An updated version of the Mepro M21 that was developed back in 2002 in conjunction with the Israel Defense Forces for use aboard the then-new Tavor bullpup—and utilized ever since by militaries and law-enforcement agencies across the globe—Meprolight’s new M22 is lighter and smaller than its predecessor while offering the same extreme ease of use. The self-illuminated M22 is about as plug-and-play as an unmagnified (1X) red-dot optic can get, as it requires no batteries for operation, an included quick-detach mount allows for immediate, repeatable installation atop any MIL-STD 1913 Picatinny rail and there are no controls anywhere on the unit beyond flush-sitting windage and elevation zeroing knobs.
Appreciably smaller than the M21, which stands 4.5"x2.13"x2.75" and weighs in at 13.13 ozs., the Mepro M22 measures 3.9"x1.75"x2.75" and weighs just 9.1 ozs. In similar fashion to Meprolight’s Tru-Vision red-dot, the internals are housed within an aluminum micro chassis, and the housing is further protected by a pair of polymer clamshells. Unlike the M21, the M22’s QD mount has only a single, more robust, clamping lever, allowing for near-instant, one-handed installation.
Employing the same always-on technology as its forebear, the M22’s reticle is powered during the sunlight hours by five light-collecting windows that flank the viewing lens through which fiber-optic strands run. However, rather than the more easily washed-out amber aiming point of the M21, the update features a legitimately red reticle. This arrangement is backed-up by internal tritium vials that continue to illuminate the reticle at night when there isn’t enough light present for the fiber-optics to be effective.
The M22 automatically self-adjusts the brightness of its reticle to suit the ambient lighting conditions, with no ability by the user to manually alter the illumination level. During daylight use, we found the reticle to be easily acquired under most lighting conditions; however, it was noticeably dimmer (but still visible enough for use) when trying to engage a well-lit target from a dimly lit location. By the same token, for nighttime use, the M22’s reticle was bright enough for compatibility with most weapon lights (and night-vision devices), but high-candela “turbo” models completely overpowered the reticle.
Two reticle variants are offered by Meprolight: a “bullseye” option with a 40-m.o.a. segmented circle encompassing a 3.5-m.o.a. central dot and one with a simplified 10-m.o.a. aiming triangle. For testing, we found the former to be quite ideal for the types of close-to-medium-range engagements at which carbines equipped with this type of optic are most likely to be employed. The larger ring is suited to quick work, while the dot is fine enough for more precise shots when timing is less critical. From the factory, the reticle was perfectly regulated for absolute co-witness with the host gun’s 1.42"-tall irons, adding even more straight-out-of-the-box appeal.
The M22 was taken to the range on multiple occasions, and point of impact remained acceptably close to point of aim across several removals and re-installations. Successfully “shooting the square” confirmed that the optic’s 1-m.o.a. adjustments were true, and its audible and tactile clicks made the operation quick and fool-proof. Groups shot using the M22 were consistent with those produced with any 1X red-dot, and the real advantage of using such an optic is the speed with which a close-quarters aiming solution can be acquired and re-acquired.
Military and law-enforcement users want simplicity, and the Meprolight Mepro M22 is about as uncomplicated and low-maintenance as a red-dot can get—as it is always ready to be called into action—and, fortunately, this advantage is also every bit as applicable to civilian armed citizens. Given the M22’s combat-proven pedigree and how well-suited it is to use aboard an autoloading carbine intended for martial use, its $499 MSRP is not at all out of place amidst the other options on the military-grade reflex-sight market.
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