The Allure of the .22 LR AR-Style Rifle
The allure of the modern sporting rifle, with its modular design and familiar handling, has captivated shooters of all experience levels. But for many, the cost of centerfire ammunition can be a significant barrier to entry and frequent practice. This is where the .22 Long Rifle (.22 LR) AR-style rifle steps in, offering an affordable and accessible way to enjoy the same platform, hone skills, and have a lot of fun on the range. Among the many options available, the Smith & Wesson M&P15-22 has consistently stood out as a popular choice. This “Smith And Wesson M And P 15 22 Review” will delve into the details, providing a comprehensive look at this rifle’s features, performance, pros, cons, and overall value, helping you decide if it’s the right choice for your shooting needs. Whether you are a first-time gun owner, a seasoned enthusiast looking for a budget-friendly plinker, or a trainer seeking an efficient platform, this review aims to equip you with all the information you need.
The Building Blocks: Features and Specifications
The Smith & Wesson M&P15-22 presents itself as an AR-style rifle, immediately appealing to those familiar with the AR-15 platform. Its .22 LR caliber offers a significant advantage: the incredibly low cost of ammunition. This allows for extended range sessions without breaking the bank. It operates on a simple and reliable blowback system, which makes it straightforward to maintain.
Physical Presentation
The M&P15-22 mirrors the look and feel of a standard AR-15. However, a closer look reveals its differences, primarily in its materials and dimensions. The rifle typically features a polymer receiver (upper and lower) to reduce weight, making it noticeably lighter than a comparable centerfire AR. This lighter weight contributes to its maneuverability and makes it easy to handle for shooters of all sizes and strengths. The length of the rifle typically falls in a range that allows for easy handling, even in tighter spaces, while the barrel length contributes to a balance of accuracy and portability. The ergonomics are generally very good; the pistol grip, handguard, and stock are designed to replicate the feel of a full-size AR, promoting muscle memory and familiarity for those familiar with the platform. This makes transitioning between the M&P15-22 and a centerfire AR-15 relatively seamless. Many models come with adjustable stocks, providing further customization for optimal comfort and fit. Standard magazine capacity for most models is in the range of a generous number of rounds, offering plenty of shots before a reload.
Key Components and Details
The M&P15-22 distinguishes itself with the details. The upper and lower receivers are made of high-strength polymer, which allows for its light weight. The barrel is typically steel, featuring a properly rifled bore to promote accuracy. The twist rate of the rifling is often optimized for .22 LR ammunition, contributing to better bullet stabilization. The sights, which are standard on most models, are generally iron sights, which are fully adjustable. However, a significant advantage of the M&P15-22 is its Picatinny rail, providing a mounting platform for a wide array of optics, red dot sights, and scopes, allowing for customization depending on the user’s needs and preferences.
The trigger is generally a single-stage design. While not known for being a target-grade trigger, it offers a reasonable pull weight for recreational shooting. The trigger pull is usually in a range that’s suitable for plinking and training purposes, with some potential for upgrades depending on the shooter’s demands. The controls, including the charging handle, bolt release, and safety selector, are all situated in the same locations as on a standard AR-15, adding to the familiar feel. The charging handle is a standard AR-15 style, allowing for easy manipulation.
Accessories and Customization
The M&P15-22 embraces the AR-15’s modularity. The handguard typically features Picatinny rails or M-LOK slots for attaching accessories. This makes it simple to add vertical grips, lights, lasers, or other customization elements. The widespread availability of AR-15 accessories means that a great amount of personalization is at your fingertips.
Hitting the Mark: Performance and Accuracy
To accurately assess the M&P15-22’s performance, a thorough testing process is essential. The following paragraphs explain the methodology, which includes the ammunition type, range conditions, and distances where the testing happened.
Testing the Rifle
The ammunition used for testing is varied, including different brands and bullet weights of .22 LR rounds. A wide range of ammo ensures that the review covers various options, allowing readers to better understand the rifle’s performance with their preferred choices. All testing occurs at a controlled shooting range under typical outdoor conditions. The targets are placed at specific distances, usually ten yards and twenty-five yards to assess accuracy at both short and medium ranges. Multiple five-shot groups are fired with each type of ammunition to provide an average group size.
