.22LR M&P 15-22 or Colt M4-22?

[wa3ra]

The title says it all...The S&W is a bit under $500, but doesn't have a flash hider or threads for a suppressor; the Colt is about a c-note more...

Which one and why?

[jachrist]

the m&p 15-22 DOES have both a FH and is threaded. The first gen. models didn't, but most currently produced models do have a threaded barrel and a birdcage flash hider.

BTW, I know 47 people (we are keeping count on the wall at the local gun shop) who have returned their Colt M4-.22's because they were junk.

There is only 1 person who has complained about their m&p 15-22, and that was only because the ejector fell out. S&W paid shipping both ways to fix it, had it back to the guy in 11 days, and even gave him 2 free mags for his inconvenience. He took his name off the board when he got it back and has been a proponent of them ever since.

BTW, I bought mine for $449 and have seen them for $419 at some shops. Look around and get a good price.

[rovert97]

Of those 2 I would choose the s&w. But why not toss in a Sig 522? I picked mine for $429 new November 4th. 100% reliable without a single malfunction of any kind. Just a suggestion, but it looks like you want an AR style gun.

[HowardCohodas]

Can't speak to the Colt.

I've put over 1000 rounds through my M&P, all CCI. Two FTFs. The only cleaning so far is to run a bore snake through it after each session. I think I've joined the club of manufacturers of once-fired brass.

[crazywolf]

I really like my colt only compliant I have is it is a little picky on what it likes in the way of ammo.but I got it cause it's very close to a AR15 so my wife and practice with it and save our 223 ammo for matches.best thing i think for you to do if you can is try to find someone that has one of each and will let you shoot them.an go from there hopes this helps.crazywolf

[wa3ra]

Thanks for the info! Actually, that Sig looks pretty interesting, too. I thought about putting a kit on a Ruger 10-22, but I think I'd rather have a purpose built plinker.

Near as I can figure, with what 5.56 and .223 has been costing, somewhere around 1500 rounds or so, the rifle ends up being free with the difference in price between the 5.56s and the .22LRs considered.

[nfafan]

IMHO, if money is not the issue - get the one that you like the most. You have to pay for it, so if its realistic cosmetics or the brand-name on the side of the recvr that appeals to you, go for it.

There are enough positive and negatives posted out on the 'net about either rifle that it pretty much comes down to a coin-toss based on taste.

EDIT - I personally liked the cosmetics of the "Colt", and if I didn't have a .22 kit for my ARs, I'd have one. If the new HK416 will be as nice, my SIG will be sold to get one. But that's JMHO.

[MTechnik]

From all I've heard, the S&W is the better (reliable) buy.

The colt looks better in person, is made of more metal, but the S&W works better. More to the point, the colt works poorly.

[rovert97]

the colt is mostly pot metal, and can break rather easily. atleast the S&W is a more durable polymer. also i heard that the colt is a PITA to clean. the SIG and S&W have bolt carriers that pop right out and are a snap to clean. the colt doesnt have such a good design as them in that regard.

[davishuang]

I bought my M&P 15-22 about a month ago and it does not have a flash hider, but I purchased a barrel shroud from www.m&p15-22.com and once you put it on your rifle, it looks far better than a flash hider. I have a few photos of my rifle under this forum, you can check them out if you like. I would go for the M&P 15-22.