The Smith & Wesson M&P 15-22 is a popular choice for both beginners and experienced shooters looking for an affordable and reliable .22 LR training rifle. This review will delve into its features, performance, pros, and cons to help you decide if it's the right fit for your needs.
Design and Features: A Familiar Feel
The M&P 15-22 is designed as a direct replica of the popular AR-15 platform, offering a familiar feel for those already comfortable with the AR style. This makes it an excellent transition tool for those moving from .22 LR to more powerful calibers. Key features include:
- AR-15 Style: The rifle mimics the look and feel of an AR-15, including the lower receiver, pistol grip, and charging handle. This familiar layout makes it easy to handle and reduces the learning curve for AR-15 users.
- .22 LR Caliber: The use of .22 LR ammunition makes it significantly cheaper to shoot than its larger caliber counterparts, allowing for extensive practice.
- Lightweight: The polymer construction keeps the weight down, making it comfortable for extended shooting sessions.
- Adjustable Stock: Many models feature an adjustable stock, allowing for a customized fit for different shooters. This is crucial for comfortable and accurate shooting.
- Multiple Magazine Capacity: The M&P 15-22 accepts various magazine capacities, offering flexibility based on your preference and local regulations.
Performance and Accuracy: Solid for the Price
The M&P 15-22 offers surprisingly good accuracy for its price point. While not a precision instrument designed for long-range target shooting, it's more than capable of hitting targets at typical plinking distances. Accuracy will vary depending on the ammunition used, as .22 LR ammunition can vary significantly in quality and consistency. Expect decent grouping at 25 yards and beyond with quality ammo.
Pros and Cons: Weighing the Value
Pros:
- Affordable: This is one of the most budget-friendly AR-style .22 LR rifles on the market.
- Reliable: The M&P 15-22 generally offers excellent reliability, with minimal malfunctions.
- Fun to Shoot: The low recoil and affordability make it a fun rifle for both casual shooting and training.
- Training Tool: It's a great tool for learning proper AR-15 operation and techniques without the expense of higher-caliber ammunition.
- Easy to Maintain: Cleaning and maintenance are straightforward processes.
Cons:
- Not a Precision Rifle: Don't expect benchrest accuracy; it's a plinking and training rifle.
- Polymer Construction: While lightweight, the polymer construction might not feel as robust as a full-metal AR-15.
- Magazine Reliability: Some users have reported issues with magazine reliability, although this seems to vary based on the specific magazines used.
- Ammunition Sensitivity: Accuracy can be affected by the type and quality of ammunition used.
Final Verdict: A Strong Contender
The Smith & Wesson M&P 15-22 is a solid choice for anyone looking for an affordable and fun .22 LR rifle. Its AR-15 style makes it an excellent training tool, and its low cost and low recoil make it perfect for beginners and experienced shooters alike. While it's not a precision instrument, its accuracy is perfectly adequate for most plinking and training purposes. If you're looking for a reliable and budget-friendly way to enjoy the AR-15 platform and practice your shooting skills, the M&P 15-22 is a strong contender. Remember to always practice safe gun handling and follow all local laws and regulations.
