Need guidance on 15/22 purchase.....

[6pack]

Howdy folks,


My father just bought the SigArms version. I liked it fine for he and I but the folding stock just doesn't fit my 11 year old son too well.

I think the adjustable length stock on the S&W version would fit my son much better.

Anyway, any excuse to buy a new gun...specifically another S&W is good enough for me.

I can see us getting a pair of these plinkers and setting them up....getting some range time and practice....then surprising Dad when we visit. A three gun shoot sounds like fun.



Which models should I be looking for? A buddy warned me off these due to quality issues...I'm hoping they are corrected now.

Best prices?


What optics?

What ammo?

Where to order ammo the cheapest?

Where to order magazines the cheapest?



This is a surprise for my son. He's shot my 10/22 before but would absolutely flip out over the cool looking AR style with a red dot. He'll have a blast....pun intended.

I'm sure I'll be loving it also.

 

[ChattanoogaPhil]

I think the adjustable length stock on the S&W version would fit my son much better.

Yes, the 15-22 is measurably smaller than the Sig.

Collapsed, the Sig stock has close to a 9 inch reach to the rear of grip. Rear of grip to trigger is near 3 inches. In comparison, the 15-22 is close to 8 inch and 2 1/2.

The Sig grip (for which there is no aftermarket replacement that I know of) is wider.

The Sig is significantly heavier than the 15-22. 6.4lbs vs 5.5. And that's comparing the weight of the 15-22 with sights weighing nearly a half pound to the Sig with no sights.

-----------

15-22 best price = A few bucks under $400.

Best ammo for cheap shooting and function (not accuracy) = Fed Bulk Pack. Walmart.

Best optics - See the many thread discussions and pic thread.

 

[6pack]

Thanks ChattanoogaPhil, I appreciate the advice.

We are going out later on to run some errands. I'll have to check WalMart on ammo prices and see what they have. It looks as if I'll need to be stocking up.


Are the factory 25rd mags the way to go?

If so then I need to be shopping around for a supply of these.


Sorry for all the questions....just looking forward to this experience with my son and father.


Looks like there are different models of the 15/22. I wasn't sure which were suggested.

So many questions....I just ran accross these guns when my Dad explained about his new SigArms recently. It got the rusty gears turning in my head.


I'm thinking that 2 of these guns tricked out would make really cool Christmas gifts to my son and I. This will give me plenty of time to get the guns and all the gear we need. I'm scheduled off the week after Christmas with him...so we'll shoot a ton.


I need to stock up on ammo right now!!!!!

I just wanted to find out what ammo to stay away from.




Thanks for listening to the rants of a gun nut on the hunt for a new toy.

 

[whoppo]

Most folks on the forum here, myself included, have had the best luck with the Federal 550 bulk packs from WallyWorld. I've also shot CCI blazers, stingers and mini-mags with excellent results. The Fed 550's are the best price value though.

While some folks have had no problems with Remington ammo, many more have had issues. As a rule, I stay away from Remington 22LR's.

As for the reliability issues you were warned of, they seem to have resolved those now.. there are occasional failures, as with any product, but S&W is very good about taking care of them in short order.

The stock 25rd and 10rd mags are really your only choices at this time... or maybe the BD 50rd drum. No real aftermarket activity here yet. I ordered a bunch from 44mag.com and they were here in a couple of days and at the best price I have seen so far.

As for which model to choose, it's more preference than anything, although I would suggest getting one with a threaded barrel... that way if you want to throw on a faux can or a nice barrel shroud (check the threads here), you can just spin the bird-cage off the end and easily screw on your favorite cosmetic customization

With the full length quad rails, you'll have no problem finding optics and other toys to bolt on for that "tacticool" look.

Best of luck and you'll be sure to enjoy a couple of 15-22's in the family!

Oh.. and welcome to the forums.. lots of great folks here and tons of valuable information!

 

[6pack]

Thanks a ton, Whoppo. I'll make sure I get the threaded version.

I'm sure he's gonna want to trick his out with rail covers and such. I'll see what colors are available and get those.


