I have decided to get M&P 15-22 which will strictly be for the range. I am strictly a target shooter and go to a range that has a 75 yard max. I would like to get a budget scope (less than $100) for target shooting, but I don't want to get something that's complete garbage. I was looking into the Burris scopes at $60-70. Any other suggestions for a decent scope for someone on a budget? Thanks in advance.
Budget Scopes for M&P 15-22
- Thread starter LouisJXn
- Start date
Register to hide this ad
tbgunner88
Member
I have bought 2 cheap rimfire scopes from walmart, one is made by bushnell and the other by BSA. They were both around $30 each and I have had them on different guns for a couple of years, haven't had any problems with them. For the price they are hard to beat.
GhostMutt
Member
Lots of variables in that question, AO, different x-mag, you also have to watch your scope/ rings height. That being said with hardly any recoil this .22 shouldn't mess with a budget scope. Make sure you mount your scope to the 'upper part' and not on the handrail. You're probably going to get some better advice regarding specific scopes available in the US, but I would have asked which scopes to stay away from...but I would go the higher end of your budget...as a great quote on this forum states, buy cheap, pay twice! Just be aware some of us love our 15-22's enough to mount optics that equal or surpass the price of the rifle 
so don't be put off if you get lambasted for not getting an Eotech with magnifier 
Incidently I own a BSA stealth tactical 6x24x44 (for now) as my cheap optic, I needed something and this was cheap and has this excellent feature. Which actually works really well
It is a daunting decision, listen to these guys on here, they know their stuff Above all enjoy this fantastic gun
so don't be put off if you get lambasted for not getting an Eotech with magnifier Incidently I own a BSA stealth tactical 6x24x44 (for now) as my cheap optic, I needed something and this was cheap and has this excellent feature. Which actually works really well
It is a daunting decision, listen to these guys on here, they know their stuff
Above all enjoy this fantastic gun 
Majorlk
Member
I have this one on two different 15-22s and am very satisfied with them. Lots of features for a budget scope. Although it comes with medium height rings, unless you want to use a riser, you'll need tall rings.
Amazon.com : UTG 3-9x32 Compact CQB Bug Buster AO RGB Scope with Med. Picatinny Rings, 2" Sunshade : Rifle Scopes : Sports & Outdoors@@AMEPARAM@@http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/415TUy7w-kL.@@AMEPARAM@@415TUy7w-kL
Amazon.com : UTG 3-9x32 Compact CQB Bug Buster AO RGB Scope with Med. Picatinny Rings, 2" Sunshade : Rifle Scopes : Sports & Outdoors@@AMEPARAM@@http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/415TUy7w-kL.@@AMEPARAM@@415TUy7w-kL
Last edited:
Thanks for the advice. Don't get me wrong, I love this gun! I was just happy to find out that I could get something like the 15-22 without breaking the bank. As much as I would love to get a higher end scope on this rifle, I have to keep costs down right now. I can see myself getting into mods when I have the extra funds, though!
I'll definitely check out those Bushnell and UTG scopes.
I'll definitely check out those Bushnell and UTG scopes.
Majorlk
Member
You need to lock up your credit cards! Getting "just one more little thing" is really addictive!
Welcome to the addiction! My name is Lon ... Replacement stock ... angled forward grip ... replacement pistol grip ... ambidextrous safety ... ambidextrous charging handle (second version) ... extended mag release ... speed bolt release ... brass deflector ... match FCG ... Scope ... not to mention additional magazines (can never have too many!) ...
Welcome to the addiction! My name is Lon ... Replacement stock ... angled forward grip ... replacement pistol grip ... ambidextrous safety ... ambidextrous charging handle (second version) ... extended mag release ... speed bolt release ... brass deflector ... match FCG ... Scope ... not to mention additional magazines (can never have too many!) ...
Last edited:
This is exactly what I am worried about! At $379 for the rifle and $75 for the budget scope, I would still be in the green. But I already have future mods planned before I've even bought it. I can see how this could turn into a $1000+ project in no time!
You need to lock up your credit cards! Getting "just one more little thing" is really addictive!
Welcome to the addiction! My name is Lon ... Replacement stock ... angled forward grip ... replacement pistol grip ... ambidextrous safety ... ambidextrous charging handle (second version) ... extended mag release ... speed bolt release ... brass deflector ... match FCG ... Scope ... not to mention additional magazines (can never have too many!) ...
M&Pmeister
Member
- Joined
- Aug 5, 2014
- Messages
- 166
- Reaction score
- 64
I'll second the UTG bug buster. There is an updated version of that 3-9×32 with the IL controls on the top, and it's still less than $100.
OTOH, the BSA Sweet22 can be had for $44, which would be great for target shooting. Doesn't come with rings though.
the UTG can go anywhere, even a spring piston magnum air rifle. It's built like a tank and can take the violent double recoil.
OTOH, the BSA Sweet22 can be had for $44, which would be great for target shooting. Doesn't come with rings though.
the UTG can go anywhere, even a spring piston magnum air rifle. It's built like a tank and can take the violent double recoil.
A great deal on a cheap scope!
Simmons Whitetail Classic Rifle Scope 6.5-20x 50mm Adjustable
Yes Simmon scopes are junk, yes Simmon scopes are cheap, and yes on a rifle 223 or smaller they give fantastic performance. I have three of these scopes, 1 duplex and two mil dot reticle.
The mil dot reticles work. I use a 50 yard zero for 22 LR, first dot for 75 yard, and second dot for 100 yard point of aim / point of impact and I record the magnification. This simple system works. If the sun is behind me, I can see the bullet going to the target if its at 12X or higher.
