I bought my 15-22 at a gun show for $475 two weeks ago. (I also bought a S&W Sigma Allied Forces 9mm/ve with the Disaster Ready Kit)

Since then I've put about 550 rounds through it.

The first couple hundred was a mess. I had a fail-to-eject the first time I pulled the trigger. Not cool, as I was very excited to get this gun for some backyard plinking since my AK-47 is just way too much gun for that. (The AK is stored with 1000 rounds of ammo and 15 magazines ready for doomsday action)

Along with the M&P 15-22 I bought the last few hundred rounds of .22 ammo at the entire gun show. Unfortunately, as I learned later, that Remington ammo was garbage. I also purchased a rail riser and quick release scope mount both made by NcStar.

So for the first couple hundred rounds, the gun would fail-to-eject every other round, and I had several fail-to-feed issues in the beginning as well.

At one point, I had an open breach misfire, which I believe was caused by a fail-to-eject event. That resulted in the loss of the extractor and spring from the bolt. Again, not cool. That was LOUD and I'm glad I'm not a left handed shooter.

Since then I've done some reading and tinkering with the gun. I quickly learned that you must take your time loading the magazine, ensuring all rounds are inserted properly. I've also adjusted the ejector rod which has been the greatest single improvement to the operation of this rifle.

After adjusting the ejector rod, but without the extractor, the gun would fire and eject the spent casings ALMOST every time I pulled the trigger. But since I've replaced the lost extractor and spring, the gun now performs flawlessly.

I've added a sling and a scope and am using higher quality ammunition. So after some patience, learning and simple modification, this gun is performing as I hoped and I couldn't be happier with it. I'm glad I was able to take care of its issues without having to send it to S&W. The last thing I wanted to do was have to give back my brand new toy!

I compared it to the other .22 AR-15 style guns on the market and am confident I made the right choice. It's light, has an
almost endless supply of accessory rail, is well designed & constructed and has no "fakes" like the faux bolt release and forward assist found on other models. The S&W model also has a solid barrel which is nicer to have than the sleeved barrels of the other brands. All that and it's the least expensive of the bunch? Yeah, I got the the right gun...

So all in all, it took a little time to get to know this little gun and what it needs to run properly, but I'm definately pleased with it and look forward to sending a lot of lead down range.

I hope all of you are as happy with your rifles, and if you're not, just take some time like I did to make it right, or spend some time shipping it to S&W. Either way, you're sure to love this gun.

Alien, my apologies, I'm only responding to give my thanks. I removed my iron sights a week ago when I installed my scope and riser, and since then, they've just been lying around the house. It never occurred to me to put the front sight back on and move the rear to the bottom! I am sure to not lose them now!

So thanks! Great idea!

The front sight is invisible through the scope, and the rear sight is used as sort of a forward grip. Using the quick release on the scope allows me to quickly remove it and apply the iron sight for close range shooting.

I had originally bought a riser for the scope, but since coming up with this configuration, I haven't really used it. I'll probably employ the riser again at some point just to try out different configurations.

Glad I could help!

As I said, once before, I really admire your attitude Alien.

Great idea keeping the rear sight there. You can store a bore snake, and/or whatever, snuggly in the buttstock tube also. Just pull the rubber plug out, and just put it in. You probably already knew that though.

Thanks guys.

I also keep a clean microfiber cloth shoved inside the pistol grip for cleaning the scope lenses. If you have an optic or light that uses batteries, the buttstock would be a good place to keep extra batteries. Obviously you don't want to just toss them in there so they'd be flopping around; wrap any loose items to be stored in the buttstock with a handkerchief or similar piece of cloth. This keeps things snug and easy to remove from storage.

I agree....adjusting the ejector rod is the single best improvment for this gun. I had a bad experience with mine the first time out and since I adjusted the ejector rod I have not had one single FTE. It is an easy adjustment, I am wondering why the guns are leaving the factory with it misaligned. I am very happy with the gun at this point. It is a fun rifle to plink with.

It's also a good idea to have one end of that hankie, you have loose items wrapped in, laid out so it is placed near the tube entrance. Same for a bore snake. Have the pull cord there also. It can be a real pain trying to fish items out of there otherwise. At least it was for me.


On edit:

I love this gadget here for lens cleaning. Leupold LensPen. Works better than anything else I have used. It fits easily into the tube also.

HI All,
I had the same results with mine!!! ITS at SW now...will see what happens when it returns....

Glad to hear it's getting fixed. You'll probably end up with the best shooter among the bunch here.

What rubber plug? My new 15-22 didn't have a plug there, just a hole.

__________________
- Change it back -

Then you got robbed... Call S&W, maybe they'll hook you up.

It should be there though. I am sure, S&W will be happy to send you one, free of charge. They have terrific customer service.