I see that the 15-22 has different models: the 10208 & the 10213. They stats appear identical, so what's the difference? There is also a 10205 with a better barrel & trigger for about $200 more, but is it worth it? Finally the 12546 promo with a red dot sight, that has a great price, but is the sight any good or is it a piece of junk? Can't find any reviews on the red dot promo so I'm hesitant to buy it. Any info on these rifles would be appreciated. Is it better to buy the least expensive rifle & put in a better trigger, red dot & stock? Let's hear from some of you folks that did this. Thanks from Florida.

The Commish

With the exception of the Performance Center version (10205), all models of the 15-22 are the same. (barrels, triggers, internal parts etc.)

The differences of other models are included furniture and /or finishes and what you want to pay for. If you are eventually going to up grade to the magpul stuff included with those variations then just buy it like that. (little cheaper than piecing it out) There are alot of threads covering the differences and opinions covering the Performance / Standard comparisons; quick search will answer these questions.

The optic included in the promo is a low cost affair which will probably be fine on a 22lr rifle. It's a great starter kit to give you a chance to figure out what you really want and upgrade from there. Use the saved money for ammo and spare magazines and have fun!

There are MA/CA compliant models of the 15-22 which have a fixed but stock and no flash hider. I suspect that is what your looking at. ( There are colored versions too.)
The other is the Performance Center version (at $200 more) that has a better trigger, better ( longer fluted and threaded ) barrel, better butstock, better grip, Mbus sights and PC stampings.
I have a PC and have been very happy with it.
The kit with dot is very decent. ( We've been selling allot of them at the shop I work at.) You'r basically getting a decent range bag and a decent red dot for $40. ( No sights included on this package BTW) Is the red dot a Vortex? NO. But it should serve most very well for range work.

All that said, what works best for you is up to you alone.

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Dave

Most of the difference is what 'furniture' it comes with (ie: Magpul stuff), finish, camo/color finish, etc. Other than the PC 15-22, everything else is pretty much that same. I picked-up the Package deal about a month ago because I got a smokin' deal on it NIB. The eed/green dot optic is by no means the top-of-the-line optic, but it does work well (I have a brand new one for sale in the classifieds) If you are in the market for a 15-22 and can't locate the promo 'package deal' one, then I would just by the basic model because you're probably going to add your own stuff to it. Just like centerfire AR's, these things are money pits! lol The run fine the way they are but they are so much fun to customize. I already replaced the stock pistol grip with a Magpul MOE, added Magpul MBUIS, replaced the stock A1 flash hider with a AR Stoner muzzle brake, free floated the barrel, added sling swivels/sling, and QD scope mount and a 1-4x24 scope. I have a Magpul MOE buttstock coming for it, and eventually an ambi safety switch and charging handle. The trigger is good enough for now. These things are a flat out hoot to shoot!

Thanks for your reply. Looks like you have everything needed to upgrade except for a better trigger. If I can get the PC model at a good price I'll go with that since I won't have to replace everything. I'll probably put a decent but not top of the line red dot on it & free float the handguard. For target shooting & competition I have an Anschutz 54 with a Unertle 12x scope so I don't need a scoped 15-22. I do mostly indoor shooting now days & some ranges don't allow a 5.56 AR, so I figured to get the 15-22 to shoot anywhere & save money on the ammo. My center fire rifle competion days are over & I'd rather go to my local indoor ranges & shoot my pistols with my deadeye grand daughter than travel for an hour or more the get to an outdoor range that costs 3x as much & have to wait 1/2 hour to change targets. Your info & suggestions are appreciated.

The Commish