S&W MP15-22 or Colt M4 22lr?

[BillyP]

I am considering purchasing an AR style 22lr for my son. I am finding the S&W and the Colt for approx the same price. Does anyone have any experience/suggestions between the two?

 

Thanks

[TyGuy]

I have experience with the M&P 15-22 and I LOVE it. The parts aren't interchangeable with actual AR-15 parts, but it's greet. It's very light too.

[anonymous too]

Get the Magpul S&W.

 

Unless it's changed, the Colt's a bad design. Not my opinion, but one from a self proclaimed Colt "freak". He said they were junk.

[sirflyguy]

Love my 15-22.

[Capt_Destro]

I have experience with the M&P 15-22 and I LOVE it. The parts aren't interchangeable with actual AR-15 parts, but it's greet. It's very light too.

 

Actually the trigger uses standard AR15 parts. So you can have the same trigger on your 15-22 and your AR15. Most accessories and furniture should work. If you want to change out the hand guard all you have to do is buy a special barrel nut. You also have the option of putting a fake gas block/ regular front sight on it.

 

http://www.tacticool22.com/firearms/smith-and-wesson-mp15-22.html

 

I plan on grabbing the all metal charging handle. I'm not sure if I want to use a magpul handguard/Fixed Front sight atm.

 

This site has tons of things for the 15-22.... Even has ranger plates...

[GlockCarry]

The 15-22 is an awesome rifle. 99.9% reliable for me with bulk federal ammo. I have probably put 10,000 rounds through it with no problems.

 

Sent from my SPH-L720 using Tapatalk 4 Beta

 

 

[Bud]

The Colt is actually an Umarex branded as a Colt and a POS

 

The M&P 15-22 is freaking incredible as a training tool and as a great plinker and small game hunter

[TyGuy]

Oh yeah, handguard, grip, stock are interchangeable. I didn't know about the trigger.

[Fuddster]

I have the 15-22. It's the most fun gun I own. I did replace the trigger with a Rock River 2 stage Nat. Match.

[Howard Roark]

My son has a 15-22 (gift from me). Lot's of fun, accurate, operates like an AR-15. Get one.

[Ranger]

We have two mp 15-22s. A pink (fuscia?) camo for my wife and a magpul FDE for me. Good guns. Think the sw is better than the colt based solely upon a lot of reading and positive experience with sw.

 

[BillyP]

Thanks for everyone's input. It looks like I will order the 15-22 today.

[sirflyguy]

Thanks for everyone's input. It looks like I will order the 15-22 today.

I knew you would.

[GTX63]

Several opinions on the Colt here that are based solely on opinion/hearsay. I'll give it to you firsthand. I have handled and fired the Smith and Wesson 15/22. It is a good rifle. Dependable and lightweight. I own a Colt M4 22lr. It eats every kind of ammo I can find (in this market, you get what you can get), have had no FTF, FTE, etc. It is a little more money than the 15/22, and has a dust cover and a forward assist(comestic) while the MP does not. Both are great shooters and both are very capable training tools. The Colt M4/22 feels no different than my 6920 or my Rock River Tactical. There is nothing about the Colt than I have even remotely found that would lead me to believe it is a bad rifle. Enjoy either one, just take the time to get first hand reliable information before you make a purchase.

[Cain8768]

Nice choice. I love mine. As others have stated, it is the most fun gun to shoot that I own.

[Fuse]

I had an 15-22. Blew the extractor off the bolt and had to send it back to SW twice. Traded it for an sr9c.

It was a very fun gun, but having to send it back twice for a simple piece I couldn't buy on it's own kind of bothered me.

 

Just don't run bad ammo through yours and you shouldn't run into the issue I had.,

[anonymous too]

Several opinions on the Colt here that are based solely on opinion/hearsay. I'll give it to you firsthand. I have handled and fired the Smith and Wesson 15/22. It is a good rifle. Dependable and lightweight. I own a Colt M4 22lr. It eats every kind of ammo I can find (in this market, you get what you can get), have had no FTF, FTE, etc. It is a little more money than the 15/22, and has a dust cover and a forward assist(comestic) while the MP does not. Both are great shooters and both are very capable training tools. The Colt M4/22 feels no different than my 6920 or my Rock River Tactical. There is nothing about the Colt than I have even remotely found that would lead me to believe it is a bad rifle. Enjoy either one, just take the time to get first hand reliable information before you make a purchase.

 

My info is from when the Colt's were new and after Smith had fixed an extractor problem(if memory serves me correctly). I used to work for the particular FFL and the guy I am referring to is the one who had to send back every Colt they had sold and the dealer quit stocking them they because they had become such a pain.

 

Like I said. Things may be better now. But the opinion was not mine and was not hearsay.

[GTX63]

This model came out sometime in 2009. No significant changes have been made since then. While no internal parts will interchange with a centerfire AR, it is a great gun for my sons to learn on, and like the MP 15/22, you cannot tell any difference from the big brother. I've seen them in the big box stores and for sale at the LGS; no one had specifically told me there were any major issues. Not trying to bang on anyone, just want the OP to read from someone who actually owns the gun and has first hand experience with it.

