New owner - looking for Optics suggestions.

[cclark89]

Hello,

I just purchased an M&P 15-22. Hopefully I'll get to go try it out this weekend!

I have placed on order through Midway for 2 spare factory mags, a cheap foregrip, and a hogue pistol grip. I think everything should come together well. Here's hoping!

Now without having used the gun yet, I'm not going to make a choice on optics. I've got great eyes, and usually don't mind iron sights too much...i'm really not even sure how much this would get used on targets over 50 yards or so.

If I did experiment with something, I'd like it to be cheap. Say, less than $65. I'm fully aware that optics are usually a 'get what you pay for' scenario, but it may be nice to just have one any way.

I've read a few 'optics' threads and I'm wondering if exactly what I'm looking for exists in my price range. I would think this would be about what I'm looking for.

I'm afraid I don't know a whole lot about optics, and how they are classified etc. I'll just have to try and explain as well as I can.

Here are my specs:

Anywhere from 1x up to 4x
small. say 3-5" long
30mm diameter or bigger
doesn't require batteries. ie. fixed reticle. Mil dots, crosshairs, etc.

Any suggestions are appreciated.

Thanks,

cclark

 

[Majorlk]

Put the optics purchase on hold and put several hundred to a thousand rounds through it with the iron sights first. Once you get a feel for shooting the 15-22 at the distances you'll be using you can start thinking about optics.

Others may have differing opinions.

 

[ral2ooo]

Given your budget this would be hard to beat.

Simmons 22 MAG Adjustable Objective 3-9X32mm AO Rimfire Riflescope w/ Scope Rings FREE S&H 511073, 511072. Simmons Rifle Scopes.

I have a couple of these on other rifles and they are good scopes for the money. If I was you with good young eyes I would not get in a rush. Shoot her a bit and look at what is available. Add another $100 to your budget and the possibilitys expand. I am myself in the market for a scope and am thinking the Nikon P22 is the perfect scope for these guns, thanks to JaJos advice. Also BSAs sweet 22 looks like a good contender, thanks Prof Fate.
Enjoy your 15 22, take your time remember its cheaper to buy something once.

RAL

 

[Prof_Fate]

easy - BSA Optics Sweet 22 Rifle Scope - Dick's Sporting Goods

$59.99, large bell, adjustable focus 30' to infinity, 3-9X, bullet drop compensation and all designed for a 22LR. Just add (tall) rings.
Midway sells a BSA Sweet 22, same thing from what I gather talking to those that own both, different control layout and 50$ more but same thing funtionally speaking.

End caps screw on so I'd suggest a butler bikini for $9.

Yes, the price seems too cheap - but it's a good scope. I like it better than the bushnell I took off my old 22 and the whatever came with my marlin 30/30. Several of our rifle team shooters use them and have had no issues at all - one wore out a savage rifle and the scope is just fine. (yes, you apparently can wear out a rifle)

 

[cclark89]

Thanks for the suggestions. I'll do some digging on them. Are there any others out there that are a little shorter, with a little more of a tactical type look to them?

 

[jajo]

The iron sights on the rifle are pretty good...really good for the range you mentioned in the OP. Just flip the sight to the large peephole.

I don't have any experience with optics in the price range you want.

 

[dan01]

If it looks like this it is cool......I have testified to the accuracy of this scope and the quality of the rifle

 

[cclark89]

Was able to get out both Saturday and Sunday to try this thing. Awesome. Just awesome. This was with no additions etc. and I loved it. Probably ran maybe 400-500 rounds through it with no issues whatsoever from a cheap Walmart Federal bulk pack.

My foregrip, pistol grip, and extra mags get in today I believe. I think they'll do nothing but increase my enjoyment in this already awesome gun.

As for the optics.

We have a Bushnell factory outlet store here in Lenexa, KS that I think I'm going to take a look at during lunch today. I've heard they can have good deals, and I'd really prefer to see anything firsthand before buying. That's not to say that I don't like the iron sights, as they are actually pretty good. (maybe shooting a little low out of the box....but that wouldn't be tough to fix) I think it might be fun to have just a cheap scope for messing around with anyway though.

If I can't find anything there. Cabela's will be running a doorbuster on these this upcoming Saturday...may have to snag one. PMRGBS - Panoramic Sight with Red, Green and Blue Dot Reticles | BSA Optics

I know its not what I originally described, and would mean I'd have to fiddle with batteries. I really was hoping to keep this optic compact, and with a small footprint on the weapon....and most of the smaller scopes I found with a big enough viewing piece to suit me were still around the 8" long mark.

