AR type .22 trainer/fun

[Gary1911A1]

Been wanting to get a AR type .22 trainer complete rifle or conversion unit for my regular ARs'. Have done some research and found many positive reviews of the M&M 15-22 except for some noting it's to light to which some have addressed by adding weight to the handle. The Colt hasn't gotten as good as a review and it's bolt release is just for looks. I had hopes for the HK 416 .22, but found out it's made by the same people who make the Colt so unless HK holds them to a higher standard it will have the same problems. My Tactical Solution 1911 .22 Conversion works well, but I can't find much on their .22 uppers for the AR. Being retired from Corrections I can get a good price on the M&P. Any thoughts or input would be appreciated.

[djegators]

The S&W M&P 15-22 is the only .22lr AR or upper on my wish list, for what that is worth. Seen some decent reviews on some of the dedicated uppers, but for me would rather have the complete rifle for nearly the same price.

[Broncbuster]

My first choice would be a Sig 522 next would be a S&W 15-22

[faawrenchbndr]

I chose a Spikes Tactical ST22. I wanted to be able to use the same trigger.
Cost more than a conversion, but dedicated upper aremore accurate.
CMMG makes a very good dedicated 22 upper as well.

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c341/faawrenchbndr/ChatterboxwithSpikesupper.jpg

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c341/faawrenchbndr/ChatterboxSpikes22lrdedicatedupper.jpg

[ambluemax]

I just got an M&P15-22. It is the list of AR trainers IMO. Non of the dedicated rifes get as good of reviews and the dedicated uppers cost as much as an M&P stand alone 22. Also, its pretty much the only one that the bolt will lock back on.

I just put my first 1K rounds through it this weekend. S&W really nailed it with this rifle, but I won't lie I did have an issue with the trigger group pins drifting out of place. Also, a bad Remington Thunderbolt round blew out its case and took my extractor with it so its in getting repaired right now. Going to call Remington tomorrow........

[Alaskapopo]

The Smith is an excellent rifle. I like my Spikes ST22 upper than I got and put on a lower I assembled. But the Smith is a great gun for less money.
Pat
http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g299/355sigfan/AR%20style%20rifles/Spikes22lr.jpg

[Gary1911A1]

Thanks to everyone who responded. I checked out the Spike and several .22 uppers suggested. For the money the M&P is looking good to me. I can get one for under $400 whenever Buds gets some more in for LE. I plan on shooting this as a trainer/range rifle and want it to handle as much like an AR as possible. Accuracy will be secondary to reliability for me. I will try to add weight to the handle and hope for the best and if not S&W does have excellent customer service.

[faawrenchbndr]

For the money,....the M&P IS a GREAT choice!

[thisaway]

I bought a Spike's .22 conversion unit and then bought an M16-A1 upper which I use only for .22. It works and shoots well, and it's also a lot of fun!