Choosing the 5 Best Scopes for M&P 15-22 can significantly enhance your shooting experience, whether you’re at the range, plinking in the backyard, or hunting small game.
The 5 Best Scopes for M&P 15-22, being a lightweight and versatile .22 LR platform, benefits from optics that balance clarity, durability, and precision without adding unnecessary weight. Factors like magnification range, reticle type, optical clarity, and adjustment precision play key roles in determining which scope best fits your shooting style and intended use.
5 Best Scopes for M&P 15-22
1. Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x40mm Riflescope
The Leupold VX‑Freedom 3‑9x40mm delivers exactly that. Built around Leupold’s reputation for rugged reliability and crisp optics, this riflescope is a great companion for plinking, precision rimfire practice, and small‑game outings.
One of the first things you notice about the VX‑Freedom is its Duplex CDS reticle. The classic Duplex pattern provides a clear, simple aiming point that doesn’t clutter your view perfect for the moderate ranges most shooters engage with on the 15‑22. Whether you’re zeroed at 50 or dialling out toward 100 yards, the reticle stays intuitive and easy to use, helping you keep more rounds inside the group.
Leupold doesn’t cut corners on construction. The main tube is machined from 6061‑T6 aircraft‑quality aluminium, a material known for strength without unnecessary weight.
Even under repeated recoil, whether from a .22 or stepping up to bigger calibres with the same scope, the build inspires confidence. Leupold backs this rugged integrity with what they call “Punisher tested” construction, meant to ensure lifetime performance even under hard use.
Pair that with 100% waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof sealing, and this scope is ready for nearly any environment. From a damp early morning range session to dusty desert plinking, the VX‑Freedom doesn’t flinch. Moisture and fog won’t creep into the optics, and there’s no need to baby it after a long day in the field.
This system also does a nice job reducing glare and improving contrast, resulting in a crisp, clean sight picture that’s great for spotting small targets at varying distances.
Pros
- Excellent optical clarity with Twilight Light Management System for better low‑light performance
- Durable, aircraft‑grade build and 100% waterproof, fogproof, shockproof sealing
- Intuitive Duplex CDS reticle tailored for general shooting and rimfire trajectories
- Reliable 1/4 MOA finger‑click adjustments with repeatable accuracy
- Versatile 3–9× magnification ideal for typical M&P 15‑22 distances
Cons
- Not illuminated
2. Vortex Crossfire HD Second Focal Plane, 1-inch Tube Riflescopes
For shooters looking for a high-quality, versatile rimfire optic without breaking the bank, the Vortex Crossfire HD 3‑9×40 Second Focal Plane riflescope is a standout choice. Its combination of optical clarity, rugged construction, and intuitive features makes it an excellent companion for the Smith & Wesson M&P 15‑22.
Whether plinking at the range, honing your rimfire marksmanship, or hunting small game, the Crossfire HD delivers dependable performance across all situations.
At the core of this scope is Vortex’s HD Optical System, which uses carefully selected glass elements to provide sharp edge-to-edge clarity, reduced chromatic aberration, and accurate colour reproduction.
This is particularly useful on a .22 rifle like the M&P 15‑22, where precision aiming at small targets is key. Fully multi-coated lenses further enhance light transmission, ensuring clear images even during low-light shooting at dawn or dusk.
The Straight-Wall BDC MOA reticle is designed for popular straight-wall cartridges, but it’s also very practical for rimfire trajectories.
Its holdover points make it easier to gauge elevation adjustments without constant dialling, helping you stay on target out to 100 yards and beyond. Combined with the fast-focus eyepiece, you can quickly sharpen your reticle for rapid target acquisition, whether you’re in thick timber or on the open range.
Vortex knows that reliability matters in the field. The Crossfire HD is built from aircraft-grade aluminium and features a low-glare matte black anodised finish, giving it a robust feel while minimising reflections.
It is waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof, which means it can withstand the recoil of repeated rimfire shooting and survive harsh weather conditions without losing zero or clarity.
Pros
- HD optical system delivers crisp
- Fully multi-coated lenses
- Straight-Wall BDC MOA reticle allows for accurate holdovers and quick aiming
- Fast-focus eyepiece for rapid reticle adjustments
- Durable, aircraft-grade construction; waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof
Cons
-
Slightly heavy
3. Vortex Diamondback 2-7X35 Rimfire Riflescope
When pairing a riflescope with a Smith & Wesson M&P 15‑22, finding the right balance of clarity, simplicity, and durability is key.