[Hoplite]

Thanks for everyone's input. It looks like I will order the 15-22 today.

 

I ask this question basically out of sheer curiosity, but what possible incentive is there to buy any of the proprietary .22 AR-look rifles when any actual AR can fire .22 with nothing but a small investment in a .22 bolt and magazine?I built my latest AR for under $500, (granted that was before the current shortage of trigger kits, BCG, lowers etc..) and simply bought a .22 AR steel BCG and two plastic .22 AR mags, and can swap out that AR between .22 and the .223 caliber with a 20 second BCG change.I dont understand what conceivable benefit can be gained from buying a less robust and proprietary '.22-only' rifle that is made to cosmetically resemble a AR, when for very little more you can simply use the actual AR as a .22 plinker.Anyone claiming that the AR is not 'accurized' enough to shoot .22 accurately or "the rifling is not right for .22" is basically talking nonsense, because I actually sight in my real AR with the .22 bolt/ammo, and only afterwards fire .223, and the same rifle is dead-on with either caliber.I dont get how there is any possible benefit to the AR-look .22's unless you were able to get these for low prices on par with a 10/22.Maybe I am missing something, if so, I appreciate any explanation on what that might be.

[Capt_Destro]

The freedom of choice of course, to each their own.. Not everyone wants to shoot dirty bulk 22's through their AR15 barrels and even clog a gas tube (one argument I heard. dedicated upper fixes this), some conversions do not run 100% either depending on manufacturer. (one other argument I heard). Also I believe not all conversion kits have last shot hold open. I have also heard about issues with dedicated uppers mating to certain lowers. Also if SHTF you have an extra rifle on hand for women or youngins worst comes worst..

 

Im also gonna mention dedicated uppers.

Accuracy on some conversion kits can be iffy despite what you say. It depends on what distance you are plinking at over all. A dedicated 22 in the long run, with the right twist rate might have better results. If you want a conversion to be accurate you are better off having a dedicated upper instead of a bolt conversion.

 

With a dedicated upper or dedicated 22 you wouldn't have to change your sights each time you caliber swap as well. It's your call on whatever you want.

 

I got the 15-22 because:

Good beginner rifle.

Good reviews,

Good customer service,

Is starting to have lots of aftermarket support,

Good trigger out of the box (atleast mine did)

Eats just about anything,

Has cheap and reliable magazines,

Last shot hold open,

Has good accuracy for what it is.

Depending on the retailer, you save a lot of money in regards to Magpul Furniture.

Only cost me $500 out the door, when real AR's were selling for $2000 (even lowers were $400+... and just about everything AR was sold out).

 

I'd just rather have dedicated equipment, I don't see it as an issue tbh.

[TyGuy]

Conversion kits aren't worth the $$$ IMHO. The point of impact shift means you'll be constantly adjusting your sights, not to mention their reliability is iffy.

[BillyP]

Thanks for everyone's input. It looks like I will order the 15-22 today.

 

I ask this question basically out of sheer curiosity, but what possible incentive is there to buy any of the proprietary .22 AR-look rifles when any actual AR can fire .22 with nothing but a small investment in a .22 bolt and magazine?I built my latest AR for under $500, (granted that was before the current shortage of trigger kits, BCG, lowers etc..) and simply bought a .22 AR steel BCG and two plastic .22 AR mags, and can swap out that AR between .22 and the .223 caliber with a 20 second BCG change.I dont understand what conceivable benefit can be gained from buying a less robust and proprietary '.22-only' rifle that is made to cosmetically resemble a AR, when for very little more you can simply use the actual AR as a .22 plinker.Anyone claiming that the AR is not 'accurized' enough to shoot .22 accurately or "the rifling is not right for .22" is basically talking nonsense, because I actually sight in my real AR with the .22 bolt/ammo, and only afterwards fire .223, and the same rifle is dead-on with either caliber.I dont get how there is any possible benefit to the AR-look .22's unless you were able to get these for low prices on par with a 10/22.Maybe I am missing something, if so, I appreciate any explanation on what that might be.

 

Wow!!! That seemed highly technical. Here is my simple response..... We are relatively new gun owners. We have already accumulated a number of guns and a little bit of ammo. We are trying different manufacturers and calibers. In addition to our handguns, we have picked up a number of .22 rifles (10/22's and lever action rifles).

 

I am not totally sold yet on getting an actual AR-15. I know a few police departments that use 15-22's for cheap training and thought I would use this as an avenue to check it out. If we like it, I will get an AR15. If not, I won't. .223's seem to be running around .35 per round. I have around 30,000 22's sitting here, so that is what I am working with.

 

I hope this helps explain.

[GTX63]

Capt Destro put it on a T. A coversion kit runs about $200. My reasons- A. 22lr is dirty ammo. I'd rather not have to clean my 223 ARs everytime I change over. B. I'd rather have my son learn, practice and make mistakes with my Colt M4 22. I don't fret about him dropping that one in the mud instead of one of my $1200 toys. Actually I'd rather they use one of our 10/22s, but they don't have the look.

