
Bushnell AR Optics has a bullet drop compensator that allows the hunter or shooter to compensate for a round’s drop accurately. With that feature, long-range shootings become as easy as a short-range one. You can use it for your hunting adventures.
Some of Bushnell AR Optics features include perfect eye relief that will help you go long hours without having to strain your eyes, easy to hold a zero, especially at 50-yard range, and can aim up to 125 yards range.
The only setback in using Bushnell AR Optics is that it cannot be used in long-range shooting and can be a bit heavy.
Pros
- Good for Money
- Quick-focus eyepiece
- Easily adjustable objective
Cons
- Elevation issues founded
- Some scopes became less accurate
Bushnell 613510B Rimfire Optics Scope is discontinued by the manufacturer and therefore the product is not available on Amazon and OpticsPlanet.
8. Nikon P-RIMFIRE BDC 150 Rifle Scope
Nikon P-Rimfire BDC 150 Riflescope is one of the most high-end items in this list. A lot of professional shooters and hunters recommend this scope because of the way it complements the features of the M&P 15-22 rifle. However, it can be a bit expensive compared to the previous models of Nikon scopes.
Like other models, Nikon P-Rimfire BDC 150 Riflescope is equipped with a robust lense that will provide extreme visibility and clarity even if the target is over a hundred yards away. This scope has such a meticulous design, and it is built to last a lot longer than other models. It has a lot of features and capabilities that are not in any standard scopes in the market. On top of that, it is also created to be incredibly durable.
Specification
- Magnification: 2-7x
- Objective Diameter: 32 mm
- Exit Pupil: 4.6-16 mm
- Field of View @ 50 yds: 6.4-22.3 ft
- Reticle: BDC 150
- Tube Diameter: 1 in
- Eye Relief: 3.8 in
- Weight: 16.1 oz
- Length: 11.5 in
Nikon P-Rimfire BDC 150 Riflescope is made with high-grade polymer an aluminum to become sturdy and able to withstand any weather. It is very well made that the whole part of the scope is flawless. It is filled with nitrogen so that it will be one hundred percent waterproof and fog proof. This scope ensures that you will have a comfortable and hassle-free experience on your trips.
With adjustable turrets that have zero resets, Nikon P-Rimfire BDC 150 Riflescope provides easier control to sight and zero in on a particular target. That way, you wouldn’t waste your time looking for and engaging on your next target. It also has a multi-coated optical system that brings next-level clarity.
Nikon P-Rimfire BDC 150 Riflescope will certainly be useful for beginners because they will not have to struggle in finding the right adjustments.
Pros
- Easy target acquisition
- Designed with .22 Long Rifle rounds
- Quick windage and elevation adjustments
Cons
- Large eyepiece
- No parallax adjustment
- Fuzzy sight picture beyond 75 yards
Nikon P-RIMFIRE BDC 150 Rifle Scope is discontinued by the manufacturer and therefore the product is not available on Amazon and OpticsPlanet.
9. Nikon PROSTAFF RIMFIRE II RifleScope
Nikon ProStaff Rimfire II 3-9×40 BDC150 is a highly recommended product for M&P 15-22. One of its best features is BDC 150 reticle that works as a compensator for the bullet drop, it also calculates the accuracy and precision of each bullet drop. It has accurate holdover circles that can help with targets that are far away. It also provides a perfect balance of light that will surely be useful for those who always do their hunting or shooting trips at night.
Specification
- Magnification: 3 – 9x
- FOV @ 100 Yds: 33.8 ft – 11.3 ft
- Objective Diameter: 40 mm
- Reticle: BDC
- Exit Pupil: 4.4 mm
- Eye Relief: 3.6 in
- Weight: 13.1 oz
- Length: 12.3 inches
What really makes Nikon ProStaff Rimfire II 3-9×40 BDC150 stand out is that it is proven to be accurate, high quality, affordable, and provides immense clarity to the user.
With a very affordable price, you can enjoy high-grade lenses that are so clear, it is easy for the user to zero in on a specific target. It also provides eye relief that gives the hunter or shooter the ability to hunt for several hours and not strain their eyes.
Pros
- Spot On Ballistic Match Technology
- Instant zero-reset windage and elevation turrets
- HD-quality sight picture
Cons
- No scope rings included
- Reticle is not illuminated
- Short eye relief
Nikon PROSTAFF RIMFIRE II RifleScope is discontinued by the manufacturer and therefore the product is not available on Amazon and OpticsPlanet.
10. Bushnell Optics Drop Zone-22 Riflescope
If you are looking for a scope that can be both cheap and high-quality, Bushnell Optics Drop Zone-22 BDC Rimfire Reticle Riflescope will for sure, be the scope recommended to you. It is said to be one of the most dependable scopes for M&P 15-22. The creators are proud of their ability to meet the needs and demands of the customers when it comes to budget-friendly and user-friendly scopes.
