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Best Scope For M&P 15 Sport 2 – Be A Beginner With A Bang

The Smith and Wesson M&P Sport II is one of the more affordable options in the vast variety of AR-15 rifles out there. The price, the simple ammunition, and the room for upgrade makes it an ideal gun for new, enthusiastic shooters. Like majority of its AR-15 counterparts, the sporting rifle is chambered in .223 or 5.56.

Since the weapon doesn’t come with its own iron sights, it leaves space for you to choose from the unbelievable amount of optics and sighting devices on the market right now.

While choice is a wonderful thing, too much can prove tricky to navigate! Therefore to help out, we’ve scoured the marketplace looking at the best optics for a Smith & Wesson M&P 15 Sport 2.

Of course, the biggest question is whether you want a red dot site or a scope. We’ve covered both here. But if you don’t want to read the whole article then here’s the high level summary.

We reckon the best scope for Smith and Wesson M&P 15 Sport 2 is the Vortex Strike Eagle 1-6x24mm. While there are better LPVOs out there, this represents seriously good value for money and you’d be hard pressed to match the quality:price ratio.

As for the best red dot sight for Smith and Wesson M&P 15 Sport 2, again we recommend you look at Vortex. The Vortex Optics Strikefire II Red Dot Sight is also tremendous value for money. It does pretty much everything that an Aimpoint does but for half the price.

Want more options? Read on…!

Top 5 Best Scope for M&P 15 Sport 2

NameSpecsUSPToday's Price
Vortex Spitfire3x32Most user friendlyClick Here
Primary Arms SFP Gen III1-6x24Best reticle Click Here
Aimpoint Pro Patrol1x38 Best overall Click Here
Vortex Sparc AR II1x22Best at lowest priceClick Here
Bushnell TRS-251x25Best visuals Click Here

1. Vortex Spitfire 3x Prism Scope

best scope for m&p 15 sport 2

I don’t think Vortex needs an introduction anymore. US-made and veteran-owned, it is easily one of America’s favorite optics brands.

The Vortex Spitfire comes with fully multi-coated optics that provide astonishing clarity regardless of the time of day. The Dual Ring Tactical (DRT) reticle is simple yet highly effective. It comes with red or green illumination options that have 5 intensity levels to suit your comfort and background. The reticle is etched right onto the glass for extra durability and life. The visual experience on this scope compliments the M&P 15 really well.

This scope uses prism style engineering that allows for a more conveniently sized system while maintaining the quality of the visuals. The battery and illumination can last for multiple days. The windage and elevation turrets don’t leave any room for complaint. This device is parallax free.

This scope for AR-15 has a 3x magnification that works well with our sport 2 gun. It’s built with a single piece aluminum chassis, so you know it won’t disintegrate in a year. It’s also completely fog proof and waterproof for up to 1 meter. I really appreciate how it came with lens covers and a mount. The installation process on the M&P 15 22 is a breeze. Lastly, of course, we all love a Vortex warranty.

However, I feel like the eye relief could have been better.

Pros

  • Clarity
  • Illuminated DRT reticle
  • Illumination colors and intensity levels
  • Good battery life
  • Great turrets
  • Parallax free
  • Durable
  • Installation
  • Warranty

Cons

  • Eye relief

What’s The verdict?

The Vortex Spitfire 3x Prism Scope is user friendly and compact. It’s clear and accurate, and I love a rifle scope with a warranty.


2. Primary Arms 1-6x24mm SFP Gen III Illuminated Riflescope

Primary Arms 1-6x24mm SFP Gen III Illuminated Riflescope

Primary Arms is a renowned optics brand that takes pride in the sheer precision of its devices.

I feel like we should discuss the patented Advanced Combined Sighting System (ACSS) reticle first. It provides bullet drop compensation while also estimating wind, leads, and range effortlessly. When mounted on your M&P 15, your shots will take significantly less time and be much more precise. It’s a high-quality reticle that is being referred to by the biggest brands as well. The fast-focus eyepiece is a nice bonus to this scope.

