Pickin my gun up soon, got some questions.

[HVNTER]

First of all I'd like to introduce myself, and say that I am about to be the very proud owner of a Smith and Wesson M&P 15-22. I owe about a hundred bucks on the gun then its mine. Needless to say the days are long and dont pass fast enough haha, but I digress...

I have a lot of questions, as I like to be thoroughly informed of any purchases I make.

First, is there anything I need to do with the rifle after un-boxing it for the first time? Cleaning, tuning anything? This will be my first rifle and I don't know much about them yet.

Second, I'm lookin for a pretty decent red dot, however as a college student, weight lifter, and boyfriend I don't have too too much extra cash floating around. I am willing to spend 100 bucks or less.

Third, when looking at accessories (I am dead set on getting a Hogue rubber grip and Magpul AFG), is there any way I can tell that they will fit/work? Keywords, or measurements?

Last one, is there any specific ammo that will cycle with excellence? I know they don't seem to be too picky, but I only wanna put the best in there.

Thanks guys, and I hope to hear from you soon.

 

[tracksol]

For budget optics, Primary Arms have been getting really good reviews. I just bought one of their blemished gen 2 multi reticle AA red dot sights and couldn't be happier. It's a clone of the Aimpoint CompM4. I actually bought it for my 5.56 AR15 for now but will move it over to my 15-22 once I get a professional optic.
Their Micro sight is a clone of the Aimpoint T1 Micro and their 30mm red dot sight is a clone of the Aimpoint CompM3.
https://www.primaryarms.com/Primary_Arms_s/586.htm

For accessories, grips designed for the AR15/M16/M4 will work on the 15-22. Grips with a beavertail will have a bit of a gap by the lower receiver but that is Smithy's fault. Accessories that mount to M1913 / Picatinny rails on AR15/M16/M4 like forward grips, folding sights, light mounts, lasers, etc will work on the 15-22 as well.

The stock tube is the same diameter as an AR15/M16/M4 Mil-Spec receiver extension, so aftermarket buttstocks for that type of extension will also work on the 15-22.

Check out the picture threads and you can see what people have put on their 15-22's to get ideas. Being a 22LR without much recoil, you can put airsoft grade accessories on your rifle, though if you plan on being rough with it in training you may be better suited to better quality stuff.

 

[LemonadeGrenade]

I've had mine for about a month so far. Put roughly about 400 rounds down range with it. Right out of the box, I oiled it lightly since it was very dry. Since I did this before the first round was fired, I honestly can't tell you if it was necessary or not. But so far, she has been running 100%. Absolutely not failures or malfunctions of any kind.

As far as your question about ammo: The whole reason I decided to buy the 15-22 was because I didn't want to spend as much on ammunition. I bought a box of Federal bulk and a box of CCI (just in case the gun didn't like the cheap Federal stuff. Haven't even gotten to the CCI ammo yet because the Federal is running great. As I mentioned earlier the gun is very new but after both times I've shot it I got home to clean and noticed the gun was still very clean.

Out of the box I had accuracy from my irons that I was very happy with. I was outside on a pretty windy day and hitting man sized steel targets very easily from 100 yards. I can't tell you how good the groups were since I haven't shot on paper yet. I'm sure some of the more experienced guys here can give you some pointers on optics and accessories. They've been VERY helpful to me already.

 

[slim8]

+1 on the Primary Arms micro red dot for a great budget optic. As far as accessories go any for the ar15/m16 will fit, just make sure if you get a new stock you get one for a mil spec buffer tube. Federal bulk has been the best I have ran through any of my .22s and a $15 for 550 rounds you cant beat the price.

 

[lild9ve]

i have a question since im picking up my 15-22 tomorrow and im sure the answer will benefit the both of us... is there any need to zero the iron sights straight out the box?

 

[Majorlk]

i have a question since im picking up my 15-22 tomorrow and im sure the answer will benefit the both of us... is there any need to zero the iron sights straight out the box?

Only if you want to hit the target.

Seriously, yes, you want to zero the sights to your eyes and to your particular firearm. Sights are not more than roughly zeroed at the factory.

You will also want to clean the firearm and properly lube it prior to shooting it for the first time. And READ THE MANUAL!

Enjoy you your new firearm.

 

[HVNTER]

Excellent answers! I gotta wait til my next check comes in before I can pick it up. 12 more days!!!! I'm goin insane!!

 

[Bowlseye]

Welcome to the most fun you you can have with a long black piece of perfection There are a lot of fine optics out there, kinda depends on your budget and use. A friend of minNCSTAR micro green dot with variable brightness mounted to my scope and I LOVE it. It has a small 2 mil dot and I cant say enough good things about it.

As for ammo, most agree CCI is the way to go although some have problems cycling the sub sonics.

When you unbox, first, give her a kiss, tell her you love her and will NEVER leave her. Then take her apart, clean, and lubricate. The instruction manual has instructions and its VERY easy. After lubing her up, bring her to the range, load it, take it off safetly, place your finger on the trigger, pull, and get ready for heaven.

As for accessories, anything with a 1913 picatinny/weaver rail will work. Sometimes things take a little "customizing" but thats part of the fun. Welcome to the forum!

