15-22 and lef-handed shooters -- has there been a resolution?

[mujzeptu]

I am wanting to buy a 15-22 but had read old posts about issues and if you were left-handed they said AVOID it!

Well now I am ready to buy and the 15-22 just seems like the best solution for my needs, so, is it safe yet for lefty's?

 

[john16443]

Welcome to the forum mujzeptu. I am also a left handed shooter, and just took delivery of my 15-22 last week. I also read those posts related to out of battery (OOB) firing malfunctions, and came away with these conclusions.

1) Yes, it did happen, but it appears to happen only on early model 15-22's.

2) Regardless of what your dominant shooting side is, don't hold the gun by the magazine.

3) If I buy a new gun, the chances of having this problem are extremely small.

4) If I were to buy a used gun, the first thing I would do is send it back to S&W for service and upgrade to address the potential for the OOB condition on an older gun.

I do not hesitate to shoot my 15-22 left handed, and put at least 300 rounds through it weekly. Matter of fact, I'm off to the range in a couple hours and have 400 rounds for the 15-22 and another 200 rounds for the SR9.

I would recommend you buy it, but buy a new one with a serial number that begins with DUU.

John

 

[mujzeptu]

Thanks a lot John! That really helps me and lays it out in simple explanations!

I have considered other similar 22s and this one just seemed the best, so when I heard about the lefty issue I was really bummed. Sounds like issue resolved and I will be getting one ASAP!

If anyone else has something to offer though don't hesitate!

 

[grimreaper21]

Some of the other serials such as DUR are newer models too. DT* are the ones to stay away from.. but either way i would open the receivers and take a peek at the insides.. look for blue springs in both the upper and lower.

 

[venemous]

Just over 3k rounds through mine left handed. I had an OOB at about 2500 rounds(older DTH serial #, 100% flawless since getting it back from S&W). Thankfully the ejector didn't blow out on me. Still, got peppered by a bit of hot gas/powder near my right ear.

wear eyes/ears and a hat...be safe.

 

[chrisj6061]

I've had two of these rifles and have shot them both left handed a majority of the time. The second one I purchased was pre-blue spring rifle which had OOB issues, one of which separated the casing next to my face. Felt slight powder burn on my hand and face. Only a mark on my hand. Pulled my knife and cleared the chamber, checked for barrel obstruction, kept firing.

If I weren't wearing my glasses though it might have been a different story.

 

[sickf4i]

I'm also a left handed shooter and have had the OOB within a few hundred rounds of being new. My extractor blew out, got some hot powder and particles on my face and hand (I hold the mag well and try to keep pressure off the mag itself). Effects of the OOB were minimal in my case, just remember to wear eyes/ears. I also wear long sleeve shirts with some sort of collar. I've had hot brass bounce off the partition wall at the range and go down my neck and roll out of my sleeve.
Bottom line - I love the rifle and have put over 2k rounds through it without a problem after the repair.

 

[Angel]

i am left handed and have over 5K round thru my weapon. Only concern is that the empties sometimes land on my arm while on the bench. easy answer is to wear long sleeves.Have had no other issues. Serial number is DTU. Load the magazines properly, keep your weapon clean and lubricated, and use good ammo, in my case federal and winchester and you will not have a problem. put a primary arms micro dot on it for $100 and shoot it like crazy.