M&P 15-22 is the redeveloped firearm by Smith & Wesson that sports a slim handguard with an M-LOK system along with a full-length Picatinny rail on top to attach any type of accessories to suit your every need.
When looking for a scope to mount on the M&P 15-22 gun, there are certain things to know. Whether you are a beginner in this field or you are an experienced player, you will always need these specific features while choosing a good scope.
Since scopes are mainly there to help you enhance your shooting experience, it is always necessary that you choose a scope that satisfies all your needs. With this motto, we have collected the top 7 best scopes and red dot sights for AR 15-22 and the specific features that make them popular among shooters.
We have also created a checklist for you to find in the buying guide section so that you know all the important aspects of a rifle scope.
Best Smith & Wesson M&P 15 22 Optics – [Editor’s Pick]
Let’s look at the following scopes and red dot sights for Smith & Wesson M&P 15-22 firearms and find out what makes them stand out to other shooters.
1. Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x40mm Riflescope
Leupold rifle scopes will never fail to amaze you with their various innovative features. One of them includes the Twilight light management system that allows you an extra 10 minutes of shooting light, reducing glare to ensure crisp picture quality to target with your M&P weapon.
Along with glare reduction, the scope balances light transmission perfectly to provide unparalleled brightness and clarity all the time. In addition, you get a crisp image since it manages the image contrast and resolution in any light condition.
It comes with Leupold’s customized CDS Elevation dial that adjusts your elevation to match your exact load, muzzle velocity, and environmental surroundings to compensate for bullet drop and ensure precision for every target.
The advanced sealing methods of this scope give you 100 percent protection against extreme temperatures, elevation changes, and shocks. That way your scope will last for longer giving you crystal clear sight for the rest of your hunting life.
What size scope caps will fit this model?
The Leupold Freedom Riflescope is compatible with 40 mm scope caps.
What focal plane is used in this scope?
The reticle of this scope is set in the second focal plane so it does not obstruct your view in short ranges.
How much magnification do you get?
The scope has a variable magnification from 3x to 9x that covers both short and long-range hunting grounds.
2. Vortex Optics Crossfire II 2-7×32 Scout SFP Riflescope
Vortex Optics promises a 2-7x variable magnification and 32 mm objective lens making it a powerful AR 15 22 scope to use in low light conditions. The V-plex reticle of this scope helps you to control a wide range of hunting applications.
The lenses are fully multi-coated with anti-reflective so you can get a clear and bright view of your targets in all circumstances. The turrets in this scope are capped with MOA clicks and you can easily finger-adjust it to get zero after every sighting.
The Vortex scope offers 9.45 in long eye relief and an ultra-forgiving eye box to help you acquire the target quickly. You can also use the first focus eyepiece to get easy reticle focusing.
The aircraft-grade aluminum constructed body ensures strong and durable action with resistance to recoil. Besides, the O-ring seals and Nitrogen purging keep the scope safe from water and fog in tactical situations.
What kind of caps will fit the Vortex Scout Scope?
Vortex Optics has Defender flip caps that fit this model well and protect the lens from any scratch or dust.
Can you go for eye relief more than 9 inches?
Yes, the scope gives minimum eye relief of 9 inches so you can go further according to your need.
What type of scope ring will fit this scope?
The Vortex Optics Hunter Riflescope rings will fit the 1-inch tube of this scope and they also have high, medium, and low rings that mount on Picatinny rails. So you can use them to mount the scope on M&P 15-22.
3. HOLOSUN – HS510C Reflex Red Dot Sight
When it comes to red dot sights Holosun passes as a great candidate for M&P weapon with its Multi-reticle system giving you the freedom to shift between 2 MOA dot and 65 MOA open circle based on the use.
It has Solar Power Failsafe technology to save you from unexpected battery drain. It will power up the sight by consuming solar energy so you don’t have to worry about power failure in critical situations.
To add extra benefit to the mix, the Solar power technology will also adjust the brightness of the red dot according to the light conditions. You will get bright sight in the outdoors which then downshifts to dim light in the indoor settings.
Another innovative feature of this red dot is the Shake Awake function which catches any motion and acts accordingly. So you just need to move your gun to power up the LED. then, it will automatically turn off when the firearm is motionless. In addition, you are getting a multi-layer coated optical glass to enhance the light transmission.