I use a 100 yard zero on 223, first dot for 150 yards, second dot for 200 yards. Prairie dog heads are a small target.
Simmons Whitetail Classic Rifle Scope 6.5-20x 50mm Adjustable
Yes Simmon scopes are junk, yes Simmon scopes are cheap, and yes on a rifle 223 or smaller they give fantastic performance. I have three of these scopes, 1 duplex and two mil dot reticle.
The mil dot reticles work. I use a 50 yard zero for 22 LR, first dot for 75 yard, and second dot for 100 yard point of aim / point of impact and I record the magnification. This simple system works. If the sun is behind me, I can see the bullet going to the target if its at 12X or higher.
I use a 100 yard zero on 223, first dot for 150 yards, second dot for 200 yards. Prairie dog heads are a small target.
This is what I got. Compact, tacticool, illuminates, feels durable, and couldn't do it's job any better. Holds zero and rounds hit where I aim. Only con was when I first got it it was incredibly far off I had a real hard time getting it zeroed. But once I got it set it was all good from there.
Amazon.com : Aim Sports 3-9X40 Dual III. Scope with Cut Sunshade/P4 Sniper : Rifle Scopes : Sports & Outdoors@@AMEPARAM@@http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41AHlHbLH-L.@@AMEPARAM@@41AHlHbLH-L
Amazon.com : Aim Sports 3-9X40 Dual III. Scope with Cut Sunshade/P4 Sniper : Rifle Scopes : Sports & Outdoors@@AMEPARAM@@http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41AHlHbLH-L.@@AMEPARAM@@41AHlHbLH-L
Decipher
Member
Ask yourself the following:
1. How strong magnification are you looking at?
2. Variable or fixed power?
3. Dedicated optic for this weapon or transferring it to another weapon?
For your budget, you can find a decent optic but when it comes to glass, buy the best you can in your budget. Spend the money for a good optic, or in your case, the $100 range. There's nothing worse than regretting your optics purchase since it's the most interactive part of your shooting experience. That BugBuster scope is super popular and a nice choice. Because you're only using it on a 22, a budget optic is just fine. If you have plans to use it on another weapon, spend the money on something that will hold up.
1. How strong magnification are you looking at?
2. Variable or fixed power?
3. Dedicated optic for this weapon or transferring it to another weapon?
For your budget, you can find a decent optic but when it comes to glass, buy the best you can in your budget. Spend the money for a good optic, or in your case, the $100 range. There's nothing worse than regretting your optics purchase since it's the most interactive part of your shooting experience. That BugBuster scope is super popular and a nice choice. Because you're only using it on a 22, a budget optic is just fine. If you have plans to use it on another weapon, spend the money on something that will hold up.
Last edited:
ChattanoogaPhil
Member
- Joined
- Oct 18, 2009
- Messages
- 14,601
- Reaction score
- 20,622
Check out rrages.com
Tons of budget optics and good guy to do business with. If nothing else, you'll get a good idea of what's available out there and lots of pics of optics mounted to a 1522.
Tons of budget optics and good guy to do business with. If nothing else, you'll get a good idea of what's available out there and lots of pics of optics mounted to a 1522.
TheMaineEvent
Member
This! I had a Nikon 3-9 on my 15-22, which is a great scope, but it got moved to my Ruger American 22. I replaced it with the bugbuster and it's been a great replacement going on 6 months now.
Decipher
Member
I don't have any experience with that specific scope. I have a fixed 4x scope and I personally feel that anything stronger in magnification is exceeding the abilities of the 22 lr round. This is, of course, just one man's opinion. Everyone has their own preference but at some point, the optic will outperform that little round we fire. I can't imagine needing a 9x scope or expecting my 22 to perform accurately at the range that the 9x is super effective.
ChattanoogaPhil
Member
- Joined
- Oct 18, 2009
- Messages
- 14,601
- Reaction score
- 20,622
If you're looking for a compact scope on a budget you might consider a Burris AR332 3x. They are on sale at Primary Arms today including $100 rebate -- $249. I would pay $250 for the Burris before I would pay $150 for a UTG or whatever a Trinity Force is.
I have one of the original Primary Arms compact scopes and it's ok. The new Primary Arms compact scopes are a lot better.
I have one of the original Primary Arms compact scopes and it's ok. The new Primary Arms compact scopes are a lot better.
Last edited:
Barska 1-4 x 28 IR Swat
I was also looking for an optic for my 15-22. Yesterday I looked at a Gander Mountain sales flyer and noticed the Barska 1-4 x 28 on sale for $99. Also available at many Walmarts. I picked one up yesterday and mounted it. I will say, for the money it has a ton of options. Illuminated Reticles green and red, lockable turrets, comes with mount as shown and flip caps.
The glass seems fine and it has etched glass so you still have the black cross hairs without illum.
Haven't shot with it yet so hopefully it holds up for awhile as a plinker optic.
I was also looking for an optic for my 15-22. Yesterday I looked at a Gander Mountain sales flyer and noticed the Barska 1-4 x 28 on sale for $99. Also available at many Walmarts. I picked one up yesterday and mounted it. I will say, for the money it has a ton of options. Illuminated Reticles green and red, lockable turrets, comes with mount as shown and flip caps.
The glass seems fine and it has etched glass so you still have the black cross hairs without illum.
Haven't shot with it yet so hopefully it holds up for awhile as a plinker optic.
Attachments
Similar threads
