Smith & Wesson M&P 15-22

• Name — Smith & Wesson M&P15-22 • Origin — United States • Type — Semi-automatic rifle • Is Ranged — yes • Manufacturer — Smith & Wesson • Production Date — 2009–present • Weight — 5.5 lbs / 2.5 kg • Length — 33.75" Extended, 30.5" Collapsed • Part Length — 16.5 in • Cartridge —.22 Long Rifle • Action — Blowback • Feed — 10 or 25-round detachable box magazine • Sights — Picatinny rail-mounted iron sights

The M&P15-22 was designed to be a less expensive alternative for training with an AR-15 style rifle, as the rifle itself is much less expensive than most AR-15s, and the.22 LR ammunition is often much less expensive than the.223 Remington/5.56×45mm NATO. The rifle features a safety and bolt lock that operate just like an AR-15's. The M&P15-22's lower recoil is 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. The disassembly process is very similar to the AR-15 and S&W M&P 15. The lower receiver detaches from the upper with two captured pins. The lower receiver contains a standard M&P15 trigger assembly that is compatible with most AR-15 trigger groups. The upper receiver contains the bolt, barrel, and charging handle. However, the upper and lower receivers of the M&P 15-22 are both deliberately incompatible with standard AR15/M4 uppers and lowers.

The M&P15-22 Sport II can be had with MOE (Magpul Original Equipment) furnitures, MBUS sights and a threaded barrel. Smith & Wesson offers the M&P 15/22 in a variety of finishes including Kryptek Highlander and Muddy Girl in addition to basic black or tan. The M&P15-22P pistol was introduced in 2010, but was discontinued in 2013. Smith & Wesson reintroduced the M&P15-22P pistol in December 2020 with an SB Tactical SBA3 pistol brace.

In 2016, Project Appleseed temporarily banned use of M&P15-22 rifles at their shooting clinics following a series of out-of-battery discharges, pending a full investigation and correction from Smith & Wesson. This was based on several incidents that occurred in multiple states, including one that injured a shooter on the line and another where multiple cartridges fired with but one trigger pull.

Smith & Wesson M&P 15-22 is classified as a semi-automatic rifle. Associated with United States. Recorded from 2009.