MP 15-22, a good buy?

[milkdudz22]

Go to budsgunshop.com $419 delivered to your ffl dealer

 

[ChattanoogaPhil]

Hello, my name is Chris and I am interested in the S&W MP 15-22. I've wanted to get into target shooting for awhile now. Originally I wanted to get an AR-15 (The kind that fires .223) for my first weapon but I thought to myself that might be too ambitious for a first weapon. So for the past few months I weighed my options. Originally I just planned on buying a Ruger 10/22, learn to shoot with this rifle, and eventually get a full blown AR-15. Then someone recommended I get an AR-15 converted to fire .22 LR, sounded like a great idea but I never owned a firearm before and lack the knowledge to make the conversion myself. Not to mention the price, which was more than I wanted to pay for my first rifle.

More recently I have seen dedicated .22 LR made to match the operation and feel of the AR-15, to me this option is very intriguing. The Ruger SR-22 was the first .22 I discovered. However I didn't like that it didn't come with iron sights, and uses a rotary clip instead of a magazine. So I kept on researching and discovered the M&P 15-22. On paper it seemed perfect: Cost under $500, has iron sights standard, has a 25 round magazine standard, simulates the controls/feel of a fully blown AR-15, and it has plenty of places to mount optics, scopes, etc.

So I just wanted to see how the owners of the MP 15-22 feel about this firearm. I have been reading reviews (Both here and the rest of the internet) on the M&P 15-22 and had some mixed findings. Most seem to love the rifle, some though have had problems. I don't know if these problems are early models, current models, or what. My other concern is loading the clip, it seems if you don't do it in a certain manor it might cause the weapon to jam/fail. The final concern I have is the ammo itself, from what I have read if you don't use certain brands (cci minimags or Federal Bulk) the spent casings don't extract properly.

So please feel free to share your experiences/knowledge on this weapon. I don't want to drop $400+ and end up with a dud. Please note I am new to this hobby and only fired a few pistols/rifles so far so I would prefer you keep everything in laymen terms. Thank you.

You mentioned the Ruger. The Ruger is an excellent firearm and has been around for many years. You'll likely never regret owning the Ruger.

In my opinion, the S&W is an excellent toy for accessory rail gadget-heads like myself who like to run thru a few hundred rounds in an afternoon at the range. As a toy, the various issues from magazine problems to feed ramps cracking off of the barrell can be viewed as simple annoyances that S&W will remedy. As a weapon... forget about it. A weapon must go bang everytime.

I paid 439 for the S&W. I have not had so many 'annoyances' as others have suffered, but I would not be surprised if I do as time and rounds go by-- about 1500 so far.

So yes, I would say that the S&W is a good buy for what I use it for.... pound for pound and round for round, it's the most fun I have had with a firearm (uh... I meant toy)

 

[ChattanoogaPhil]

Hey all, I'm a newbie and I just picked up my MP 15-22 a week ago. I'm a bit worried that I've run into the same jamming problems that I've been reading about. I haven't been having jams with the spent casings though, my jams have been happening where the next round will feed pointed straight up and the casing will be stuck in the mag. The round gets bent and looks pretty dangerous. This has only happened a few times out of 250 shots so far. I cleared the jam, tossed the bad round and got through 20 or so more shots before it happened again. I'm using a box of 500 federal ammo.

I cleaned and examined everything and nothing is broken that I can tell. We will see how the next 250 shots go tomorrow at the range. I'll have to take a picture if another round gets caught in the mag, hopefully it won't happen again. If I do have more problems, I'm glad S&W has been taking care of their customers! I'm happy with my purchase so far, had great fun with the 245~ rounds that shot just fine.

What I have noticed is that the magazine lips are a bit snug and do not always allow the bullet to fully lift into position for feeding. As I continued to use the magazine, the problem faded away as long as I used Federal Vaule Pack. Remington Golden Bullet still hang without fully lifting up. Or least they used to... I didn't bother to try Rem Gold the last two trips to the range. Since the rifle seems to like Federal, I quit experimenting.

If the magazine problem did not go away, I was going to take off some material from the magazine lips with a Dremmel and polishing bit. I may still do so if I get bored this weekend.

 

[27 Beck]

Hey all, I'm a newbie and I just picked up my MP 15-22 a week ago. I'm a bit worried that I've run into the same jamming problems that I've been reading about. I haven't been having jams with the spent casings though, my jams have been happening where the next round will feed pointed straight up and the casing will be stuck in the mag. The round gets bent and looks pretty dangerous. This has only happened a few times out of 250 shots so far. I cleared the jam, tossed the bad round and got through 20 or so more shots before it happened again. I'm using a box of 500 federal ammo.

