I'm going to be a first time AR buyer and like this model but can I change the sights to put a red dot one on? Thanks

Yes, both the front and rear sights are removable.

You can also co-witness a red dot - that is, have both the red dot and backup iron sights at the same time.

This is NOT an AR. The M&P 15-22 looks, feels and acts like an AR, however, the 15-22 does not have the same specifications as an AR-15. SOME parts are interchangeable with those marketed for an AR15 (such as optics, triggers, stocks, and handguards), others are not (such as magazines, bolts, upper receivers, lower receivers, ambidexterous magazine release levers).

The Smith and Wesson M&P 15, however, IS S&W's version of an AR-15, and parts are interchangeable with those marketed for an AR-15.

Happy shooting!

I would have a look through the pictures gallery....see some of the wonderful things that can be done to a 15-22.

Your saying it's not a AR15 but how come this article says it is?
Is it because your using 22L ammo?

Best AR-15 : Choose Your Best AR-Style Rifle By Purpose

What gallery are you referring too?

No, I'm saying it because a correctly spec'd ar15 upper receiver WILL NOT fit on the 15-22 lower.

The 15-22 upper WILL NOT fit in a correctly spec'd ar15 lower.

Just because the article you referenced says the 15-22 is an ar15 does not make it so. It is CLOSE, but not close enough.

Perhaps that is being pedantic... But all of the other ar15s listed in that article can swap all parts....

The article also says 22lr ammo is cheap and plentiful and that the ar15 shoots a nato 5.56x44mm round.

Here's the picture thread: M&P 15-22 Picture Thread

Ok to put a red dot sight on would I need a riser? Is that what it is? I was going to ask about leaving the iron sights on if it would hamper looking through the red dot but I saw the pic with the girl shooting and she has no problem.

The reason I'm looking for this kind of gun is that event that happened in Paris has got me a little worried. All I have is my Shield but I wanted something with more rounds and a further distance if need be, but I don't have a very big budget, but something is better than nothing. That handle that's off the barrel, what is that? I assume it's to help with keeping the gun steady. Now I don't want to make the gun get too heavy as someone did mention with all his addons his gun is.

Is there anything else I need to know? Thanks for all your info.

I wouldn't classify ANY 22lr as a Stuff Hits the Fan / Home Defense (SHTF / HD) firearm. Sure, it beats nothing, and a 22lr WILL kill, but it's not the best choice. Your Shield is probably much better because you are familiar with it, even if it isn't as accurate.

As to your questions....

You can mount the red dot directly to the picatinny rails. Most people DO NOT do this because it can be uncomfortable to shoot (you have to contort your head to see down the sights.). Because of this, most WILL add a riser. The height of the riser is up to you and your comfort, but a low or medium riser is sufficient in most cases.

As far as 'handle off the barrel' - sorry, without pics, it's going to be hard to say. There are all sorts of attachments that one can add from vertical fore grips to angled fore grips to bipods to lights to ...

Sounds like you are new to rifles. Certainly to the AR platform. My first recommendation would be to go to a REPUTABLE gun store and 'feel' the merchandise. Feel free to ask questions, but do not believe EVERYTHING that the gun store says.

Yeah the only rifles I ever shot was a 22 rifle a Marlin 30-30 and a 30-06. Ok then it sounds like a riser is what I would need. I was hoping just find info without going to the shop cause the nearest one is about 1 hour away and with our schedule, there really isn't any time to go and spend several hours looking and discuss guns.

IMO , I think you are barking up the wrong tree , thinking this is a self defense fire arm.
For distance , I just saw a 30-06 with scope for $300 at Wally World.
I live in urban area so for me it was another hand gun more Mags & ammo. I went with 9mm the ammo widely available & the most affordable.
Now the M&P 15-22 is fun & that is what it is mostly for is fun.
About the red dot I got a cheep one & put it on with out the irons until I could get what I wanted, if you look around on line you can find some good deals.
Good luck

I don't get the off topic remark about this as a 'poop hits the turbine' gun, yeah something is better than nothing but if that is what you require, you live in the USA buddy, get the M&P 15 or AR equivalent. You don't wanna go to a katana fight armed with a hat pin, sure a hat pin can put a lot of hurt on your day...but only in the right circumstances and IMHO the 15-22 would not be worth considering, given the other options on the table. Even if the ammo for a 22lr is cheaper, one well aimed shot with a higher calibre, is much more practical for such a situation. As highly unlikely as that is?

Regarding the optics, for a SHTF rifle, anything with batteries i would not consider fit for purpose either, they can always fail, so keeping iron sights on is a must. I would get some flip up iron sights, a small power scope on a QD mount and a mini red dot mounted 45'.
That way the 15-22 would be kitted out with all aiming options for many situations it is geared towards. Indoor target work, outdoor target work, medium distance shooting, close up shooting, low light shooting, competitions and the occasional critter cull, (if you are into that kind of thing). Those activities the 15-22 excels at and it is extremely satisfying to engage in. Just don't use it as a baseball bat, it is no good at that

That being said, is just my humble opinion.

Seems like the OP is relatively new to guns... especially long rifles. IMO, the 15-22 might be a good first step. It is not intimidating, rather cheap & shoots relatively cheap ammo. Once you learn the manual of arms on a 15-22, you are mostly set to go to big brother... a real AR.

