Popular among both police forces and enthusiasts, the Smith & Wesson M&P 15 Sport 2 is an upgraded version of the original M&P rifle. Its reliability and modern design make it one of the most popular semi-automatic rifles on the market today.
A good rifle needs a good scope to go along with it, and in this article, I am going to show you some of the best scopes for the S&W M&P 15 Sport 2. After testing dozens of scopes, I determined that Vortex Optics Strikefire II Red Dot Sight is the best on the market.
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Our Pick
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Great Choice
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Solid Selection
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Pros:
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- Red or Green Dot
- 10 Brightness Settings
- Lightweight
- Red Dot
- 10 Brightness Settings
- Unlimited Eye Relief
- Best Bang for Buck
- 11 Brightness Settings
- Great Starter Sight
Table of Contents
Best Scopes for M&P 15 Sport 2 Review
After completing our extensive testing, here are the best M&P 15 Sport 2 scopes.
- Vortex Optics Strikefire II Red Dot Sight
- Vortex Optics Sparc II Red Dot Sight
- Bushnell Optics TRS-25
- UTG 3x Magnifier
- EOTECH XPS2
1) Vortex Optics Strikefire II Red Dot Sight
- Red or Green Dot
- 10 Brightness Settings
- Lightweight
Vortex Optics is one of the better-known optics manufacturers. Their reputation is well deserved — time and time again the people at Vortex have proven that they know how to make excellent (and affordable) sights.
The Strikefire II is a prime example of this. Not only is this red dot sight accurate, but Vortex also put a “few tricks up its sleeve”. With that in mind, it’s definitely not the most technologically-advanced sight, but what it does, it does extremely well — all without breaking your bank.
Crafted out of aluminum alloy, this red dot sight for M&P 15 Sport 2 is both resistant and lightweight. It’s impressive how sturdy the Strikefire II is considering it only weighs 7 ounces. The rugged design also makes it one of the best sights for the KSG as well. Similar to other high-quality sights on the market today, this sight stands up tough to most impacts, is completely waterproof, and it can operate in temperatures ranging from -22ºF to 140ºF.
Feature-Packed
A cool feature of the Strikefire II is the ability to choose between a red or a green dot. Here’s something you might not have known: our eyes are more sensitive to green light. As a result, you might need to consider more than just which color you like better. Since our eyes are more sensitive to green light, the green dot is easier to see during the day, so you can set the brightness level lower when the sun is up to stretch out the life of the battery as long as possible (more on the battery below).
Speaking of brightness levels, the Strikefire II has 10 brightness levels for both the green and the red dot options. The highest level is very, very bright — which is useful during those extremely bright sunny days. Regardless of the weather and light conditions, you will always be able to see the reticle. Another cool feature of this sight is that the two lower brightness levels are even compatible with night vision.
This reticle can be used with both eyes open, and your position shouldn’t matter when it comes to accuracy. If you can see the reticle (and can shoot straight), then you will most likely hit your shot.
Both elevation and windage can be adjusted via the corresponding dials which are accessed by removing the dial cover. Unfortunately, you aren’t able to adjust the dials without any tools. Fortunately, a coin or the dial covers themselves can be used to adjust them.
When you consider the price of the Vortex Optics Strikefire II, this is an excellent red dot sight for any rifle. This sight is not perfect as Vortex has its own problems, but it excels at its job, especially given its price.
If you are looking for a great sight for your Smith and Wesson M&P[1]https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smith_&_Wesson_M&P 15 Sport 2, then you will not be disappointed with the Vortex Optics Strikefire II.
Can you clearly see the green/red dot?
Yes. The Vortex Optics Strikefire II not only lets you choose between the color of the dot, but it also comes with a ton (i.e., 10) of options to adjust the brightness.
In cases where it is completely dark and you are using the highest brightness settings, the dot might fragment itself and appear blotched. To counteract this, dial the brightness back there cowboy. If you’re concerned with shooting in the dark, check out our post on the best low light scope. These optics work great in low-light conditions.
Users with astigmatism might have some problems clearly seeing the dot. Astigmatism makes the dot look mishappen and gives it a starburst-like effect. Unfortunately, this will happen with every red dot sight so it isn’t an issue that is specific to the Strikefire II. Still, depending on your astigmatism severity, it might still be completely possible to use the Strikefire II or any other red dot sight.
