15-22 Performance Center Owners - Reliability Question

[silver78]

Before I posted this question I reviewed several pages of threads here to make sure this is not a duplicate post. While there is a long thread related with the Performance Center (PC) 15-22 it was started a long time ago and most of the thread is related to the existance of and specifications for the PC 15-22. Now the PC model has been shipping and is described in detail on the S&W website here:

M&P15-22<br>.22 LR - Smith & Wesson

So as of today there is no question about the PC 15-22's existence or specifications. This brings me to the next logical question - how does the PC 15-22 perform compared to the regular production 15-22?

Here is why I am asking. I currently own the regular production 15-22. I bought it several months ago and it works great. Very reliable and I have not experienced any problems with it. I really like my current 15-22. But I visited my local gun shop yesterday and they had a PC 15-22 in stock. I like the higher quality barrel, collapsing stock and two stage trigger. BUT I would hate to buy the PC 15-22 and find that it is too picky about ammo. I do understand that it has a tighter chamber and I can't use stingers in the PC model. This does not bother me at all as I am no fan of using stingers in any of my 22 cal rifles - that's why I own a 22 mag. However I would be concerned if the PC model will not shoot bulk 15-22 ammo like the Federal bulk pack reliably.

So can those of you who own the PC model weigh in? What ammo do you shoot? Does it work with most brands or is it picky?

Thanks for your help & advice.

 

[Hobie1]

I currently own one. I've had it since February. It never has had any function problems at all with any ammo I've ran through it. It does have a 2-stage trigger which breaks at 7lbs.
. I just got it back from S&W because it would not group as tight as my MOE no matter what I tried. I applaud S&W's response to the problem. They put a new complete upper on it. I will shoot it Saturday and see if it helps but I'm betting it will. If not, I'll post that also. S&W must of worked on it a bit because they had it almost a month but what the heck, a new upper?!!

As far as it being worth more, we'll see. The trigger issue can be dealt with.

So, it funtions well, not picky about ammo. Heavy trigger(RRA made BTW). It should be very accurate.

Hobie

 

[Hobie1]

BTW, what are they asking for the PC?

 

[silver78]

Hobie

Thanks for the reply. Not much of a response on this topic so I guess that very few folks own the PC version. I guess it's kind of rare? Based on your experience and comments I'm not sure there is much advantage to buying one. I thought the main advantage would be better accuracy.

I really like my regular 15-22 so I do not want the PC model unless it's a step up from the regular one.

On price - my local gun shop is no bargain. They are asking list price for it.

Anybody else have a PC model that can provide some input here?

 

[Hobie1]

Hopefully I'll get to test mine Saturday for accuracy. Is it worth almost $800 retail? Not just no but heck no! I've got an MOE that I've shot this summer and really like it. Flawless performance and accurate also. About $200 less on top of it all. If I had it all to do over I'd of bought the M&P15 Sporter for the same amount of money. Actually I have and love it too.

Hobie

 

[matmat417]

My PC ive found out will shoot any CCI ( excluding stingers) also i ran 750 federal blues through it with a few hickups, primer issue. So if your worried about bulk pick up some CCI mini mags or go for the Winchester m22 they work great with my PC

Also Hobie finally got yours back?? PM me on saturday after your range visit i wanna know if they got it working.

 

[Hobie1]

roger that Matt! I really hope it does well. Film at eleven....

Hobie1 out.

 

[dbuffington]

So can those of you who own the PC model weigh in? What ammo do you shoot? Does it work with most brands or is it picky?

My PC (purchased about two months ago at Cabela's) isn't fussy at all about ammo. It even cycles subsonics (Remington and CCI) without any difficulty.

But my favorite ammo for it is CCI Standard Velocity. From a rest, if I do my job , it produces nickel-size groups at 50 yards.

I have made two small mods to the PC...

- I removed the cosmetic cap on the end of the handguard to keep it from putting pressure on the barrel.

- I replace the stock trigger springs with JP Enterprises "yellow" springs. That cut the pull weight down to around 5 pounds. Still heavy, but the break is nice and clean.

Enjoy!
Dave

 

[fuzzybatman]

my pc shoots well with mini mags and aguila ammo,about nickel size groups at fifty yards,paid 625.00 for mine

 

[Jswiney9]

buddy has one and he tells me he honestly cant tell a difference between it and his regular old 15-22 shooting wise.

 

[Hobie1]

Off to the range

Well, today is going to be as good as it can get weatherwise for testing out the "new" PC. We'll see what we get.

Hobie

 

[silver78]

Hobie - Any range results to report?

 

[Hobie1]

Hmmm...I thought I did..I know, I posted S&W did me right!

Yep, the gun now shoots very well. It will group tighter than I can hold. I'll feel better knowing when I sell it the buyer will have a good platform to work with. I did end up putting a Leupold scope on it yesterday as my poor ol' eyes have a heck of a time with open sights

Is it worth the extra $200? Nope, IMHO. My MOE will fill the bill quite well for the type of shooting I do.

Regards,

Hobie

 

[Bushong572]

I purchased the PC Model 1 month ago and love it. The trigger on my gun breaks like a glass rod at 4 lbs. I've never heard of one of them having a 7 lb trigger I paid $650 for mine.
I think it was worth the extra money for the trigger, VLTOR stock and handgrip, and longer fluted barrel.