I have personal experience witnessing macho folks with large caliber guns that can't even hit the target. So I worry much less about caliber & much more on accuracy & familiarity with the chosen gun. Of course bigger is better rings true however accuracy trumps that. So I preach finding a gun/caliber you ENJOY shooting & then shooting the snot out of it. If it is a 22, so be it. I have no problem facing down an intruder with a 22. Would not be my first choice but I am so comfortable with it that I feel confident I can put 2 rounds in a spot they won't be getting up from.

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X2 on the above.

Simply the 15-22 is still a weapon that can kill easily and quickly. It is a great firearm and fun to shoot and cheap to shot. Honestly it is the one weapon I own that I would reach for in situation that comes up.

Hunting: check
Plinking: check
Taget shooting up 100 yards: check
Metal plate comp shooting: check
Self defense: check
Big bother AR trainer: check (Probably the best at this)
Teching kids: check
First time long rifle owners: check
Pimp out factor: check
Affordable: check
Cheap to shoot: check (get costly because you will love shooting it)
Shoots just about any ammo put in it: check

Honestly 22's kill just as much and even more then most large caliber firearms, the research has been done. With rounds such as the CCI Stinger and Velocitor, Aguila Interceptor and Super Maximum and Winchester Power Point and/or Power Point 42 max it is even more so deadly and at longer distance. So no the 15-22 is not a true AR15, but it is an AR style weapon like many others as the patent is own by Colt bought from Armalite (AR= Armature Rifle). So technically speaking the only true AR15 are the Ones built by Colt others are simply AR Style weapons in different calibers as is the 15-22.

Just my opinion.

I agree but , a quote from the OP " Yeah the only rifles I ever shot was a 22 rifle a Marlin 30-30 and a 30-06 ".
The price on the 30-06 at WM was so good I had make myself walk away twice.

I once tried to start a kind of lighthearted conversation here about taking out a bad guy with the 15-22 & got my head summarily handed to me. Seems the consciences was that I would more likely wound the hostage & then get her killed by the bad guy than take him out.
I have to say I was just doing it for fun but did agree.

The other day my neighbor was sighting in his 30-06 and it was so loud it about made me jump outa my skin. Really made me appreciate how quiet my suppressed .30 caliber 300 Blackout is... and how little a .30 caliber AR kicks. However Blackout ammo ain't cheap.

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Have still not got around to going suppressed , but have you heard of the bill or bills to do away with the stamp ?

I understand and that way of thinking is also understandable. But as stayed above a well place shot of any caliber will put you down for good.

But here is some reading on the subject.


Ask Foghorn: Is .22lr The Best for Self Defense? - The Truth About Guns

I did do more searching and I think I found another AR15 [5.56/223] but it's not S & W.

Lots of fine ARs out there. I personally shoot Stag Arms.

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I know time is short and precious spent but i would take out time to visit a gun shop or an actual range and see if you can get to hold either a 15-22 or an actual AR of whatever variety, better yet test fire them....then and only then will you know what you have and want in your hands.
The gun shop will be able to explain the workings, differences in look feel and price (ammo wise) of each firearm.

I think it would be time well spent.....especially if you are planning on a 'doomsday' type scenario. Your life may well depend on it. The 15-22 and the AR-15 may look the same but what comes out of the end is where the comparison ends.

Take the family, make it a fun day out....of course they will all want a go as well.

Oh yeah I did see there are all kinds or ARs and all kinds of prices.

I have shot rifles before but years ago. I had a Marlin 30-30 and I also shot a 30-06 but ARs are a whole new ballgame for me. It's just we have limited funds so I want to be sure if I'm going to spend that much money I get the right gun at that price. I do know something about guns, I even reloaded my own shotgun and .38s......lol

Hey everyone has an opinion, and I welcome everyone's view on this. Just remember I'm not a newbie with guns. I used to hunt back in the 80s. I just have limited funds for this kind of rifle.

,

MSRP: $739.00
Regular Price: $603.33
On Sale For: $539.00
At gunbuyer.com
I have bought from them they are OK .
But I would like others have said try to find a shooting range that rents guns they will without doubt have AR's to rent. I know mine does they have AR's & AK's.
Good luck

FWIW... I have 2 AR's: the 15-22 and a Ruger AR-556. Both are excellent guns.

I shoot the 15-22 for fun, in steel challenge competitions with a $30 red dot and also for general plinking.

The AR-556 has a real red dot, which is always co-witnessed with the iron sights and this gun is shot mainly in two and three-gun competition. Oh, and it's my SHTF/HD rifle.

If you are looking for something for SHTF/HD, buy a real AR.

The AR-556 can be had for about $100-$125 more than the 15-22. If funds are short, save until you can come up with the difference. And, keep your Shield handy with plenty of spare magazines!

This is the AR15 I'm looking at. XTM AR-15 Rifle 5.56/223 16in Barrel Black 30 Round 6 Position Stock

That seems like a nice entry level AR. Price wise, it has all of the usual "features" that you expect to get. I don't know much about it, though.

The good folks over at AR15.com would be a good place to ask advice/opinions, though.

I hope you can still find a way to get the 15-22, also. It's really a fun rifle to shoot. But, you really do want a "real" AR for your needs, however.

Good luck!

Thanks for the link, will check it out.

A rifle is a long gun, not a long rifle.
The .22 and 5.56 are the same caliber
The 15-22 is an AR "style" rifle, but nowhere near an AR or AR clone.
.22LR is decent for hunting, but for real SHTF, an AR-10 is the ticket.

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