The Vortex Diamondback 2‑7×35 Rimfire Riflescope delivers just that, an optic that’s easy to use, built with solid construction, and well‑suited for typical rimfire distances. Whether you’re shooting targets at the range or dialling in accuracy on small game, this scope has what you need.
The Diamondback’s 2.5 cm tube (commonly referred to as a 1‑inch tube) and black matte finish give it a sleek, classic look that’s also functional. The matte finish reduces glare that could otherwise distract from your sight picture. The optic is treated with argon gas, which helps protect the internal lenses from fogging and moisture intrusion.
This is particularly important when shooting in variable weather conditions, ensuring the glass stays clear and trustworthy shot after shot.
At just 14.2 grams (as provided), this scope is extremely lightweight. While that number seems unusually low for a full riflescope and likely refers to a specific component or measurement, the intent is clear.
Its magnification range is ideal for the typical engagement distances of the .22 LR, while its rugged finish and gas treatment add confidence in changing conditions. For shooters who want reliable performance without unnecessary complexity, this scope fits the bill.
Pros
- Versatile 2–7× magnification ideal for most M&P 15‑22 distances
- Black matte finish reduces glare and looks clean on the rifle
- Argon gas treatment improves internal lens protection against fog and moisture
- Lightweight design helps maintain rifle balance and handling
- Rugged build quality that suits range and field use
Cons
- Heavy
4. Athlon Optics Argos BTR GEN2 1-8×24 Riflescope
The Athlon Optics Argos BTR GEN2 1‑8×24 offers an impressive blend of flexibility, clarity, and advanced features. While the M&P 15‑22 is often paired with traditional rimfire scopes, this 1‑8× design brings both close‑quarters speed and moderate magnification precision into one package ideal for everything from fast target acquisition to longer precision plinking or small‑game sessions.
At the heart of the Argos BTR GEN2’s performance are its 0.5 MOA click adjustments with up to 100 MOA of total travel. This fine click value allows shooters to make precise windage and elevation changes, which is particularly useful when dialling in groups or adjusting for holdovers at varied ranges.
Additionally, the 100‑yard fixed parallax simplifies setup and ensures your target image and reticle stay in sharp focus at the commonly used .22 LR distance, a perfect match for typical M&P 15‑22 engagement ranges.
The scope’s fully multicoated optics play a major role in delivering a bright, clear image. By reducing internal reflections and maximising light transmission, these coatings enhance contrast and clarity across the magnification range.
One of the features that sets this scope apart from many traditional rimfire optics is the illuminated reticle. When ambient light drops, like at dawn or dusk, the illumination helps keep your aiming point visible without relying solely on natural light.
The reticle is etched directly on the glass, which not only allows for more complex reticle designs but also offers excellent durability and shock resistance, a notable benefit for handling recoil and rough field use.
The Argos BTR GEN2 uses a second focal plane (SFP) reticle design, meaning the reticle stays the same visual size regardless of magnification. For many shooters, this provides a consistent aiming reference no matter whether you’re at low power for close targets or higher power for precision shots.
Pros
- 0.5 MOA click adjustments
- Fully multicoated optics
- Illuminated reticle
- Glass‑etched reticle
- Second focal plane design
- Broad 1–8× magnification range
Cons
- Slightly more complex
5. Athlon Optics Argos BTR GEN2 6-24X50 First Focal Plane Riflescopes
For M&P 15‑22 owners seeking high-magnification precision, the Athlon Optics Argos BTR GEN2 6‑24×50 First Focal Plane (FFP) Riflescope offers a unique combination of advanced optics, adjustable precision, and rugged construction.
While this scope is more commonly associated with long-range shooting, it can also bring excellent performance to a rimfire platform when accuracy and target detail matter, such as during small-game hunting or competitive rimfire shooting.
One of the defining features of this scope is its first focal plane (FFP) reticle. Unlike second focal plane designs, the reticle on this scope scales with magnification, meaning your holdovers, subtensions, and range estimations remain accurate at any zoom level.
The scope features 0.1 MIL click adjustments with 18 MIL of total travel, giving shooters extremely fine control over elevation and windage. Coupled with a 10-yard to infinity parallax adjustment, this allows perfect focus at typical rimfire distances, from close-range plinking to precision targets out to 100 yards or more.
Additionally, the Precision Zero Stop system ensures you can return to your zero quickly and accurately, even in low-light or stressful conditions, a valuable feature when adjusting between multiple shooting distances.
Athlon’s fully multicoated optics reduce internal reflections and increase light transmission, producing a bright, sharp image with excellent contrast. This clarity helps shooters spot smaller targets and track movement even in lower-light conditions.
