Thinking about a 15 22, but getting concerned.

[david636]

I've been considering purchasing a new 15 22, but after reading numerous threats/posts, it seems as if there are still problems with this model.

Is there specific serial number groups to avoid, or is this a 'luck of the draw' scenario, or am I concerned about nothing?

Thanks in advance.
David

 

[UpstateNY]

The majority of the problems were with older DT* models. If you are able to purchase a DU* or newer model then you will most likely not have any issues. Even with the older models, there are a lot of people that have run through many thousands of rounds without issue.

My guess would be that if someone had an issue, they would go looking for answers (and end up here). So there is probably a higher concentration of issues found on this forum than is likely to be found in general.

IF you do happen to have an issue, S&W customer service will take care of it for you. I would not hesitate to purchase another S&W gun or even another 15-22.

"Come for the gun, stay for the fun!"

 

[DrumGuide]

M&P 15-22 (No Complaints)

Purchased my S & W MP 15-22 a few weeks back have fired about 250 rounds of CCI Velocitor 40gr HP threw it no problems at all. Mine was the MOE version with MBUS sights,after finding the right sight adjustment tool for the front sight. I have got it sighted in at 25 yds it is awesome,shooting a 2" red circle, bulls eye no problem,50 yds,I aim 2" low,bulls eye,75 yds.found bullet to rise 4",so I just hold it low,still hitting the 2" red circle.
I have not tried shooting at 100 yds yet.I am well please with,consistent accuracy of the gun.Buy the gun you will love it !
My next gun will be the S&W MP 223 cal. !

 

[john16443]

As indicated, the current crop of newer 15-22's are less prone to issues compared to earlier iterations. Looking at the alternatives generally compared to the 15-22, this one is the best overall. Presuming you're interested only in 22LR choices:

If you're looking for a true AR platform style rifle, this is it. The SIG 522 would be my next choice.

If you're not concerned with rifle style or type, but consider reliability paramount regardless of cost, then a Ruger SR22 or 10/22 is worth a look.

Reliability on a budget should point you to the Marlin model 60 or 795's

 

[29aholic]

Me personally I have a 223 with a 22 conversion that is more than accurate enough for what I do with it. That is my preference rather than have a dedicated 22.
Just my $.02

 

[UpstateNY]

Me personally I have a 223 with a 22 conversion that is more than accurate enough for what I do with it. That is my preference rather than have a dedicated 22.
Just my $.02

Just curious...how much did the conversion cost? From all the other feedback I've read, it costs just as much for the conversion kit as it does for a 15-22. In that case, why not just have a dedicated .22LR gun?

 

[infamous209]

If mine had problems and had to send it back it would still be worth every dime. The attention it gets at the range is amazing. I almost have 1000 rounds through it and love every minute of it. If you can justify the money then its worth it!

 

[jlefevre]

I purchased a 15-22 about a month ago. The serial number begins with "DV". I assume the writer of one of these replies was refering to a serial number "a model DT or newer DU", so I guess mine is even newer. I have fired approx 1000 rounds in the last month with one FTE (rifle was brand new at this point). The ammo I have used has been varied - Bitteroot Valley Ammunition, Federal bulk, CCI, Fiocchi. No problems. You didn't mention what problem you are experiencing, but I guess it is FTE, as those problems are mentioned most in what I have read. If so, YouTube has an interesting video about correcting this problem. Seems simple and makes sense. HOWEVER, all reports indicate that Smith and Wesson has been very aggressive in correcting problems with 15-22's, so I would consider that option first. All in all the firearm is one of the most enjoyable, affordable (and fun) .22LR's on the market. Very accurate for what is it, but impressive. I was accually doing better at the range with the stock (metal) sights that came on it than I have been with a new Bushnell Red Dot I got especially for it. It's a great little rifle.

 

[29aholic]

Conversion cost

Just curious...how much did the conversion cost? From all the other feedback I've read, it costs just as much for the conversion kit as it does for a 15-22. In that case, why not just have a dedicated .22LR gun?

I paid (IIRC) about $150 for my conversion and I have seen them for about $135. Since the upsurge in AR type rifles there are several companies making them now (all basically the same) and the price is reasonable.

I originally bought my M-4 for a SHTF gun and stocked up on ammo and magazines for that purpose. I have plenty of 22 rifles, but liked the idea of getting trigger time on my AR without the expense of 5.56 ammo.
Being it is a flat top, I have a scope/sight setup for the 223 and one for the 22.
I have used the conversion with several types of ammo and it has never ceased to function flawlessly with either the factory magazine or an extended Pro-Mag that I bought.

 

[Griffy19]

I bought my 15-22 about a month ago. I too was worried about all of the problems that I heard. I made sure the one I bought was NOT a DT* serial number and that it had the blue springs inside. Mine is a DUU and I've fired just about 1000 rounds through it so far and I've only had 1 FTE, and that was within the first 200 rounds so it was still being broken in. I'd say that if you have the money for it get it. I think its 10x's more fun ( and cooler) than something like a ruger 10/22.

 

[Crosscheck63]

Hope I'm good with a Ser # DUR....

Picking up my MP15-22 tomorrow and asked for the Ser #. I was told it is a DUR series. This should be fairly new stock I own a MP15 223/556 and love it!

 

[4ntvings]

I have a DVA... and yet to shoot it.
Also, have a 10/22 and love that one.

Cant wait to get both on the range for some fun!

 

[Hobie1]

Luv' my MOE

A couple of months ago, I stopped in a ol' friends gun shoppe(the way he spells it lol)after almost a 8 year hiatus due to different factors. I noticed a really radical looking pistol and asked him about it(15-22p).

As it turns out, I bought the pistol, my wife and I love, and I went and bought the MOE big brother. PIstol DUL, Rifle DUU.

Now after over a thousand rounds through the 2, they have worked great. 1 FTFire, one FTFeed. I've ran a variety of ammo from CCI Stingers down to Green Tag match and standard v. stuff. To my great surprise and satisfaction they both are very accurate with the different ammo and run great.

I did replace the OEM trigger group springs with the J-P AR-15 spring kits and am very happy with the results. I followed J-P's advice and used a high percentage moly grease on the sears, with no doubling or other aberations noted.

So far I give the sexy little guys(my wife's terms lol) a big thumbs up for fun and accuracy.

Regards,

Hobie

 

[VooDuuChild]

DUU, six hundred CCI's no issues (one FTE). Fun rifle, but it sure is different than our Stag Arms 2t 5.56mm.....that thing is a cannon (for being a small caliber). They look nearly identical.