How long will a battery last?
The expected battery life will vary depending on the brand of battery you use and the settings on your Strikefire II. Assuming you aren’t using a knock-off, cheap CR2 battery, the battery should last you 300 to 400 hours at max brightness levels.
If you dial the brightness all the way back to the minimum levels, the battery can last up to 7,000 hours. If you ask me, this is pretty normal as far as red dots go. In fact, it pretty much lines up with the battery life I found on the best AK optics.
This sight does have an auto-off feature, so to prevent unnecessary battery usage, the Strikefire II automatically turns off after 12 hours. Worst case, even if you forget to turn off the sight, you’ll only waste 12 hours of battery life.
What type of co-witness will I get with this sight?
The Vortex Optics Strikefire II 1/3rd co-witnesses with the iron sights of the Smith and Wesson M&P 15 Sport 2.
2) Vortex Optics Sparc II Red Dot Sight
- Red Dot
- 10 Brightness Settings
- Unlimited Eye Relief
When I said that Vortex[2]https://vortexoptics.com/ Optics was well-known for a reason, I meant it. If you ask me, Vortex makes the best scopes for deer hunting amongst other things. The proof is in the pudding so to speak, and so we’re going to review another one right here: the Vortex Optics Sparc II. It’s also an excellent choice of optic for the M&P 15 Sport 2.
Comparing the Sparc II with the Strikefire II is inevitable. Optically, there are a lot of similarities between these two sights. Even though I consider the Strikefire II to be a better sight, the Sparc II does almost everything as well as its bigger brother — at a considerably cheaper price.
With the cheaper price comes fewer features, the most notable one missing is the ability to choose between a green or a red dot. The Sparc II exclusively uses a red reticle, but it is still equipped with 10 brightness levels.
From a comparison perspective, the red dot reticle on the Sparc II gets just as bright as the one on the Strikefire II. A green reticle is always going to be brighter, but the brightness on the red dot does not disappoint.
Not Quite as Great as the Strikefire II
Construction-wise, the two sights are pretty similar. But, it seems the build on the Sparc II is slightly inferior to the Strikefire II. Even though that may be the case, the Sparc II is still an excellent optic. It’s important to not lose sight of the fact that this optic is made from quality and durable aircraft-grade aluminum and weighs a bit over 6 ounces.
Eye relief is unlimited on the Sparc II since there isn’t a parallax. Even though this sight is not quite as solid as the Strikefire II, it does feature better windage and elevation adjustments. Unlike with the Strikefire II, both adjustment knobs on the Sparc II can be used without any tools.
In addition, the brightness can be controlled by the two buttons on the side. The buttons felt a bit “mushy” to me, but it’s not something that makes a huge difference unless you’re prone to fiddle around with the brightness after you’ve set it for the day’s light conditions.
One great thing about this scope is the fact that Vortex packs it along with its modular base. Like with the Strikefire II, you can mount the Sparc II at your preferred height.
If you can spare the few extra dollars, I’d advise you to go for the Strikefire II. The Strikefire isn’t perfect and has some problems, but its a great optic. If you are on a strict budget, then by all means go for the Sparc II. This is definitely one of the best red dot sights for the MP 15 Sport 2.
Is there an included riser mount?
Yes. Vortex includes everything you need to mount the Sparc II exactly as you want it. The Sparc II comes with a riser mount, a spacer, and a low mount.
This red dot sight also comes with flip-up dust covers.
Can you use this sight to co-witness?
Yes. Thanks to the included mounts, you can use the Vortex Optics Sparc II to 1/3rd or absolute co-witness with the iron sights of your M&P 15 Sport 2.
Will this mount fit a standard Picatinny rail?
Yes. This red dot sight will fit most picatinny rails.
3) Bushnell Optics TRS-25
- Best Bang for Buck
- 11 Brightness Settings
- Great Starter Sight
The Bushnell[3]https://www.bushnell.com/ Optics TRS-25 is not a red dot that I would recommend to everyone. This is a relatively inexpensive red dot sight that better suits inexperienced shooters than the hardened professionals, who will definitely find it lacking in several aspects. In fact, I also rated the TRS-25 as one of the best Henry H001 sights for your money!