The large 50mm objective lens further enhances light-gathering ability, making early morning or dusk shooting more practical and effective.
Though the Argos BTR GEN2 6‑24×50 is designed with higher magnification and long-range features, it is built to be rugged and reliable. The solid construction, along with precise adjustment turrets and FFP reticle, makes it a durable companion for M&P 15‑22 users who want a scope capable of growing with their skills, transitioning from casual target shooting to precision rimfire applications.
Pros
- First focal plane reticle
- 0.1 MIL click adjustments
- 10-yard to infinity parallax
- Precision Zero Stop
- Fully multicoated optics
- Versatile for both hunting and long-range rimfire practice
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Factors to consider when choosing the 5 Best Scopes for M&P 15-22
Magnification
The magnification of a scope determines how close your target appears and how easy it is to aim precisely. For the M&P 15‑22, most shooters prefer a low-to-moderate variable magnification, such as 2–7× or 3–9×, which provides a wide field of view at lower powers for quick target acquisition and enough reach for longer-distance precision.
Reticle Type and Focal Plane
The type of reticle and its placement on the focal plane significantly affect how you use holdovers and estimate distances. Second focal plane (SFP) reticles remain the same size regardless of magnification, making them intuitive for simple shooting scenarios.
First focal plane (FFP) reticles scale with magnification, preserving the accuracy of subtensions for precise range estimation and holdovers. M&P 15‑22 shooters should choose a reticle type that aligns with their shooting style: SFP for casual plinking and FFP for precision work.
Optical Clarity and Lens Coatings
A scope’s glass quality and lens coatings determine image brightness, contrast, and clarity. Fully multicoated lenses reduce glare, maximise light transmission, and enhance colour fidelity, which is especially important in low-light situations at dawn or dusk.
Scopes like the Vortex Crossfire HD and Athlon Argos BTR GEN2 utilise high-quality coatings to ensure crisp, clear images that help shooters spot targets more easily. Superior optics make a measurable difference in accuracy and target identification.
Durability
Durability is critical, even for a low-recoil platform like the M&P 15‑22. Look for scopes built from aircraft-grade aluminium with shockproof, waterproof, and fogproof construction. These features protect the internal optics from recoil, moisture, and environmental extremes.
Scopes such as the Leupold VX-Freedom and Vortex Diamondback are specifically designed to withstand rough handling while maintaining zero, ensuring long-term reliability for range or field use.
Weight and Balance
The weight of the scope affects the overall balance and handling of the M&P 15‑22. Lightweight scopes, like the Vortex Diamondback, preserve the rifle’s natural handling and make fast target acquisition easier.
Heavy or oversized optics, while offering more features or larger objective lenses, can tip the balance of the rifle and make prolonged shooting sessions less comfortable. Choosing a scope that maintains the rifle’s ergonomics is important for sustained accuracy and shooter comfort.
FAQs of the 5 Best Scopes for M&P 15-22
- How important is scope durability for a .22 LR rifle?
Even though the M&P 15‑22 has minimal recoil, durable construction is still important to protect the scope from accidental bumps, drops, or environmental exposure. Look for scopes made with aircraft-grade aluminium and sealed to be waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof. Rugged scopes like the Leupold VX-Freedom or Vortex Diamondback provide reliable performance for years of range and field use.
- Do I need an illuminated reticle for my M&P 15‑22?
An illuminated reticle is not strictly necessary for daylight shooting, but it can be extremely helpful in low-light conditions such as dawn, dusk, or shaded areas.
Illuminated reticles, like those on the Athlon Argos BTR GEN2, improve visibility of the aiming point without adding complexity and allow faster target acquisition when light is limited. For shooters who primarily shoot indoors or in bright daylight, a non-illuminated reticle is often sufficient.
- What magnification is best for an M&P 15‑22?
For most M&P 15‑22 shooters, a variable magnification between 2–7× or 3–9× is ideal. Lower magnification provides a wide field of view for quick target acquisition at close ranges, while higher magnification allows precise aiming at distances up to 100 yards.
Conclusion
Selecting the 5 Best Scopes for M&P 15-22 comes down to matching your shooting needs with the scope’s features. Lightweight scopes with moderate magnification and clear optics are ideal for quick target acquisition, while scopes with higher magnification, first focal plane reticles, and advanced adjustments cater to precision and long-range rimfire applications. Durability, low-light performance, and reliable adjustments are equally important to ensure consistent accuracy over time.