Thinking of going .22 and need opinions.

[speaksoftly]

So I have a Smith & Wesson MP-15T. I love the heck out of the rifle but would like to be able to shoot more than my 5.56 budget allows. I'm trying to decide between either a .22 conversion kit or a new MP22. Which of these should I go with and why? Any input would be appreciated. Thanks

-Marcos

P.S. Not wanting a 10/22 so don't worry about going there.

 

[sgtdevildog]

or third option - dedicated 22 upper for existing AR. I've heard the AR kits are fine - although accuracy suffers because barrel is oversized. Mixed reviews on dedicated 22 AR's - although S&W seems to edge out Colt and I haven't heard to much on the SIG. With a dedicated upper - you still have use of existing lower/trigger pull/controls, etc., with a properly sized barrel. When I get ready I personally am leaning towards a dedicated upper for the reasons above. Good luck.

 

[CoRoMo]

IMO, the M&P15-22 would be a better use of the money than a dedicated upper since they'll cost about the same. The kits are the only way to go if you just have to stay cheap.

 

[gb0399]

I've had this same debate recently, I've decide to go with the M&P 15-22.

 

[Prion]

Option C: start hand-loading. It is one of the best things you can do to improve your shooting and overall understanding of firearms and ammunition. Plus it's fun and shooting your own hand-loads is really a joy.

 

[speaksoftly]

I've thought about the dedicated upper option for a couple of reasons. The first would be less hardware to be hauling back and forth to the range. The biggest would be the fact that I could slap my Eotech and gear onto the upper and it would be exactly like my 5.56 setup. I want to do some training with the .22 and would prefer to keep it as close to my serious setup as possible.

 

[Angeho]

Dude, I feel your pain. Love shooting the MP15T, and even with reloading 223, it can still be expensive. I thought the MP15-22 was too light and "plasticy." Looked at the Colt as well. Decided on the Ruger SR22 because it handles and feels like an AR. There are so many things you can work on with that package. Yes, it is an expensive 10-22. 10-22 is reliable, designed around 22LR, and I am weary in general of the barrel conversions. Yes, action unlike AR15s. But the weight is right for transitions, movement, and the like. You loose the same setup on your AR, but you're still training muscle memory. I've put around 2500 rds through mine since March, which is minimum $750 compared to the $100 of 22LR. Rifle paid for. During your range time, mix in your AR15 setup after you've developed yourself with the AR 22LR, you'll find over time the transition is seamless.

 

[CraigC]

The S&W is well-reputed but IMHO, it's too light and cheap feeling. I would go with a dedicated upper.

 

[speaksoftly]

I would go with a dedicated upper.

PM sent to Taliv to make this a third option.

 

[Hizzie]

I'd go M&P 15-22 over the other 2 options. It handles exactly like a "real" AR. No hassles swapping parts around and no gumming up your primary rifle with rimfire powder residue. I have a 22lr conversion kit for my Glock 19 and I must say that after a range session the frame needs a complete bath with GunScrubber(Synthetic Safe) cuz it is filthy.

 

[Quentin]

I've been laboring over the same problem for the last year too. I wanted something better and more accurate than a drop in 22 conversion even though they are cheap. The dedicated 22LR upper seemed like the right way to go but that costs as much as one of the "AR-22LR" complete guns.

Of the three I like the heft of the Colt M4 Carbine 22LR better than the S&W and both of them better than the dressed up Ruger 10/22-SR22. I've never handled the SIG.

The S&W probably is the smart choice, it's cheaper, made in USA and the internals (especially fcg) are more like a real AR. But I hate its look, weight and flimsy feeling of polymers - and all the missing features that make it scream "I'm an AR!" The rails are really chinzy, no A2 sight, no flash hider.

I just picked up the Colt M4 on sale at Sportsmans Warehouse and love it. It weighs about the same as a true M4 and looks an awful lot like it. Externally it's hard to tell the difference until you pick it up. Sure the outside bolt catch and forward assist don't work and the dust cover doesn't always work but at least they're there (along with a carry handle, F-marked FSB, castle nut and A1 style flash hider) and make this a near twin in looks if not function. I kept telling myself I was making a mistake going with my heart and against the S&W but now I know I made the right choice. Great little rifle.