First and foremost, you should be warned that this scope does not come with an included riser mount. Most times, this is not a problem. However, you will definitely need a riser to be able to clear most rifles — for the S&W M&P 15 Sport 2 you will need one as well. Although risers are not that expensive, you should still factor in the extra cost.
The scope itself is fine. It will not amaze you with its quality, but it definitely does not feel like a toy either. As you would expect from any respectable manufacturer, the TRS-25 is O-ring sealed, making it waterproof.
This 3-degree MOA scope is easy to zero, and you should have no problems with the adjustment screws. The glass is acceptable, and you should be able to see clearly through it in most conditions. If you don’t know the difference between 3 MOA vs 6 MOA, check out our article!
Other Important Specifications
The red dot reticle is a standard red dot, with no extra tricks up its sleeve. There are 11 brightness levels and it’s easy to see the reticle with the brightness all the way turned up.
If so far the Bushnell TRS-25 does not seem like an entry-level scope, you will be sad to know that it very much is — and that is because of its durability. The Bushnell TRS-25 seems to be unable to handle recoil over time. After a few years (maybe even months) the glass will fall apart.
For the time you are able to use it, the Bushnell TRS-25 is a very respectable entry-level scope. However,r the fact that it will eventually break apart makes recommending it hard. You should only get this scope if you are a beginner and don’t intend on using it very often.
Does Bushnell include a mount riser?
There is no mount riser included, which is very unfortunate. To use this scope with the MP 15 Sport 2 you ideally would want an 0.8-inch riser, which must be bought separately.
How bad is the starburst effect on the TRS-25?
Unless you have astigmatism, there is no considerable starburst effect on this reticle. At the highest brightness level there is a slight bloom, but that is to be expected due to the brightness intensity.
How long will a battery last?
Bushnell claims that a single battery will last for up to 3,000 hours. The manufacturer doesn’t specify the brightness level for this rating.
As with most red dot sights, battery should last you more than enough time. Nevertheless, it never hurts to have a spare battery nearby.
4) UTG 3x Magnifier
First, let’s make one thing perfectly clear: the UTG 3X Magnifier is not exactly a scope — this is a magnifier for your scope. As you probably know, red dot sights are not intended for long-range use; they excel in close quarters and, at the most, medium distances. With a magnifier, things are a bit different.
While it will not exactly give you the reach of a long-range scope, a magnifier can be helpful if your targets are further than you’d wish. Magnifiers increase the magnification and the field of view, making it easier to see through your red dot sight. LPVO scopes are also a good alternative to magnifiers.
The UTG magnifier is a cheap add-on to your Picatinny-railed rifle that will probably not impress you. However, if you do find yourself needing the extra range, you will be thankful for its existence.
Sacrifice in Quality for Lower Cost
The fact that this is such a cheap product, means that its materials aren’t exactly great. The aluminum exterior feels cheap, and the glass leaves a lot to be desired. However, it gets the job done — and for the price you can’t really complain. Recently, I ran a test to find out what red dots fit canik tp9sfx, and I found UTG to be one of the best options!
The flip-to-side QD mount makes it easy to use the magnifier. Just flip it up to use it and flip it back down to remove it from your rail. While you cannot change the magnification level (it is strictly 3x), you can adjust the windage and the elevation, so it perfectly fits your sight.
But this is the part where things get trickier. The UTG magnifier does not co-witness with a large number of sights due to its basically non-existent eye relief. You need to put your eyes close to the eye piece to be able to focus, which isn’t exactly doable on a rifle — not unless you want the recoil to hit you in the face.
The alternative to this is to put the magnifier as far back on the rail as you can, however this will not only make it impossible to co-witness with most sights, but it will also make it very difficult to clear the rifle’s iron sights.
When it works, the magnifier does a great job considering its price. However, don’t forget to do your due diligence before you buy it — there’s nothing worse than buying an useless product.
Will this magnifier work with the Vortex Optics Striker II?
The Striker II is 40mm tall, while this UTG magnifier sits at 42mm. While it can work without any modifications, you should probably use a riser.
The same goes for the Sparc II. Both these optics sit too for optimal use with this magnifier, but you can find a workaround.
Is this magnifier strictly right-side flip?
Unfortunately, yes. If you want a left-side magnifier you will have to find another product. When installed correctly, the UTG 3X magnifier is only right-side flip.
