TFB Review: Meprolight MEPRO M22 PRO Self-Illuminated Reflex Sight
If you have owned a red dot sight for any length of time, you’ve probably taken it to the range without checking the batteries, only to discover that they were dead. This is incredibly frustrating, so Meprolight developed the MEPRO PRO M22 to be self-illuminating and sent it my direction for testing and review.
Meprolight @ TFB:
- Mepro Foresight – Meprolight Red Dot of the Future
- Meprolight MEPRO FT Bullseye Front & Rear Sights
- Meprolight’s Advanced MEPRO MOR PRO
MEPRO M22 PRO Review
Upon receiving the M22 PRO, I was thoroughly impressed with its very Apple-esque packaging. It was clean and economical, but we’re not here for the box. However, it did raise my standards since I knew I wasn’t dealing with the cheap red dot sight from Walmart I slapped on my old .22 LR as a kid.
When I opened the box, my high expectations continued to rise. The M22 feels solid without being too heavy (9.2 oz.). It is compact (3.9 x 1.97 x 2.68 in.) and fits in the palm of my small (but manly) hand. I like the overall look and design of this reflex sight, but all that matters is how it would perform in varying conditions.
I was a little skeptical of the single adapter lever as I excitedly installed it onto my Magnum Research Switchbolt and headed to the range for some plinking at my shooting range. My first trip was a cool, overcast day, and I had no problem seeing the reticle or the sight coming loose. So I waited for a bright, sunny day and got the same result; it was still easy to see and held firm to my firearm. Lastly, I removed the M22 and took it into a windowless, pitch-black room to see if it would illuminate in the dark, and it did, but I would need a flashlight or NVDs to see the target in the dark.
The Light Module Kit (which comes standard on the M22 PRO) has an extra illumination button on the left side of the sight if you have trouble seeing it. Thanks to the auto-adjusting reticle, I haven’t needed the extra battery-powered light except to play with it.
Adjusting the windage and elevation is simple. I also appreciate that Meprolight sends a sight tool for quick adjustments at the range. It’s a small thing, but it shows they’re paying attention to the details.
I’m not the world’s best shot, and it didn’t take me long to get on target and stay on target, free-handing it from 25 to 50 yards. I’m a big fan of the 3.5/40 MOA Bullseye Reticle as it’s easy to get on target quickly and maintain accuracy. I did not test the 10 MOA Triangle Reticle, but if that’s your reticle preference, then I’m sure you’ll get similar results.
Overall, my first impressions of the M22 PRO are positive. However, I still have a few reservations, which I’ll discuss in the pros and cons section. For now, I’ll slap it on an AR I just ordered and keep testing it.
MEPRO M22 Specs:
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- No batteries needed
- 10-year warranty
- Auto-adjusting reticle illumination day/night
- Compatible with NVDs & Magnifiers
- IP67 waterproof rating
- Compact
I wanted to know how well a batteryless sight would work, and after testing the MEPRO FT Bullseye Front & Rear Sights, I had high expectations for the M22 PRO. You truly don’t need batteries, thanks to the Tritium and Fiber Optic. The M22 sight works similarly to a bow sight, utilizing the Fiber Optic for day use and Tritium for night use.
While I haven’t had it long enough to need the warranty, Meprolight offers a 10-year warranty on the tritium illuminance. So, if your sight stops illuminating at night before the 10-year mark, you might be able to get a new one.
I found the auto-adjusting reticle incredibly convenient because it doesn’t blind you in low-light conditions and is bright in sunny conditions without you having to adjust anything.
Though I don’t own any NVDs or magnifiers to test, Meprolight claims that the M22 PRO is compatible with them. Hopefully, I can test that claim one day soon!
The IP67 waterproof rating means the rain won’t affect this reflex sight’s performance. It is supposed to function after being submerged in 1 meter of water for 30 minutes. We had light sprinkles the day I tested it, and no issues, but again, it was only a mist. I haven’t submerged it, yet.
Lastly, it’s compact and reasonably lightweight. Even with all the extras that Meprolight crammed into this sight, it’s no larger than my red dots and feels well-built. With this reflex sight installed, I wouldn’t hesitate to add the weight of an NVD or magnifier to my rifle because it’s not too weighty.
Cons:
- Price
- Durability*
The biggest drawback is the high price. Some of my ARs didn’t cost this much… but it’s definitely more technologically advanced than my cheap ARs. However, if you’re looking for a budget-friendly sight, this one isn’t for you. The M22 PRO and M22 are for shooters looking to seriously upgrade their battery-powered reflex sight.
I only listed the durability in the cons section because I’m too afraid to drop it intentionally, and I haven’t had it long enough to drop it accidentally. As I mentioned, it feels well-built (metal, not plastic), and there is a Polarizer & Flash Guard Kit you can purchase that will protect the lens.
Meprolight MEPRO M22 PRO Sight
Parting Shots
After overcoming the initial sticker shock, I’ve been thoroughly impressed with the M22 PRO self-illuminated reflex sight. It’s worked in various conditions, from day to night, and I’m reasonably accurate with it. I’m excited to test it on a new AR I just ordered, but I have no doubts it’ll perform up to my expectations.
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