Before I buy is the 15-22 worth it?

[Mikeyfran55]

I've been told to go buy a gun for a wedding present from my fiancé. I've been torn between the 15-22 and the shield 9mm. I already have a full size m and p 9 so the 15-22 will be much more fun for us to shoot together so I'm leaning that way. I've been looking around the forum and don't see anyone regretting buying it so it seems to be a good purchase. Anything I should know before picking one up? Also even though in just a 22 caliber it'd be good enough to take care of a nuisance squirrel or groundhog or two, right? I don't intend to hunt with it, just for fun at the range. Thanks

 

[andishdi]

For fun I've found it great, I've only just done my first competition with it and it performed faultlessly whilst most others suffered at least one or two issues.

My only gripe is that not all M4/AR-15 bits fit the 15-22, however compare that to the upsides of the light weight and price and I think it's difficult not to be impressed.

 

[RedNeck Jim]

I doubt you'll find too many folks here that wouldn't recommend the 15-22... but then again, this is a 15-22 forum.

I guess it depends on the lady. She obviously is a shooter, since you've been instructed to get her a gun. This is my favorite gun I own even though it is my least accurate. Where it shines is ease of use, being based on an AR platform and relatively cheap ammo. For lots of ladies, kids & first time shooters, it shines because a 22 doesn't kick and is not very loud. Put a suppressor on it and then it is very quiet.

It is accurate enough for what it is designed to do... plink. Yes, it is accurate enough to take the occasional small game and plenty accurate to hit targets and soda cans. It would be my last choice to put meat on the table but that is not a concern as I have other guns for that. This is my fun gun & my trainer for my ARs. It is so similar to a real AR that the training is valuable and much cheaper. This also is the gun that I use to introduce new shooters to the sport. 100% of the time, all new shooters have truly enjoyed it and left with big smiles.

 

[Wholagan]

I've had my 15-22 for about a month and I don't regret my purchase at all. I also have a 9mm in the safe and if tasked to choose between the 2 I'd go 15-22 every time (unless you're looking for a CC). I've put about 500 rounds through mine (CCI SV) without any issue. Bottom line is the 15-22 is just dang fun. They're highly customizable and the best AR trainer IMO. If you're looking for target/accuracy shooting however, there are better out there.

 

[sithlord]

I'll echo RedNeck's sentiments, and add my own $0.02/stories...

Two years ago, I purchased my 15-22. It was my first gun purchase in over 20 years. I did my research, and basically, it came down to the Ruger 10/22 or the M&P 15-22. I went with the 15-22 and haven't looked back. In fact.....

A few months after I purchased it, I took my wife to the range. It was her first time shooting a gun. I set up clay pigeons, soda cans, etc, at 50 and 100 yards. When we left the range, she didn't say anything, but had a smile on her face. I asked if I needed to get her one as well. She said 'not right now'. Fast forward 6 months... She purchased one as a wedding anniversary present to herself. Her only stipulation was that she wanted hers to be the FDE version so that it wouldn't be confused with mine.

Around the same time, we purchased a suppressor for my 15-22 (a sparrow, so it can be used on other firearms as well). Literally 4 months after we had it, we decided that SHE needed a suppressor for her rifle. However, adding 6" to a rifle wasn't something she was interested in. So we opted to have hers integrally suppressed by Innovation Arms. Her rifle gets a lot of looks at the range, but more importantly, she has a BLAST with it...

About a month ago, my Dad came for a visit. I brought both 15-22s to the range. While we were there, 3 other 15-22 owners showed up. He liked the gun so much, he decided to pick one up for himself.

I honestly see more 15-22s at the range than Ruger 10/22 rifles. And the 15-22 ALWAYS goes to the range with me.

The wife has a 9mm (Walther), and likes it. But it doesn't get nearly the round count that the 15-22 does, and it doesn't go to the range all the time. As RnJ states, 22 ammo is less expensive, which make for longer and more plentiful 'fun days at the range', which is your stated goal.

 

[fyimo]

I had mine now for 2 years and it's a favorite range rifle for plinking. I say plinking because it's accurate enough to be fun but not super accurate like my CZ 455 bolt action is. The fun factor and ease of use make the 15-22 a winner.

 

[TheMaineEvent]

Best 22 based AR platform there is, but aside from shooting it, which is a blast, it allows you to customize it with the veritable sea of AR parts available and make it truly your own.

 

[cyphertext]

Best 22 based AR platform there is

I would say best out of the box...

Ever since I have installed the Better-Mag kit in my CMMG rifle, allowing it to have bolt hold open with the magazine removed and use S&W mags... well, I think that is the best .22lr AR since it is a dedicated upper with a true lower.

But to get back on topic, yes OP, it is worth it if you want a .22lr that mimics the manual of arms of the AR-15 platform.

 

[micocyco]

I've been told to go buy a gun for a wedding present from my fiancé. I've been torn between the 15-22 and the shield 9mm. I already have a full size m and p 9 so the 15-22 will be much more fun for us to shoot together so I'm leaning that way. I've been looking around the forum and don't see anyone regretting buying it so it seems to be a good purchase. Anything I should know before picking one up? Also even though in just a 22 caliber it'd be good enough to take care of a nuisance squirrel or groundhog or two, right? I don't intend to hunt with it, just for fun at the range. Thanks

,
NO No no , no don't get it.
All your going to do is get addicted to shooting it , then adding something to it so then of course you have to shoot it more & so on & so on. & then theres the ammo you can never have enough.
If you question how addictive it is just try to find a used one, if you do it will not be cheep.
Next thing you know you will be planning to set up a work space just for tinkering with it.
I say take up archery

 

[dullh]

Before I buy is the 15-22 worth it?