Results on Paper
The M&P15-22’s accuracy will depend on the ammunition used and the shooter’s technique. However, it generally produces respectable groupings at the distances mentioned. At the shorter ten-yard range, consistent groupings are often achieved, making it ideal for quick target acquisition and training. At the longer distances, while groups will open up slightly, the rifle is still capable of hitting a paper plate with relative ease.
Reliability Matters
Reliability is a key factor in a .22 LR rifle’s appeal. During testing, attention is paid to any malfunctions or stoppages that may occur. The blowback operation of the M&P15-22 is generally quite reliable, though some .22 LR ammunition may be more prone to malfunctions than others. Regularly cleaning and lubricating the rifle is very important to ensure consistent performance.
Recoil and Control
The .22 LR cartridge produces very little recoil, making the M&P15-22 exceptionally easy to control. This makes it ideal for new shooters and those looking to practice for extended periods without fatigue. The combination of light weight and minimal recoil allows for rapid follow-up shots, which is beneficial for training exercises and shooting fun.
The Upsides and Downsides
The Good
The M&P15-22 offers a lot to like. Its affordability is one of its most attractive features. Both the rifle itself and the .22 LR ammunition are significantly less expensive than their centerfire AR-15 counterparts. It is also incredibly easy to handle and operate. The familiar AR-15 platform is a great way to train with a similar gun in a low-recoil setting. The rifle’s lightness and simple controls make it perfect for new shooters and those looking to improve their shooting skills. Its fun-to-shoot characteristics create an enjoyable experience for casual plinking or more structured practice. The modular design also allows users to customize the rifle with various accessories.
The Challenges
However, there are also a few downsides to consider. The accuracy of the M&P15-22, while good for its intended purposes, might not match the performance of a dedicated .22 LR target rifle. This might be a factor if you are focused on precision shooting. Some malfunctions, such as failure to feed or failure to eject, can occur with certain brands or types of .22 LR ammunition. The non-lethal nature of a .22 LR round means that it is not the ideal choice for self-defense. The trigger on the M&P15-22, while adequate for general use, may not appeal to shooters who prefer a lighter or crisper trigger pull.
Comparing the Options
There are other .22 LR AR-style rifles on the market. The M&P15-22 competes with models like the Colt M4 .22, GSG-15, and others. The M&P15-22 often stands out due to its balance of features, reliability, and affordability. While some competitors might offer slightly better accuracy or a different set of features, the M&P15-22 typically offers a great all-around package for the price. The ergonomics, accessory options, and overall user experience usually put the M&P15-22 in a strong position among its competition.
Is it a Good Value?
The Smith & Wesson M&P15-22 offers excellent value for the price. It provides a fun, reliable, and accurate platform for training, plinking, and introducing new shooters to the AR-15 experience without the high cost of centerfire ammunition. The rifle is a worthy investment if you are looking for a way to enjoy the AR-15 platform without having to worry about a big ammunition bill.
Final Assessment
In conclusion, the “Smith And Wesson M And P 15 22 Review” highlights the many benefits of the rifle. It’s a solid choice for shooters who value affordability, ease of use, and the familiar feel of an AR-15. It is ideally suited for new shooters, those wanting to improve their shooting skills on an affordable platform, and individuals looking for a fun, low-recoil plinker. While it may not be the most accurate .22 LR rifle on the market, the M&P15-22 delivers a satisfying shooting experience, excellent reliability (with proper care), and a great value for the money.
Wrapping Up
This review of the Smith & Wesson M&P15-22 has explored its features, performance, and place in the market. The M&P15-22 continues to be a popular choice, and it’s easy to see why. It is a fun and versatile rifle that provides a great way to enjoy the AR-15 platform. The low-cost ammunition means you can spend more time shooting and less time worrying about the price of ammo. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly AR-style .22 LR, the M&P15-22 is definitely worth considering. Now, go get out there and enjoy shooting!