I'm hoping I can get a really good deal through my local gun shops if I buy two of these guns at once.

I'll check on that link for the magazines, too....as well as the Federal 550 packs from Wallyworld.



For what it's worth....I've never been so exicted about any of this Christmas gifts this much. He recieved a 20 gauge Remington Youth model a couple of years back....doesn't even come close to this anticipation, though.

 

[whoppo]

Thanks a ton, Whoppo. I'll make sure I get the threaded version.

I'm sure he's gonna want to trick his out with rail covers and such. I'll see what colors are available and get those.


I'm hoping I can get a really good deal through my local gun shops if I buy two of these guns at once.

I'll check on that link for the magazines, too....as well as the Federal 550 packs from Wallyworld.



For what it's worth....I've never been so exicted about any of this Christmas gifts this much. He recieved a 20 gauge Remington Youth model a couple of years back....doesn't even come close to this anticipation, though.

Well they really are very fun to own, accessorize and mostly shoot! It's not unusual to go through 500, 1000, even 1500 rounds in an afternoon at the range.

Be sure to add some good eye and ear protection to your shopping list and a bit of time browsing through the 15-22 picture thread here will give you all kinds of great ideas for "pimping out" your new rifles

You'll, of course, have to post some pics of your own eventually.

 

[6pack]

Yup. Hearing protection is a must. I need to update mine, anyway. Was considering some amplified muff type so we can better communicate on the range.

 

[Ladyfox]

I know I'm chiming in a bit late on this but regarding ammo you may wish to read this thread: http://smith-wessonforum.com/smith-wesson-m-p-15-22/146665-ammo-talk.html

It pretty much lists all of the Recommended, Not Recommended, and other ammo not listed that users have had either success or failures with. Also, do be aware that if you get a rifle that has a manual that does not match the newest one you may wish to consider to move forward with caution since a lot of the earlier models have had ammo-related issues.

Now I'm not trying to talk you out of the rifle mind you, I own one myself, just wishing to give you all the info upfront so that you are not surprised once you take your new toy out to the range.

 

[HalfSwiss]

The current version has serial numbers starting with DU. That number is very visible on the left side of the lower receiver. From what I've seen, there have been very few problems with the latest manufactured rifles. (If anyone has info about problems with the "DU's", please correct me.)

 

[6pack]

Thanks for the tips, Ladyfox.

My local dealers are selling the 15/22 for $459-$499....seems sort of high. I may go with BudsGunShop.com for yet another S&W purchase or wait around and see if Academy Sports runs a deal.

I'm not in too big a hurry as these will be Christmas gifts.

What I could do is go ahead and get the assesory items: magazines, bullets, optics, rail covers, range bags and etc.

Then I can wait a bit on the guns.....heck S&W may even offer a rebate in the next month or two....who knows? Waiting a bit for the guns will better ensure I get a newly manf model as well.

 

[6pack]

The current version has serial numbers starting with DU. That number is very visible on the left side of the lower receiver. From what I've seen, there have been very few problems with the latest manufactured rifles. (If anyone has info about problems with the "DU's", please correct me.)

Sweet.....I'll make sure I ask for the serial number prior to online ordering.

Thanks!

 

[Rustpot]

Four main versions of the 15-22
1 - Standard, metal sights, no flash hider or threaded barrel
2 - Threaded barrel with flash hider
3 - TALO edition with Magpul MBUS flip sights, flash hider (only available through TALO distributors, not very common)
4 - MOE edition, Magpul MOE pistol grip and stock, MBUS flip sights, flash hider

The MOE is in my opinion the coolest looking one, which is why I bought one. If only S&W offered them in different colors like they do for the .223 guns.

Oh, and just so you know SigArms doesn't exist anymore. It was the name of the American branch of SigSauer, but they're just called SigSauer now and ironically less affiliated with the German company. The Sig .22 rifle is the 522.

