The Smith and Wesson M&P 15-22 is a very popular rifle that is chambered in .22 LR and mimics a standard AR 15. When it was introduced in the market way back in 2009, the hunters and shooters were given a cheaper option for the AR 15 type of rifle.
This lightweight .22 caliber semi-automatic rifle has had its praises sung by many in the enthusiast crowd. If you’re a proud owner of an M&P 15-22, likely, you’ve already found out why.
It is more affordable because it has more ammunition, and parts are far cheaper than the original AR 15. This rifle is 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.
Contents
- 1 A few key things set it apart from the others, including:
- 2 Best Scope for M&P 15-22
- 3 What Type of Rifle Scope Is Best For the M&P 15-22?
- 4 Top 5 M&P 15-22 Rifle Scopes Quick List
- 5 1. Leupold Mark MOD 1 3-9x40mm Riflescope
- 6 2. Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x40mm Riflescope, Sabot Ballistics Reticle
- 7 3. Nikon PROSTAFF RIMFIRE II 3-9X40 BDC150
- 8 4. Bushnell Optics Drop Zone 22 BDC 2-7x/32mm – Best Design
- 9 5. Nikon P-Rimfire BDC 150 Rifle Scope
- 10 How to choose the best scope for m&p 15-22
- 11 Related Video: Should You Buy an M&P 15-22?
- 12 Conclusion
A few key things set it apart from the others, including:
– It operates on a blowback mechanism, instead of a direct.
– Impingement system.
– The frame is made of polymer instead of aluminum.
– It uses proprietary polymer magazines.
When you buy a Smith & Wesson M&P 15-22 rifle, it usually comes along with a folding telescopic sight that helps you aim. However, any rifle user will agree that scope is very helpful in improving your target acquisition.
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. 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.
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.
Best Scope for M&P 15-22
For hunters who don’t want to splash the cash on a genuine AR-15 rifle, the M&P 15-22 is a neat alternative.
Ammunition and spare parts for the M&P 15-22 are significantly cheaper for a start. Shooters of lightweight .22 semiautomatics are particularly fond of this weapon. They rave about its soft recoil, rookie-friendly design, and compatibility with a broad variety of low-cost, high-quality accessories.
Before we dive into our review of the best scopes for the M&P 15-22, let’s discuss some general advice to follow when choosing a rifle scope.
What Type of Rifle Scope Is Best For the M&P 15-22?
Like most rimfire rifles, the Smith & Wesson M&P 15-22 excels at close-and mid-range, while falling behind a bit at long-range.
Before you scour for an M&P 15-22 scope, it would be helpful to know what close, mid and long-range mean.
– Long-range is roughly 100 yards or above
– Medium-range is anywhere from 50 to 100 yards
– Close-range is usually defined as under 50 yards.
If you need to switch weapons, consider investing in a variable scope. For close-range shooting, opt for a 1x to 4x rifle scope. If shooting from medium distances, consider a 4x to 6x scope.
Finally, at the longest ranges, you need a scope capable of providing 6x to 9x magnification.
The Smith and Wesson M&P 15-22 isn’t designed for them and probably won’t realize its full potential with them either.
Top 5 M&P 15-22 Rifle Scopes Quick List
| Scope Image | Scope | Price |
|---|---|---|
 |
Leupold Mark MOD 1 3-9x40mm Riflescope | Check Price |
 |
Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x40mm Riflescope, Sabot Ballistics Reticle | Check Price |
 |
Nikon PROSTAFF RIMFIRE II 3-9X40 BDC150 | Check Price |
 |
Bushnell Optics Drop Zone 22 BDC 2-7x/32mm - Best Design | Check Price |
 |
Nikon P-Rimfire BDC 150 Rifle Scope | Check Price |
1. Leupold Mark MOD 1 3-9x40mm Riflescope
A lot of enthusiasts seem to agree that considering the features and Leupold Mark AR MOD 1 is one of the riflescopes available in the market that are deemed to work exceptionally well when it comes to long range targets.
This scope comes with a 40 mm objective lens that allows for plenty of light transmissions. The objective lens is two inches in diameter, allowing plenty of clearance between it and your rifle’s barrel.
Leupold has fully multicoated the optics here to maximize light transmission and image quality.
The Firedot-G TMR reticle offers a total of ten range compensation markers in all directions, as well as an illuminated green dot at the absolute center of the crosshair to allow easier target acquisition regardless of the lighting conditions.