Made with aluminum alloy with an anodized matte finish, Bushnell Optics Drop Zone-22 BDC Rimfire Reticle Riflescope is made to be very strong and durable. Its lenses are equipped with a Q-ring seal that protects the inside of the scope for several elements such as for water, dust, rust, and many more.
Specification
- Magnification: 2-7x
- Objective lens: 32 mm
- Reticle: Drop Zone-22 LR BDC
- Tube Diameter: 1 in
- Field of View (ft @100 yds): 50 ft@2x / 17 ft@7x
- Eye Relief: 3.7 in
- Exit Pupil: 13.5 mm@2x / 4.6 mm@7x
- Weight: 19.6 oz
- Length: 11.3 in
The overall design of this scope is what gained praise from the critics because it has a very elegant finish. It is also lighter when compared to other scopes in its own level in the market.
Another advantage of Bushnell Optics Drop Zone-22 BDC Rimfire Reticle Riflescope is that it is very effective for sharpshooting. It also has great accuracy when it comes to wide shooting range because it has built-in rimfire rifles, which is made to boost the accuracy of the shooter.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Well design, durable, and sturdy
- Good optical quality
Cons
- Hard to mount when used with low rings
- Drop zone reticle can be hard to view
Bushnell Optics Drop Zone-22 Riflescope is discontinued by the manufacturer and therefore the product is not available on Amazon and OpticsPlanet.
How to choose the best Scope for M&P 15-22
In choosing the best scope for your M&P 15-22, it is possible to make a few mistakes. So here are the things you need to consider when choosing the right scope for you.
Magnification
Magnification is a major factor in scope and using that you can easily zoom in and view the target clearly. There are two magnification types namely Fixed – has single magnification which cannot be changed and Variable – which can be modified according to your need. Apart from that, you can choose the scope based on the shooting range.
- Close-range (below 50 yards): 1x to 4x will be good
- Medium range (50 -100 yards): Better choose 4x to 6x range scope
- Longer range (above 100 yards): 6x – 9x magnification range scope will be perfect
Weight
When you are starting off with your adventure as a hunter or shooter, you must choose a lightweight scope so that it will not be that hard for you to carry the heavy rifle. You will handle the rifle and the scope easily without any trouble if you start off with the most lightweight scope. In this list, you will find scopes that weigh around 11-22 oz. You can choose any scope in this list because they are all relatively light.
Reticle
When it comes to firearms like M&P 15-22, the type of reticle recommended depends on the range you are planning to be shooting. There are plenty of options available to choose the scope which is fit for your shooting method and eye vision.
- If you plan to use it beyond a 100-yard shooting, you have to have a Mil-Dot reticle.
- If you plan to use it on a short-range shooting, a normal duplex reticle can be used.
- A small reticle can be used to shoot the target more accurately but it is not suitable in dim lighting environments.
- A larger reticle is used to aim the target quickly.
- BDC reticles have lots of scales in the horizontal crosshair and it compensates the amount of BDC ( Bullet Drop Compensation) for far distance shooting and compensates for windage.
Objective Lenses
In the type of firearm as M&P 15-22, an excessively huge objective lens is irrelevant. You have to look for objective lenses that are no more than 32mm. That will be the ideal size of the scope you are supposed to buy. The bigger size of the objective lens increases the quantity of light that enters the scope, also improves shooting in low-light, yet it may add extra weight.
Price
Of course, the price will always be a factor in any products you will be looking for. You can find a variety of prices in the market, ranging from $40 – around $400. You have to determine if the expensive ones are worth your money and if the affordable ones offer almost the same quality as others.
Lens Coating
Lens coating is important to prevent glare due to the light source of the sight which is the main requirement for the large objective lens scope. Various kinds of lens coating are
- Coated – at least one lens (objective lens) is coated with a single anti-reflective layer
- Fully coated – all lenses are coated with a minimum of one layer of anti-reflective film
- Multi-coated – at least one lens is coated with multiple layers of the anti-reflective film which is costlier than coated
- Fully multi-coated – All lenses are coated with multiple layers of film
Final Words
Even though your M&P 15-22 is not meant to be used for long-range shooting, keep in mind that it will be a possibility when partnered with the best scope to bring out the best in the firearm.
Choosing the best scope for you might be tricky, given all the possible competitors. Still, if you consider all the factors you will finally determine the best one to compliment your rifle, making it the best weapon and tool for your hunting and shooting trips.
Imagine finding the right combination and bringing out the best in your ability as a professional hunter and shooter.