 

[adn]

Great rifle for any age shooter.
Best Price: JetGuns.com $380 non-threaded, $390 threaded
Optics: So many choices, Holographic, Red Dot Scope, Magnified Scope- No wrong answer here.
Ammo: Federal Bulk pack @ Walmart, $15.47 for 550 rounds
Spare 25 round magazines: I am partial to MidwayUSA for their unparalleled customer service, $19.95
Introducing your son to the AR-15 platform: Priceless

 

[6pack]

Four main versions of the 15-22
1 - Standard, metal sights, no flash hider or threaded barrel
2 - Threaded barrel with flash hider
3 - TALO edition with Magpul MBUS flip sights, flash hider (only available through TALO distributors, not very common)
4 - MOE edition, Magpul MOE pistol grip and stock, MBUS flip sights, flash hider

The MOE is in my opinion the coolest looking one, which is why I bought one. If only S&W offered them in different colors like they do for the .223 guns.

Oh, and just so you know SigArms doesn't exist anymore. It was the name of the American branch of SigSauer, but they're just called SigSauer now and ironically less affiliated with the German company. The Sig .22 rifle is the 522.

Thank you so much for the information.

That clears up the model confusion.

I was not aware of Sig's changes.

Great rifle for any age shooter.
Best Price: JetGuns.com $380 non-threaded, $390 threaded
Optics: So many choices, Holographic, Red Dot Scope, Magnified Scope- No wrong answer here.
Ammo: Federal Bulk pack @ Walmart, $15.47 for 550 rounds
Spare 25 round magazines: I am partial to MidwayUSA for their unparalleled customer service, $19.95
Introducing your son to the AR-15 platform: Priceless

JetGuns.com....thank you. I'll look them up.

Maybe my Walmart wasn't too out of line on the ammo.

I agree about MidwayUSA. They really are awesome. I love going in well ahead of time and adding stuff to the wishlist and then getting the emails that prices have dropped on them.

Midway is so fast. I recently ordered some .270 Win & .38spl ammo along with a TRL-1 with standard shipping....4 days later the gear arrived.

 

[Legitmw]

if your gonna be buying new, then you dont need to worry about quality issues. only the early runs had issues and that has been corrected. i see lots of great links to great prices on here. if you would be want the magpul MOE version (comes with MBUS flip up sights, MOE grip and MOE stock) then that will run you a bit more, I got mine for 500 and it was a good deal.

ammo - to me the best quality is CCI, but thats not that cheap. Walmart's federal 333 bulk pack is working well, only issue has been about 4 FTE. STAY AWAY FROM WINCHESTER GOLDEN BULLET!

as for optics, if you dont want to spend several hundred on a red dot, i got a Primary Arms M3 Red Dot. beautiful. check out all of their stuff. they have the best customer service. I highly recommend.

 

[HalfSwiss]

You never know

if your gonna be buying new, then you dont need to worry about quality issues. only the early runs had issues and that has been corrected.

Problem is that there is some old stock out there. I just recently checked the 15-22 on the rack at a Big 5 and it was a DTX. The rifles in the back room were DU's. I'd check just to be sure.

 

[jimmyk001]

6pack, check out the video here, young kid shooting, seems pretty comfortable with the gun (I'm disappointed on the lack of eye protection used):

YouTube - ‪Gunblast.com - Smith & Wesson M&P 15-22‬‎

BTW, nice to be back to the forum after a long hiatus. Not sure what happened to my old posts though. You guys are doing a great job.

 

[TurboniumOxide]

I am over 2000 rounds with zero failures. None.

I know, it sounds like a fish story but it is true.

I have shot Fed bulk Rem Golden CCI and Aguila too.

I can pop them off as fast as I can pull the trigger and
it just works. No malfunctions at all. No failure to lock
back, or any other non show stoppers either.

Mine is a DU threaded. I wouldn't hesitate another second
to get another one. One for each hand. Yeah.

22 Caliber Rambo.

 

[6pack]

Have guys ever ordered from Jet guns?


How was it?

 

[ChattanoogaPhil]

I am over 2000 rounds with zero failures. None.

I know, it sounds like a fish story but it is true.

22 Caliber Rambo.

I can't vouch for the entire 2k, but me and Rambo were at the range a few days ago and I watched him go through a 550 box without a hitch. Rambo gave those steel plates one heck of a workout!