M&P .22 Full Size with Red dot - What ammo?

[prickett]

I mounted a Vortex Venom to my M&P .22 Full Size using an EGW dovetail mount. The EGW site warns that the added weight might result in failures to cycle and I can confirm that to be the case. I've tried several high velocity .22 LRs but haven't found anything that is completely reliable. Has anyone solved this problem? (such as some super duper ammo that WILL cycle)

I figure I have two alternatives if nobody has gotten this to work:
Drill out some holes in the mount to lighten it (hopefully the removed material will be enough)
-or-
Punt, dismount the EGW and put it on my M&P .45.

 

[gunny4053]

What ammo have you tried? I'd hate to recommend something that's already failed for you. Have you tried CCI mini-mags?

 

[Eric300]

Option 2: Drop back 10 and punt.

 

[prickett]

What ammo have you tried? I'd hate to recommend something that's already failed for you. Have you tried CCI mini-mags?

Yes, I've tried Mini-mags (which, BTW, aren't any faster than many high velocity .22s.)

I've tried Federal Automatch (1200 FPS)
Mini-Mags (1235 FPS)
Federal Value Pack (1260 FPS)
Aguila Target (1080 FPS)
CCI Standard Velocity (1070 FPS)

 

[Dave Lively]

In my experience if a 22 is not reliable with 40 grain round nose CCI MiniMags it probably will not be reliable with anything else. There are exceptions but you have already tried several different types of ammo.

Not sure if it is due to MiniMags being closer to the advertised velocity than other brands, better consistency, or a faster/slower powder than other brands but MiniMags do seem to work better in finicky 22s.

It sounds like it is time to move the red dot to your 45. If you want a 22 with an optic mounting it somewhere other than the slide would be your other option. Not sure if you can do that with your gun but there are lots of mounts for guns like the Ruger Mark and S&W Victory. You can even it them from the factory with a rail.

 

[hardluk1]

You could return the m&p 22 to stock condition and sell/trade it for a SW22 , ruger or Browning Buck Mark as the bolts move independent of the rail so there is no function issues . Other 22lr pistols like SW22 or Rugerare very reliable when you have the factory fixed rail for an optic or one you can add a to. SW22 starts at $450 retail . Browning buck Mark Field Targets retail is $490 and optic ready .


We have had a weigand mount and a ultra dot on a ruger mk3 for 20 years . pure fun or makes for a fine critter getter . I added a Volquarsen soft recoil spring kit to it and only standard velocity ammo in all our 22lr firearms pistols or rifles really like federal 711b but CCI standard, aguila target or eley contact all run reliably too .

Not a fan of the venom for a carry gun but put it on the 45 if you like it

 

[prickett]

In my experience if a 22 is not reliable with 40 grain round nose CCI MiniMags it probably will not be reliable with anything else. There are exceptions but you have already tried several different types of ammo.

Not sure if it is due to MiniMags being closer to the advertised velocity than other brands, better consistency, or a faster/slower powder than other brands but MiniMags do seem to work better in finicky 22s.

It sounds like it is time to move the red dot to your 45. If you want a 22 with an optic mounting it somewhere other than the slide would be your other option. Not sure if you can do that with your gun but there are lots of mounts for guns like the Ruger Mark and S&W Victory. You can even it them from the factory with a rail.

I do already have a red dot mounted on my Ruger 22/45, so I'm covered there. Was just hoping to turn the S&W into something my wife would like (she's pretty wimpy and the Ruger is a bit heavy for her).

Oh well, it sounds like M&P .45 is about to be "upgraded". I'm fine with that option too.

Thanks for the advice.

 

[prickett]

You could return the m&p 22 to stock condition and sell/trade it for a SW22 , ruger or Browning Buck Mark as the bolts move independent of the rail so there is no function issues . Other 22lr pistols like SW22 or Rugerare very reliable when you have the factory fixed rail for an optic or one you can add a to. SW22 starts at $450 retail . Browning buck Mark Field Targets retail is $490 and optic ready .


Not a fan of the venom for a carry gun but put it on the 45 if you like it

No need to sell the S&W M&P .22 as I do already have a Ruger 22/45 with a red dot. I just happened to have a Venom laying around and was looking for a home for it. I guess the .45 will be that home. The .45 isn't a carry gun, just a range toy. I have an RMR on one carry gun and a Holosun on the other - based on Sage Dynamic's long term red dot tests.