M&P 15-22 Purchase

[fyimo]

Being a Vietnam Vet and carrying and using a M16 on a daily basis for part of my time there I never had the desire to buy one when I came home. I ended my tour carrying a M14 sniper rifle that I was given when our sniper was wounded.

I'm thinking of buying a M&P 15-22 based on a review I read in Guns & Ammo and I was wanting this groups feedback on what their experience has been with the M&P 15-22. The article said they had decent accuracy and were very durable. These are key factors for me because I can't stand rifles that aren't accurate or ones that have problems feeding. This riflel would be used for plinking fun and for target shooting at the gun club I belong to. I probably would mount a decent rifle scope on it rather then a red dot.

What size magazines do they come with as I would assume they come with a 10 round magazine. What other magazines are available for them that have a larger capacity and are reliable.

My only other 22LR rifle that I own is a Remington Speedmaster 552 semi auto that was my Dad's before he passed away. In pistols I own many 22LR S&W revolvers and a 7 inch Model 41.

Thanks in advance

 

[CPTBeaker]

10 rd & 25 rd magazines are available, both have been very reliable in my experience. Large capacity drum magazines are available but I don't have any experience with them.

My 15-22 have been very reliable, accurate, and durable. The best thing about the 15-22 is that it looks, feels, operates, and pretty much breaks down just like an AR. All of the external controls (i.e. magazine release, bolt release, charging handle, and selector are all operational, unlike some other brands.).

I'm pretty sure you will be happy with it's performance and will find it approximates the M16 as close as can be expected.

 

[Anchor]

There are more accurate 22's available but none more fun than the Smith. Take a look at the Nikon rimfire specific scopes. Very nice.

 

[p51mstg]

I should let those reply with thousands of rounds through their rifles, but feel compelled to add my two cents anyway.

It seems like about the only thing anyone ever complains about with the 15-22 these days (previous production-related issues aside) is that if the extractor gets bent, even slightly, this can cause issues. It's an easy fix (bend it back), once you know what's going on, and I don't see it causing me grief years down the line.

I haven't found anyone complaining about how something broke, or wore out over time. In other words, I believe it's as reliable as anything else made.

As far as accuracy, some people claim that they have had issues there. Some of those issues appear to be related to things being loose. Probably the trickiest thing that could get loose is the barrel nut, which is specific to the rifle. Tacticool22 sells a wrench and barrel vise for tightening barrel nuts, and others do, as well.

My experience with reliability and accuracy is limited to about 400 rounds, at 50 yards or less and with iron sights. It shot about as flawless as any gun I've ever seen or owned, and couldn't be happier. So, for those who claim to have issues, I would say those are specific to the gun they own - a defect, or something like that.

I have a Simmons 3-9x rimfire scope on my Ruger 10/22 and have been quite happy with it. Simmons is supposedly on the low end of the quality spectrum, but this scope has been on the rifle for many years and I've had zero complaints.

I can't say how this compares to a Vietnam-era M-16, but would guess that the controls are similar enough that you could close your eyes and probably hit bullseyes all day long with no trouble. I would say it's more of a match for the newer M4 style - barrel length, stock and forearm, etc. - and don't know how much different that really is.

Internals are slightly different, but it takes the same trigger and everything functions the same way as any modern AR. The rifle comes with a 25-round mag for those who live in states that allow it. Aside from being a little finicky to load, I haven't seen any problems with the Smith mags.

And, one last thing: THANK YOU.

 

[GMC man]

I love my 15-22, after the initial break-in I haven't had a single problem with her. I normally shoot 100 yards but sometime go 200 yards and she is pretty accurate.

I put a swivel bipod with a 3x12 x50e ncstar scope on 1 in riser and use 25 round mags.

