I’ve always been a fan of the S&W M&P15-22 – their version of the semi-auto AR platform in .22 LR, introduced in 2009. The manual of arms is almost identical to a “real” AR; the only real difference is the length of pull on the charging handle. It’s lightweight, ultra-reliable and plain fun to shoot. It’s a perfect firearm for introducing new shooters to the AR platform specifically, or firearms in general. I’ve been wanting one of the “new” M&P15-22 pistols, and finally all the chips fell in place for me to acquire one.

Earlier, Smith & Wesson sold a version M&P15-22 pistol without an arm brace. It wasn’t on the market for long. I’m pretty sure their new, improved M&P15-22 pistol is here to stay. Like the 16-inch carbine M&P15-22, the receivers are polymer – in fact the only metal are small parts, the trigger group, bolt assembly and barrel. It weighs in at just over three pounds with the 8-inch threaded barrel that’s covered by a M-LOK handguard. With the SB Tactical SBA3 arm brace extended the overall length is a hair over 25 inches.

I installed a set of MagPul flip-up sights on the handguard and receiver. There was an extra Aimpoint Micro red-dot in the safe, so I bolted in on as well. The only other thing required was a sling. For initial range testing the mags were loaded with Remington “Golden Bullet” ammo.

The first shots were well placed, and after putting a little dope on, it was putting hits about two inches low at seven yards. There were no malfunctions, and at seven yards it was easy to stack one hit on top of the other. The factory trigger is smooth, and breaks at a crisp 5 1/4 pounds. After firing weapons of mostly metal and wood, or small amounts of plastics, the 15-22 pistol is almost too light. It takes a little getting used to the weight and the “massive” recoil of the .22 Long Rifle cartridge. Adding a suppressor would make it even more fun, and still not add significant weight.

From sixty yards it was easy to hit an eight-inch plate in the center – about a four-inch group – pretty much as fast as you could press the trigger. I’m looking forward to spending more time with the 15-22 pistol and some match grade ammo.

The M&P 15-22 pistol is going to be great for “harvesting” armadillos and other pesky pests. It’s much lighter than the 15-22 with its sixteen-inch barrel – which I still have, too. The shorter length will ride well in the truck. Plus, it’s a twenty-two, guns which are always great fun for just plinking, playing the “can you hit that” game.

There’s nothing wrong with the M&P 15-22 pistol. Install some sights and a sling and it’s good to go out of the box. A lot of accessories for the AR will work with the M&Ps, and companies like TACTICALCOOL22 offer the specialty parts you’ll need. In other words, I can’t think of any reason you wouldn’t want the 15-22 pistol.

Tiger McKee is director of Shootrite Firearms Academy. He is the author of The Book of Two Guns, AR-15 Skills and Drills, has a regular column in American Handgunner and makes some cool knives and custom revolvers. Visit Shootrite’s Facebook page for other details.