The reticle is only illuminated partially, but I find this to be convenient and not too overpowering. There are 11 illumination settings to allow you to adjust for yourself. Your vision will remain crisp and reliable, even at the highest magnification setting.

The capped windage and elevation turrets can be adjusted without any tools. They’re quite user friendly and accurate, and the adjustments for the zoom are also smooth. I find that this scope can hold zero through a considerable amount of external factors. I have no complaints with the eye relief.

The scope has a compact aluminum body that ensures tough performance without exhausting your arm. The nitrogen purging ensures that your lens will never fog up from the inside. It comes with lens covers and is also backed by a warranty.

You might notice that the edges develop a minute fishbowl effect sometimes. However, it doesn’t affect your performance at all.

Pros

  • Superb reticle
  • 11 brightness settings
  • Consistently clear vision
  • Good and tactical adjustments
  • Can hold zero
  • Eye relief
  • Durable
  • Warranty

Cons

  • Minute fishbowl effect

What’s The verdict?

The Primary Arms 1-6x24mm Gen III Illuminated Riflescope has one of the best reticles I’ve seen in a while. It’s super easy to use and will definitely not fail you.


3. Aimpoint Pro Patrol Rifle Optic Red Dot Riflescope

Aimpoint Pro Patrol Rifle Optic Red Dot Riflescope

AimPoint is a brand that even the military uses. It’s an old and experienced player in this field that supplies incredibly well-constructed products.

This Aimpoint rifle scope has a 38mm objective that provides a bright picture and wide field of view. The glass is coated multiple times with a special anti-reflective coating to minimize glare. Hence, the quality of images that you get with this AR scope are top-notch. The 2 MOA dot reticle is quite accurate and has a red illumination.

This M&P 15 scope is designed so efficiently that the battery can be turned on and last for up to 3 years. I find that it is quite easy to zero in and that the capped adjustments are audibly precise. I could acquire my target in no time. I love how you can shoot easily with both eyes open, and I can attest that it holds zero through about anything.

The scope is not only feature-packed but also durable. It is waterproof for up to 150 feet and can operate in any weather condition. It’s a lightweight device with an aluminum body that’s compact yet strong. Mounting the scope onto your M&P 15 22 is so easy that even a 12 year old could do it.

However, for a sight with a fixed magnification, I find this device to be slightly expensive.

Pros

  • Wide field of view
  • High-quality images
  • Illuminated reticle
  • Excellent battery
  • Quick and easy target acquisition
  • Both eyes open shooting
  • Holds zero
  • Rough and tough
  • Easy installation

Cons

  • Price

What’s The verdict?

The Aimpoint Pro Patrol Red Dot Riflescope is a stunning scope and an excellent investment. I could find no faults in this device. It will boost your performance for years on end.


4. Vortex Sparc AR II 1x 2 MOA Red Dot Sight

Vortex Sparc AR II 1x 2 MOA Red Dot Sight

Here’s another Vortex beast.

Since it’s a Vortex, the glass is obviously fully multi-coated to give you only the best imagery. I like the illuminated 2 MOA dot reticle that comes with 12 brightness settings to let you adjust with respect to your environment.

Another thing I love is both eyes open shooting thanks to unlimited eye relief. This device is absolutely free of parallax. It uses AAA batteries that are easily available, cheap, and long-lasting. It’s quite easy to sight in, and the zero can be held and repeated.

This is one of the lightest scopes on this list at only 7.5 oz. It’s absolute shock and water resistant. The device is nitrogen purged for fog proofing. The installation process is simple, quick, and foolproof. I would also like to remark that the accessories included are of great quality. To top it off, the price is amazing.

The auto-off feature is great, but I wish it could switch on automatically as well. This is hardly even a downside, though.

