Smith & Wesson M&P15-22

The Smith & Wesson M&P15-22 is a .22 LR variant of the Smith & Wesson M&P15. In contrast to the original AR-15, it is blowback-operated, rather than direct impingement. It is intended for recreational shooting ("plinking") and hunting. It is made with a polymer upper and lower receiver, rather than the aluminum that is normally used in AR-15s. Its proprietary magazines are also polymer.^[2] The handguards are also polymer, and feature quadruple Picatinny rails.^[1] The M&P15-22 can be used as a cheaper alternative for training with an AR-15 style rifle, since the rifle itself is much less expensive than most AR-15s, and the ammunition may often be half the price of normal .223 Remington/5.56x45mm NATO, allowing the owner to enjoy far more range time for the same cost in ammunition. While shooting .22 LR is not a perfect substitute for training with the rifle's "true" cartridge, it can be a good way to focus on basic marksmanship and handling skills without the cost or recoil associated with shooting larger cartridges. The M&P15-22 can also be an alternative in jurisdictions that restrict magazine capacity for centerfire cartridges. Because the M&P15-22 shoots a rimfire cartridge, it can be used as a legal way to shoot large numbers of cartridges without reloading. The M&P15-22's lower recoil may also be used as a way to ease new shooters into the sport, allowing them to familiarize themselves with AR-15 controls without the fear of excessive recoil or noise.

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