The hash marks of the TMR reticle provide you with 0.2 milliradian subdivisions that allow you to precisely measure a one-meter target quickly from 500 to 1,000 meters and beyond.
Eye relief is a comfortable 4.3 inches, so you don’t have to worry about the scope banging you in the eye or forehead when you fire.
This scope utilizes Picatinny mount that fastens tightly to the scope and the rail. Compared to other scope and mount combinations, this one works best.
As compared to other riflescopes, this one has an attractive appearance and generally lighter. All the adjustments of settings can be done a lot easier as long as you familiarize the details in the manual. Many customers have given 5-star ratings not only for its features but also for its efficient and powerful performance.
This Leupold device is the right choice for serious shooters and hunters who can appreciate its optical quality and performance.
Features
- Multicoat 4 lens coatings
- 2nd Gen Argon/Krypton gas purging
- Waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof
- Single button illumination controls with motion sensor
- Patented fiberoptic daylight bright FireDot illuminated reticle
- Mark AR MOD 1 P5 ballistic dial tuned for 55-grain 5.56 NATO ammunition
- Exposed Turrets, Tactical / Target Profile, Finger Adjustable, Integrated BDC, Zero Reset
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Second-generation argon/krypton fogproofing | No zero stop on elevation or windage controls |
| The magnification ring rotates smoothly and freely. | Adjusting the knob can be tough, so it should be set before you engage in a competition. |
| Includes the mounting system necessary for Picatinny rails | |
| Firedot illuminated dot for ease of use in low-light conditions | |
| Highly precise 0.1 milliradian windage and elevation adjustments | |
| This rifle scope is lightweight making it perfect for any military rifle. | |
| The Mil reticle also helps in figuring out the distance and the height of the target. | |
| The full magnification of the reticle is very useful as it makes the image of the target larger. |
2. Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x40mm Riflescope, Sabot Ballistics Reticle
Leupold designed the 3-9×40 VX-Freedom Riflescope to give hunters a new generation scope with clear and bright optics that is packaged into a compact, durable, waterproof, and fog-proof body.
The Leupold VX-Freedom scope brings all the great features of the entire line of Leupold scopes. These rimfire scopes bring all the other Leupold features to the field.
The optical system is optimized to excel in low light using a wider than average 40mm objective and the proprietary Twilight Light Management System, which lets more usable light reach your eye and reduces glare.
For comfortable aiming, the eyepiece offers a 4.17 – 3.7″ eye relief, and for making trajectory adjustments, windage and elevation give you a 60 MOA range with 1/4 MOA clicks.
For more precision when using your muzzleloader or shotgun, the scope also has a second focal plane Sabot Ballistics reticle, featuring four bold tapered posts with a target circle and two ranging points under the center. Utilizing a 100-yard zero, gives you aiming points out to 300 yards when using 9x zoom.
While the Leupold Rimfire MOA reticle is not a true BDC reticle, it offers the experienced shooter much of the same service. If you aim to have the ultimate rimfire riflescope on your Smith and Wesson M&P 15-22, the Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9X40 Rimfire riflescope should be on your shortlist.
Features
- 1/4 MOA precision finger click adjustments for windage and elevation offer absolute repeatability and dependability over a lifetime of extreme use.
- A versatile 3:1 zoom ratio erector system that is ideal for virtually any situation.
- Twilight Light Management System
- Absolute waterproof and fog proof integrity
- Outer lens surfaces are scratch-resistant to military standard extreme abrasion specification.
- Crafted from 6061-T6 aircraft quality aluminum.
- Durable and compact, the one-inch maintube is lightweight and fits more legacy rings.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Well built using mil-spec aircraft-grade aluminum | A little pricey for a rimfire scope |
| Easy to manipulate turrets, even when wearing gloves | |
| Little or no glare with the Leupold Twilight Light management system | |
| Leupold Rimfire MOA reticle makes estimating and adjusting for range easy and quick |
3. Nikon PROSTAFF RIMFIRE II 3-9X40 BDC150
Although the power of Nikon PROSTAFF RIMFIRE II is weak, it is good at other categories such as appearance, build quality, lens clarity, and accuracy. Add the low price to this equation, and you’ve got yourself a scope that provides premium optics on a budget.
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.
The ProStaff Rimfire comes with an eye relief feature despite its low recoil.