Yes.

 

[little_airwolf]

Not at all, please buy it and send it to me. I'll pay shipping.
Its horrible and no fun at all. Needs to be in my safe for your safety.

 

[peterdeb]

Search results for 022188142280 | Slickguns

Try this link and just get one!!!

 

[Mikeyfran55]

I found one at a local dealer for $429 for the threaded barrel model im black. It's not the performance one. Good price?

 

[sithlord]

I found one at a local dealer for $429 for the threaded barrel model im black. It's not the performance one. Good price?

It's not terrible. I paid 650 2 years ago for the moe version.

Sportsmans outdoors has the basic black model (not moe or performance) for 369 shipped:
Smith & Wesson M&P15-22 22 LR Semi-Auto Rimfire Rifle with Threaded Barrel | Sportsman's Outdoor Superstore

You'll have to pay transfer fees, but that's maybe $20-30, so it's still less overall.

 

[Mikeyfran55]

It's not terrible. I paid 650 2 years ago for the moe version.

Sportsmans outdoors has the basic black model (not moe or performance) for 369 shipped:
Smith & Wesson M&P15-22 22 LR Semi-Auto Rimfire Rifle with Threaded Barrel | Sportsman's Outdoor Superstore

You'll have to pay transfer fees, but that's maybe $20-30, so it's still less overall.

Sorry for the newbie question but how does an online sale work. I pay the website then they ship to my local store and then I pay that store a transfer fee? I assume I have to call the local store first and give them a heads up. How does the background check then? Thanks

 

[sithlord]

Sorry for the newbie question but how does an online sale work. I pay the website then they ship to my local store and then I pay that store a transfer fee? I assume I have to call the local store first and give them a heads up. How does the background check then? Thanks

That's basically correct. A few extra details:

1) The website can ONLY ship a firearm to an FFL (aka, local gun store [LGS]). They will need a copy of the gun store's FFL on file (it can be faxed to sportsmans outdoors). I've purchased a few guns from SO, and they have a list of FFLs already on file that you can search. Your LGS may already be on there.

2) While there is no requirement to call the LGS and inform them that a firearm is on the way, it is common courtesy to do so. You would need to do this if SO doesn't have the LGS FFL on file anyways, since the LGS will need to fax it to them. Also, it will allow you to ask what the transfer fee is. Furthermore, this will allow them to contact you when the item is received and ready for pickup.

3) The background check is done by your LGS, just as if you were buying it 'directly' from them. Because the firearm is shipped to an FFL, there is no 'pre-background check' required. I honestly don't know what happens if you 'fail' the background check, since you have paid for the item. I guess it would be returned...

Regardless of whether you purchase from the LGS or website, before you start any paperwork, EXAMINE THE GUN THOROUGHLY. Make sure it disassembles. Make sure all the items are there (magazine, lock, safety flag, ...). Inspect the fire control group (trigger, hammer, bolt, ...). Even though S&W has a lifetime warrenty on the item, you want to ensure that everything is there and appears to be working. It also familiarizes yourself with the firearm.

Lastly, you could use it as a bargaining chip; ask the LGS to reduce the price of theirs to $369 + transfer fee, and you'll buy it from them directly.

 

[apollolanding]

I had several issues with the 15-22 I purchased for my son. Now, that being said I would make the purchase again and I would get one for myself and I plan on getting my wife one for Christmas. I got a bad egg. I could have shipped it back to S&W but all of the fixes were within my skill set/experience base. Once I sorted out the issues (see thread on QC problems causing FTF/FTE) the thing runs like a sewing machine and unlike a lot of other semi-auto .22s, it eats every brand and type of ammo reliably. I have put over 500 rounds through it since the fixes and not one stoppage. I've used decade old Federal ammo that had green corrosion on the brass and half of the copper plating missing... Still running. Winchester white box... Dirty but no problem. I prefer CCI AR Tactical and Mini-Mag because it's pretty clean burning and accurate. I've even loaded the mag where the rounds aren't staggered properly and it still fed. I am also impressed by the accuracy. I have Magpul BUIS sights on it (hardly match grade iron sights) and I can easily put 10 rounds in a half inch dot at 25 yards. In the "fun gun" department, the 15-22 reigns supreme. It's also plenty accurate for hunting or varmint control.

 

[chiro972b]

I ended up going with the sig 522, but I will still probably buy a 15-22 for my wife to shoot. I will say that shooting a tactical style 22 rifle is really fun. Get a $32 utg red/green dot and have fun. The only downside is that you will burn through some ammo in a hurry. I like the pinpoint accuracy of the sig, but it comes at a cost of being heavier and my wife doesn't like shooting offhand with it.

 

[druryj]

15-22: My most fun gun. It is everything people say it is.

 

[CAJUNLAWYER]

Well, if I were going to get a fun plinker 22, I'd go with the Ruger 10/22 take down model. I don't think the M&P 15-22 is worth it. Get her the Shield first and then later down the road the Ruger.

Sorry but you asked.