Smith & Wesson is an American company behind the M&P (Military and Police) range of firearms. It is a semi-automatic weapon introduced during the 2005 summer. This, however, does not mean that this weapon, built principally for law enforcement, is restricted to them. The M&P has become so popular that it is even a choice option amongst shooting sports enthusiasts.
It is from the Sigma and Wesson SW99 Smith &Wesson’s models that the hybrid M&P evolved; you can read more about that here. It should be noted that it does not have parts compatibility with the Sigma older model but comes with enhanced ergonomics which makes end-user customization possible. This model also comes with a better trigger. It is set apart from the Glock pistol’s popular model with its peculiar takedown method as well as the feel and weight that comes from its improved trigger.
Smith & Wesson came up with a variant of the .22LR model known as the M&P 15-22. This is a semi-automatic rifle. Its operation format is blowback rather than direct impingement. This model is actually designed for shooting sports and casual game hunting. The M&P 15-22 upper and lower receiver, and propriety box magazines, are made of polymer rather than aluminum alloy which is used for the AR-15 rifles.
About Scopes
Scopes, also known as telescopic sight, are sighting optical devices that function from the principle of a refracting telescope. They come with reticles that are referencing patterns mounted to provide accurate aim. These are mounted in a focally apposite position in the firearms optical system. Scopes come in handy and useful with various sorts of systems that demand accurate aim and at the same time magnification. When the optical component is brought together with optoelectronics, a digital smart scope known as night scope is formed.
Not all firearms, especially rifles, use magnification. Reflector sights, iron sights, laser sights and holographic sights are examples of non-magnifying telescopic sights. For centuries, all sorts of primitive optical predecessors and aiming aids were invented, but these had performance and practical limitations. The first such predecessors actually date to as early as the 17th century. An English amateur, in the 1630s, discovered that a spider’s web spurned inside the case of the telescope he was working on gave it focus.
Some parameters to consider in a telescopic sight would include:
- Magnification
- Objective lens diameter
- Field of view
- Exit pupil
- Eye relief
- Main tube
- Reticles
- Mil-dot reticles
- Focal plane of reticles
- Reticle illumination
Types of Scopes for M&P 15-22
Picking a scope for the M&P 15-22 does not come easy, because of the variables that one needs to consider. The reason for this difficulty is not farfetched as this is one of the world’s very protean rifles, as explained here: www.smith-wesson.com/firearms/mp-15-22-sport.
Fabricated as a mimicry of the .22 AR-15, it ended up being one of those instances where the duplication outdoes the original in sales. We may understand why this is so when we consider that it is accurate, cheap and very versatile. So, in picking a scope, you will come across several varieties which include some of those listed below.
- Bushnell AR/223 –quite a stunner and lighter than the majority of scopes in its class out there. It is a piece of all-weather equipment. It has a side-parallax focus and multicoated optics. Its reticle is bullet-drop compensating, which makes it able to effortlessly extend its reach through long distances of up to 500-600 meters. For a price of about $100, it is a good purchase.
- Nikon P-Rimfire –a great short-range to mid-range equipment. Its reticle, the BDC 150, is more suitable for shootings involving a short range or a medium range. It is a preferred choice of M&P 15-22 hunters of varmint or prairie dogs. It has a heavy and solid feel and coatings around its optics which protect it from the weather. At a 50 yards distance it is parallax-free, and equally has finger-adjustable elevation and windage turrets.
- Leupold 115370 –if you have a little extra to spend, go for this. It has a simple, sleek but durable design meant to last you a lifetime. It is a piece of extremely high quality equipment. One of its great features is its light weight because the lighter a gun is the easier to handle. Its reticle, the Duplex X-Hair, is uncluttered. It also comes with precise turrets.
In Conclusion
There are quite a number of other great scopes. In your search for the best m&p 15 scopes, always remember to factor in the weight of the equipment. This will be important if you are still an amateur handler. Another thing you must put into consideration is the reticle of the scope. Your choice is usually range-determined. Anything above 100 meters will often require a Mil-Dot reticle, shorter distances can make do with a duplex reticle.
Objective lenses are an important addition for some people, but for others, it is unnecessary weight. Your turret option should include audible click and tactile response. Finally, one great parameter to consider is cost as what you want from your scope will determine the price. A $40 piece of equipment will not give you what a $400 piece of equipment will give you. If your intent is not necessarily a professional outing, but a mere fun outing, the lower priced models will do the job.