Anyone have experience with that particular BSA?

Thanks,

 

[ral2ooo]

Anyone have experience with that particular BSA?

Thanks,

BSA ain't Nikon but they are surprisingly good for the $. Have no experience with that sight. Keep in mind that red dots sights are not as precise as a scope with a retictle. Not that they are not accurate, they are. They are more for quick shots than precise shots. Putting the rounds quickly in a 4"to 12"( with most red dot sights the dot itself will cover at least a 4" circle @ 100 yrds) group @ 100 yrds rather than a bit slower into a 1" or 2" group (if the gun & shooter are able) @ 100 yrds.

RAL

 

[cclark89]

I've been able to find a few 2x Red Dot Sights that I think may be right up my alley.

If anyone has any experience I'd love to hear your thoughts.

BARSKA 2x30 IR Tactical Dot Sight Rifle Scope: Amazon.com: Sports & Outdoors

http://www.amazon.com/BARSKA-2X30-Quick-Target-Riflescope/dp/B001JJCHXO/ref=pd_sbs_sg_2
Truglo Red-Dot 42Mmx2 Sight, Black: Amazon.com: Sports & Outdoors

The TruGlo looks very good. I think Amazon's stock photo is wrong, but it may be keeping the price down.

 

[ral2ooo]

Can't say on Barska or true glow red dots. I have one of these BSA tactical red dots on my AR15 22 at this time. It was also used on a 45acp carbine and worked well.

Reviews for BSA Optics Stealth Tactical Illuminated 1x30 Red/Green/Blue Dot Sight, Matte Black STSRGBD30 - View or add your review!

Mine is older and is red only. It is tough and holds its zero. Its not much more than those you are looking at. It also has these cool built in covers that function like a camera shutter.
I am looking to replace this with a scope as my 15 22 is accurate enough to merit one. If you want to bounce tin cans or shoot a lot of rapid fire the the red dot is fine. Don't get in too much of a hurry or you may end up buying something else later.

RAL

 

[Deadonmyfeet]

For 84 dollars you can get the bushnell trophy trs-25 red dot from amazon. Good sight for the money.

 

[ChattanoogaPhil]

Looking at all the criteria you posted... 5in length, 4x or under, 30mm or larger, not requiring batteries (but can be illuminated with battery), under $100... about the only thing I can think of is an optic like I have on my Sig522. This one has a Primary Arms label on it, but you can find them with other labels. Browse "Prismatic Scope" and you'll find different examples rated at 3x and 4x for around $100 or less. I think most of them come with a reticle similar to an ACOG TA01.



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[hkyplr]

That's a good looking scope, does it have dust covers?

 

[ChattanoogaPhil]

No.

I'm sure you can get a Butler Creek to fit the eyepiece, but the front part of the scope body is angled so there's no practical way to fit a cover.

 

[hkyplr]

Thanks for the info.

 

[Gopher Slayer]

The new model of the Primary Arms 3x scope does come with front and rear flip up caps. It's not under $100 though. It's $179.99. I don't think they ever sold it for under $100.

https://www.primaryarms.com/Primary_Arms_3X_Compact_Scope_PAC3X_p/pac3x.htm

A 5x version is coming out next.

 

[Majorlk]

I have ditched the Butler Creek plastic covers and gone to the stretch Bikini covers instead.

The ocular covers with the positive lock are OK, but the objective covers are a joke. The little friction lock fails at the slightest pressure, flipping up when you don't want it to. And then there is the, often, imprecise fit. If they'd make the objective like the ocular, I might go back to them.

 

[cclark89]

I went ahead and bit the bullet.

Ordered the Green/Red Truglo 2x42 Multi Reticle

Amazon.com: Truglo Red-Dot 42Mmx2 Dual Color Multi Reticle Sight, Black: Sports & Outdoors

I think it is a good combination of features that I was looking for. We'll see if it pans out though. Amazon is normally pretty good about handling returns if it doesn't. I think as long as I go in not expecting super high end performance (to be frank, I don't think I'd know the difference) I think I'll be pleased. I mean, its a .22 scope...how demanding can I really be?

I'll be sure to report my findings.

FYI....Hogue grip and foregrip went on tonight...really make a great difference.

 

[w0ady]

i bought my 2 utg optics through amazon. and about 5-10 other optics/parts that i tried out and returned. if you dont mind about $5 return shipping, it allows you to try out just about anything.