A tad bit disappointed......

[Larry Walls]

Yeah..I know the 15-22 is a neat little .22, but to be honest I have to say that for $500+ I expected better accuracy with it.
After much range time and trying out many scopes, lasers, and red-dot equipment, I'm pretty much convinced that the accuracy I want (consistent 1.5" 50-yard groups from the bench) is not possible with the rifle because of the inherent flex between the barrel/receiver and the polymer stock. Am I expecting too much from this firearm?
Has anybody tried something like shimming the forearm and barrel juncture to increase the rigidity at the point where the barrel exits the forearm? ? Or any other methods to help out accuracy?

 

[astyles]

i have had real good groups at 50 yards with mine.......probly more like 2" to 2.5 but i shoot at a place where it is pretty windy most of the time

 

[Dragon88]

Do you really need 1.5" groups out of this gun? It's meant for fun plinking and low cost training, not target shooting.

What ammo have you tried?

 

[Redbulladdikt]

agree with Dragon88 ( like usual) if you want a tack-driver buy a model 93 Savage 17hmr or a bull-barrel 10/22...

if you research it there are a lot of guys on here getting excellent groups at distance--but this rifle wasnt intended for it

Ammo selection is probably the largest factor--what ammo were you using?>

 

[06x]

i have had real good groups at 50 yards with mine.......probly more like 2" to 2.5 but i shoot at a place where it is pretty windy most of the time

x2. I've gotten consistent 1.75" to 2.5" groups out to 75-80 yards with this rifle and iron sights. I didn't expect much more than that with the iron sights. Just got a 3-9x40 scope mounted up, so we'll see how it does at a little further distance.

 

[CPTBeaker]

I'm able to consistently get 3/4" at 50yds, although I have replaced the trigger... If you are experiencing flex bad enough to affect your groups, it's possible your handguard (i.e. barrel nut) is loose.

Also, remove your handguard endcap to effectively 'free float' your barrel and see if accuracy improves. This will eliminate the effect of any flex in your handguard translating to flex in your barrel. There are many threads on this, as well as the use of different ammunition. Accuracy vs. ammunition is night-and-day with this rifle. I can see accuracy swing from 3/4" to 2" groups with this rifle just by changing ammunition.

I consistently get 3/4" or smaller groups at 50yds with subsonic ammo, either Remington 'Subsonic' or CCI Standard Velocity (which is subsonic). In order to get 1" to 1 1/2" accuracy at 100yds with this gun, I've found that Winchester SuperX 1335fps or CCI Tactical work best for me.

Again, there are many discussions here about ammo vs. accuracy with this rifle. Also, if you are using the heavy, gritty, creepy unmodified stock trigger, you might never get the accuracy you are looking for from this rifle. I saw my groups tighten up significantly just by improving the trigger. Again, there are a fair number of discussions reference mods to the original trigger and plain out trigger replacements.

I have to admit, I was disappointed with the accuracy of the rifle when I first got it also. If you apply a few low cost mods and find the right ammo, you might find that this rifle will exceed your accuracy expectations.

 

[Redbulladdikt]

I saw my groups tighten up significantly just by improving the trigger. Again, there are a fair number of discussions reference mods to the original trigger and plain out trigger replacements.

straight away from S&W i was told that replacing the trigger group is fine--modifying your stock trigger WILL void the warranty on the rifle so beware what you do

i have seen several guys comment that they changed to a 'staged' trigger group ( the Rock River Arms setup) and that seems to be the safest way to go

 

[Highcapmag]

I would recommend cci tactical 22 ammo it was designed and tested for this gun. Also removing forearm end cap and the jp enterprise trigger springs. I believe you will see a great improvement by taking these steps. I sure have. Good luck

 

[Redbulladdikt]

I would recommend cci tactical 22 ammo it was designed and tested for this gun. Also removing forearm end cap and the jp enterprise trigger springs. I believe you will see a great improvement by taking these steps. I sure have. Good luck

definately wouldnt discourage anyone from trying out any ammo--with the exception of Remington's Garbage--but there have been mixed reviews of the Tacti22 Ammo...Stick with the Big 3 first before you broaden out ( 1.CCI MiniMags 2.Federal 'Bulk Pack' 525 count 3.Winchester M-22) these seem to be universally agreed upon to be the best performers not just in consistent feeding and reliable BANG but also accuracy

Several people have reported FTF issues with the Tactical 22 ( i personally just dont like the additional $5 for 150 less rounds over the Federal Bulk)

 

[Dragon88]

CCI Tactical was probably the biggest fail of the year in regards to 15-22s. People were so excited on here when it was announced, and now it's just regarded as overpriced bulk pack. Winchester needs to cut the price on M-22 about 25% and corner the market on tactical 22 ammo.

 

[jbinbi]

wow, 2" grouping with iron sighst. just got mine and shoot first time today. iron sights. holding at 50 yrds. hit the 50' pistol target 3 out of 10x;-). No idea if it's my style, fact that I am holding it. Had a problem getting a good grip with my 'ear muff' ear protectors as it was getting in the way. last shot a rifle about 10 years ago, a ruger10-22, was pretty good at 25 yds. also now wear bifocals. thinking a 3-9 scope might help out.

 

[G-Mac]

Winchester needs to cut the price on M-22 about 25% and corner the market on tactical 22 ammo.

If I may ask, what is tactical .22 ammo?

I've shot a lot of .22 ammo in my life, but never heard of this.

Sorry if this is a stupid question...I'm an old 10/22 owner that doesn't get out much.

