New to the M&P 15-22, first impressions

[mwingard7]

I have just got back into having a rifle and picked up the 15-22 for about $440 this week. After cleaning it, I went to the range yesterday and did not have any failures, it ran smooth.....well sort of.

Although it appears to have decent accuracy, my first impressions was.....well kinda cheap!!! I initially felt that I was at a midway, shooting the air guns at the shooting gallery. No offense on the gun, it just felt loose, like the bolt/slide mechanism vibrates and knocks inside the plastic frame which in turn is felt through the gun. Am I explaining this correctly? Do AR's feel and shoot like this?

My experience shooting 22's are with the bolt or lever action rifles, that were made of metal and wood....sturdy to say the least as a kid. I mainly do pistol shooting with a Kimber/Glock that I have. This is also my first semi auto rifle and just didn't get that "built like a tank" feeling the first time I shot this. Any thoughts?

 

[raveneap]

Congratulations of your purchase of a 15-22. I've put several hundred rounds through mine and there are members here that are into the thousands without problems. One reason you may feel that it's "kinda' cheap" is because of its' light weight. But you'll get used to it and believe me, it's not poorly made. Should you ever have any problems, Smith & Wesson has among the finest customer service you'll find. Enjoy it!

 

[bang bang]

I thought the same too when i first got mine (few weeks ago)
especially as a friend has the bigger brother S&W M&P15 it obviously was heavier but I don't think the 15-22 is cheaper at all now.

I've been to the range twice with it and has been flawless so far with CCI, Aguila and Fiocci ammo. I have run just over 400rds through and I know now why everyone on this forum is so giddy on this rifle. Fun to shoot, cheap to shoot, and

not so cheap to accessorize ha ha already planning on getting some goodies

 

[ChattanoogaPhil]

it just felt loose, like the bolt/slide mechanism vibrates and knocks inside the plastic frame which in turn is felt through the gun. Am I explaining this correctly?

Yes you are. Mine is the same. The bolt on the 15-22 seems to slap around and make noise. The trigger also transmits a lot of clunking noise. Just the way it is.... My Sig522 is smooth and refined but it weighs a ton. Everything is a trade off.