 

[Bowlseye]

Welcome to the most fun you you can have with a long black piece of perfection There are a lot of fine optics out there, kinda depends on your budget and use. A friend of mine has the Sightmark ultra shot on his 10/22 and its really nice in function and cosmetics. I have the NCSTAR micro green dot with variable brightness mounted to my scope and I LOVE it. It has a small, 2 mil dot and I cant say enough good things about it.

As for ammo, most agree CCI is the way to go although some have problems cycling the sub sonics.

When you unbox, first, give her a kiss, tell her you love her and will NEVER leave her. Then take her apart, clean, and lubricate. The instruction manual has instructions and its VERY easy. After lubing her up, bring her to the range, load it, take it off safetly, place your finger on the trigger, pull, and get ready for heaven once she is properly sighted in. There are a lot of great videos out there about how to reach a "mechanical zero" but simply adjusting the rear sight will suffice.

As for accessories, anything with a 1913 picatinny/weaver rail will work. Sometimes things take a little "customizing" but thats part of the fun. Welcome to the forum!

 

[HVNTER]

Righteous. Any other recommendations for things I should be looking into? I'm open to any suggestions for accessories, etc.

 

[team sidewinder]

Yes. Save yourself the grief and money of trying dozens of different brands of ammo and stick to CCI MiniMag ammo.

And a plus on what everybody else suggested also.

 

[Breechloader]

Tiggerlock? Case? Cleaning kit? Extra magazines?
Using it for target practice? Hunting? Both?
Maybe a bipod and a sling depending on what you want to use it for.

 

[tacticaledge]

welcome aboard hvnter yo

​

uve made a great choice enjoy your new toy as far as budget accesories goes if you shop wisely you can get a lot of bang for your buck ive fully decked mine out for a little over $200.00 and ive got a lot of goodies on mine . shop around a youll be suprised how far the dollar goes which will leave you money for the most important part ammo. federal bulk works great on mine from wally world @$18.00 for 550 rounds. heres some pics of mine with all the goodies on i stretched my dollars. good luck be safe happy shootin

 

[lild9ve]

Only if you want to hit the target.

Seriously, yes, you want to zero the sights to your eyes and to your particular firearm. Sights are not more than roughly zeroed at the factory.

You will also want to clean the firearm and properly lube it prior to shooting it for the first time. And READ THE MANUAL!

Enjoy you your new firearm.

ok thanks, this isnt my first firearm so i knew about cleaning and lubing, its just my first gun with aperture sights... so i was unsure how good they were sighted in, so ill take it out and zero it in.. already found a target used for sighting in A2 sights at 25meters..i believe its the same targets the military uses. thanks for answering my question and the reminders on cleaning/lube... oh i read the manual online a few weeks ago, i try to always do that before i make purchase

 

[LemonadeGrenade]

Definitely consider buying the extra magazines. When I got my rifle she only came with the single 10 round mag. The only thing taking away from the fun at the range was reloading ALL THE TIME. Luckily, MidwayUSA has the 25 round mags on sale for just around $15 till the end of the month and other members of the forum turned me to 44Mag who offers them for $16 regular price. Pick up some extras.

 

[Majorlk]

ok thanks, this isnt my first firearm so i knew about cleaning and lubing, its just my first gun with aperture sights... so i was unsure how good they were sighted in, so ill take it out and zero it in.. already found a target used for sighting in A2 sights at 25meters..i believe its the same targets the military uses. thanks for answering my question and the reminders on cleaning/lube... oh i read the manual online a few weeks ago, i try to always do that before i make purchase

Good for you! From reading some of the posts here, some folks don't seem to know a manual even exists, even though there's one in the box.

 

[aSASn]

Think you are going to be very happy! I just recently got a M&P 15-22 and a Sig 522 for my 2 boys and they love them! I like CCI ammo and have been using CCI AR Tactical. It's CCI and as the website says, "Specifically tested for S&W M&P 15/22" - how can you go wrong?

The Magpul XTM Rail Panels are great!

And as others have said - buy LOTS of mags! Having at least one 10 rounder is nice for doing benchrest accuracy shooting.

 

[riderrick65]

Reply to Thread

Welcome to the forum HVNTER .... Lots of good advice in the above posts, the only thing I can really add is extra mags. & plenty of ammo! Personally I have (4) 25 rounders & (2) 10 rounders plus about 3,000 rds. of assorted .22LR ammo. I haven't had any problem with the following brands;
Federal AM22 40gr. Target Grade
Federal 36gr. CPHP
Winchester 37gr. Super X HVHP
Winchester 40gr. M-22 Blk. CPRN
CCI Mini-Mags 40gr. CPRN
CCI Blazer 40gr. LRN
CCI Stingers 36gr. CPHP
I usually buy ammo whenever I see it on sale, so I'm allways stocking up, that explains my over 3,000 rds. BTW here is a pic. of my prized 15-22

 

[Juvicator]

Mags are a must. I put a cheapo red dot from Walmart (tasco) and a magpul AFG on mine in the beginning and so far those are the two things that have always stayed on through all the changes.

When the addiction really gets its hooks in you check out all the stuff the forum guys sell. They make great items that are custom made for this particular gun and good reviews on all of them.

 

[kennyb]

your owners manual will tell u the ammo to avoid..remington was one as i recall...welcome to the forum!