S & W M&P 15-22: Talk me out of it!

[Rustpot]

It's a small silver plate on the left side of the lower on the magazine well. Opposite side of the large M&P logo.

 

[BackBlast]

I am going to ask you lot to tell me why NOT to buy the Smith & Wesson M & P 15 -22. Tell me all about the bad quality, the FTF's the FTE's, the unaccuracy, the ones that blew-up in your face: let's play the be honest game here.

I'm going to speak to what I know and not speculate on the rates of known problems you can sift through here...

The lower is not quite the same as a real AR. Sure, you can swap the fire control stuff, but things like the Magpul BAD and various aftermarket grips don't work quite the same. I wish it was more plug and play in this regard. Did they really have to tweak it out of spec so these kinds of accessories don't play as nicely? Why couldn't they have stuck to the correct external specs on the lower?

I'm not a big fan of rail grips, I can fix that somewhat with various products but not without spending a bit. It also doesn't match it's big brother since I don't bother with rails there. I'd actually prefer a regular handguard style and wish that was a purchase option.

I'm a bit nervous about the charging handle. It hasn't broke on me yet, but there's a reason I bought a beefed up handle for it's big brother. Maybe I won't have an issue, but I'd feel much better if I could order a replacement to have on hand.

Which brings me to parts. I wish S&W would make replacement parts readily available (maybe they're out there and I'm ignorant, but I haven't seen it yet). I'd love to have a spare BCG at a minimum...

Different behavior with different ammo. I wish mine was one that worked well on Federal bulk instead of the multiple FTF on each mag I see. It's nice that S&W told me that CCI Mini-Mags was more or less the official round, but it's a less economical round for me and this tool is about, surprise, the economy! Though this failing isn't unique to this product, I hate how ammo finicky 22lr arms tend to be in general. Seems like it's the rare model that eats everything, I happen to have a buckmark that does, but every other 22lr I've owned has definite and obvious preferences and my M&P15-22 is no exception.

I wish it had a functional dust cover. I guess I've never really needed it for my AR that I can remember, but, you know, it's that completeness factor.

I think that about sums up my reasonable objections.

 

[Dutchdiamondback]

Supposedly, there is a pin that would have to be removed in order to allow the stock to slide. I think there might be a thread on this forum that describes the process to be done - when one moves from a "no-move" State like NJ to a State that doesn't have unreasonable laws.

More legal mumbojumbo...

Just a pin is not what dutch lawmakers think is durably fixed.
Method of a correct fixed stock in the Netherlands is a screw through the stock and tube after the stock has been glued to the tube.

And all because some lawmaker back in the early 1900's desided thata rifle shouldn't be allowed to be taken a part for easy hiding, as was common use among poachers.

But hopefully somebody has seen the light. Only thing I need is another change in law on your side of the pond. I'm drewling over Magpulgoodies, but Magpul is dangerous for a european sportshooter who resides in a simple brickhouse and not in a cave, abides the law and shaves regularly and just happens to love shooting on non-breathing objects.

Am I already scaring the daylights out of you lot...?

 

[Shooting Padre]

Talk you out of buying a 15-22? Ok. Don't get one. Get two, they're fun fun fun.

 

[Scuds03]

I posted this in my original thread about the bullet etching but thought I'd post it here too because I mentioned it as a problem and I think S&W fixed it......

Got my rifle back from S&W today. I got the same treatment as Phil, came back with new blue spring and a chamber flag. No free mag

BUT more importantly it no longer is etching my bullets when I rack the bolt!! I also think they did something to my ejector because it is CRAZY now . When I rack the bolt to pull a round out of the chamber it ejects it literally 8-10 feet away. They fly out of the gun. Before I sent it they'd kinda just barely fall out the side.

I have not shot it yet but I am super excited to see how well it works. I'll most likely be going to the range tomorrow (Friday).

 

[jsimmons]

I'm going to speak to what I know and not speculate on the rates of known problems you can sift through here...

The lower is not quite the same as a real AR. Sure, you can swap the fire control stuff, but things like the Magpul BAD and various aftermarket grips don't work quite the same. I wish it was more plug and play in this regard. Did they really have to tweak it out of spec so these kinds of accessories don't play as nicely? Why couldn't they have stuck to the correct external specs on the lower?

