new to m&p 15-22

[MR Stilwell]

Just got a new m&p 15-22. Army retired. Like AR/M16, and 99 Savage 300. Was worried I wouldn't like a 22. I found it to be better than I thought it would be. Just ordered a better charging handle, I see plastic not lasting long. Any suggestions on other parts that might not hold up to long?

[Majorlk]

Interesting ... I've not heard of any of the original charging handles wearing out.

[sophie]

Welcome to the forum from Texas.

[cjt50]

The plastic safety seems to wear out with alot of use. It still functions like it should, but the "clicks" when going from fire to safe and back get "mushy"

I replaced mine with a Battlearms Development ambi-safety. Best up grade I have made to my rifle. The clicks are metal on metal instead of plastic on plastic. Very positive with the bonus of being ambidextrous. Little pricey, ($50) but worth it for how I use my rifle.

[JustAnotherGunGuy]

The only thing that I have had to replace is the ammo that it can't seem to stop chewing through.

[cjt50]

Originally Posted by JustAnotherGunGuy

The only thing that I have had to replace is the ammo that it can't seem to stop chewing through.

Man, ain't that the truth!!

[Shooterjgs]

Hey welcome from Texas fellow serviceman... and good shooting to ya...

[OldEagleEars]

Always glad to have another Army alumnus join the camp. You will probably read a lot of posts about changing stuff and adding stuff in this forum but mostly it's just voluntary, not prompted by seriously weak parts of the gun. I know the charging handle seems kinda flimsy (should have heard what those of us trained on M14's had to say about the robustness of just about everything on a M16 when they issued them to us!), but they seem to do just fine in ordinary use. Some folks like a more precise or adjustable FCG so they change them also. Sights and lights and grips and stocks and mags and a whole lotta everything else gets switched around as people strive to find their "perfect" AR-style rifle. A lot of creativity on display around here, just like the 1911 forum I'm on, personalization and operational perfection is everybody's goal.

[RED ZMAN]

Welcome to the addiction. Thank you for your service to our great country. Fellow Army veteran here.

Blasted from my Samsung Galaxy SIII (CM10.1 Masta Mix).

[sound wave]

Welcome to the forum. Nothing really needs to be changed out on these rifles. Still, the ability to modify and personalize them is half the fun.

[Majorlk]

Originally Posted by OldEagleEars

Always glad to have another Army alumnus join the camp. You will probably read a lot of posts about changing stuff and adding stuff in this forum but mostly it's just voluntary, not prompted by seriously weak parts of the gun. I know the charging handle seems kinda flimsy (should have heard what those of us trained on M14's had to say about the robustness of just about everything on a M16 when they issued them to us!), but they seem to do just fine in ordinary use. Some folks like a more precise or adjustable FCG so they change them also. Sights and lights and grips and stocks and mags and a whole lotta everything else gets switched around as people strive to find their "perfect" AR-style rifle. A lot of creativity on display around here, just like the 1911 forum I'm on, personalization and operational perfection is everybody's goal.

Very well said! The weakest part of a 15-22 is most often the person holding it.

[SpicyTunaRoll]

Welcome to a great rifle! Thank you for your service to our country. Fellow Army veteran here (11bravo).

regarding the rifle: its an amazing rifle. i have not had a single issue with anything. it went through remmington golden bullets, cci minimags, fiochi, etc without a single jam. enjoy your rifle and have fun customizing it. if you see a few guys have FTF issues but its because they dont load the mags right (let the spring go after every round entered into the mag)

[MR Stilwell]

Originally Posted by MR Stilwell

Just got a new m&p 15-22. Army retired. Like AR/M16, and 99 Savage 300. Was worried I wouldn't like a 22. I found it to be better than I thought it would be. Just ordered a better charging handle, I see plastic not lasting long. Any suggestions on other parts that might not hold up to long?

64C/88M. Thanks for all thought and sug. Replaced charging handle, feels a little tight. Will fire it wed. I've been using lead ammo, no problems, cci and federal are next !

[gotfish]

Originally Posted by MR Stilwell

Any suggestions on other parts that might not hold up to long?

All of them. You should upgrade everything. Best wishes! Meetings are in the church basement on Tuesday nights.

[Majorlk]

Originally Posted by MR Stilwell

Just got a new m&p 15-22. Army retired. Like AR/M16, and 99 Savage 300. Was worried I wouldn't like a 22. I found it to be better than I thought it would be. Just ordered a better charging handle, I see plastic not lasting long. Any suggestions on other parts that might not hold up to long?

Unless you deliberately abuse the rifle, the polymer parts will last for years. Replacing the charging handle and selector is more for cosmetic change than any actual mechanical need. The exception is perhaps folks participating in .22-based 3-gun matches and similar competitions, but again that's really not based on actual part failures but a perceived need.

Consider that the frames of the majority of non-1911 pistols are polymer framed and there are no reports of them quickly wearing out. S&W has too much invested in the rifle to make something that's going to fall apart overnight.

[my_mp15-22_s&w]

The perceived failure of the polymer frame type firearm is the exposure to ultraviolet light. There is some concern that UV / direct sunlight may cause chemical changes to the polymers. The manufactures add ingredients to strengthen it for these all day exposures. Still I wouldn't let it lay around in direct sunlight all the time if is mine. Carrying it inside a case is wise on the ATV / jeep etc. where all day 4x4 is the plan.