Does the battery recharge from the Solar Power system?
No, the Solar power technology works separately when the battery dies. You can’t recharge the battery because the product uses disposable batteries.
How much magnification do you get from it?
The red dot sight offers a maximum of 1x magnification.
Is it water resistant?
The product is IP67 rated which means it is resistant to dust and any other liquids including water.
4. Aimpoint ACO Red Dot Reflex Sight
What makes the Aimpoint ACO red dot a good optic for AR 15 22 is the built-in Aimpoint TNP fixed height mount along with a side tube. The red dot directly mounts on a wide range of guns with the Picatinny rail system.
You get to set the optical axis at 39 mm when mounted on M&P 15-22 to be able to height it at the standard co-witness level. Also, you can attach a variety of accessories like flip caps and anti-reflection devices to this product.
The Aimpoint Red dot has a 2 MOA reticle meaning you will get 2 inches of coverage at 100 yards distance. You also get unlimited eye relief with this product along with 655 +/- 15 nm of peak wavelength.
It is visible even against high background luminance. The Red dot uses a 3-volt 2L76 or DL1/3N lithium battery that provides 10,000 hours of runtime in daylight. These features help you to cover a longer period with this product.
How long does the battery last?
With different light settings, the lithium battery can last up to 3 years and you can easily replace it by getting DL1/3N batteries.
Can windage and elevation be adjusted with this Red dot?
Yes, the turrets on the top let you adjust the windage, and the side one controls the elevation.
Does the sight have a different tint on the lenses?
The front lens excludes a reddish-orange anti-reflective tint and the rear lens is almost transparent with a hint of blue tint.
5. Vortex Optics Spitfire 1x Prism Scope
Vortex Optics has been successful in producing another remarkable product. The Spitfire prism scope has all the features you will need for an amazing experience with your M&P firearm. The scope ensures fast handling performance for close to medium-range shooting because of its ground-up build.
You can get a visible aiming point with the DRT reticle without powering it up. The scope offers 10 levels of intensity to help you sight the target in any light condition. You also get to choose between the red and green laser illumination to match with the current light.
The objective lens is fully multi-coated to enhance the brightness to the highest level and give you a true-to-life picture. The scope also comes with a generous side picture and a forgiving eye relief to let you target in any position.
Spitfire scope can withstand recoil and impact because of the shock-mounted housing. It is O-ring sealed and Nitrogen purged to keep the lens water and fogproof to be ready for any condition.
Does it come with the ballistic turret cap?
Yes, the Vortex Spitfire scope comes with a ballistic turret cap to adjust the zero retention.
How can you change between the red and green illumination?
To change the laser from red to green you need to momentarily press and release both the UP and Down buttons at the same time. You can also adjust the intensity by tapping the buttons or holding them down to automatically cycle through the adjustment range.
What type of mount can you use for the Spitfire prism scope?
You can check out the American Defense 1x mount for this model.
6. Sig Sauer Romeo5 1x20mm Red Dot Sight
To give you another great M&P 15-22 Red dot we have selected Sig Sauer Romeo5 which is a well-known red dot sight among shooters. This 2 MOA red dot has 8 daylight illumination settings along with 2-night visions to ensure viability at all light positions.
It sports a motion-detectable sensor called MOTAC that activates the sight when you draw the gun. And, powers off when it does not sense any movement to save energy. This way you get enough safety during operations and a better battery life.
The scope has an integrated M1913 Picatinny interface to provide you with standard mounting options. Also, it includes a Picatinny low mount rise and a 1.41-inch co-witness riser mount to match with a standard iron sight.
It is an aluminum-constructed durable scope that promises a long period of service with the highest performance level. It is also IPX7 rated waterproof meaning it can withstand 1 meter water submersion for 30 minutes.
Is the Romeo5 good for home defense?
Yes, it is an excellent scope for close-range defense with an auto ON/OFF function. It allows you to keep both eyes open for open landscapes to get a better target.
Is there an extra ON/OFF switch other than the auto motion sensor?
Yes, the scope comes with a switch along with the auto-motion sensor. You have to hold it down to turn on and off the sight.
What is the Windage and Elevation adjustment range of this red dot sight?
The sight has a Windage and Elevation adjustment range of +/- 40 MOA.
