Considering 15-22

1709 Views 15 Replies 13 Participants Last post by Smokehouse, May 7, 2011

XDmHornedFrog

Discussion Starter · May 4, 2011

Hey everyone,

I'm considering a m&p 15-22. I dont have the cash to afford a full on AR and I don't really know a lot about the gun. I thought a 15-22 would be a cheaper alternative to get a lot of easy trigger time and not break the bank. This way I could get familiar with the system and everything before I get a big boy AR

any thoughts/ideas?

1 - 16 of 16 Posts

MPDC

· #2 · May 4, 2011

Great choice because the size is correct to an AR15 as are the controls.

Others are not sized accurately and many have non functioning controls and other than being lighter the M&P 15/22 feels like the real thing.

DYI01

· #3 · May 4, 2011

15/22 is a great rifle to get. It's easily my favorite firearm to date.

XDMShawn

· #4 · May 4, 2011

XDmHornedFrog said:
Hey everyone,

I'm considering a m&p 15-22.

any thoughts/ideas?

Your timing is amazing... I just got back from the gun shop where I was looking at one of these. ($449) Starting my build on an AR-15 and though this would be a good to have around in the meantime.

CGP

· #5 · May 4, 2011

Good luck on your next purchase. I am also considering one but currently torn between the 15-22 and Sig 522. I read that 15-22's are a bit picky on ammo. Looking forward for a range report if and when you get one!

On the AR-15's, I've been reading about this Plum Crazy C-15 complete lower for like $115 + CMMG complete upper for $399. Not sure what else is needed, but seems a complete AR can be had for < $550?

gordonw1

· #6 · May 4, 2011

I had considered this, but when I thought about it, dropping ~$500 seemed silly if I was trying to save money for an AR. I ended up building mine for a little less than $900. I would just save the money and get the AR, IMO.

I also started with very very little knowledge of ARs, but building (just the lower, bought a complete upper) allowed me to look around and really research them and learn a lot as I went. I always learned better from holding it in my hands than reading about it anyways.

slugger6

· #7 · May 4, 2011

Go for it! I love mine.

XDmHornedFrog

Discussion Starter · #8 · May 5, 2011

im probably going to go the 22 route since the ammo will be significantly cheaper. that way i can really get familiar with the system, have fun, and not destroy my wallet on ammo costs (can get a lot more 22lr than i can .223/5.56 for the same amount).

thanks for the words of encouragement!

Clinton1621

· #9 · May 5, 2011

I'm thinking about getting one too, nice and cheap to practice with!

forum77

· #10 · May 5, 2011

I love my 15-22 best purchase ever made. Was alittle rough on ammo first 500 so rounds then sank right into eating anything I feed it now. Loves walmart 555 packs and can't beat the price at $18.

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ribbedturtleneck

· #11 · May 5, 2011

gordonw1 said:
I had considered this, but when I thought about it, dropping ~$500 seemed silly if I was trying to save money for an AR. I ended up building mine for a little less than $900. I would just save the money and get the AR, IMO.

I also started with very very little knowledge of ARs, but building (just the lower, bought a complete upper) allowed me to look around and really research them and learn a lot as I went. I always learned better from holding it in my hands than reading about it anyways.

this was my thought, too. If you're saving for the "real thing," spending $450 now is $450 more you have to save later.

cjive134

· #12 · May 5, 2011

I haven't heard too much about the M&P 15-22, but I have heard good things about the CMMG dedicated 22 uppers. If you have an AR you can simply put on a CMMG 22 upper and it will operate the same as your 223 AR.

forum77

· #13 · May 6, 2011

I had both a dedicated .22lr upper and my 5.56 and the 15-22 and the upper was never used, ended up selling it and at the same cost as a 15-22 why not.....

arizona98tj

· #14 · May 7, 2011

CGP said:
I read that 15-22's are a bit picky on ammo. Looking forward for a range report if and when you get one!

Can you clarify what you mean by "bit picky". Do you reliability kind of picky, accuracy kind of picky?

Smith & Wesson M&P15-22 - 1

You may find the above link helpful regarding performance and other nice to know things about the 15-22.

CGP

· #15 · May 7, 2011

arizona98tj said:
Can you clarify what you mean by "bit picky". Do you reliability kind of picky, accuracy kind of picky?

Smith & Wesson M&P15-22 - 1

You may find the above link helpful regarding performance and other nice to know things about the 15-22.

More in the reliability department picky.

Here's a link to S&W M&P 15-22 manual (see page 10):

http://www.smith-wesson.com/wcsstore/SmWesson2/upload/other/S&W_M&P_1522_Rifle_Manual.pdf

Here's a thread on what ammo works/does not work:

What ammo doesn't work well in the MP 15-22?

Smokehouse

· #16 · May 7, 2011

Mine has been flawless...I love it. I don't look at it as a
"cheap AR" or even a replacement. I look at it this way:

- It simulates an AR for training purposes, everything is there and in the right place

-It's a great AR starter for young ones and inexperienced shooters

-CHEAP AMMO. I can get 500 rounds of trigger time for <$20

-The gun is well made and accurate, just make sure you get one with the revised "blue springs"

-Available and cheap magazines. I bought my 25rd magazines for $15 on sale

As for it being picky, here's a vid I made back when I first got it:

YouTube - S&W M&P15 22 ammo test

It's eaten everything I've thrown at it. So far, at well over 2K rounds through it, not a single FTF...

Consider it an "AR lite"...most of the flavor, half the calories.

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