Pros

  • Great visuals
  • Reticle with adjustable brightness
  • Unlimited eye relief
  • Free of parallax
  • AAA batteries
  • Easy and repeatable zero
  • Lightweight
  • Durable
  • Easy breezy installation
  • Price

Cons

  • We have auto-on but no auto-off

What’s The verdict?

The Vortex Sparc AR II 1x 2 MOA Dot Sight is a device that you absolutely cannot go wrong with, especially at the price. I love the visuals, the battery, and the speed of acquisition with this one.


5. Bushnell TRS-25 Trophy Series Red Dot Sight – 1×25

Bushnell TRS-25 Trophy Series Red Dot Sight - 1x25

Bushnell is a trustworthy American firm known for its reliable and affordable optics.

This M&P 15 scope provides brilliant visuals because it’s coated multiple times with a proprietary Amber-Bright coating that provides supreme contrast and color differentiation. It comes with a 3 MOA dot reticle which is slightly different from the 2 MOA dot reticle on the previous scopes, but still very accurate for quick target acquisition. The 11 brightness settings allow you to shoot whenever and wherever you want.

Once again, unlimited eye relief means being able to shoot with both eyes open. The tactical knobs can be adjusted quickly and precisely by using just your fingers. The scope is incredibly easy to zero, and it holds this zero well too. The battery life is more than decent.

The weight of this scope is unbelievable – only 3oz! It’s also quite compact and easy to handle, along with your M&P 15 rifle. It can take a good beating from mother nature. I also found that it was fast and easy to mount.

If you happen to take this scope out on an unusually bright day, the dot on the reticle might become hard to spot.

Pros

  • Special lens coating for high contrast images
  • Illumination settings
  • Quick acquiring of targets
  • Shooting with both eyes open
  • Excellent adjustments
  • Good battery life
  • Extra light
  • Strong

Cons

  • Dot hard to spot in bright conditions

What’s The verdict?

The Bushnell TRS-25 Trophy Series Dot Sight is extremely lightweight and portable while still being efficient. It’s a small, affordable, and accurate companion for your next shooting spree.


FAQ

Should I use a scope or a red dot sight?

Both of these devices have their own advantages. However, the ultimate decision should come down to your usage of the AR-15 rifle. If you’re going to be using the weapon for target shooting or hunting in the >100 yard range, a scope with higher or variable magnification is better, even though red dot sights can apply.

If you’re using the weapon for pest control, protection, or other close combat purposes, then red dot sights would serve you better due to things like unlimited eye relief and ease of use. The two can be used interchangeably if you’re comfortable enough, but just pay attention to the magnification in that case. We’ll discuss this in a minute.

Is the M&P Sport 2 a mil-spec?

Yes. This AR-15 sporting weapon is constructed completely according to military specifications. The stock tube has a military as well as civilian version. However, you won’t have a problem with either.

What magnification is optimum?

The usual range of an M&P 15 22 rifle sits at 150-200 yards, tops. You don’t need to invest in anything with more than a humble 9x magnification. Going long range with this weapon would require extreme calculation and shooting practically into the sky. If you’re target shooting or hunting deer/similar prey, you can go up to 9x. Meanwhile, turkey hunting can be done with a low fixed magnification as well.

What else do I need to look out for in the best M&P 15 scope?

You don’t need more than a 32mm objective lens for the range of your rifle. If you want to hunt at twilight, go slightly bigger. Don’t go too big, or it might get unnecessarily heavy.

That brings me to the second pointer- the overall weight. You don’t want a weighty rifle scope, especially when you’re out in the jungle. Thirdly, make sure that your reticle is big and clear since you will be shooting close range. Lastly, look at the durability and ease of installation.

Conclusion

The M&P 15 can provide a terrific experience when paired with one of the custom chosen sighting devices from this list. It might not be a long-range rifle, but a scope can definitely enhance your performance. It is especially important for beginners and entry-level shooters to explore the full potential of their new sporting rifle with appropriate scope.

We’ve provided all kinds of options here, and hopefully, you’ve found your partner in one of them. Go make a terrific purchase and be sure to come back for more!