Hi all. I currently have a CA compliant 15-22 (no threaded barrel), that I purchased early last year. I have since relocated to AZ, and I am thinking I would like to have a threaded barrel model. Is it better for me to get a new threaded barrel (if even possible), and swap out the barrel, or should I just sell the rifle I have, and buy a model WITH the threaded barrel? What says the 15-22 brain trust?

Why not just have the barrel threaded?

That could be a possibility, although I am not sure I would trust any of the local smiths in my small town, as I have called a couple in the past inquiring about a small task, and neither bothered to return my call.

Edit: Actually, on the CA compliant model that I have, I believe the flash hider is permanently attached, as having a threaded barrel in CA is a felonious offence. So, I do not think having my existing barrel threaded here in AZ is an option.

Volquartsen now has a threaded, light weight, carbon fiber barrel for the 15-22 that is also very accurate. It's a direct replacement.
Lightweight Carbon Fiber Barrel for S&W M&P 15-22, 1/2 x 28 TPI Threads | Volquartsen Firearms

It's probably better to buy a new mlock 15-22 when on sale than buy the aftermarket replacement barrel.A lot of money for just a barrel?

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NEVER GIVE UP YOUR GUN

Have it threaded. I have done a few of them for customers and if the smith is capable, its not to bad of a job. Worst part is taking it apart to get the barrel off the receiver.

Where are you living in AZ?

Consider selling/trading up to a Performance Center model. Threaded and fluted Match Grade barrel, better trigger, nicer furniture. The slim M-loc handguard is an ergonomic improvement over the older quad rail design too. Cost wise, your not looking at a lot of difference.
Love mine.
Performance Center(R) M&P(R)15-22 SPORT™ | Smith & Wesson

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Dave

Thank you, but ouch! nearly $350 for a barrel! I will need to pass on that.

Agreed. $350 is too steep for me.

Payson/Star Valley.

Hmmmm. Will look around to see what kind of price I can get, as these list @$709. I paid $299 at a doorbuster type sale for mine when I lived in CA.

I bought my 15-22 just before the threaded barreled variant was available. I had a local master gunsmith thread mine, seems like it was about $75.00.

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have you actually looked to see if your flash hider is pinned or permanent at all?

there is nothing illegal about a threaded barrel on a rifle in california. that law applies to pistols w/ detachable mags

I just got one yesterday and I didn't notice anything on my flash hider that looked like it was permanent, but I wasn't checking that close because I'm fine with the muzzle device it came with

First post. Hey all. I personally would like the barrel to be 5 inches shorter with a barrel shroud. As a former plumber I would not thread a barrel, just an integrity and precision thing with me.

That would be creating a Short Barreled Rifle, you would need to do some extra paperwork with the ATF and pay some extra fees to own one or create one legally. They are also illegal in certain states.

That being said, I would love to do that with my 15-22.

It would balance the rifle better. Since almost everything on the rifle is polymer except for the barrel, it ends up being very front heavy. Cutting the barrel back would balance it better and reduce overall weight especially for training young kids which is primarily what I bought a 15-22 for.

It would also make the rifle look more "tacticool" following the trend of long handgaurds that extend almost out to the muzzle device.