An Overview and Its Specifications
Basic Specifications
The AR-15 platform has become an undeniable cornerstone of the American firearm landscape. Its modularity, ergonomics, and iconic profile have made it a favorite among enthusiasts for everything from competitive shooting to home defense. While the full-size AR-15 offers significant power, the cost of ammunition and the more substantial recoil can be a barrier to entry for some. This is where the .22 LR AR-15 style rifle enters the scene, and one of the most popular is the Smith & Wesson M&P15-22. This review delves deep into the world of the M&P15-22, exploring its features, performance, and overall value to help you determine if it’s the right rifle for you.
Detailed Features
The Smith & Wesson M&P15-22 brings the familiar AR-15 design to the affordable and low-recoil world of the .22 Long Rifle. It’s a fantastic choice for new shooters learning the fundamentals, seasoned shooters looking for cost-effective practice, and anyone who simply enjoys the fun and accessibility of plinking.
At its core, the M&P15-22 employs a simple blowback operating system. This means that the cartridge’s energy is used to cycle the action, making for a straightforward and reliable mechanism. The rifle is designed to be easy to clean and maintain, making it a good entry point for those new to firearms.
The rifle boasts an overall length that, dependent on the configuration, is generally around 33 inches with the stock fully extended and around 30 inches with it collapsed. This makes it maneuverable and easy to handle, even in tight spaces. The barrel length itself contributes to the overall balance and accuracy.
Weighing in at approximately 5 pounds empty, the M&P15-22 is remarkably lightweight, especially compared to its centerfire AR-15 counterparts. This reduces fatigue during extended shooting sessions, making it a comfortable option for both adults and younger shooters.
The M&P15-22 comes standard with a magazine that typically holds either ten or twenty-five rounds, depending on the model and location. A higher capacity magazine greatly enhances the fun factor, allowing for more shots before reloading.
The trigger pull on the M&P15-22 is generally a crisp single-stage trigger, perfect for training and casual plinking. This allows for fast follow-up shots and improves accuracy. The smooth pull of the trigger helps refine shooting skills and promotes a good trigger discipline.
Examining the Design and Key Features
Ergonomics
One of the most distinguishing design choices on the M&P15-22 is the receiver construction. The upper and lower receivers are typically made from high-strength polymer. This decision contributes significantly to the rifle’s light weight and helps keep the cost down. While some may prefer the more traditional feel of aluminum, the polymer construction is more than capable of handling the stresses of the .22 LR cartridge.
The handguard plays a critical role in the ergonomics and versatility of the rifle. The M&P15-22 often comes with an M-LOK compatible handguard, which is very popular because of its versatility. This allows you to easily attach a wide range of accessories like tactical lights, laser sights, and vertical grips. Some models may have quad rails offering further options.
The barrel of the M&P15-22 is crafted from high-quality steel and typically comes with standard rifling, optimized for the .22 LR cartridge. The barrel’s quality contributes to the overall accuracy of the rifle.
The rifle comes standard with iron sights, consisting of a front post and an adjustable rear sight. These sights are effective for basic target shooting and practice. The M&P15-22 also includes a Picatinny rail atop the receiver, allowing for easy mounting of optics, such as red dot sights or scopes. This makes it easily adaptable to different types of shooting.
The stock is another area where personal preferences come into play. The adjustable stock allows you to customize the length of pull to fit your body and shooting style. This helps improve comfort and accuracy, especially for younger or smaller-framed shooters.
The controls of the M&P15-22 are designed to mirror those of a standard AR-15. This includes the safety selector, magazine release, and charging handle. This familiarity makes the M&P15-22 an excellent platform for training on the AR-15 platform without the cost and recoil of a larger caliber. The familiar layout of these controls is critical for building muscle memory and efficiently operating the firearm.
Ergonomics, Build Quality and Compatibility
Build Quality
The ergonomics of the M&P15-22 are one of its strong suits. The stock, grip, and handguard combine to create a comfortable and familiar feel. The grip is sized appropriately for most shooters, and the textured surface provides a secure hold. The placement of the controls allows for easy access to the safety selector, magazine release, and charging handle. The overall balance makes for a fun and comfortable shooting experience.
