MP 15-22 optic

[Caribouriver]

While it's in jail, I hope to pick up an optic. What do you recommend in the $75-$150 range. A fixed 3X Nikon 8496 is $150 where a fixed 4X NcStar is $65. Is variable power important for a .22 at 100 yds? NcStar 3-9x42 with 3 reticles is also $150. What is good value? I am sure this question has been asked before and I searched this forum but came up with nothing conclusive. I appreciate your help.

[Intimid8tor]

I wouldn't scope it for 100 yards. I use a cheap red dot, probably a primary arms red dot if I had to guess. It's just a fun gun and since I have an aimpoint on my regular rifle, having a red dot makes sense.

I wouldnt buy anything from ncstar, but that is me.

[Caribouriver]

Roger that Intimid8tor. I have a red dot on a .223/5.56 and it is fantastic for rapid target acquisition. But having a 4MOA dot, it more than covers clay pigeons at 100 yds and almost covers the 5.5" bull on my Caldwell targets. I find the red dot fun and fast but not particularly precise. For the .22, I wanted something a tad more precise without going to a scope that was 12" or more long. Is Leaper, BSA or Simmons significantly better than NcStar at that price break?

[sholling]

I wouldn't put an NcStar on a slingshot. I prefer to buy a scope that's going to last a lifetime and for that rifle the two that I'd look at are the Weaver Classic 4x28 Rimfire or a V3 1-3x20.

[Peter.Steele]

Saw a Nikon 2-7 at Walmart the other day for $139 ...

[Caribouriver]

Thanks. No NcStar for sure. Question: Seeing as how the MP 15-22 is a "tactical" rifle, doesn't a scope that is 12" long look inappropriately big? Wouldn't a scope that is about 8" long be proportionally more in keeping with the design of the rifle?

[glock 357]

Does this have a detachable carry handle or is fixed? Also consider how your cheek would rest with a scope + mount + ring height. A cheap red dot would be ideal for both indoor and outdoor. Doesn't have to be fancy should hold a decent zero with a 22lr.

[sholling]

Thanks. No NcStar for sure. Question: Seeing as how the MP 15-22 is a "tactical" rifle, doesn't a scope that is 12" long look inappropriately big? Wouldn't a scope that is about 8" long be proportionally more in keeping with the design of the rifle?

The 11.3" long 1-4x24 Burris Tactical Xtreme that I have on my 6.8SPC looks a bit big but mainly because of the thickness of the 30mm scope and the LaRue mount. A slimmer-trimmer scope like a 10.3" long Weaver 4x28 would look good and 9" long Weaver V3 would look really good. The bonus of the V3 is its a centerfire scope and can be moved to 5.56 when you're ready. A quick-detach PEPR mount would be a nice addition. My only concern is the rear sight on my AR15-22 isn't foldable and that's another $50-100 for a folding rear sight.

[joker70]

I have a NC star 4x32 on my 22lr AR. The scope came with my other rifle but it's more fun and cheap to make soda cans dance at 100yds. If that is the most you'll be needing it for, then I don't think you can go wrong with a 4x32.

I like how it looks on my AR as well. I think long scopes and scope rings look more appropriate for bolt action or sporting rifles.

[Caribouriver]

Thanks for the pictures and links Sholling.

[glock 357]

The 11.3" long 1-4x24 Burris Tactical Xtreme

That's a damn nice 22. I thought all the 22 ar styles had a handguard. That's pretty nice I can see why you'd go with a scope.

[Gatotsu77]

@ glock 357 - I believe he said that is an AR chambered in 6.8 SPC. Nice weapon either way though..

[Caribouriver]

The rifle is a M&P 15/22 MOE with flip up front and rear sights. Keeping the optic tab to $100 or less, I have narrowed it down to:
Nikon Prostaff Nikoplex 4x32, 12" long, $100
Leapers UTG 3-9x32 CGB bugbuster, 8" long, $80
NcStar, 4x32 STM432G sniper, 8" long, $86

Here's another question though: What about the existing MBUS flip up sights? Are they usable with an optic? Do I need a high mounts for the optic (1")? On a red dot, the MBUS flip up sights co- witness like a glowing red golfball on a tee. Can I do something similar with a 4x32 optic? Do I need special rings? Thanks everyone. Calguns has saved me a lot of time, money and aggravation when I venture into new gun territory - like now: optics!

[calif 15-22]

This is what I have now on my 15-22. Nikon P-22. Great quality and fairly reasonable.

http://www.opticsplanet.net/nikon-p-22-2-7x32mm-rifle-scope.html

[wjc]

I picked up a Leupold VX-II Rimfire EFR 3-9X33mm scope with Adjustable Objective for mine. (I'm ambitious!)

I've got it at the Leupold Custom shop right now having the M1 dials installed.

varmints beware!