Hey all,

New M&P 15-22 owner here. I also have a M&P 15 Sport II. I picked up the M&P 15-22 because it's cheap to shoot, my girlfriend enjoyed shooting my grandpa's .22 rifle, and I figured it'd be fun to plink with and become a better shot.

So far I've taken it to the range and had a pretty accurate grouping at about 15 yards (indoor range) but I plan on using this more for 25-100 yard practice and would like a better sight option than the Magpul Mbus flip up sights. It would also be nice to be able to move the sight over to my M&P 15 Sport II as well to cut down on the cost of buying two optics.

My ultimate goal is to improve my marksmanship for 50-100 yards so my question is what optics do you recommend for that use case? Budget is $200 but ideally would like to spend $120-150.

Here's what I'm considering:

• Vortex Strikefire II - like this one a lot but feel like I'll need some magnification. There is the possibility of adding a VMX3 Magnifier at a later date which would add 3x magnification.
• Vortex Crossfire II 3-9x40mm - I feel like 3x magnification is quite a bit for this distance. Would probably need quick disconnects and use iron sights if I want to shoot close range.
• Primary Arms 1-6X24mm - A little more than I want to spend.
• Primary Arms PAC2.5X - 2.5 magnification
• Vortex Crossfire II 2-7x Rimfire - Less magnification than the Crossfire above and cheaper however wouldn't work well on the Sport II

Anything else I should be considering? Very happy with the gun so far just looking to do a few upgrades to make it more enjoyable.

I'm completely sold on Vortex optics, and use one on my competition AR15 service rifle.
We service rifle Shooters are limited to 4X out to 600 yards, so take your pick.

Your first option is excellent though it's more than your 200.00 budget. You'll probably want the 3x with the flip mount which at the moment is about 200.00 for mount / magnifier. Between 150.00 and 180.00 for the Strikefire II.

The magnifier / flip mount are reversible so that for a right hand shooter, the magnifier can be flipped to the right so that field of view from the left eye is not hindered when in the stowed position.

Can't recall which mounts are included with the SF2 but you want to make sure of alignment between the 2 optics.

I'm leaning forward to the Strikefire II for a few reasons:

• It'll fit both guns
• I can add the magnifier later (which will give me what I believe will be the ideal setup for my criteria)
• I'll probably want a reddot for my M&P 15 Sport II anyway for quick target acquisition

I figure I can try it out on the 15-22 and if I decide I need more magnification for 100 yard precision shooting I can move it over to the M&P 15 and get a 2-7x or similar for the 15-22.

1-4x is a good choice for those distances and there's several options in your price range. Tis the season... with the Holidays coming up there's bound to be heavy discounts on a variety of optics you're looking at. Might think twice before a magnifier/red dot combo. Guys I know have ended up tossing them in the AR parts box.

A couple years ago at Christmas I picked up this Bushnell 1-4x from Palmetto on sale. Combined with a Bushnell rebate was $39 delivered. Normally sell for around $150. As depressed as the gun market has been these kind of deals will likely pop up on in the next few weeks. I have the Busnell mounted on my CMMG dedicated .22lr. Works well for offhand shooting at the distances you're talking about.

You mentioned the SFII. Palmetto has been selling those including 10pmags (for your Sport) for $179 delivered which pretty much puts the price of the SF under $100.

Leupold VX2 1-4x is around $200
Millet DMS 1-4x $150
PA 1-4x $120

Happy optics hunting.

I have Vortex Strikefire II and while it's not bad, it also wasn't anything special, nor did it have enough magnification for shooting at 100 yards.

My need was for optics on a 10.5" 9mm AR-9 brace equipped pistol and for a 16" AR-9 carbine. I shoot mine out to 200 yards, but it's pretty much the same need under 100 yards.

I considered a 3x magnifier, but quality counts and costs money, and it ends up adding a fair bit of weight and bulk to the firearm.

I use the Burris AR 332 and it works great out to 100 yards, and the CQB reticle provides useful hold points for pistol caliber cartridges and the .22 LR. You can find them in the $200-$240 range if you look around on the internet.

