Smith & Wesson M&P 15-22 Review

[plouffedaddy]

Like many of you I tried the 22LR AR conversion kits but found they have a few drawbacks: the diameter of the 22LR bullet in a 5.56 chambered AR leaves something to be desired in the accuracy department, reliability is spotty depending on the rifle/ammo, and if you fire enough rounds through your converted AR the gas tube can become somewhat clogged (a couple 5.56 rounds quickly rectifies the problem but just noting it for those that may be unaware).

Due to the reasons above, I started my search for a dedicated 22LR upper but found that most were pretty close in price to some of the dedicated 22LR ARs on the market. So rather than just having a dedicated upper, I just went for it and got the M&P 15-22. I've been glad I did ever since.

Here's a quick run-down of the pros/cons of the rifle:

Pros:
-All controls function just like the AR platform making weapon manipulation drills realistic
-Comes with a 25 round mag that's easy to load. Spare mags are reasonably priced ($20-25 most places)
-Stock and grip are interchangeable with common AR accessories if you want to swap them out
-Has been 100% reliable with the recommended ammo
-Is more accurate than conversion kits
-Comes standard with a polymer 1913 rail for adding accessories
-Good sights; rear sight is dual aperture
-Uses a proven operating design (very similar in function to the 22/45 pistols by Ruger)
-Cost. The rifle can be had for under $400 most places and every 500 rounds you're saving over $100 in ammo cost vs the 223/5.56 platform
-Barrel is made of carbon steel
-Weight. The rifle weighs 5.5lbs
-Has a case deflector to keep brass out of the face of left handed shooters

Cons:
-Cost. I know it was a pro as well but buying a complete gun for around $400 is still more than a $120-150 conversion kit would be
-The upper/lower aren't interchangeable with other mil-spec AR uppers/lowers. I don't think it's a big deal but more versatility is better than less in my opinion
-While the polymer seems durable thus far, it's still polymer not aluminum/steel

Here's a video of my wife and I running a few rounds thought it followed by a demonstration of disassembly/assembly procedures and a discussion of the pros/cons of the rifle:

M&P 15-22 HD Video Review Link

In summary, this gun is a winner for Smith & Wesson. Compared to its' competitors it's a more realistic training rifle for the AR platform that performs well in all areas. Reliability is great, cleaning is a breeze, and new shooters will love this rifle.

 

[jmr40]

I like mine. Can't find anything to disagree about. I prefer a shorter mag, especially when shooting prone or from a bench so I bought a few 10 round mags, which actually get used more.

Mine is at least as accurate as my 10-22, roughly 1/2-3/4" 50 yard groups with a scope on it. They make a target version that sells for $150-$200 more. I'd like to hear from someone who has that version and see if it is worth the extra money.

 

[RBid]

Good endorsement. Thorough review, between text and video.

We have these on the wall at the shop I work at, so I've had a lot of time to handle it, despite not having trigger time on it, yet. I like the total actual weight of it, including rounds. With spare mags and a few bricks of rounds, you're still traveling very light. I'd love to take one of these on an extended hike, and plink along the way.

 

[gotigers]

I agree 100% with everything you said. I've had a CMMG conv kit and did not like the accuracy, jams, etc.

I was in the same boat 6 month ago. I started looking for another 22 AR or dedicated upper. I went with the S&W for the same reasons you did; complete AR, lighter, etc. The biggest reason was my 12 year old daughter doesn't like the weight of my ARs. She loves the S&W M&P15-22. She can shoot it all day.

I have added a Weaver classic 1-3x on a Primary Arms mount. It is a perfect combo for me. It closely resembles my 3 gun AR. I get to practice with cheaper ammo. It is also an awesome squirrel gun. I get lots of head shots with this combo. I've quit hunting with my marlin mod60. Last saturday i was shooting the M&P at a 12" plate at 200 yards. I was aiming ~6-8 feet high, but i could hit it every shot. Darn consistant.

Mine has not had 1 failure of any kind in 1000-1500 rounds and shoots any ammo i stick in it. However, i have not shot Remingont, since S&W recommends not to shoot Remington in the 15-22.

I would recommend the S&W M&P15-22 to anyone.

Thanks for the great review.

 

[plouffedaddy]

Mine is at least as accurate as my 10-22, roughly 1/2-3/4" 50 yard groups with a scope on it.

That's some good shooting there. I haven't ran any glass on mine but I can consistently get groups around 1.5'' just using the irons at 50m. Beyond that the bullet drop and wind knock the little 22lr around.

 

[tarosean]

-While the polymer seems durable thus far, it's still polymer not aluminum/steel

Ive never looked at one. Is the entire gun poly?

 

[meanmrmustard]

While I found them light, fun, and adequately accurate, it got beat out for my money buy the Sig 522. Better gun in my opinion.

 

[Peter M. Eick]

Thanks for the review. I am going to buy one this morning.

 

[gotigers]

tarosean

Ive never looked at one. Is the entire gun poly?

Upper/lower receivers and quad rail.

 

[Peter M. Eick]

It appears to be all plastic.

I sure had fun with mine today. 1100 rounds fired of Federal bulk pack, not a single jam, or misfire. I was just blasting away having a grand old time!

 

[Hacker15E]

The barrel is certainly not plastic, nor is the bolt group or some of the lower internal parts.

 

[plouffedaddy]

The barrel is certainly not plastic, nor is the bolt group or some of the lower internal parts.

Correct. The barrel is carbon steel and I believe the 'BCG' (not sure what to call it) is stainless.

 

[HankB]

I have one with the threaded barrel and flash hider. So far, I've got about 500 rounds roughly equally split between Federal plated JHP bulk pack and CCI AR Tactical .22lr through it with no problems - though it did fail to lock back the bolt on the very last round I fired.

 

[nathan]

Just saw this , this is cool.

http://www.aimsurplus.com/product.a...Guns+Schmeisser+STG-44+.22lr+Rifle&groupid=11

 

[Ignition Override]

nathan: One of my friends just bought the Schmeisser .22. Just a coincidence that the guy barely escaped East Germany four years Before the wall came down.

Another friend's M&P 15-22 is a blast to shoot. Much easier to hit a bottle from 30 yards than with his Hungarian MN 44.
The S&W .22 has a basic low-power scope from Wallyworld and there is about zero muzzle rise as you easily watch the multiple impacts.
It misfeeds maybe once in each twenty or so rounds.

This gun seems much better than his HK .22, partly due to the HK's thick post sight and short sight distance. That HK seemed to misfeed often.