Range Report on M&P15-22

Took Smith and Wesson out yesterday afternoon.

Reliability: A
The thing was pretty impressive. We fired somewhere between 200 and 250 shots (cheap ammo by Win and Fed bulk packs). I had one FTFeed and everything else was perfect. Considering the variability of 22 ammo, particularly cheap bulk ammo, the grade maybe should be an A+.

Speed and smoothness: A+
We did some speed testing (had to have some fun) and I was amazed. My son shot 25 rounds and I timed it at 4.35 seconds. But It was much closer to 4.0 seconds as I wasn't as quick as I should have been on the button. My son clocked me shooting 25 rounds in 3.5 seconds. That's 7 shots a second! It doesn't seem possible. I would have never believed my finger could move that fast, let alone the gun. If I read this I would probably be thinking "BS". But I can't call BS on myself. BTW, our 1 FTF was during a rapid fire sequence attempt.

Accuracy: Incomplete
Accuracy was so so, but that may have been because my rear scope mount was completely lose and I had no allen wrench. Anyhow it averaged 1.028" 5 shot groups at 25 yards with cheap bulk ammo. The best group was 0.32". The worst group was 1.95" (ouch). It was also a bit windy and that didn't help.
Even so I don't think this accuracy is horrible and was not far from what I expected. I have to think that with better conditions, decent ammo, two functioning scope rings and some trigger work, this thing could be a 2 or 3 moa gun. But right now, if I was forced to give it a grade, I'd say C+.

Trigger: D+
The only drawback to the M&P15-22 I have found is that the trigger is terrible (that didn't help the accuracy either). It is 5.75 lbs and has a ton of creep. On the plus side this is curable. I am spoiled as almost every trigger I own is either perfect or near perfect. Only one of them came that way from the factory.

Fit and finish: A
Not perfection, but very nice.

Feel: A+
The M&P15-22 is nice and rigid and has good heft. I was concerned that a "plastic" gun would have noticable flex. It does not. And the weight is perfect. It's a bit lighter than most AR15s, but heavy enough to feel like a real gun. Being a bit lighter is a plus for kids.

I was hesitant to buy this gun considering the serious issues some of the early guns had. But based on what I've seen so far, it appears they've got things worked out. My gun is a late model: DWTxxxx.

The bottom line:

Cool

You will find that it is not a 'tack driver' but it's nothing to scoff at either. I would agree with your ratings, the trigger is the only 'con' the rifle has, that I have found.

For accuracy, I give mine an A. Consistently, I can shoot 5 shot groups at 50 yards and cover them with a quarter! Of course that is using a 3-9x42 scope on a bench rest.

At 100 yards I am hitting 2" groups. (It is me, not the gun, but I'm getting better with practice)! And CCI Minimags is my ammo of choice.

Trigger is not the best, but acceptable to me.

So enjoy!

I would probably wet myself from excitement if I could consistently get 5 shots the size of a quarter at 50 yards.

Maybe I will, eventually.

You will! Get a target match ammo or even cci minimag will do fine. Bulk ammo are fine for plinking but not for accuracy.

Change out the fire control group for one that feels the way you want.
Or do the trigger job that is in this forum
Then buy the trigger you want

In defense of the trigger, remember "It's a combat rifle, or copy" using the AR15 lower trigger system, which is a combat trigger, designed to be used when your life is on the line. If you want a bullseye trigger, get one on the market and install it. I for one want a combat trigger, it's solid, it works 99.999% and you won't get a accidental misfire cause you have a friggin glass trigger with 2lbs. pull. Know what you have, don't blame S&W, they know what they built. Modifications are your own responsibility, once you buy it do what makes you happy. Just know the limitations and shoot with safety in mind..

Not trying to start a issue, but I hear way to much about combat triggers that it needs to be said. In real life when you are being shot at the combat trigger will be you friend, when plinking at a bullseye you can critic all you want... Enjoy the M&P 15/22 it is a great 22LR designed on an AR15 platform...

I think your assesment of the M&P 15-22 is fair and accurate - and what Aceman said is also. Now you're left with choices: you can shoot it as it is with limitations, or you can modify it to suit your needs. I personally put a Chip McCormick trigger in mine along with several Magpul accessories and now have a platform that give me a heck of a lot of fun. That's the beauty of this. The standard platform doesn't cost all that much and modifications are affordable. Whichever you choose...have fun!!

15 minute trigger job

tacticool22 said:

Change out the fire control group for one that feels the way you want.
Or do the trigger job that is in this forum

Click to expand...

I did the "15 minute trigger job" on my MP 15 Sport and I was well pleased with the result! I'll do it on my 15-22 as soon as I take possession of it because it's still in jail.The trigger weight was reduced at least 2-3 lbs and my AR is now a pleasure to shoot.

Jammer said:

For accuracy, I give mine an A. Consistently, I can shoot 5 shot groups at 50 yards and cover them with a quarter! Of course that is using a 3-9x42 scope on a bench rest.

Click to expand...

We had quarter groupings just iron sights...
I need to zero in the red dot and the laser but just wanted to go to town and dump some bricks. No magnification at 50yds.

Love this thing

I have no doubt that this trigger would be acceptable on a battlefield rifle. I hopefully will never be in that situation, especially with my 15-22. So for me, it's irrelevant. I'm admittedly a newbie when it comes to the AR platform. But I'm going to guess that if I paid big money for a custom battlefield rifle, it wouldn't have a trigger that felt like this. I understand you don't want a target trigger in a defense situation. I'm actually sort of okay with the poundage. It's the creep that turns me off. When I'm done, I'd hope to have a 3 - 4.5 lb trigger with minimal creep.

Finally shot some CCI SVs last night. They averaged 0.545" at 25 yards (4x scope, benched). Then I shot three 3 shot groups from 100 yds (4x scope, bench) about sunset, 5 mph breeze. The first group was 5.85" (not sure what happened there), the next was 1.475" and the last was 1.22". Seven of the nine shots were in a 1.6" group. I was pretty happy. This gun has exceeded my accuracy expectations and I still haven't changed the factory trigger.