However with 115 gr bullets at around 1600 fps my AR-9 carbine has plinking potential out to 200 yards and I wanted an adjustable turret. I ended up putting a Pursuit X1 1-4 tactical scope on it. It's a $149 item, but it's well made with decent optics and repeatable adjustments and has worked quite well. My only complaint is a stiff power adjustment ring, but that's preferable to one with play that shifts the point of impact. It's also a true 1x optic at low power and you can use it effectively at short ranges with both eyes open.

The Nikon P-Rimfire works well for me. The variable 2-7 zoom is really useful going out from a few yards to 100 yard plus. It's nicely built and specifically designed for 22 AR rifles.

The 15-22 .22lr; is not a MOA rifle at 100yds....... IMO it's a 50+ yd trainer for the AR rifle. I'd stick with a 2-3 MOA red dot.

The .223AR a good 1-?X20 scope....... two I'd recommend are the Weaver 1-3x20 shotgun scope ($160ish IIRC) was/is popular with 3 gun competitors ........or a Leupold 1-4/5x20 in the high end of your price range.

1X for fast close in and 4X for 100yds +.

Try a Meopta!

I have the Nikon P-22 (now called the P-Rimfire) on my M&P 15-22. It has the BDC reticle. I have it sighted in at 50 yards and with the BDC you just hold it up to the corresponding mark at further distances. Nikon has a computer program that gives bullet drop distances for specific brands and types of .22LR ammo. Find this scope to be very nice optic. Also have a Vortex StrikeFire II that I put on sometimes for distances out to 50 yards. Would not recommend a red dot for distance shooting at smaller targets. If I am not mistaken they are primarily designed for quick target acquisition found in CQC.

Depends on what type of 'plinking'.

A paper target at 50yds is easy enough to hold center with a 1x red dot, magnification isn't going to make much difference. However, if he enjoys the type of plinking I do, bouncing around shotgun hulls and other debris, magnification makes a significant difference in being able find and see what you're aiming at.

True.... after cataract surgery...... I'm a bit farsighted (20/15) in my right eye...... also if I'm plinking small stuff at over 50 yards ... I have the luxury of switching to a CZ bolt gun which is just about MOA at 100yds.

All that said...... given your point I'd go with/ recommend the 1-3x20 Weaver with it's 50yd parallax ..... I like it for a small inexpensive scope.

That's another good choice within the OP's price range.

For offhand shooting, 3x to 4x is about the max I find of any benefit. Beyond that it's just narrowing field of view and magnifying my movement which only serves to make me more tentative.

I can't tell you enough how thrilled I am with my Nikon P22. Bright clear Nikon quality glass at a bargain price. I can't believe they are down to $139.00 I am expecting this thing to last a life time. Incredible bang for your buck. BDC reticle and free phone ap are fun to play with.

Nikon P-Rimfire Riflescope : Cabela's

Have the Vortex SFII on the AR15. Good optic but not a 100 yard precision tool to improve marksmanship.

PHXSHOOTER

I know you stated you have a set budget,
but I installed a Burris Predator Quest 4.5-14x42mm, Camo
Really like it, nice for them 100 yard shots, plus. I did have a 3x9 on it and it worked, but I wanted more mag. for the longer distances.

If it will help you any, my choice is a 3x9 Nikon Rimfire, don’t remember he product number.
Also they make another Rimfire 3x9 target scope which I have on my Ruger 10/22 that is outstanding. It allows you to set the parallax to the range you are shooting. I think it’s called a Target ER.
Both of these are designed for a rimfire and , I think, they are still under $200-$250 plus mounts. I am just to lasy to walk to my gun safe to get the actual model numbers. If you go to Nikons web site, you can see them.

I have this set up on mine.
Sightmark Core TX 1-4x24AR-223 BDC Riflescope on a Burris AR-PEPR Mount Quick Detach with Picatinny Tops.
Both from Walmart and very pleased with it.

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I wouldn't use anything lower than a 9X if you want to be accurate. BSA Sweet 22 is a fantastic scope for 100 yards, it also comes with 3 cams for different grain bullets.