I'm not a big fan of rail grips, I can fix that somewhat with various products but not without spending a bit. It also doesn't match it's big brother since I don't bother with rails there. I'd actually prefer a regular handguard style and wish that was a purchase option.

I'm a bit nervous about the charging handle. It hasn't broke on me yet, but there's a reason I bought a beefed up handle for it's big brother. Maybe I won't have an issue, but I'd feel much better if I could order a replacement to have on hand.

Which brings me to parts. I wish S&W would make replacement parts readily available (maybe they're out there and I'm ignorant, but I haven't seen it yet). I'd love to have a spare BCG at a minimum...

Different behavior with different ammo. I wish mine was one that worked well on Federal bulk instead of the multiple FTF on each mag I see. It's nice that S&W told me that CCI Mini-Mags was more or less the official round, but it's a less economical round for me and this tool is about, surprise, the economy! Though this failing isn't unique to this product, I hate how ammo finicky 22lr arms tend to be in general. Seems like it's the rare model that eats everything, I happen to have a buckmark that does, but every other 22lr I've owned has definite and obvious preferences and my M&P15-22 is no exception.

I wish it had a functional dust cover. I guess I've never really needed it for my AR that I can remember, but, you know, it's that completeness factor.

I think that about sums up my reasonable objections.

I've used Federal Auto Match successfully, as well as the CCI MiniMags. I've heard that Winchester Super-X works well too (I've seen reports where it appears to be the most accurate in a 15-22), and is available locally in most parts of the country.

The rifle's out-of-spec parts bothers me too. The worst part is that you can't just replace the lower, because the upper's takedown lug is too thick to be used in a standard lower. The only solution if you want an in-spec receiver pair is to get a fully assembled from someone OTHER THAN S&W, Colt, or Sig - Tactical Solutions and CMMG make a fully-assembled rifle that uses milspec receivers, meaning ANY AR-15 part can be used.

 

[harley104]

S&W 15/22- 15/22p

yes i would say it really is that good. don't buy an old used model that might suffer from the previous afformentioned problems. get a DUR#### or newer. the only issue i have is sometimes the bolt hold open doesn't always stay on the last round. that could be the ammo or the magazine haven't figured it out yet. hardly a drawback enough to recommend someone away from the gun- especially when most of these 'other' 22s don't even come with a bolt hold open.[/QUOTE I have both a 15/22 & 15/22p, serial # DTPxxxx on the 15/22 and DURXXXX on the 15/22p, I have issues more the pistol, FTE & OOB, sent back to S&W, got it back last night and going to the range 2-day, hopefully S&W took care of my problem will let you know

 

[RC20]

Got my rifle back from S&W today. I got the same treatment as Phil, came back with new blue spring and a chamber flag. No free mag

B (Friday).

what was the turn around time? Mine went in last week and wondering when it is likely to come back

 

[Scuds03]

what was the turn around time? Mine went in last week and wondering when it is likely to come back

It wasn't too bad actually. It was about 3 weeks.

 

[harley104]

Got my 15/22p back in 8 days, which i thought was very quick, put 200 rounds thru it yesterday, (FED BULK) with only 1 little jamup, which i think was they way i loaded the mag, Free mag?

 

[RC20]

S&W was sending a free magazine or two when they sent the gun back.

guess people were sending in guns to get magazines (or so someone thought, or it was costing them too much!)

 

[ChattanoogaPhil]

Hey Dutch, where's the pics of your new 15-22?

 

[Dutchdiamondback]

Haven't got it yet and it will take a few more weeks.

Reason #1:

Possible upcoming change in a gunlaw concerning the fixed stock rule. It would be a shame to pull out a hacksaw on Januari 1st.

Reason # 2: They sold out about 6 weeks ago. My preferred dealer is waiting for a fresh load from across the pond.

 

[Timman]

I have fired approx. 10,000 rounds through mine and no problems. Dang, nothing to fix on the work bench. What to do now?

 

[Dutchdiamondback]

Hey Dutch, where's the pics of your new 15-22?

You know...reading back ones own posts has a purposs. Now and again one discovers a legitimate I owe U...

Here's how things develloped. The S & W M&P15-22 was on the wishlist, but then something else came my way. The ISSC mk-22. And me being a southpaw I decided to give this one a try first...