 

[Dragon88]

I don't like the phrase "tactical 22" much myself, but it's so popular these days with guns like the 15-22 that it's hard to ignore. Tactical 22 just means ammo that is designed to provide near 100% reliability and excellent performance in semi-auto rimfires. You're probably thinking, 'but I've been using that for years in my 10/22'. That's absolutely true, but companies are apply the "tactical" label directly to their ammo now to take advantage of the craze. Current offerings include CCI AR Tactical 22 and Winchester M-22.

 

[thacheese]

I don't like the phrase "tactical 22" much myself, but it's so popular these days with guns like the 15-22 that it's hard to ignore. Tactical 22 just means ammo that is designed to provide near 100% reliability and excellent performance in semi-auto rimfires. You're probably thinking, 'but I've been using that for years in my 10/22'. That's absolutely true, but companies are apply the "tactical" label directly to their ammo now to take advantage of the craze. Current offerings include CCI AR Tactical 22 and Winchester M-22.

basically they are a slightly higher grade of bulk ammo.

 

[Redbulladdikt]

If I may ask, what is tactical .22 ammo?

I've shot a lot of .22 ammo in my life, but never heard of this.

Sorry if this is a stupid question...I'm an old 10/22 owner that doesn't get out much.

The bullets are supposedly less waxy and the "primer" compound is supposed to be more consistently pumped into the lower portion of the casing...
so far I can say i have seen NO improvement in either cycling or accuracy with the CCI stuff...The Winchester M22 is phenominal (but extremely overpriced) didnt improve accuracy but maintained it and had 1 FTF out of 2000 rounds! If you find it on sale it is #3 on my top 3 Ammo List ( see my previous post)

 

[DrD562]

I shot an entire box of CCI Blazer 525 bulk pack ($20) and had zero FTE's, only had literally like 2 or 3 FTF, but I think that was because I didn't load the mag correctly and another because the charging handle wasn't pulled back before I inserted the mag. The CCI tactical is $20 for only 325 rds here in Cali. I'll stick to Blazer for now.

 

[rigby338]

As others have pointed out, remove the cap at the end of the forend, this will freefloat the barrel. I got lucky when I bought mine used, I got a barrel nut wrench, so I ensure proper snug fit. Also be aware of how you are holding/resting th rifle, for the ultimate accuracy line up the rifle and only touch it enough to squeeze the trigger.
I am getting sub inch groups very consistenly with fed bulk pack and 10X scope. It takes practice and thought, plinking is easy, good groups are done by the shooter. Dont blame the rifle untill you have rulrd out human error. Most modern firearms shoot better than their owners. The best part is practicing with these rifles IS the fun part.
As many others have also pointed out, find an ammo which your rifle likes, then get a bunch of the same lot. 22lr is very ammo sensitive. Even the superstock guys will tell you that.
Have fun, Rigby

 

[Larry Walls]

Well thanks folks, for the input. I've been shooting Federal bulk 525 ammo with it, and will try a few other brands. Have a few rounds of 10X and other Eley match left over, so perhaps I can pin it down better on the cause(s). The trigger is "OK", a little heavy perhaps, but I certainly don't feel it worthy of putting any more $ into the gun.
Sorry- but Yes, I did "expect 1.5-inch groups" at 25 yards from a fairly expensive (for me, at least) firearm, notwithstanding a description as a "plinker" or fun gun for training. Was hoping to head-pop a few squirrels with it once in a while. I'll spend a little "tweak time" on this neat little rig, and hopefully get'r'done. Trying to keep away from spending as much on .22 ammo as on .223, but the gap is slowly closing.

 

[mn_doggie]

Well thanks folks, for the input. I've been shooting Federal bulk 525 ammo with it, and will try a few other brands. Have a few rounds of 10X and other Eley match left over, so perhaps I can pin it down better on the cause(s). The trigger is "OK", a little heavy perhaps, but I certainly don't feel it worthy of putting any more $ into the gun.
Sorry- but Yes, I did "expect 1.5-inch groups" at 25 yards from a fairly expensive (for me, at least) firearm, notwithstanding a description as a "plinker" or fun gun for training. Was hoping to head-pop a few squirrels with it once in a while. I'll spend a little "tweak time" on this neat little rig, and hopefully get'r'done. Trying to keep away from spending as much on .22 ammo as on .223, but the gap is slowly closing.

Look at the post from ChattanoogaPhil in the last part of the current optics thread. He has some 100 yard targets with groups that should make you feel a bit better.

http://smith-wessonforum.com/smith-wesson-m-p-15-22/207070-help-optics-pls-2.html#post136100689

 

[5.56Spartan]

Well thanks folks, for the input. I've been shooting Federal bulk 525 ammo with it, and will try a few other brands. Have a few rounds of 10X and other Eley match left over, so perhaps I can pin it down better on the cause(s). The trigger is "OK", a little heavy perhaps, but I certainly don't feel it worthy of putting any more $ into the gun.
Sorry- but Yes, I did "expect 1.5-inch groups" at 25 yards from a fairly expensive (for me, at least) firearm, notwithstanding a description as a "plinker" or fun gun for training. Was hoping to head-pop a few squirrels with it once in a while. I'll spend a little "tweak time" on this neat little rig, and hopefully get'r'done. Trying to keep away from spending as much on .22 ammo as on .223, but the gap is slowly closing.

1.5" @ 25 yards should be easy for this gun.

Here is a link to some ammo testing I did @ 50 yards. The groups are 10 shots so they might seem larger than you are asking for, but if you check closely you will see a few that are solid performers.

http://smith-wessonforum.com/smith-wesson-m-p-15-22/202709-ammo-testing-w-chronograph-data.html

FWIW - I am not a great shot at benchrest and much prefer to run and gun, so a good shooter could probably improve upon my performance.