I mainly shoot pistols and shotguns. I have several 22lr rifles as well. I have shot several ARs on occasion but never purchased one. I like the cost of 22 ammo as well. Is starting with this particular rifle good as a training tool to eventually move up to a higher caliber such as .556 or .223?

Great. Best of the Tactical .22s IMHO.

Yes.

I just picked up a M&P 15-22 a few months ago on sale I only had it out a couple times. So far I like it. They are easy to mount a red dot to make for a magnificent plinker. Mine only came with one magazine but extra 25 rd magazines were only $19.99.

Only thing that has held me back is Appleseed banned them for firing out of battery and they haven't been reinstated.

Have two—scope and red dot. They’re reliable. Weight though is not like an AR-15. For that reason wish I would have went with a dedicated (not conversion) model like CMMG to better mimic service rifle weight and some components, but that of course is a much different price point than the M&P 15-22.

quote:

Originally posted by Dwill104:
Great. Best of the Tactical .22s IMHO.

Yep.

Any reason to get the Performance version rather than the standard?

quote:

Originally posted by ZSMICHAEL:
Any reason to get the Performance version rather than the standard?

Not really. Let’s be honest, it’s a .22lr, not exactly a precision rifle in this application (there are other rifles that fit in that niché if that’s what you’re after), instead this is more of a plinker.

I own two. They are really fun guns. Mine have been very reliable with no issues at all. They aren't precision rifles but still accurate enough. Magazines are not too expensive. As someone else mentioned, they are light.

another 'Yes' vote

just an all-around fun, 'accessorizable' plinker / trainer

as mentioned - mags are common and affordable

-------------------------------

Never used one, but a friend of mine owns one and swears by it.

quote:

Originally posted by Dwill104:
Great. Best of the Tactical .22s IMHO.

Completely agree, love mine, shoots anything, put lots of bulk through it. Mags are cheap too.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: xanth,

Recently had an opportunity to shoot a friend's. Now on my "must have" list! :-)

quote:

Originally posted by SigSauerFan:
Weight though is not like an AR-15.

Depends upon the AR. I didn't set out to do this, but I ended up building an AR that's so light you can't tell which is the AR-15 and which is the 15-22, holding them by the barrels with your eyes closed. I've had people try

Once I upgrade the trigger and stock on the 15-22, and match the optics, there'll really be little handling difference between them, other than the handguard.

The 15-22 did have some issues. Some say that was just the early ones. Don't know. E.g.: M&P 15-22 banned from Appleseed shoots

I've never heard of a recall by S&W, so I have to believe these were anomalies.

I will say this: I bought a 15-22 on the rave reviews I read here on SF. My experience has been the same as everybody's here: They are a hoot to shoot

I haven't had all that many rounds down mine, but it's never hiccuped.

Thanks to all of you. I will most likely acquire one in the near future.

quote:

Originally posted by SigSauerFan:
Have two—scope and red dot. They’re reliable. Weight though is not like an AR-15. For that reason wish I would have went with a dedicated (not conversion) model like CMMG to better mimic service rifle weight and some components, but that of course is a much different price point than the M&P 15-22.

When I bought mine years ago, I thought I would add Golfer's lead tape fore and aft to make it closer to a real AR in weight.

That never happened. It just made me want a truly lightweight real AR.

The one I have is awesome. I stuck a Steiner 1-4 scope on it and installed an ALG ACT trigger with the 4lb spring.

Palmetto State Armory had mags for $12.99 so now I have quite a few.

Super popular in our 22 Rimfire Challenge matches.

I just ordered one from PSA yesterday for $299. At that price, I couldn’t say no. I’m going to drop a binary in it and blast away and giggle.

quote:

Originally posted by RogueJSK:

quote:

Originally posted by Dwill104:
Great. Best of the Tactical .22s IMHO.

Yep.

^^^^^^^^
Yep x 2. I took mine to a multi-day Appleseed shoot. It was flawless and accurate.