Get a Second 15-22 and/or Change Optical Scopes Frequently?

giants1 · May 7, 2023

Hi, All,

I really like my 15-22. It's the version with the S&W factory red dot, but I also added Magpul MBUS iron sights, my needing more experience with both sighting systems on a long gun and as a low-cost trainer for my M&P 15 Sport ii.

I also want to get some experience with optical/glass scopes.

I have a Ruger 10/22 with a Leupold VX Freedom 2-7x32 optical scope that I just mounted and will zero and learn to use at the range tomorrow.

Questions:
Would you recommend that I buy a second 15-22 and have a dedicated, aftermarket scope on it, i.e. a scope that I don't switch out to use iron sights, meaning I use my current 15-22's iron sights for experience and permanently mount a second optical scope on the second 15-22?

My LGS told me not to change optical scopes on rifles, but didn't explain why. Is there any damage that could occur either to the scope rings or scope by carefully changing the scopes between long guns, say once every month or so?

Thanks!

wrangler5 · May 23, 2023

Buy quick detach (QD) rings. They're made to remove and reattach rigidly. I use Warne Ultra High rings on all scopes used on my AR platforms, including the 15-22 - Ultra High puts the center of the rings (and so the crosshairs) at the same height as the standard iron sights on an AR.

It takes a bit over 2 turns of the locking lever on each ring to loosen them enough to remove the scope, and the same to tighten them down when it's time to remount the scope. (With the Warne rings, after you have mounted the scope in the rings and the rings are locked on the receiver, you can index the locking levers to point the same way, if you want - I like mine pointing straight up but some people like them horizontal. Just a personal preference.)

I remove and replace scopes on my AR platforms routinely. If I'm doing accuracy testing of a load I want the most accurate aiming possible and so tend to use an old Tasco 6-24x scope set at 24. But if I want to practice with the 1-4x scope that's more likely to actually be on the rifle if I have to grab it, or just get a bit of iron sight time, removing the scope takes but a few seconds, and attaching another (if wanted) a few seconds more.

I will wear out my thumbs before I wear out anything on the scope, the mounts or the rifles, by swapping things around using these rings. The only thing I need to be sure of is that I have some place safe to store the scope(s) that are not on a gun.

Fishinfool · May 23, 2023

Exactly what wrangler5 said above. Quality quick detach rings can be removed and reattached while maintaining zero as long as you remount in the same pic slots, with the same lever pressure to maintain consistency.

R/E your gun smiths comment - If you are trying to use the same scope between 2 different rifles, then he is right, as frequently taking the scope in and out of different rings risks the chance for scope damage, stripped screws, and the hassle of having to fully re-sight in each time. I have tried that route in the past, and it never worked out.

A scope with QD mounts dedicated to one rifle eliminates those issues. Put a QD mount on your red dot, and you can switch between iron, red dot, and magnified scope on the same rifle without any hassles.

Then again, there is never anything wrong with buying a second rifle....

Larry

Eric300 · May 23, 2023

Exactly what wrangler 5 and fishinfool said. I run QD mounts on all my AR optics, plus BUIS. Very convenient way to swap out optics even though some minor re-zeroing might be required.

15-22 - 30mm Atibal 1 piece QD mount - TruGlo Omnia 1-4x

DDM4V7 - EoTech QD and Vortex 3x Micro QD

DDM4 Carbine (upper) - ADM QD PA ACSS Raptor 1-6x FFP

Ranger17 · May 24, 2023

Any reason not to consider offset mounting the Mbus sights (with optic on the top rail) so just one rifle is used? I have not tried them on my Sport 2 but have seen others use that setup at the range. And assume it would work on the 15-22 as well?
Just a thought.

wrangler5 · May 24, 2023

In Warne Ultra High rings, any of my scopes clear the backup iron sights that are on all of my AR pattern guns. (I prefer the FAB Defense models but have Magpul as well.) When I want to shoot with them I just pop the scope off. When I want to work with a red or green dot optical sight, well those are in QD mounts too and just snap on.

Get a Second 15-22 and/or Change Optical Scopes Frequently?

giants1

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wrangler5

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Fishinfool

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Eric300

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Ranger17

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wrangler5

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