I mainly use my 15-22 for shooting varmints and over the last year I have alternated between a 3x9 scope and red-dot, depending upon which critter I was targeting that trip. The 15-22 is a great critter eradicator and I've sent dozens of snakes, squirrels, skunks, coons and rats to meet their maker. Invariably there were days when I chose the wrong optic..i.e running with the red dot and presented with the opportunity to nail a rabid tree rat at 150 yds, or worse like the time I had the 3x9 scope mounted and nearly stepped upon a nest of copperheaded rattlemoccasins.

Awhile back one of our member suggested using a low magnification scope and getting the best of both worlds. I finally took his advice and am very happy with the results. I purchased a Sightmark 1.5x5 scope a few weeks ago and it functions very well for my type of shooting. I now have the ability for quick target aquisition with both eyes open at low magnification and a mil-dot for longer range shots. The scope is well-made, the glass is clear, and it has oversized windage/elevation knobs that make a distinct 'click" when adjusted. I highly recommend this as a reasonably priced ($100) optics solution for the 15-22.

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15.22 with Sightmark 1.5x5.jpg (55.2 KB, 343 views)

good to hear, 2-7x is another common good choice.

Have you thought about having both scope and red dot, and transitioning between the two by rotating the rifle while keeping your cheek weld? Below is a 3-9x42 scope along with a red dot further down the rail on a 45 degree mount.

That 1.5 - 5x looks like a good option.

I run a Millet DMS-1 1-4X on my 15-22. It is a hand me down from my M&P15 but seems to do just fine.

Given that I was smacking 400 yard steel with my M&P15 last weekend at the carbine course, using a 3.5x ACOG, I think a 1-4x optic on a 22LR is adequate.

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Stu

I was going to say the DMS1 would probably be better because it's a true 1X optic instead of a 1.5X.

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*Aim small, miss small...

might have been me. I tried all kinds and thought 3x was too much for comfortable 2 eye operation when fast acquisition is critical, but some magnification would be nice when shooting at paper.

I'm using a swift 1.5-4.5.

I think the next best option would be a 1x red dot with a flip out magnifier

Primary Arms makes some pretty decent RDS setups and have magnifier options that are nicely priced for a .22LR platform. They are worth a look and priced right. They ship FAST too... Marshall runs an upstanding business.

Their PA in-house 3x magnifiers work fine, but the eye relief is a bit short (~1.5-2") , which is why I wouldn't think it would be advisable to use them on anything except a .22 rifle. YMMV, of course.

Ultimate Arms (ebay name ultimatearms) is selling red/green 2 moa dots with a removable 2X magnifier for under $50. I'm considering one.

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S&W15-22 RIA 1911
CZ75B SR9