The strange and strong allure of the MP15 22

[StinkinPlinkin]

If it were only about the tactical-look, then Colt would have been the one to score big. If it was just about accuracy, above all else, then there are equally accurate 22's for less money. And if there was just one version of the 15 22 available from S&W it would still be cool, but we might sense the lost opportunity on their part. Instead we have a variety of solidly designed versions to choose from, with decent accuracy, and amazingly, which can share many parts with full caliber AR's including trigger parts.

I used to have an SKS that looked like an aftermarket tactical parts catalog threw-up on it, so I know about hanging accessories on a gun. But the 15 22 represents more than that. The S&W warranty, and their generosity about making things right (in my experience) is second to none. And then theres the fact that they created a new modern thing, and with variations, in the humble smaller caliber. I was initially looking for a 22. pistol to replace my worn out S&W 22-S, (and if I never have to look at another Ruger I, II, or III ever again I will be happy about it.) As much as I love pistol, I kept coming back to what S&W have done with their 15 22 and decided to become a convert. Not so I can dress it up like a poodle (I saw one that had both a VFG -and- an AFG on it, together (!?)) but because I respect the job they did on it. The *idea* of it.

Kick Brass.

Now if only the Performance Center version was far and away the one to have, in terms of parts and accuracy, then that would be ideal. I wanted it to be, but it doesnt seem to be. So this is my way of saying hello and thanks for all the great 15 22 ideas on this forum (crayons!) I thought I just wanted a replacement 22. pistol but in the end I just caved.. the 15 22 is just too good to pass up.

 

[Fapp3R]

Well you're correct, this firearm is the first thing that I've owned that looks anything like an AR, and I am sure glad that I got it, It has taught me so much in regards of things that will make my Future AR comfortable for me too shoot, and how it operates, My 15-22 is the MOE verison and they are hard to find, and I'm glad that I waited this is the mort comfortable feeling firearm that I've ever purchased and the accesories that it comes with makes it even that much better

Kudos to S&W

 

[Hobie1]

It's fun

" Quote:Now if only the Performance Center version was far and away the one to have, in terms of parts and accuracy, then that would be ideal. I wanted it to be, but it doesnt seem to be.Un-quote."
Yes, I feel the same way. I'm going to request that S&W just check out the gun for accuracy. It works flawlessly otherwise.

Darn guns, now I own a new Sport and hello new fun! Save money, yeah right......

Enjoy!

Hobie

 

[raylo]

Stinkin I'm with ya. I too had the urge and just had to have one. I own 4 handguns and was looking at a 22 for cheap target practice. A friend of mine has the M&P 9mm and said it was coming out in a 22. I started searching the web and found out the handgun is not out yet but the rifle was. So after about 2 months, I am now a proud owner of a MOE version of the 15-22. This is my first rifle. Wierd how things work out.

 

[StinkinPlinkin]

I am now a proud owner of a MOE version of the 15-22. This is my first rifle. Wierd how things work out.

You've heard the expression, "Beware of the man who only shoots one gun. He is probably an expert with it!" There is something true about that, even if it *does* sound like it was taken from an NRA fortune cookie.

Its funny how some sports lend themselves to bonding with the equipment personally, and some do not. Pro golfers probably mentally treat their putter like it was a special sword handed to them by King Arthur. But I aint never heard of a NBA basketball player saying, 'no, lets play this game with my lucky ball.' Baseball players arrive at a bat thats perfect for them and then use only that bat. Guns are special because of the deep amount of customization possible.

The 15-22 will be a success for a long time if for no other reason than it can share AR parts. But then again, maybe its small caliber is respected the least by the very people that own it. 90% of owners seem more interested in lights and bipods than in something unseen like trigger work or how to use a sling. I'm not judging. I'm just observing what I've seen.

If I can bond with my 15-22 like I did with my S&W 22-S pistol that would be saying something. I only want one gun, but I want to be an expert with it.

Edit: "Beware of the man who only shoots one gun. He is probably an expert with it!" For sure does NOT apply to the people in the Middle East who own AK-47's. Have you seen the way those tossers in Libya treat their shooting? I swear they seem the most talented at shooting into the air. And we all know the sky is a big target. I saw video of some dunce there firing a celebration burst of fire into the air over his shoulder and miss his buddies face standing behind him by about 8 inches. They remind me of heavily armed children.

 

[ScrapmasterFlex]

I am so absolutely happy I have mine 15-22. When it's slung over the front of me, I feel like its the absolute ideal thing to carry (short of being in combat). It's accurate and can keep up with the big boys of say 100 yd rimfire shooting, it's real great for short range and rapid fire, I have the stock closed and fixed (NJ Law) therefore it's real compact but still nice for the shoulder (I.e. the Mp5-PK or 15-22P are great but no stock at all) and the thing is SO LIGHT, I mean I tacticool'd mine up partly just to add some weight to the thing, it was almost TOO light.


I have made mine more Magpul'd than the MOE version, so I didn't need the MOE, and the Performance Center looks nice, but nothing I absolutely have to have... so I'm real real happy with mine. I could use 10 more magazines, other than that, it's the bomb!

And I'd be happy to carry mine in many situations, from long range to 7 yd HD shoots, its the perfect little weapon,

 

[JaPes]

I love mine. AR ergos & it taps into the already fully supported AR accessory aftermarket.

I understand that some shooters snobbishly look down their nose at the .22lr round as being weak. Whenever I get that reaction, I ask them if they'd mind getting shot by a .22lr.

CCI Stinger .22 LR 32 gr Hollowpoint in SIM-TEST* Ballistic Test Media - YouTube

 

[TATorg]

MOE 15-22 for me, my son, son-in-law, and grandson (He has been shooting the 15-22 for 2 years...six years old and has better gun safety skills then a lot of adults). I have mine set up like its 5.56mm "big bro".... JP trigger spring, LaRue forearm clips, PA M3 optic, Magpul M.A.D., with tactical crayon....

Cheaper to shoot than 5.56mm. Even my former "snakereater" buddies have gone for M&P 15-22s for "shoot and scoot" drills!

Lets see....
Colt ..looks ok....not Colt made, made by a German Air soft company, can't change out Diddley.
Ruger...looks kinda of tactical...still a 10/22.....
Mossberg.... kinda tactical......

The 15-22 is the IPad of tactical .22 rifles! A lot of similar "wanna be" rifles, but they are not a M&P 15-22.

S&W done good, an AR in .22 caliber. Period.

Aim small,

TAT