This problem is known to S&W. My guess is that you got one of the older rifles. I think they have largely cured this malady in the newer ones. Interestingly, they have not conducted a recall on the older guns. Rather, they seem to be content with fixing individual problems as they occur. I have not heard of any injuries resulting from the out of battery discharges, they seem to only damage the guns (maybe that is why there hasn't been a recall). Anyway, I'm glad they're taking care of you. Don't give up on the 15-22. I love mine and I shoot it constantly. I have no idea how many rounds I've put through it, but the number is somewhere north of 5000.

HRF