Scope Choice

Wes Smith

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What would be a good choice for a scope to top of a S&W 15-22 i was looking at the Leapers brand but with only 3" eye relieve.I cant deccide on variable power or a fixed power :confused:
 
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For me I used a fixed 4X32 Mark III NcStar scope also. I also wanted some magnification. For me the jury is still out on this scope though.
 
What would be a good choice for a scope to top of a S&W 15-22 i was looking at the Leapers brand but with only 3" eye relieve.I cant deccide on variable power or a fixed power :confused:

The type of shooting you plan to do will determine what type of optic is best suited. Shorter or longer distances, precision paper shooting or plinking at soda cans, fast target acquisition or shooting from a supported position... It's like asking what tires are best for my truck if I don't tell you how I use my truck.
 
phil is dead on let us know what you plan on using your rifle for and we'll be able to better help you, unfortunatley theres not really one scope that does it all but there are some that one could live with if they plan on doin a little bit of everything.
 
I have the NcSTAR 3-9X42 Compact Red/Green Illuminated Mil-Dot with the Quick Release. For about $100 bucks it seems to be just dandy at 25 yards and beyond. The illuminated Reticle is a nice touch. This scope is not so large or heavy as to really change the feel of the 15-22.

I started with a simple holographic red dot from Trijicon. It worked well but the magnification of the NcSTAR is really nice and on 9X power it allows you to see your impact on the target.

I did follow the instructions for mounting and have no issues so far with the scope holding zero. The 15-22 essentially has less recoil than the typical pellet gun so hopes are high that this scope will be a keeper.
 
I would like a scope good for target mostly and some small game huntin:D
 
You asked for it - buy cheap = buy twice. Optics are one of the things where you surely get what you pay for. I have a Trijicon on one of mine and and an Eotech on another.
 
I have the NcSTAR 3-9X42 Compact Red/Green Illuminated Mil-Dot with the Quick Release. For about $100 bucks it seems to be just dandy at 25 yards and beyond.
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II did follow the instructions for mounting and have no issues so far with the scope holding zero. The 15-22 essentially has less recoil than the typical pellet gun so hopes are high that this scope will be a keeper.

I did a search on "NcSTAR 3-9X42 Compact Red/Green " and found two versions, the MarkIII and the the Courage.

Which version do you have?

My old eyes definitely need some magnification.
 
I have the NcSTAR 3-9X42 Compact Red/Green Illuminated Mil-Dot with the Quick Release. For about $100 bucks it seems to be just dandy at 25 yards and beyond. The illuminated Reticle is a nice touch. This scope is not so large or heavy as to really change the feel of the 15-22.

I started with a simple holographic red dot from Trijicon. It worked well but the magnification of the NcSTAR is really nice and on 9X power it allows you to see your impact on the target.

I did follow the instructions for mounting and have no issues so far with the scope holding zero. The 15-22 essentially has less recoil than the typical pellet gun so hopes are high that this scope will be a keeper.

i got the same scope on mine. I purchased it a week ago at the local gun show for $65. I have not shot the rifle since I got it but I have good hopes for it. And i have heard good things about NcSTAR, for the price.

EDIT: mines the courage model. Not sure the difference, i havent compared them.
 
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scope

I got a fixed 6x32 UTG mil dot with red green or back. Has parallax adjustment and sunshade. Zero at 50yds and aim one dot higher for 100yds and works good so far.
 
I just put a 3-12x44 BSA Catseye on my M&P 15-22 today, and had it boresighted. Have not shot it yet. I wanted a non-red dot that was adjustable for windage, elevation AND paralax. I picked this one up at Academy on-line for under $60 + shipping.

Academy - BSA Catseye® 3 - 12 x 44 Riflescope

Since this is strictly a range gun, and by no means a defensive weapon, I took the red dot off and put it on my Browning Buck Mark for shooting plates and general plinking.
 
For a .22 hard to beat a 4x Nikon @ $ 100 +/- , I think Weaver makes a 2-7 rimfire in the 150 range...
 
i got the same scope on mine. I purchased it a week ago at the local gun show for $65. I have not shot the rifle since I got it but I have good hopes for it. And i have heard good things about NcSTAR, for the price.

EDIT: mines the courage model. Not sure the difference, i havent compared them.

The courage model is a bit cheaper so htere must be some different specs..
 
Wes!

If you're looking at Red Dots, check out the Vortex Strikefire. It comes with a 2X Doubler that screws into the eye piece, giving you a bit longer on the distance. Mine's set at 25 yds, and the 2X Doubler just gives me the amount of distance and visibilty I need to see the Target Strikes. These are $149.

Also, check around for some good Sales/Clearances. I just picked up a $149 Nikon Prostaff 3-9x40 Variable Power Scope today, On Clearance for $84 at Academy Sports. Think I might swap out a Scope from my Beretta CX4, and see how it does. I want to extend my Range out to 50 & 100 yds, and this'll easily do the job.

One note about Mil-Dots... FYI... some Reviews that I've read on these, say that they're great for 25-75 yds, however, at ditances greater than that, the size of the Mil-Dot overlaps the Target's Bullseye (If you're shooting Paper Targets...), and blocks the Bullseye from view. Just a heads up, if you're looking at Mil-Dots.

Best of Luck!

Cheers!

BB
 
It all depends on your personal preferences and uses. Mainly target shooting for my wife and I, we're planning on doing an Appleseed weekend and going for the Rifleman qualification so we have the following:

M&P15-22: AMP 4x ACOG TA01 Clone, $139.

SIG522: Sightmark 4x32 Tactical Mil Dot Riflescope, $59.

M&P15-22_SIG522.jpg


George over at RRAGES.com is very responsive to emailed questions and overall a great guy. He's got a great selection and great prices.

If you go the red dot route, I'd recommend also adding a 3X magnifier with a flip to side mount; seen below on my AR. Marshall at Primary Arms is also a great guy to deal with, great selection and responsive to email questions. He also closely monitors his Primary Arms subforum (Industry|Dealers) over at Primary Arms - AR15.COM

LWRC M6A2: Primary Arms M4 Style Red Dot - AR-15 accessories, rifle scopes, red dot sights, aimpoint rifle scopes, Bushnell, Primary Arms Deluxe 3X Magnifier and Primary Arms Quick Flip To Side Magnifier Mount; $228 for all 3 items.

M6A2_right.jpg


I'm about to replace the red dot/3X magnifier on my AR with a better suited (for me) riflescope:
Vortex Tactical - Viper PST 1-4x24 TMCQ MOA Reticle, though these are $499 and about $170 for a quality mount. Lots of info and user pics/feedback over at Vortex Optics - AR15.COM

Again, it's about your personal preferences and uses.
 
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I would like a scope good for target mostly and some small game huntin:D

For paper target shooting you'll want a magnified optic with cross hairs. A fixed 4x will work well for distances up to 50-75 yards or so, and the magnification won't be too much to give you a decent field of view to find those pesky squirrels. 3-9x is also a very popular choice. 1X red dots are for fast target acquisition, both eyes open unlimited field of view, or as an alternative for open sights that some older eyes just can't use anymore.

A lot of folks lecture about quality of optics, and I agree that you get what you pay for. For those of us that have spending limits, the trick is to get what is required for the task. If you need an optic for your 15-22 to stand up to severe abuse, inclement weather or to get the most out of low light conditions, then a dime store optic will not do. Otherwise, soda cans, paper and squirrels have no idea if they are being hit by a shooter using a Primary Arms or an EOTech... a Simmons or a Leupold... ;)
 
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