I cleaned and examined everything and nothing is broken that I can tell. We will see how the next 250 shots go tomorrow at the range. I'll have to take a picture if another round gets caught in the mag, hopefully it won't happen again. If I do have more problems, I'm glad S&W has been taking care of their customers! I'm happy with my purchase so far, had great fun with the 245~ rounds that shot just fine.

I have experienced the same issue in the past with my 15-22. As I have shot the gun more, I am more careful of how I load the rounds in the magazine. Load one at a time, and tap the butt end of the magazine on the heel of my other hand, my knee, or the shooting bench at the range. Anything to make sure the rounds are all stacked in the mag correctly. Following this procedure, the last time I was at the range I ran 300 rounds of Federal Bulk with not one problem.

 

[Dukeno1]

Go to budsgunshop.com $419 delivered to your ffl dealer

Just ordered mine yesterday through bud's. Best price I was able to find online. No one around here seems to have them in stock.

 

[LifeInPa]

So I am a MP 15-22 owner.

So this morning I took a trip to Gander Mountain in the hopes of finding a MP 15-22. Well luck shined on me and they had at least one left. While I was there I noticed on the rack they had a bunch of AR-15 style .22LR's. After the MP 15-22 they had what looked like some real AR-15's converted over to fire .22LR. The cheapest I believe was $630. I got to hold the MP 15-22 for the first time, I was impressed how realistic this gun is in comparison to the .223 AR-15, it even had some decent weight to it.

I ended up buying it. They did a background check right their in the store while I waited. I filled out the paperwork, the lady explained the basic operation of the weapon, she help me find the ammo/cleaning kit/carrying case/ear muffs/safety glasses. The MP 15-22 costed me $499+ tax which came out to about $530. With all the accessories/ammo the grand total came out to $710. My father paid for all the accessories, and I had about $200 in birthday money so in the end I only paid $330. By Christmas time I will have re-coped all the money spent today.

So I got it home and starting reading the instructions, I read through all the basic safety instructions. Then I handled the gun. Adjusted the stock, checked the sights, etc. I wanted to see how the trigger felt so after check the chamber for rounds (Even though I didn't load the rifle) I set the safety to fire and pulled the trigger. I did this 3-4 times. Now I am smacking myself on the head for doing this because when I read deeper into the instruction booklet they recommended that the weapon should never be dry fired.

After this I continued to read deeper into the instructions, I wanted to load the magazine and give the rifle a cleaning. I believe I loaded the magazine correctly but I will upload some pictures later so you guys can have a look. The last thing I did was the cleaning. I took out the extractor and charging handle. Then via the bore I swept the barrel with the hard bristle brush, and I got a puff of dirt out of the rifle. I proceeded to clean the barrel with the solvent. I gave it two sweeps through the barrel with two different swabs. After that I cleaned the extractor with the solvent. I dried all the components afterwards. Before putting everything back together I lubricated all the internal metal components with the lubricant. Then I stored the rifle.

Hopefully in a few days I will be able to take this rifle to the range and fire it. I am hoping I can get a day off from work because I know someone who is a bit of a firearm expert and he well be free during one of the week days to instruct me. Hopefully the gun functions properly, and I loaded/cleaned the gun properly.

Thats about it, when I get a chance I will try and upload some pictures. Thanks for all the advice you guys have shared with me so far.

Those new Camaro's are sweet. Saving for an SS?

Here is what I would like to have

YouTube - Black Dog 50Rd Drum Dump

Yeah thats my current obsession, saving for that car. Now that AR-15 is sweet, but it looks expensive to operate.

Ammo was ok. Just wasn't ejecting as it was supposed to do. The empty casings were getting jammed up in the bolt. I think one of the casings hit the extractor and broke it or knocked it out of the bolt.

I didn't think the casings were hard enough to break the extractor.

awesome, the Rally Yellow with the black stripes is my favorite on the new Camaros!!!

Its a really eye catching color isn't it?

 

[TxShooter2k9]

oyeah, the yellow is very eye catching, on the new camaros, look the best and meanest in it imo.

 

[27 Beck]

Now that AR-15 is sweet, but it looks expensive to operate.

I didn't think the casings were hard enough to break the extractor.

Check out that Utube video again. That is a Spikes ST22 dedicated upper on an AR lower. Full automatic, 50 rounds cheap .22 cal. Almost as much fun as a lap dance

I think with the bolt slamming forward while a spent casing is still in the gun there might be enough force to break off the extractor. Just my thought on this.

 

[LifeInPa]

oyeah, the yellow is very eye catching, on the new camaros, look the best and meanest in it imo.

The wait is killing me.

