Is a 15-22 the right choice?

MarkAlt

MarkAlt

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I am mostly into .22 revolvers, but would like get an AR style 22 for plinking. Sold my Colt 5.56 ‘restricted’ rollmark a few years ago and miss the platform, but could probably have more fun with a 22.

I notice several S&W SKUs and prices mostly in the $450-$500 range on GB. Would definitely want a red/green dot too.

I prefer the pre forward-assist, VN era A1s, but haven’t found anything decent without spending a lot more. Keep coming back to the 15-22 for best value and fun factor.

Any recommendations on which model to look for? Best value red/green dot for close range in the field and indoor ranges? How about slings for in the field?

Thanks for any suggestions or thoughts for a 15-22 newbie.
 
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I've been happy with my 10210 SKU (FDE MOE furniture). Fun, reliable so far, and decently accurate. I've got a Burris FF3 mounted when I don't have a 22 scope on it. The 2 point sling I got off the big shopping sight cheap - can't give you any more info about it. I see that some 15-22s come with a red or green dot from the factory, which might be the way to go. Oh, have fun, and get plenty of magazines.
 
As I have 4 15-22s (2 rifles, 2 pistols), I will easily say that it's the way to go... While I have dreamt about taking one of them and adding a bunch of Volquartsen or other parts, I have yet to do so...

My LGS sells a Crimson Trace red dot for about $60... It's the Crimson Trace CTS-25...
 
I prefer the Ruger .22 Charger to an AR .22 buts that’s likely because I am so familiar with the 10/22.

If I was going to buy an AR .22, it’d be a 15-22 though, solid guns.
 
I bought a 15-22 from PSA last year. As soon as I received it I saw the deal for 3 mags and a soft case included. Called them up to see if they would honor same deal for me or at least some store credit. So sorry Zip nada nothing they could do. Kind of made me angry. I've spent thousands of dollars with those folks, not so much lately.
 
I bought a 15-22 from Academy during a sale on them a few years ago.
I shot it the day I bought it and it has resided in the safe ever since.
I do remember that it was fun to shoot and had no issues with the mini mags I fed it or the 1 x 25 rd magazine it came with..
 
I consider the S&W 15-22 a solid plinker. I've put 1000's of trouble-free rounds through mine. The 15-22 functions in most ways like a AR15, so it's a good understudy/practice tool with lower cost ammo. Many AR15 goodies will also fit on a 15-22. For a serious, long term heavy use .22LR semi-auto I lean to the Ruger 10-22 platform.
 
Depends on what you want. Personally, I prefer my CMMG Quebec A, which is a dedicated .22lr upper on a multi-caliber marked lower. Because it is an aluminum upper on a true lower, the weight feels the same as my AR. The M&P 15-22 is very light.

However, the M&P 15-22functions just like my M&P 15 Sport right out of the box, with last shot bolt hold open. I had to buy extra parts to add to my CMMG to get that feature. Also, the M&P runs longer between cleanings than my CMMG.
 
S & W 15-22

I have one of the model 15, 22 rifles with eight 25 round magazines. My grandkids and I have a great time shooting it. Great gun.
 
I would say the 15-22 is a little toy like (it's plastic and it rattles) but still a very fun little semi auto rifle and a capable pinker. While I have many to choose from, I still seem to grab my 15-22 and take it to the range all the time. I also find it a good choice of rifle to diffuse the stigma surrounding the "scary black gun" to people new to the shooting sports who may have learned everything they know about shooting and guns listening to NPR and watching The View.
 
Wow. A big 'thank you' to everyone for their thoughts. You guys gave me some great advice.

I am looking at the base model 10208 because I want the flip-up sights. The Vortex Crossfire red-dot (with high mount) seems like a nice, inexpensive add-on.

Looking forward to having some fun! :)
 
In the decision for 15-22 vs 10/22, the ability to use most any AR trigger in the 15-22 is certainly an advantage.

Hard not to have fun plinking/training with either. Enjoy your 15-22!
 
I have purchased 2 15-22's in the past year and a half. Have the basic one with flip ups, and the FDE MOE slim with flips. Zero issues with the base, a few minor early issues with jams on the FDE but has since disappeared after upgrading the extractor. They are a lot of fun to shoot. Have a 10/22, which is a great gun as well, but I like shooting the 15-22 more. Also, if you buy the MOE slim, I did not like the factory grip, too thin. I put a hogue grip on it and its great.
 
peterdeb said:
It's the way to go. Get yourself a few 25 or 30 round clips, a speed reloader, a brick and go have a blast, literally!!!
Click to expand...
I got a couple 50rds drums for mine ..

Sent from my SM-G973U using Tapatalk
 
Got one in November, and absolutely love it. I use it for Steel Challenge competitions and have been really enjoying it. No mods yet, just running with iron sights.
 
Really like the 15-22

Put only a few hundred rounds through it so far, but is was flawless in operation and very accurate with the open sites or the red dot.
 

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