The polymer construction of the receivers may raise questions about build quality for some. However, the polymer used is durable and well-engineered, and the rifle is built to withstand the rigors of regular use. The fit and finish of the rifle is generally very good, with smooth lines and a high attention to detail. The rifle has a solid feel, and all the components work well together. The M&P15-22 is a robust and dependable firearm.
Compatibility
One of the biggest advantages of the M&P15-22 is its compatibility with many AR-15 accessories. This means you can swap out parts like the handguard, grip, stock, and trigger to customize the rifle to your preferences. This is a significant advantage, as it allows you to tailor the rifle to your specific needs. While the internal components are proprietary to the .22 platform, many external components are compatible with those of a standard AR-15.
Putting It to the Test: Performance Analysis
Accuracy
The M&P15-22 shines when it comes to accuracy. During testing, it has consistently demonstrated impressive grouping capabilities at various distances. While results can vary depending on the ammunition used, the rifle is more than capable of providing consistently tight groups. The quality barrel and well-designed action contribute to its accuracy.
Reliability
Reliability is another important factor to consider. The M&P15-22 is generally very reliable, with minimal malfunctions when properly maintained. A wide variety of .22 LR ammunition can be used in the M&P15-22, and it is recommended to experiment with different brands to find the one that works best for you and your gun.
Handling and Recoil
The light recoil of the .22 LR cartridge makes the M&P15-22 exceptionally easy to handle. This low recoil makes it a great choice for new shooters, who may be intimidated by the recoil of larger caliber rifles. Its maneuverability and ease of use make it a very accessible firearm. The lack of significant recoil also allows for quick follow-up shots, making it well suited for action shooting. The M&P15-22 is a pleasure to shoot for extended periods.
Assessing the Pros and Cons
Pros
The M&P15-22 has several advantages. Its affordable price point makes it accessible to a wide range of shooters. Its ease of use and low recoil make it a great choice for beginners and anyone looking to enjoy a day at the range without fatigue. The AR-15 style design allows for familiarization with a popular platform without the cost of centerfire ammunition. The versatility of being able to add so many attachments to the gun is a definite bonus.
Cons
There are some drawbacks to consider. The polymer receiver, while contributing to its light weight and affordability, may not have the same perceived durability as an aluminum receiver. The .22 LR cartridge is also sensitive to ammunition quality, and some types of ammunition may lead to malfunctions. The proprietary nature of some internal components may limit the availability of aftermarket parts.
Comparison with Other Choices
When comparing the M&P15-22 to other .22 LR AR-15 style rifles, there are several other options that can also be considered. For example, the Ruger 10/22 is a classic .22 LR rifle with a strong reputation for reliability and accuracy. The GSG-15, which is made to look very similar to the H&K MP5, offers a unique look and design. Then there is the Tippmann Arms M4-22 which is another option that combines the AR-15 style with a .22 LR platform. The Smith & Wesson M&P15-22 is often favored because it is easier to maintain and provides a more familiar feeling in the way it handles.
Final Assessment: The Verdict
The Smith & Wesson M&P15-22 is an excellent rifle for anyone looking for an affordable, fun, and reliable .22 LR AR-15 style platform. It excels as a training tool for those who want to learn the fundamentals of the AR-15 platform without the expense and recoil of a larger caliber rifle. It’s also a great choice for plinking and general target shooting.
With its user-friendly design, excellent ergonomics, and reliable performance, the M&P15-22 is an ideal choice for new shooters. Experienced shooters will also appreciate its affordability and familiar controls. It’s a great option for those who want an inexpensive, easy to use rifle with AR-15 features. It’s a solid choice.
Overall, the Smith & Wesson M&P15-22 is a great buy. It provides a lot of value for the money. It delivers a satisfying shooting experience that will keep you smiling at the range.