Check out that Utube video again. That is a Spikes ST22 dedicated upper on an AR lower. Full automatic, 50 rounds cheap .22 cal. Almost as much fun as a lap dance

I think with the bolt slamming forward while a spent casing is still in the gun there might be enough force to break off the extractor. Just my thought on this.

Oh it's .22 I thought that was .223. I don't know about that lap dance, I might prefer that more.

I held the extractor bolt in my hand while cleaning it, it seems like a solid piece of metal. I believe you but it's hard to believe a little piece of brass/lead/copper can break that thick piece of metal.

 

[ChattanoogaPhil]

I believe you but it's hard to believe a little piece of brass/lead/copper can break that thick piece of metal.

In general, extractor failures are not all that uncommon. Keep in mind we're discussing a rifle in which owners are returning home from the range with the feed ramp in thier pocket. Now THAT is rare for any firearm under any circumstance.

Poorly made parts don't require much force to fail.

 

[LifeInPa]

In general, extractor failures are not all that uncommon. Keep in mind we're discussing a rifle in which owners are returning home from the range with the feed ramp in thier pocket. Now THAT is rare for any firearm under any circumstance.

Poorly made parts don't require much force to fail.

I wonder if the failures are due to bad metal or bad design? Hopefully when I go to the range this week I won't be one of the poor souls who comes home with the feed ramp in their pocket.

 

[Pratticus]

I have experienced the same issue in the past with my 15-22. As I have shot the gun more, I am more careful of how I load the rounds in the magazine. Load one at a time, and tap the butt end of the magazine on the heel of my other hand, my knee, or the shooting bench at the range. Anything to make sure the rounds are all stacked in the mag correctly. Following this procedure, the last time I was at the range I ran 300 rounds of Federal Bulk with not one problem.

Well, after my range fun today I ran through about 300 more rounds and towards the last 50 or so I had that nasty jam again and had to pry the casing out of the magazine. Check out this pic. It's hard to tell but the round is a little bent.

I had two problems this trip, the other was just a simple failure to feed, which was quick and easy to clear. I'm thinking that my problem is just like what you said, a problem with the magazine. I did give each load a good bump on the bench to get all the rounds lined up and ready. I think that helped reduce the number of problems down to only the two.

Think I should get in contact with customer support? Is it dangerous to have a round catch like that?

 

[27 Beck]

View attachment 6871
Well, after my range fun today I ran through about 300 more rounds and towards the last 50 or so I had that nasty jam again and had to pry the casing out of the magazine. Check out this pic. It's hard to tell but the round is a little bent.

I had two problems this trip, the other was just a simple failure to feed, which was quick and easy to clear. I'm thinking that my problem is just like what you said, a problem with the magazine. I did give each load a good bump on the bench to get all the rounds lined up and ready. I think that helped reduce the number of problems down to only the two.

Think I should get in contact with customer support? Is it dangerous to have a round catch like that?

I have had that exact problem before. Took a pair of pliars to get the round out of the magazine. Since I have several magazines, I put a piece of masking tape on the end of the mag to let me know I have had a past isssue with that mag. I didn't think it was a big enough issue to contact S&W support about, but I guess you could give them a call.

.22 shooting causes a lot of dirt buildup. It probably does not take a whole lot of fouling to possibly cause something like this to occur. The magazines also get dirty. And we are dealing with some ammo types that cost less than ~.01 each to manufacture. Hard to keep quality control at 100% with such high speed production.

As far as dangerous, I don't know. The rifle can't fire when this isssue occurs. I do wear safety shooting glasses though, at the range.

 

[27 Beck]

The wait is killing me.



Oh it's .22 I thought that was .223. I don't know about that lap dance, I might prefer that more.

I held the extractor bolt in my hand while cleaning it, it seems like a solid piece of metal. I believe you but it's hard to believe a little piece of brass/lead/copper can break that thick piece of metal.

It is not the bolt that breaks. It is the extractor on the end of the bolt that breaks.

 

[ChattanoogaPhil]

I wonder if the failures are due to bad metal or bad design? Hopefully when I go to the range this week I won't be one of the poor souls who comes home with the feed ramp in their pocket.

I duknow... but that's a good question for S&W.

I asked it last week:

Q: "I am reading on S&W Forums about the feed ramp on this rifle actually breaking off. What can you tell me about this issue?"

A: "it has not been an issue at this point
i recommend you send it in for exam
call for shipping info 800-331-0852 ext 2905"

The above A: was from Mark Rossini at S&W.

 

[LifeInPa]

You mentioned the Ruger. The Ruger is an excellent firearm and has been around for many years. You'll likely never regret owning the Ruger.