7. Bushnell Banner Dusk & Dawn 3-9X 40mm Riflescope
The Bushnell Multi-X reticle riflescope has all the features to make it a powerful low-light tool for your M&P 15-22. The second focal plane Multi-X crosshair reticle gives a perfect sight picture at dusk and dawn so that you can acquire the perfect target every time.
You can very quickly and easily adjust the reticle to your eye with the fast-focus eyepiece. That way you can always keep a clear focus on your targets. The capped turrets are safe from any bumps or tough use as you can easily reset the windage and elevation.
The optics are fully multi-coated so all the scope’s external glass is coated in several layers to facilitate the light to get a crisp and clear image in compromised lighting. The aluminum body is waterproof and fogproof to survive any tactical condition.
Bushnell riflescope has a variable 3 to 9x magnification with a 44 mm objective lens. It works great for longer-range hunting. Besides, you are getting a 1/4 MOA windage and elevation adjustments along with a fast-focus eyepiece that can measure up to 12 inches.
Which sunshade can you get for this scope?
Bushnell does not have a separate sunshade compatible with this scope. But Down Under Outdoors has silicon sunshades you can check out for this model.
What size of scope rings will fit this scope?
You need to go for scope rings that support 1-inch tube scopes to mount the Bushnell scope.
How close can it sight in an indoor range?
The Bushnell scope can sight within 15 yards in an indoor range.
Buying Guide For Smith & Wesson M&P 15 22 Scopes
To choose a perfect rifle scope for your M&P 15-22, you need to follow the checklist below and know all this information so you are always at the top of your game.
Magnification
While buying a scope the first you need to know is what kind of magnification you will need for specific uses. It will primarily depend on you because you know the best when it comes to using your pistol. For home defense, up to 4x will work the best. But, if you are thinking about going a longer range then go for 5x to 8x.
Objective Lens
The bigger the objective lens the better, since it will enhance the clarity and brightness of the scope. But that can work against your favor, making the scope too heavy and expensive. For your S&W M&P 15-22 you can use a 30mm to 44mm objective lens to get better sight without making it too heavy.
Reticle
Now what kind of reticle you want to go for will depend on your preference. Going for Mil-dot reticles is most common and comfortable. But if you want more information about bullet drop and holdover then choosing BDC will be preferable for you.
FFP vs SFP
You can find both FFP and SFP reticles but it will depend on the target range and usage to select the plane. The first focal plane is good for long-range targeting but can obscure your sight when it comes to short-range shooting.
On the other hand, the second focal plane works for both long and close range. So choosing the SFP will give you both coverage.
Lens Coating
Coating your lens is necessary to get a better view, especially in a low light condition. You will find different types of lens coating in the market. But going fully coated lens will be a standard option since it will coat all the external glass and will not cost too much.
Eye Relief
Eye relief is very important because without accurate distance between your scope and your eyes can lead to many unwanted accidents. Since M&P 15 22 pistol uses a .22 caliber it will be best to go for at least 4-7 inches of eye relief.
Durability
Last but not least check the materials and glass quality of the scope. Purchasing a scope that cannot withstand strong recoil will give you zero benefit. Also, too heavy a scope will hinder your posture and reflect negatively on your shooting. Therefore, make sure you are choosing a good quality scope for your M&P 15-22 gun.
Summary
Finding a good scope can always be an overwhelming process with so many options to choose from and so many features to look at. That’s why, we have gathered all of the important information about Smith & Wesson M&P 15-22 scope and red dot sights so that you can easily go through them in one place.
The reviews of the top 7 best scopes and red dot sights for M&P 15 22 will help you narrow down the list. We can assure you that you will be able to find the perfect match for your M&P pistol from these options.
For further information on scopes in general, go through the buying guide. That way, you will get all the insights you will need to mount a scope on your gun.
Scopes & Sights:- 11.5 SBR | 300 Blackout | Colt LE6920 | M4 | MK18 | Ruger Charger | S&W M&P 15 Sport 2
Hi, I’m Brent Hansford. A writer turned hunter & now sharing my love for the sport through writing. As I practically breathe weapons, I firmly believe I’m capable of providing you with new knowledge about firearms and hunting. My mission is to help more people get better at hunting & master the weapons. Let me help with unleashing the beast within you!
