Smith and Wesson M&P 15-22: Hands On

The M&P 15-22 has been around since 2009, so you may have already had a chance to get your hands on one.  I recently bought one as a way to get in more trigger time on an AR-15 style weapon while taking advantage of the inexpensive and easily found .22 Long Rifle ammunition.

For those who aren't familiar with them, M&P 15 is Smith and Wesson's excellent line of AR-15 style weapons, and the M&P 15-22 is an all-polymer version, chambered in 22 LR.

It really is a joy to shoot, emulating the operation and feel of the AR-15 very well. Unlike the .22 conversion kits you can drop in your 5.56mm, all of the weapon's controls function like they should, including the bolt release and lock, charging handle, even last round bolt hold-open.

The the all-polymer body means the M&P 15-22 is lighter than a "real" AR-15, which has its advantages and disadvantages.  As a training weapon, I'd like it to be the most faithful reproduction possible.  For new shooters, however, the lighter weight and virtually non-existant recoil and muzzle blast of the .22 means it's a lot less intimidating than it's centerfire counterpart.

I've put an initial 525 round brick of cheap Remington "Golden Bullets" throught it wihtout a single failure to feed or failure to fire, which is saying a lot for a rimfire.  While I can't speak to the long-term reliability or durability, the reviews I've read from people who bought the first ones back in 2009 have been positive.

I'll certainly be posting updates after my next couple trips to the farm.