In my opinion, the S&W is an excellent toy for accessory rail gadget-heads like myself who like to run thru a few hundred rounds in an afternoon at the range. As a toy, the various issues from magazine problems to feed ramps cracking off of the barrell can be viewed as simple annoyances that S&W will remedy. As a weapon... forget about it. A weapon must go bang everytime.

I paid 439 for the S&W. I have not had so many 'annoyances' as others have suffered, but I would not be surprised if I do as time and rounds go by-- about 1500 so far.

So yes, I would say that the S&W is a good buy for what I use it for.... pound for pound and round for round, it's the most fun I have had with a firearm (uh... I meant toy)

Well I have nothing against the Ruger, when I was planning on getting my first rifle I originally wanted the Ruger 10/22. However in my mind the Ruger SR-22 (While probably a good firearm) isn't worth $625. From what I heard the SR-22 is just a Ruger 10/22 with some of the looks of an AR-15. In short it doesn't mirror the AR-15's controls as well as the MP 15-22, and it doesn't even come with standard iron sights or the 25 round magazine for the additional $125. Would I buy Ruger products? Sure I would. Would I buy the SR-22? No, not with better weapons like the M&P 15.

I think you're going a little far by say the M&P 15-22 is a toy. Having held the 15-22 and a real AR-15 this thing simulates the real thing well. The failures of some of the 15-22's are regrettable, but after seeing the lengths S&W went to fix the problem I am sure in time these issues will be resolved.

It is not the bolt that breaks. It is the extractor on the end of the bolt that breaks.

Oh my bad.

I duknow... but that's a good question for S&W.

I asked it last week:

Q: "I am reading on S&W Forums about the feed ramp on this rifle actually breaking off. What can you tell me about this issue?"

A: "it has not been an issue at this point
i recommend you send it in for exam
call for shipping info 800-331-0852 ext 2905"

The above A: was from Mark Rossini at S&W.

Interesting, you would think by this point they would have more information on the topic.

 

[LifeInPa]

Guys I was just wondering does this clip look like it's loaded properly?

 

[ChattanoogaPhil]

Well I have nothing against the Ruger, when I was planning on getting my first rifle I originally wanted the Ruger 10/22. However in my mind the Ruger SR-22 (While probably a good firearm) isn't worth $625. From what I heard the SR-22 is just a Ruger 10/22 with some of the looks of an AR-15. In short it doesn't mirror the AR-15's controls as well as the MP 15-22, and it doesn't even come with standard iron sights or the 25 round magazine for the additional $125. Would I buy Ruger products? Sure I would. Would I buy the SR-22? No, not with better weapons like the M&P 15.

I think you're going a little far by say the M&P 15-22 is a toy. Having held the 15-22 and a real AR-15 this thing simulates the real thing well. The failures of some of the 15-22's are regrettable, but after seeing the lengths S&W went to fix the problem I am sure in time these issues will be resolved.

You're right, the SR-22 is a 10-22 action. And yes, the SR-22 does not include a magazine like the 15-22. As a functioning 'weapon' that would put the Ruger at 2-0.

In any event, calling the 15-22 a "toy" was not meant as a negative. It is simply what I purchased it for- entertainment. I agree, "worth" is in the eye of the beholder. If someone asked what is the 15-22 worth to me as a weapon, I would say it is near worthless. As for entertainment, I would say near priceless...

Better to stay focused on the 15-22. I remember reading about $25 fines for wandering. (grin)

 

[27 Beck]

Guys I was just wondering does this clip look like it's loaded properly?

It is NOT a clip, it is a magazine.

Yes, it looks like it is loaded correctly.

 

[LifeInPa]

It is NOT a clip, it is a magazine.

Yes, it looks like it is loaded correctly.

Sorry, sorry. I don't know why I keep calling it a clip.

I just keep looking at the magazine and I think the ammo looks like it's not sitting in it right.

You're right, the SR-22 is a 10-22 action. And yes, the SR-22 does not include a magazine like the 15-22. As a functioning 'weapon' that would put the Ruger at 2-0.

In any event, calling the 15-22 a "toy" was not meant as a negative. It is simply what I purchased it for- entertainment. I agree, "worth" is in the eye of the beholder. If someone asked what is the 15-22 worth to me as a weapon, I would say it is near worthless. As for entertainment, I would say near priceless...

Better to stay focused on the 15-22. I remember reading about $25 fines for wandering. (grin)

I understand what you mean, in my mind neither is a weapon since they are both .22LR. Sure a .22 can kill someone but it's not nearly as effective as say the .223 or higher calibers. I eventually plan on buying a pistol, that would be used as a defensive weapon.