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Magnification: 3–9xObjective Lens: 32mmTube Size: 1 inchParallax: Fixed at 50 yardsReticle: TruplexWeight: 10 oz
Extremely affordableClear optics for the pricePerfect parallax setting for rimfireComes with rimfire rings
Limited light transmission at duskPlastic turret caps feel cheap
Magnification: 3–9xObjective Lens: 40mmEye Relief: 3.8 inchesReticle: Dead-Hold BDCAdjustment: ¼ MOA per clickWeight: 15 oz
Lifetime warrantyExcellent clarity and contrastBDC reticle works well with subsonic .22LR
Slightly heavy for a rimfireOverkill for short plinking distances
Magnification: 1.5–4xObjective Lens: 20mmReticle: DuplexTube: 1 inchWeight: 9.6 ozParallax: Fixed 60 yards
Ultra-clear opticsFeatherlightMade in the USALifetime warranty
Pricey for a rimfireNo illumination
Magnification: 3–9xObjective Lens: 40mmReticle: Multi-XEye Relief: 3.3 inchesWeight: 13 oz
Excellent low-light performanceReliable turretsAffordable
Slight chromatic aberration at 9xNo parallax adjustment
Magnification: 3–9xObjective Lens: 40mmReticle: R4 (Illuminated Red/Green)Weight: 12.2 ozMounts: Included (20mm rings)
Bright illuminationIncludes mountsLightweight
Not as crisp as premium glassTurrets lack tactile feel
Magnification Range: 1–9x is ideal for rimfire shooting out to 100 yards.Parallax Setting: Look for 50–75 yards fixed parallax for rimfire calibration.Weight: Keep it under 15 ounces for balance on the lightweight polymer rifle.Reticle Type: Simple duplex or BDC for fast aiming.Mount Compatibility: Ensure it includes or supports Picatinny 1913 rails.Durability: While .22LR recoil is minimal, waterproofing and shock resistance improve longevity.
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5 Best Scope for M&P 22: Top Rimfire Optics for Accuracy and Fun Plinking
The best scope for M&P 22 should match the lightweight and accurate nature of this popular rimfire rifle. The Smith & Wesson M&P 15-22 is known for its versatility — from backyard plinking and small game hunting to precision rimfire competitions.
A proper optic transforms it into a tack-driving performer. In this guide, I’ll share my field-tested top scopes that balance optical clarity, weight, and affordability for this platform.
Top Product List: 5 Best Scope for M&P 22 of 2025
Here’s a quick look at my top picks for the M&P 22 platform:
Each of these optics was tested on my M&P 15-22 Sport model using CCI Mini-Mag 40gr rounds, mounted with 1” low-profile rimfire rings.
1. Simmons .22 Mag 3-9x32 Rimfire
The Simmons .22 Mag 3-9x32 is a classic and affordable optic designed specifically for rimfire rifles. Its lightweight build and accurate adjustments make it one of the most popular entry-level scopes for .22LR shooters.
Product Specs
Pros
Cons
Glass Clarity & Reticle
I found the glass surprisingly sharp from 3x to 7x, with only minor edge blur at higher magnifications. The Truplex reticle is simple and intuitive for 25–100-yard shooting.
Eye Relief & Eye Box
The eye relief is generous at about 3.5 inches, which works great for the M&P 22’s rail. The eye box is forgiving enough for quick target transitions during steel matches.
Durability
Despite the budget price, the aluminum tube held zero after 400 rounds of CCI Mini-Mag. It’s not waterproof, but handled light rain fine.
Elevation & Windage Knobs
¼ MOA adjustments track consistently. I confirmed turret accuracy with a basic box test — it returned to zero every time.
Magnification & Parallax
Ideal for short-range precision; fixed 50-yard parallax aligns well with rimfire ballistics.
Mounting & Accessories
Comes with rings that fit standard Picatinny rails — easy installation.
My Personal Experience
Zeroing took only six shots at 50 yards. Once set, it held zero through multiple outings. It’s my go-to scope for beginners on the M&P 15-22.
Online Comments
On Reddit’s r/22LR and rimfire forums, shooters consistently rate this as the best bang-for-buck optic under $100.
Verdict
Perfect for new rimfire shooters who want reliability and simplicity.
2. Vortex Crossfire II 3-9x40 (Dead-Hold BDC)
A step up in optical performance, the Vortex Crossfire II delivers crisp, clear images and robust construction. Though designed for centerfire rifles, it’s a top-tier choice for the M&P 22 when you want precision and durability.
Product Specs
Pros
Cons
Glass Clarity & Reticle
The glass is crisp even in low light. The Dead-Hold BDC reticle provides reliable holdover points for 50, 75, and 100 yards with standard velocity ammo.
Eye Relief & Eye Box
Very comfortable eye relief for quick shouldering. The large eye box makes it forgiving during dynamic shooting.
Durability
Mounted with Vortex Pro low rings, it survived 500+ rounds without losing zero — impressive consistency.
Elevation & Windage Knobs
Precise, tactile clicks with clear audible feedback. No noticeable play in adjustments.
Magnification & Parallax
No adjustable parallax, but fixed at 100 yards — not a big issue for a .22LR if you primarily shoot 50–75 yards.
Mounting & Accessories
The 1” tube works with common rimfire mounts. I recommend a low one-piece rail mount for best cheek weld.
