Switch Ruger 10/22 for S&W M&P 15-22?
I've been mulling over switching out my Ruger 10/22 for a S&W 15-22 practically since I got it, and some recent experiences brought this issue back the the fore and made me start re-thinking it again.
I really want to get a sub-caliber rifle that is more similar to my AR for obvious training purposes.
I got the Ruger because it was cheaper, and at the time I figured I could get by with it, but unfortunately, the more I dig into it the more expensive it's going to get, and I'm starting to feel that I'm going to dump more money into it (especially after looking at the AR-style chassis) than it's worth dumping into a .22 trainer to get it "close" to an AR.
Vs an M&P15, while not perfect, is MUCH closer, and from my price-point of view, a lot cheaper.
However, after doing some basic research (forum is acting wankery again. ), I do have some reservations.
So- on with the questions;
1)How is the reliability of the M&P Vs the Ruger?
This is my biggest concern after ammo.
Has anyone done a serious M4c-style zillion round side by side 'torture' test with these? I've heard a lot of differing things from "every .22 has a mind of it's own" to "the Ruger is better" to "the M&P is better".
I know the M&P had some hiccups when it came out- from what I've read, it seems if I stick with a new manufacture gun and mags, most have been worked out?
But thats still doesn't 100% answer how it stacks up to the 10/22 for reliability.
2) How are the (S&W) mags as far as durability and reliability?
I hear they're proprietary mags?
Are there any other brands that will work?
If I toss one (S&W) on the ground, smack it, step on it, or have some other sort of oft-encountered unfortunate mag-related experience, are they going to hold together, or am I going to be pissing away 17 bucks every time I sneeze to hard at them?
This is one thing I have not seen covered very well in the reviews I've read (reviews, my ass...)
I also hear there is some mythical specific way one has to load the S&W mags, but I have not seen it covered anywhere...
3) Ammo types-
Right now I can run all the bulk Federal, Rem GB, and even some awful Winchester crap through my Ruger, with no performance upgrades with 95% reliability- only hiccups I've gotten is if I wait to long to clean it, or get the usual dud.
It seems the M&P is a little picky with ammo, although it also seems this depends on who you talk to- some people insist you MUST only run high performance ammo for it to function, and at the same time, I've seen quite a few people in the 15-22 picture/general info thread here that I skimmed through say that it runs fine with the bulk Federal you can find in any wallyworld. Even a few folks that got it to work with the "dreaded Golden Bullet" stuff (although I agree it is super dirty).
If I can run it with the Federal bulk, I'll be perfectly happy, but if I have to shoot exclusively higher performance CCI or Fed. Match stuff, I am going to be seriously screwed- there's not much of that around here in my "local" stores and I am NOT paying shipping for .22 ammo online (unless it's practically free).
I've seen the minor issues such as light weight (so I'll just duct tape a brick to it...), lack of sling mounts, or loss of accuracy using a tight sling (I do occasionally shoot with a sling). I'll just have to address those as I come to them, based on how the more important issues listed here pan out.
On the flip side, it seems if I get a good one, I can kill two birds with one stone and run it in either a 'run 'n gun' configuration, or scope it up and get acceptable accuracy.
Which brings us to the meat of the issue;
4) Would you consider it a good idea to switch out (and by that I mean sell- I'm to damn poor to afford both right now) your 10/22 for an M&P?
"Once we get some iron in our souls, we'll get some iron in our hands..."
"...A rapid, aggressive response will let you get away with some pretty audacious things if you are willing to be mean, fast, and naked."-Failure2Stop
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