5) EOTECH XPS2
When it comes to red dot sights, it is very difficult to beat holographic sights. And once you are in the holographic territory, EOTECH stands out.
When comparing EOTech’s sights EXPS vs XPS series, the XPS2 is a super lightweight holographic sight that will fit in the shortest of rails. If you want to save up some rail space, then this is probably the right sight for you.
But don’t let the fact that the XPS2 is small and compact convince you — let the 20 brightness levels of this green reticle do it instead. You see, it is basically impossible not to see the reticle, regardless of the weather condition.
Not only that, but the reticle will still continue working even if the sight windows gets shattered or obstructed by debris, such as snow or mud. You might need to zero the sight again, but other than that it will continue functioning.
The greet reticle features a 68 MOA ring and a 1 MOA green dot. I even have an article showing how easy it is to zero an EOTech optic. This holographic sight is also available in versions with red elements, both with and without the outer circle. However, green-colored reticles can be up to 6 times easier to see than standard red ones.
This is a great holographic sight — but it has a price to match. While it is very easy to recommend, you have to ask yourself the question: will my use justify the price tag? If it does, then don’t think twice — you’re getting plenty of scope for the price.
Best Scope for M&P 15 Sport 2 Buyer’s Guide
How to choose a scope for the M&P 15 Sport 2?
Choosing a scope for the M&P 15 Sport 2 is the same as choosing a scope for any other rifle. You need to decide what you value the most.
Are you looking for a scope that allows you to hit those long-range shots? Do you want something for close-quarters combat? Very few sights allow you to do both — and those that do are widely expensive.
After figuring out what your needs are, you can then start searching for a scope that meets those needs. In this article I’ve mainly focused on close-range sights, but there are plenty of long-range scopes as well.
Sadly, choosing a scope is not the same for everyone. You will have to do some research until you find something that fits your needs.
How to clean the M&P 15?
Proper gun maintenance would require an article as big as this one (probably even bigger) just to get the basics down. Taking your gun hygiene seriously is the best way to avoid most of the common M&P 15 Sport 2 problems.
If you do not know how to properly disassemble and clean your M&P 15, you should consider reading your owner’s manual. Alternatively, YouTube has plenty of resources that will help you clean your weapon.
This video is very insightful and should help you learn most of the things you need to know in order to properly clean your Smith & Wesson M&P 15 Sport 2. You should also understand there are differences in how to clean the smith and wesson m&p 15 tactical vs sport as well!
Benefits Of Using An Optic On Your AR-15 Rifle
Using an optic on your AR-15 rifle can provide several benefits, including:
- Increased Accuracy: Optics can provide a clearer and more precise sight picture, making it easier to aim and hit targets accurately, especially at longer distances.
- Faster Target Acquisition: With an optic, the shooter’s eye is naturally drawn to the center of the sight picture, allowing for faster target acquisition and engagement.
- Improved Sight Picture: Optics can eliminate the need for aligning the front and rear sights, simplifying the sight picture and reducing the likelihood of shooting errors due to misalignment.
- Flexibility: Many optics allow for quick and easy adjustments, such as changing the magnification or the size and shape of the reticle.
- Reduced Eye Strain: Compared to iron sights, which require the shooter to focus on three points (rear sight, front sight, and target), an optic provides a more natural and comfortable sight picture, reducing eye strain and fatigue during extended shooting sessions.
Overall, there are many reasons people decide to put a red dot optic on their rifle. For me, it’s a no brainer! Red dots will improve your overall shooting accuracy and performance in just about any situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best scope for an M&P 15?
Can you put a scope on a M&P 15 Sport?
Is the M&P 15 Sport 2 a good gun?
What magnification do I need for 100 yards?
Conclusion
When it comes to close-range scopes for the Smith & Wesson M&P 15 Sport 2, there are many different options that will surely make picking the right one for you a headache. Many people struggle with choosing between an M&P 15-22 scope or red dot sight. I hope that this article was able to shed some light onto some of the better scopes out there.
Based on the products we’ve reviewed today, the Vortex Optics Strikefire II takes the top spot on my own personal list. But if a simple red dot is all that you need, then the Sparc II is an excellent choice.
If you need something fancier and are willing to pay a premium, the EOTECH XPS2 is an excellent holographic sight that will surely be worth the money.
Which scope do you use with your S&W M&P 15 Sport 2? Let us know in the comments below.
References
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