 

[roadkill45]

well brother, welcome home first of all. this aint your Nam era gun, those kinks have been worked out a long time ago. for a plinker and a pretty good jack rabbit gun i love mine. 25 round mags and a 36 round one if you live in one of the free states. it doesn't have the triangular handguards like the A1!!!! Most of it is the same and there are some parts that interchange.
Heck get one and have fun with it. I still crawl around the desert here in AZ and pick off steels i have set at various distances so i don't miss the 21 years i did active! plus you won't find a more fun .22, I have 10-22's for serious target and serious hunting, but that is only in the fall/winter and the 15-22 gets a work out all the time. lot lighter than toting around that M14, i'm gonna go compare in a minute on my Springfield and appreciate my arm not going to sleep! We'll save the .308 for the coyotes!

 

[GrumpyBear]

I should let those reply with thousands of rounds through their rifles, but feel compelled to add my two cents anyway.

It seems like about the only thing anyone ever complains about with the 15-22 these days (previous production-related issues aside) is that if the extractor gets bent, even slightly, this can cause issues. It's an easy fix (bend it back), once you know what's going on, and I don't see it causing me grief years down the line.

I haven't found anyone complaining about how something broke, or wore out over time. In other words, I believe it's as reliable as anything else made.

As far as accuracy, some people claim that they have had issues there. Some of those issues appear to be related to things being loose. Probably the trickiest thing that could get loose is the barrel nut, which is specific to the rifle. Tacticool22 sells a wrench and barrel vise for tightening barrel nuts, and others do, as well.

My experience with reliability and accuracy is limited to about 400 rounds, at 50 yards or less and with iron sights. It shot about as flawless as any gun I've ever seen or owned, and couldn't be happier. So, for those who claim to have issues, I would say those are specific to the gun they own - a defect, or something like that.

I have a Simmons 3-9x rimfire scope on my Ruger 10/22 and have been quite happy with it. Simmons is supposedly on the low end of the quality spectrum, but this scope has been on the rifle for many years and I've had zero complaints.

I can't say how this compares to a Vietnam-era M-16, but would guess that the controls are similar enough that you could close your eyes and probably hit bullseyes all day long with no trouble. I would say it's more of a match for the newer M4 style - barrel length, stock and forearm, etc. - and don't know how much different that really is.

Internals are slightly different, but it takes the same trigger and everything functions the same way as any modern AR. The rifle comes with a 25-round mag for those who live in states that allow it. Aside from being a little finicky to load, I haven't seen any problems with the Smith mags.

And, one last thing: THANK YOU.

^^^^^I agree,only I have about a thousand rounds through mine,no real issues.First couple hundred rounds had a few ftf's and some dud rounds.After that smooth sailing.

And Thank you for your service,Happy Memorial Day.

 

[Maddmax]

Being a Vietnam Vet and carrying and using a M16 on a daily basis for part of my time there I never had the desire to buy one when I came home. I ended my tour carrying a M14 sniper rifle that I was given when our sniper was wounded.

I'm thinking of buying a M&P 15-22 based on a review I read in Guns & Ammo and I was wanting this groups feedback on what their experience has been with the M&P 15-22. The article said they had decent accuracy and were very durable. These are key factors for me because I can't stand rifles that aren't accurate or ones that have problems feeding. This riflel would be used for plinking fun and for target shooting at the gun club I belong to. I probably would mount a decent rifle scope on it rather then a red dot.

What size magazines do they come with as I would assume they come with a 10 round magazine. What other magazines are available for them that have a larger capacity and are reliable.

My only other 22LR rifle that I own is a Remington Speedmaster 552 semi auto that was my Dad's before he passed away. In pistols I own many 22LR S&W revolvers and a 7 inch Model 41.

Thanks in advance

I'm in the same boat thinking about the 15-22 and doing alot of research before I deside to or not (I am liking what I've been seeing ...so far) and the M&P 15-22 is looking better all the time. Reliability and hitting what I'm shooting at for a far/reasonable price. Not really looking for a high $$$ target,but a good all around plinker. I'll be watching this groups feedback too. I want all the good and bad feedback.