The Nikon ProStaff Rimfire with BDC Reticle boasts a crisp, clean crosshair and a lens so precise it takes barely a minute to set to zero at a distance of 100 yards.
This scope can offer clarified and sharp images through the lens, having 98% light transmission, which is higher than the normal range of 80-90%.
While it doesn’t technically need it – the M&P 15-22 is a low recoil rifle – it’s still satisfying to know the scope offers a generous 3.5” of eye relief. Moreover, this scope’s adjustment mechanism is responsive and very smooth, especially there is a bullet drop compensation feature (BDC).
The Nikon ProStaff Rimfire Scope is tough. This scope is robustly waterproof and capable of enduring at least minor blows.
What 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.
Features
- BDC 150 Reticle.
- Fully Multicoated Optical System.
- Spring-Loaded Instant Zero-Reset Turrets.
- Spot On Ballistic Match Technology.
- Waterproof/Fogproof/Shockproof.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Well-made | Heavy |
| Beautiful look | Short eye relief |
| Lifetime warranty | No scope rings included |
| HD-quality sight picture | The reticle is not illuminated |
| Spot On Ballistic Match Technology | |
| Instant zero-reset windage and elevation turrets |
4. Bushnell Optics Drop Zone 22 BDC 2-7x/32mm – Best Design
Another budget rifle scope, the Bushnell Optics Drop Zone-22, is a great choice for close-to mid-range action, whether it be out hunting or on a practice range.
Bushnell Optics Drop Zone-22 is made from high-quality aluminum with an anodized finish. The model is 11.3 inches in length and weighs 19.6 ounces.
It is particularly well suited to close and medium-range action whether targets are being felled for practice, competition, or sport.
The scope allows quick target acquisition by the ability of its eyepiece to focus faster. Its lenses are equipped with a Q-ring seal that protects the inside of the scope from several elements such as water, dust, rust, and many more.
In addition to this, the scope is protected against the elements since it is waterproof and fog proof. They have been sealed with an O-ring to prevent penetration of water.
As far as precision, Bushnell’s scope effortlessly holds to zero at fifty yards and up to 125 yards with only a slight dip inaccuracy. That isn’t very far, but this scope wasn’t designed for long-range, after all.
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 a wide shooting range because it has built-in rimfire rifles, which are made to boost the accuracy of the shooter.
The Bushnell Optics Drop Zone scope is fully compatible with many .22 caliber semiautomatics including the Smith and Wesson M&P 15-22.
For M&P 15-22 owners, the Bushnell Optics Drop Zone-22 is just about the ideal budget rifle scope to go along with your budget AR-15.
In this case, don’t let the “budget” label fool you. It’s a featureful, rugged, and, most importantly of all, effective scope.
Features
- Fast focus eyepiece.
- Target turrets for pinpoint precise adjustments.
- Fully multi-coated optics for incredible brightness.
- Drop Zone 22 LR Bullet Drop Compensating (BDC) reticle.
- Side focus parallax adjustment for adjustable long-range accuracy and a fast-focus eyepiece.
- Made of high durability aluminum alloy, anodized finished and sealed to protect the inside from elements.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Very clear | Quite Heavy |
| Affordable | Hard to mount when used with low rings |
| Great lenses | |
| Generous eye relief | |
| Good optical quality | |
| Bullet drop compensation | |
| Accurate and quick adjustment | |
| Well design, durable, and sturdy |
5. Nikon P-Rimfire BDC 150 Rifle Scope
When it comes to rifles such as the M&P 15-22, I tend to believe that fast sighting and a crisp, defined reticle matter far more than magnification. What the Nikon ProStaff Rimfire lacks in power, it makes up for in just about every other category: accuracy, lens clarity, build quality, price, and looks.
Nikon P-Rimfire BDC 150 Rifle Scope is made from a combination of alloy materials and polymer. The materials are sturdy enough to keep the scope from heavy impact and recoil during shooting escapades. The scope has a minimized glare with its matte finish.
It has a magnifying lens of 2x and another at 7x with an eye relief of 3.8 inches. The scope measures 32mm with a diameter of 1 inch.
Its quick-zero reset turrets take away the hassle of fumbling with knobs while you’re out in the field. The hand-turn adjustments provide high accuracy at 50 range while the reticle allows aiming points within 50 – 150 yards.
The ProStaff Rimfire boasts as high as 98% light transmission, which is truly exceptional for what this scope costs.
