Training Value of M&P15-22

[sonrider657]

Smith & Wesson claims that their new M&P15-22 is good for low cost training with AR's since it looks, feels, and operates like an AR but fires inexpensive .22LR ammo. What do you think is the real training value of these guns?

[Hero]

I've got a .22 CMMG conversion. I enjoy shooting it a lot. You keep familiar with your weapon. I've run some drills from my carbine class with the .22 for muscle memory purposes.

In the end, however, it's not like shooting the real thing and having that recoil there, albeit the low recoil of a .223, can have an effect on how you shoot.

Hows that for a rather indecisive review?!?!

[Plinkn]

I have had one for about 2 months now and absolutely love it. The cost savings over my M4 means I can shoot 550 rds. of .22 for about the same cost as 1 30 rd. mag of inexpensive brass-cased .223. The downside is it's a lot lighter weight, but everything else is spot-on. It's even the same length as my 14.5" M4 as the 16" barrel sits deeper in the receiver.

The thing that's most beneficial with the Smith is that you build the muscle memory that's necessary to operate the AR platform efficiently at a very low cost. Bolt manipulation, reload drills, safety manipulations - it's all there. Setting it up identical to your standard/service AR you'll even have a common CQC sight picture with a standard battle-sight zero if that's your purpose for this trainer. The mags are even nearly identical to the size/feel of a PMAG (unlike the Colt). The stock can be switched out to any Mil-Spec collapsable type and the pistol grips will take pretty much any aftermarket AR type. The only thing you have to watch out for when changing the pistol grip is the safety detent spring is held in by the grip, which is normally held in by the plate for the buffer tube on a standard AR. All rail accessories fit as expected.

If you're new to the AR platform it's a great way to get acquainted, and if you know it like the back of your hand, it will have an all to familiar feel.

There's rumor going around that S&W has increased distributor pricing and the cost may increase a bit, but I have no idea of the validity of the claim. I got mine for $399 and am one completely satisfied customer.