I didn't care at all for the old jam-o-matic M-16 (also a Viet-Nam Vet 70-73) and the problems related to it. I too found and latched onto an M-14 or carried a "Thumper".

I opted for the Mini-14 181 series later when I got home and it has been as reliable as the old M-14 from day one and still going strong. I remembering giggling at the AR guys on the range cussing problems with the earlier models. It looks like things have gotten much better over the years with the newer models and M&P has caught my eye on that one too.

Also have a very old Ruger 10-22 Sport Model (paid $67. for it brand new if that tells you how old that one is) and it's also been a tack driver from day one.

 

[5.56Spartan]

Being a Vietnam Vet and carrying and using a M16 on a daily basis for part of my time there I never had the desire to buy one when I came home. I ended my tour carrying a M14 sniper rifle that I was given when our sniper was wounded.

I'm thinking of buying a M&P 15-22 based on a review I read in Guns & Ammo and I was wanting this groups feedback on what their experience has been with the M&P 15-22. The article said they had decent accuracy and were very durable. These are key factors for me because I can't stand rifles that aren't accurate or ones that have problems feeding. This riflel would be used for plinking fun and for target shooting at the gun club I belong to. I probably would mount a decent rifle scope on it rather then a red dot.

What size magazines do they come with as I would assume they come with a 10 round magazine. What other magazines are available for them that have a larger capacity and are reliable.

My only other 22LR rifle that I own is a Remington Speedmaster 552 semi auto that was my Dad's before he passed away. In pistols I own many 22LR S&W revolvers and a 7 inch Model 41.

Thanks in advance

First, thank you for your service. It is people like you that make this a great country.

I have +/- 5,000 rounds through my rifle and find the rifle to be good in the accuracy department. The newer serial numbers have been good shooters with very few technical problems for at least the past few years (early models had teething problems).

In regards to accuracy, it isn't a 100 yard target rifle that owns the x-ring. There are custom 22's out there that will out shoot this one any day. That said, it is plenty accurate (and more importantly fun) to shoot.

Here is a link to some ammo testing I did last year.
Ammo testing with chronograph data

For magazines, this is one area where the M&P 15-22 wins. They have good mags available in 10rd and 25rd options (there is after market 50rd drums). One advantage of the S&W over others is the bolt hold open on the last shot. Also, unlike some other models, the S&W 15-22 mags are readily available (check out 44mag.com for good pricing and service).

As many others will testify; friends and acquaintances that we let shoot the M&P 15-22 almost invariably end up buying one.

The fact that it runs and operates just like my big brother AR is a huge reason I bought this. What keeps bringing me back to it, it the cost to shoot and the shear pleasure that it brings when my son and I go out and shoot together.

 

[Majorlk]

Just be aware of one very real problem ...

If you have shooting-age children or grandchildren, and you let them shoot just one mag-full, they will try to take it away from you!!!! I'm almost to the point of buying my 8-year old grandson one of his own because he refuses to shoot his Cricket single-shot any more.

 

[GMC man]

Just be aware of one very real problem ...

If you have shooting-age children or grandchildren, and you let them shoot just one mag-full, they will try to take it away from you!!!! I'm almost to the point of buying my 8-year old grandson one of his own because he refuses to shoot his Cricket single-shot any more.

Oh boy I'm going to have my 16 yo daughter go with me to the range Monday its her first time.

 

[Majorlk]

Oh boy I'm going to have my 16 yo daughter go with me to the range Monday its her first time.

Kiss your 15-22 goodbye!

 

[copper06]

Hijacking the thread a bit but for good reason. Is there a carrying handle accessory anyone makes that will fit the 15-22, ala M-16 look-a-like that also has a rear sight in it?

I know Bushmaster has one for the full-size AR's but NO idea if something like that will fit/work on a 15-22.

 

[copper06]

Nvm! Found my own answer and it's "Yes!"

http://smith-wessonforum.com/smith-wesson-m-p-15-22/210694-carry-handle-15-22-a.html

From right here on the S&W Forum.