[BillyP]

Thanks for everyone's input. I am trying to learn with the responses I get.

[Indigo]

Thanks for everyone's input. I am trying to learn with the responses I get.

 

Thanks for starting the topic. There are more of us out here with the same questions, and this thread was very helpful.

[Hoplite]

Conversion kits aren't worth the $$$ IMHO. The point of impact shift means you'll be constantly adjusting your sights, not to mention their reliability is iffy.

 

I preface my comment by noting that I do not own nor have I ever fired any of the .22 AR-look rifles, and am not offering any judgement on these rifles.

 

That said.. suggesting that "(all) conversion kits arent worth the $$$" is about as valid as me suggesting that all the .22 AR-look rifles are "no good".

 

I have had two CMMG .22 kits, and the last one went with the rifle when I sold it because my buddy wanted the entire kit after test firing it.

BOTH CMMG kits were 100% reliable, and I had not a single FTF/FTE with either one. I routinely get approached by people wanting to know how its 'possible' to fire .22 in my current AR, suggesting that many if not most buyers are unaware of how simple it is. This is the reason I think a lot of people gravitate to these cosmetic AR-look .22's, which is they either dont know about drop ins, or have heard bad info from people who in most cases have never owned a drop in kit.

 

Both my CMMG were perfect, and even with bulk ammo have never had a single hiccup. If you are talking about the old "Ciener" kits, there are a LOT of seemingly justified bad reviews relating serious function and feeding issues (due to sheer bulk of such bad reviews for Ceiner kits).

 

Every other review I have ever seen for the CMMG kits has been the same as my own personal exp, which is that they run flawlessly. http://www.luckygunner.com/cmmg-22lr-conversion-kit-for-ar15-review

 

I am not trying to get anyone to avoid any of the AR-look plinkers if that is what they want, I simply can say from personal exp that their is nothing you cannot do with a CMMG drop in bolt (including leaving you a spare emergency bolt if you have BCG failure with the .223 bolt) that you can do with any .22 only AR-cosmetic look rifle.

 

My last CMMG bolt/mag kit was bought at the Indy1500 for a whopping $100, and I routinely see the CMMG kits for as low as $120 on a regular basis, brand new, so the suggestion in one post that they cost 'hundreds of dollars' is not true if you do even marginal shopping around.

 

Its fine if someone has disposable income and wants to get a gun that superficially looks like a AR but can only handle .22 and uses proprietary parts, but considering that you can easily assemble a real AR for the avg price I see these .22-only plinkers selling for, and that the spare bolt kit adds only a extra $100 and you have a spare bolt to run in the event of a emergency failure, its simply bad information to suggest that the CMMG kits are "not worth the money", and i really only see the CMMG kits around at this point, which is probably due to their reliability. If you can even find a Ciener kit its probably going to be mail order only or a gun show 'special'.

[patriot1776]

Those listed problems are the reason i selected a SIG 522 to plink with .

[AlphaKoncepts aka CGS]

Capt Destro put it on a T. A coversion kit runs about $200. My reasons- A. 22lr is dirty ammo. I'd rather not have to clean my 223 ARs everytime I change over. B. I'd rather have my son learn, practice and make mistakes with my Colt M4 22. I don't fret about him dropping that one in the mud instead of one of my $1200 toys. Actually I'd rather they use one of our 10/22s, but they don't have the look.

At first glance my daughter's 10/22 looks exactly like an AR. http://chicagogunsmith.com/catalog/archangel-rifle-p-48955.html

[blazzinbird]

I've got a 15-22 and love it. Only problem is a plinker mag, don't use them.

[Hoplite]

My reasons- A. 22lr is dirty ammo. I'd rather not have to clean my 223 ARs everytime I change over. B. I'd rather have my son learn, practice and make mistakes with my Colt M4 22.

 

I have not once cleaned my AR between caliber changes, and not once has the .22 CMMG bolt set up ever had a single issue.

I do clean after a range day, but I would be doing that even without using the .22 CMMG kit.

 

I don't fret about him dropping that one in the mud instead of one of my $1200 toys.

 

I have assembled both my AR's, and neither came to even 1/2 of $1200. Granted, they are not 'magpul'-ed or 'tacticooled', but the most either one cost was $550, and the one that cost the extra $50 was because I had hunted down a specific mid length upper.

 

Actually I'd rather they use one of our 10/22s, but they don't have the look.

 

I think right there you actually hit the nail on the head as to why people really buy these largely plastic .22's that are cosmetically styled to look like famous military guns.. basically = the appearance.

 

Then later they seek some rationale or justification (other than "it looks like a machine gun") to justify buying a .22 only plinker. Practically.. they all have zero advantage over any Ruger 10/22 with a 25rd mag, and any AR/SIG clone would often be at a disadvantage because the Ruger 10/22 is not going to draw any attention in the field. The people who buy these basically WANT to draw attention, which is not going to happen with a 10/22, imho.