I've got somewhere around 7k rounds through my S&W 15-22. It's been very reliable. Only times it has had any malfunctions is after about 1000 rounds without cleaning. A quick wipe down and relube brings it right back to running perfect. I haven't been blown away with accuracy, but I'm shooting the absolute cheapest ammo I can find. It shoots the junk ammo well enough. Is it a CLE upper? No, not close. But, I'm not practicing for Service Rifle shoots either. I use it to practice for a rimfire type 3-gun shoot. It's absolutely perfect for that use. I think it's the rifle that I have the most fun with every time I pick it up.
If you want to train for position shooting, get the CLE. If you aren't then you'll probably be happy with either dedicated upper or a S&W 15-22. I had a bad experience a while back on a conversion kit and since then I've been put off from buying a conversion and would rather spend the same money on a complete firearm. Others have had good experience with both the conversions and the dedicated uppers but I still hesitate at them.
If you want to train for position shooting, get the CLE. If you aren't then you'll probably be happy with either dedicated upper or a S&W 15-22. I had a bad experience a while back on a conversion kit and since then I've been put off from buying a conversion and would rather spend the same money on a complete firearm. Others have had good experience with both the conversions and the dedicated uppers but I still hesitate at them.