 

[fyimo]

I'm in the same boat thinking about the 15-22 and doing alot of research before I deside to or not (I am liking what I've been seeing ...so far) and the M&P 15-22 is looking better all the time. Reliability and hitting what I'm shooting at for a far/reasonable price. Not really looking for a high $$$ target,but a good all around plinker. I'll be watching this groups feedback too. I want all the good and bad feedback.

I didn't care at all for the old jam-o-matic M-16 (also a Viet-Nam Vet 70-73) and the problems related to it. I too found and latched onto an M-14 or carried a "Thumper".

I opted for the Mini-14 181 series later when I got home and it has been as reliable as the old M-14 from day one and still going strong. I remembering giggling at the AR guys on the range cussing problems with the earlier models. It looks like things have gotten much better over the years with the newer models and M&P has caught my eye on that one too.

Also have a very old Ruger 10-22 Sport Model (paid $67. for it brand new if that tells you how old that one is) and it's also been a tack driver from day one.

First off Thanks to all for their input and this will be just a fun plinker and not a life or death defense weapon. I think it ought to be a fun platform to play with and have fun at the range. I have a mini 14 in 223 for fun shooting in that caliber and sort of a standby urban defense weapon. I have lots of rifles in all hunting calibers I use including a Browning A bolt in 223 and a CZ 500 American in 22-250 that I hunt varmits with. I Elk hunt in Colorado every year and I use a Remington 700 in 35 Whelen or a Sako 338 Win Mag with a muzzle break. I also belong to a hunting club here in Arkansas where I hunt with a couple of Savage Model 14 bolt action rifles in 308 or 270 depending on my mood and the distance I think I may be shooting.

I also have reloaded all my centerfire ammo for about 35 years and I love reloading and finding new loads for my rifles.

I'm pretty sure I will be picking up the S&W Model 15-22 later this week as they have them at Walmart and my significant other works there and she gets a 10% discount. I'll let you know when I get it and what mags and scope I buy for it.

 

[tracksol]

I think that you'll thoroughly enjoy the S&W M&P 15-22. It has been 100& reliable for me and has met my requirements for an AR15 trainer.

I also suggest to give a modern AR15 a try. It's been well documented that the cause of the problems you guys had back in Vietnam with the 1st generation M16 was due to improper training with regards to maintenance and lack of cleaning kits early on. Unfortunately the stigma has stuck and everyone knows it's hard to change a negative first impression.

Here is a link to an article from SWAT magazine that outlines the famous "Filthy 14" AR15 rifle from BCM (Bravo Company Manufacturing) going over 30K rounds. A post article update has it over 35K rounds. Pretty much any AR15 these days from a quality manufacturer will perform similarly if maintained and lubricated properly and used with quality magazines and ammunition.

Slip 2000™ - Articles: S.W.A.T. MAGAZINE FILTHY 14 Bravo Company Carbine Goes 31,165 Rounds

 

[fyimo]

I really never experienced any FTF problems with an M16 in Vietnam and as far as I know none of my men did either. We were really diligent on keeping them clean because of problems that some of the early M16's had when they first were given to the soldiers in Vietnam. I was a Squad leader when I first got to Vietnam and then a Platoon Sgt. the second half of my tour. We used to joke and call them Mattie Mattel toys when we were there. They offered and advantage because the ammo was so much lighter than 308 (7.62 Nato) rounds our guys carried 21 magazines with 19 rounds in them. I just personally never warmed up to them and I was happy to carry the M14 sniper rifle the last 4 months of my tour.

 

[tracksol]

To each his own. If we all liked the same stuff the world would be pretty bland. I'm sure you'll like the 15-22 if/when you get it and perhaps it'll make the AR15 platform grow on you enough to try one.

Oh and by the way, as an Active Duty USAF NCO, thanks for your service brother!