Well, after several dozen posts here during the past few days, and more questions than that, I finally got my S&W M&P 15-22 MOE Black yesterday. I went to the local indoor range today to check it out, and put 175 rounds of Federal Champion bulk 36 grain copper plated through it.
The first 2 mags (25 round) the slide did not stay back after firing the last shot, but after that it stayed back okay. I had one "failure to do something" wherein I pulled the trigger, it "clicked" but nothing happened, I racked the slide, nothing ejected, but I ended up with a round in the chamber and one trying to get out of the mag. I removed and discarded both, forgetting to check if it was a failure to fire or a feeding problem. Only problem though.
I'm attaching my third mag's target, which I know is not great, but the problem is my eyes, not the gun. My 69 year old eyes have trouble focusing; I don't wear corrective lenses for pistol shooting, and it doesn't work too bad. But looking through the peep, and trying to focus on the front sight, I could barely see the fuzzy black target dot. I have to move the sight to the side, try to focus on the dot, then move it back over, hopefully half way, and pray and spray. So my 3.2" group including the flyer or 2.35" not including it, while not good, is satisfying to me. I moved the sights to shoot a bit higher, which helped in general, but started getting more flyers, due to the old eyes.
The scope I have on order will be greatly appreciated!
I'm a long-time and experienced pistol shooting, shooting NRA National Match in PA and OH in the early 70s, but have never owned a rifle, and this is only the third one I've ever shot, probably 50 rounds total before today.
BTW, I'm quite happy with the trigger on my new gun. I'm guessing it's between 5 and 6 pounds (my scale only goes to 4.5), very crisp. FAR better than my friend's Colt M4 and infinitely better than his new HK.
I'm not including any pics of the rifle, because it looks just like the one on S&W's site, but as I accessorize, I'll be posting some. I have posted a layout I've been working on of the gun, scope and mount combination, though. I think it will work well.
Here's where I am now, and where I'm going:
Have:
* S&W M&P 15-22 MOE Black
On Order:
* Midway/BSA Tactical Mil-Mil Rifle Scope 4-14x 44mm First Focal MRAD Reticle
* Butler Creek Flip-Up Covers, front & rear
* Burris AP-PEPR QD Scope Mount with Picatinny & Smooth tops
* GRG Mfg Steel/Composite Grip with Bipod
* UTG DC Series Tactical 34" Gun Case, Black
* Surefire EP4 Sonic Defender Ear Protection (my Pro Ears get in the way a bit)
I'd like to give a big THANKS to everyone here who has helped me, and to all the other experienced and helpful people posting here. This is an invaluable resource for my new hobby. I didn't bother to save it as a Favorite; I just leave the forums open all the time, and update to see what's new. ;-)
And it begins......... :-)