This scope also boasts a bullet drop compensation (BDC) feature, a nifty extra I didn’t expect to find on a budget scope.
For the construction, Nikon uses polymer and aluminum to make this cope. The lenses are coated with anti-reflective compounds without arsenic or lead.
Features
- Utilizes the BDC 150 reticle, which offers shooters unique open circle aiming points from 50 to 150 yards.
- The P-Rimfire features Nikon Eco-Glass lenses, made without lead or arsenic and coated with multiple layers of anti-reflective compounds.
- The P-Rimfire offers precise, 1/4-inch at 50-yard target-style hand-turn adjustments.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Sharp images | Could have radical moves when fired |
| Fog and waterproof | The quality of the turrets knobs is not impressive |
| Generous eye relief | |
| The magnification is superb | |
| Nice adjustable turrets that turn to zero | |
| The BDC reticle circles are more useful in varmint shooting | |
| The bullet drop compensation in the scope works well | |
| Minimal glare due to a matte finish |
How to choose the best scope for m&p 15-22
Structure
The first factor to consider when buying a scope is the construction of the scope. This is extremely important for me since the M&P 15-22 produces heavy recoil. You will therefore need a scope that is made with high-quality materials like aircraft-grade aluminum, that can withstand a heavy impact.
Apart from reducing the recoil, high-quality constructions and materials are shockproof, fog proof, and waterproof.
You must pick a scope that is compact and lightweight since this rifle is already on the heavier side so that you do not experience portability problems while in your shooting adventures.
Magnification
This is one of the most important features of scope, as it is the range by which you can zoom in on your target.
Magnification varies from one scope to another. A scope of high magnification lenses will be able to zoom the image of your target clearer than lenses with smaller magnification.
For the m&p 15-22, you had better choose a scope having the range of 2x-9x zoom.
Objective lens
If you choose too big lenses, it can add weight to your weapon, influencing your performance.
For an M&P 15-22, the usual 32 mm objective lens will do fine. That works just fine for the rifle for all types of shooting. However, if you are thinking of hunting in low-light conditions, then something bigger might work better for you.
Lens Coating
The lens coating will prevent glare from your sight picture. If possible, you should select a big objective lens. There are 4 kinds of lens coatings available on the market:
– Coated – This means that at least one of the lenses, usually the objective lens, is coated with a single layer of anti-reflective film.
– Fully coated – This means that all lenses are coated with at least one layer of anti-reflective film.
– Multi-coated – At least one lens has multiple layers of anti-reflective film.
– Fully multi-coated – All lenses are coated in multiple layers of film.
Keep in mind that multi-coated optics are more expensive than those with single coats, obviously, so you better have a bit of room in your budget if you want to use them.
Weight
You need to take into consideration where and how you will usually be using your M&P 15-22. Will you be plinking at the range with a bipod or sandbag to help you keep your rifle steady? If so, getting a heavy scope will not be an issue.
On the contrary, if you have to carry your rifle with you to stalk your target, it’s better to choose a light scope.
Reticle
When it comes to a rimfire, the type of reticle that is recommended varies according to the range at which you will be shooting. Anything beyond 100 yards usually requires a Mil-Dot reticle. For shorter distances, a normal duplex reticle will do just fine.
Tube size
The only importance of knowing the tube size of your scope is so that you will know the size of the mounting rings you need to use.
Generally, there are 2 sizes: 30 mm and 1-inch. Depending on the size of mounting rings, you need to use, choose a suitable one.
Price
Last but not least. 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.
Related Video: Should You Buy an M&P 15-22?
Conclusion
The Nikon ProStaff Rimfire scope is the best pick of the bunch in my opinion. Without considering the low price, it still outperforms its rivals on bullet drop compensation, light transmission, and lens clarity.
That said, you might need to buy an M&P 15 22 Scope that has better magnifying lenses, a larger field/height of the view. Additionally, the scope should be easy to use and light for easy portability while in shooting adventures. You may also need to buy an affordable scope, so you will not have to burn a hole in your pocket in the name of buying a scope for your rifle.
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.
To give an exact decision, you need to look back on your need and budget. Seriously consider the features that these scopes provide. Which one is suitable for you?
We hope that you can find the right scope to run your M&P 15-22 effectively.
For more advice on the best rifle scopes, check out my breakdown of the top five hunting scopes for a 300 Win Mag and Ruger AR-556.