And that was a huge msitake!

I think I've got every reason to write this gun into the ground and as deep as the Grand Canyon: it's absolutely excrament! (pardon my english... )

The stock broke at the first visit to the gunrange and within in 1500 rounds I managed to destroy the gun beyond repair. Screws coming loose, FTE's, FTF's, round holes turning oval. I never experienced a true jam-o-matic in my lifetime, but the ISSC had it all. So out with the rifle that suffers from an identitycrisis (although I still think that the ambidextrous features give it a cetain +!) and in with this puppy.

And compared to the ISSC... it's a boring rifle. It's accuracy is sufficient - not outstanding - and when you pull the trigger it goes bang. Even with not recommended ammo (must try remington ammo...).
If one wants to practice malfunction-drills, this is not the gun for you. Get the ISSC it's more fun when one indulges in guntrouble of all sorts.

In sort and ones again: happy camper... boring...

 

[ChattanoogaPhil]

Hey Dutch, nice to see you again.

Glad to hear all is well and uneventful with the 15-22.

 

[J22LR1der]

Yea I'm w/ this guy. Well said. :lol

*I was researching Many hours many forums many websites.
Could have chose any .22 that was NY compliant and after factoring I'm all I've found I chose this. And I am very pleased.
+ Not 1 Failure of any kind.

You'll really be annoyed by the following:

0) The bolt stays open after the last round is fired. I know - it's not like the Colt/Umarex in this regard, but you may be able to get past that.

1) The fire control group is standard AR-15 fare, meaning it's painfully easy to swap out with your favorite custom wiz-bang trigger. I know, how convenient!

2) If you want to change your stock, I have some bad news - you can use any milspec adjustable stock.THE NERVE!

3) It's possible to change to a real floating hand guard because someone had the audacity to come up with an adapter barrel nut.

These are just some of the reasons that you won't want to get a S&W.

 

[Aceman58]

Sorry, this is the real thing, it is the best AR15 22LR tactical rifle on the market to date. Some hilights as to why I believe it is:
1. It is a true tactical designed from the ground up 22LR.
2. It is a clone of the AR15 platform so you can us it to train.
3. It is it's own true design of a AR but built around the 22LR, not
like Colt's airgun modification (Shame on you Colt).
4. It is well made, using modern polymer and steel products
5. It is modular in design, from a CQB to sniper (of small rodents).
6. It can use full size AR products (of which there are thousands of
vendors out there to pick from).
7. It is great to teach new shooters, easy to use and learn.
8. It is easy to CLEAN, you don't need to be a college grad. to do it.
9. It eats all types of 22 ammo, pretty much.. and last..
10. It is FUN to use, FUN to train, EASY on the wallet and cool or as
they say TACTICOOL...

So there is ten good reasons to get it.. you know just get it.. you will see for yourself.

 

[Straightshooter2]

I can give you some excellent reasons for not going with the M&P 15-22. My wife shot mine a few weeks ago and declared that with the laser, flashlight and Trijicon Reflex sight that my rifle was too heavy. So now she has the Talo Pink/Platinum 15-22 with none of the aforementioned accoutrements.
So here are two:

1. When you buy yours, someone else in your family is going to want one. If you're lucky, it will be someone you can tell to buy their own. If you are not lucky like me, it will be someone you can't refuse who is saying buy this for me.

2. With a *Trijicon Reflex sight and without really trying, you can shoot a 25 round group that is basically a round hole about an inch to an inch and a half across using ammo the gun likes. From a bench with better breath control, etc. I'm sure you could shrink that. So if you are looking for a rifle that won't hit the target, this one is not for you.

*Regarding the Trijicon. Ok, not everybody puts a $600 sight on a $450 gun although I like to think of it as putting my $450 gun on a $600 sight.

Oh yes, the fact that I'm thinking of buying a couple more of them and putting them back until my grandsons are older should have no bearing on anyone's decision and should not be considered a recommendation of this excellent, proven weapon.

CW

 

[Lovesick Warrior]

I must agree with some of the previous posts, the downside of shooting this rifle is sharing with the family. I don't go to the range myself and enjoy all the shooting. The gun is so fun that my wife and children insist on enjoying it as well. So if during one range trip 400 rounds are shot through the M&P, I was only on the trigger for 100 to 200 of them!