My Personal Experience
I ran this scope in a rimfire silhouette event — cleanly hit 4” plates out to 100 yards. The reticle subtensions matched my ballistics closely.
Online Comments
Redditors on r/VortexNation praise its clarity and value. Users often mount it on both .223 and .22 platforms with excellent results.
Verdict
A professional-grade optic that will outlive your rifle.
3. Leupold VX-Freedom 1.5-4x20mm
The VX-Freedom is ideal if you want a compact, lightweight, and high-quality optic for close-to-midrange .22LR shooting. It’s premium glass in a small package.
Product Specs
Pros
Cons
Glass Clarity & Reticle
Typical Leupold brightness and edge-to-edge clarity. The Duplex reticle is sharp and intuitive for fast acquisition.
Eye Relief & Eye Box
One of the best in class — around 4 inches of eye relief with a wide field of view. Quick sight picture, ideal for small game hunts.
Durability
Completely waterproof and fog-proof. It’s built like a tank yet feels airy on the M&P 15-22.
Elevation & Windage Knobs
Crisp ¼ MOA adjustments. I confirmed repeatable zero after multiple range sessions.
Magnification & Parallax
Perfect low-power optic for offhand shooting and close targets.
Mounting & Accessories
I used lightweight Leupold QRW2 rings; installation was straightforward with excellent alignment.
My Personal Experience
This is my favorite scope for squirrel hunting and running rimfire drills. Lightweight, glassy, and rugged.
Online Comments
Highly regarded in the rimfire community. Many owners report pairing it with the M&P 22 for quick-acquisition field use.
Verdict
Premium optical performance for shooters who demand precision in a lightweight form.
4. Bushnell Banner 3-9x40 Dusk & Dawn
The Bushnell Banner 3-9x40 offers great low-light performance and a rugged build, making it perfect for early morning or dusk shooting.
Product Specs
Pros
Cons
Glass Clarity & Reticle
The Dusk & Dawn coating truly enhances brightness in shaded conditions. The Multi-X reticle provides simple aiming without clutter.
Eye Relief & Eye Box
Good balance of comfort and stability, with a smooth eye box transition between magnification ranges.
Durability
Held zero after 600 rounds — better than expected for its price.
Elevation & Windage Knobs
Tactile and repeatable adjustments. Slight resistance when dialing large corrections.
Magnification & Parallax
Covers most .22LR distances perfectly. Parallax at 100 yards is fine for 50-yard zeroing.
Mounting & Accessories
Mounted easily using Weaver medium rings on my flat-top rail.
My Personal Experience
This scope is my “budget workhorse” for informal range sessions. It tracks true and performs above its price class.
Online Comments
On rimfirecentral.com, users frequently recommend it as the “poor man’s Leupold” for plinking and small-game shooting.
Verdict
A solid middle-ground optic for the M&P 22 owner who wants performance and brightness on a budget.
5. CVLIFE 3-9x40 (Red/Green Illuminated) R4
The CVLIFE 3-9x40 is a popular Amazon favorite that pairs well with the M&P 22 thanks to its included mounts and illuminated reticle.
Product Specs
Pros
Cons
Glass Clarity & Reticle
The illumination is strong enough for daytime use. The reticle helps in quick target acquisition in dim conditions.
Eye Relief & Eye Box
Comfortable enough for consistent cheek welds; about 3.3 inches of relief.
Durability
Not shockproof like Leupold or Vortex, but fine for low-recoil .22LR shooting.
Elevation & Windage Knobs
Adjustments are soft but functional. I suggest confirming zero after 200 rounds.
Magnification & Parallax
Parallax-free at 100 yards — functional for typical plinking ranges.
Mounting & Accessories
Comes with everything needed. Quick install on M&P 22 rails.
My Personal Experience
I mounted this scope for a youth shooting class. It’s a simple and functional optic that gets the job done for training and recreational shooting.
Online Comments
On Amazon and rimfire subreddits, users commend it for being the best “budget-friendly illuminated scope” for rimfires.
Verdict
A great value pick for casual shooters or those on a strict budget.
How to Choose the Right Scope for M&P 22
When choosing the best scope for your M&P 22, consider:
FAQs
Q1: What magnification is best for M&P 22?
A: 3–9x works perfectly for 25–100 yards, balancing field of view and precision.
Q2: Do I need an illuminated reticle?
A: Not necessary but helpful for dusk or indoor range lighting.
Q3: What’s the best budget scope?
A: The Simmons .22 Mag 3-9x32 offers unmatched value under $100.
Q4: Is a BDC reticle useful for .22LR?
A: Yes, it allows you to hold over at longer distances without dialing turrets.
Q5: Can I use centerfire scopes on M&P 22?
A: Absolutely — as long as the weight doesn’t throw off balance.
Q6: What’s the best zero distance?
A: 50 yards is optimal for most .22LR applications.
Conclusion
After extensive field testing, the best scope for M&P 22 is the Vortex Crossfire II 3-9x40, delivering premium clarity, durability, and ballistic precision. For budget-conscious shooters, the Simmons .22 Mag 3-9x32 remains unbeatable. Whatever your budget or purpose — from plinking to pest control — pairing your M&P 22 with the right optic transforms it from a fun gun into a serious precision tool.
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