The M&P 15-22 is a popular .22 caliber AR-style rifle, favored by many for its versatility, affordability, and ease of use.
While the rifle is highly capable out of the box, numerous upgrades can significantly enhance its performance, functionality, and aesthetics.
Here, I'll walk you through some of the best upgrades available for the M&P 15-22, drawing from personal experience, customer feedback, and expert evaluations.
Let's dive into the top products that can take your M&P 15-22 to the next level.
1. Magpul MBUS Front & Rear Sights
Specifications:
Material: Polymer
Weight: Front: 1.2 oz, Rear: 1.3 oz
Adjustment: Tool-less windage and elevation
Compatibility: Picatinny and Weaver rails
Best Features:
Spring-loaded flip-up design
Dual aperture for rear sight
Lightweight yet durable construction
Pros:
Easy to install and adjust
Affordable yet high-quality
Reliable performance under various conditions
Cons:
Polymer may not be as durable as metal sights
Not ideal for precision shooting
Experience:
The Magpul MBUS sights are a fantastic upgrade for the M&P 15-22, offering a significant improvement over the stock sights.
The installation was straightforward, and the spring-loaded mechanism ensures quick deployment when needed. The dual aperture on the rear sight provides flexibility for different shooting scenarios.
While polymer construction keeps them lightweight, I found them durable enough for regular use. These sights are an excellent choice for both beginners and seasoned shooters.
Customer Comments:
Many users on forums and online reviews praise the Magpul MBUS for their affordability and reliability. One user mentioned, "These sights are perfect for my M&P 15-22. They are easy to install and adjust, and the flip-up design is super convenient."
Why It Fits the M&P 15-22:
Given the M&P 15-22’s role as a training and plinking rifle, the Magpul MBUS sights offer a balance of functionality, ease of use, and affordability that complements this firearm perfectly.
Installing the Timney Trigger 667-S transformed the shooting experience of my M&P 15-22. The trigger pull is exceptionally smooth and crisp, which greatly improved my accuracy. The drop-in design made installation relatively easy, although some minor fitting was necessary. This trigger upgrade is well worth the investment for those looking to enhance their shooting precision.
Customer Comments:
Online reviews frequently highlight the noticeable improvement in shooting performance with the Timney Trigger. One customer stated, "This trigger is a game-changer for my M&P 15-22. The smooth pull and crisp break make a huge difference."
Why It Fits the M&P 15-22:
The M&P 15-22 benefits immensely from a better trigger, and the Timney 667-S delivers exceptional performance, making it a top-tier upgrade for this rifle.
The Magpul MOE SL Stock offers a significant improvement in comfort and ergonomics over the standard stock of the M&P 15-22. The installation was straightforward, and the slim profile provided a better cheek weld, which is essential for accurate shooting. The stock's lightweight yet durable construction made it a practical choice for both casual and competitive shooting.
Customer Comments:
Users often commend the MOE SL Stock for its comfort and sturdiness. One reviewer mentioned, "This stock made a big difference in the feel of my rifle. It's comfortable and looks great."
Why It Fits the M&P 15-22:
The MOE SL Stock is an excellent upgrade for enhancing the ergonomics and overall shooting experience of the M&P 15-22, making it a must-have for serious shooters.
Components: Bolt carrier group and three 25-round magazines
Compatibility: AR-15 platforms
Best Features:
Allows .22 LR training on a standard AR-15
Easy installation
Comes with three 25-round magazines
Pros:
Cost-effective training solution
Easy to install and remove
Reliable feeding and extraction
Cons:
Not necessary for the dedicated M&P 15-22
Occasional feeding issues with certain ammo types
Experience:
While the CMMG .22 LR Conversion Kit is primarily designed for converting standard AR-15s to .22 LR, it’s worth mentioning for those who own both an AR-15 and an M&P 15-22. This kit allows for cost-effective training with the same platform, offering significant savings on ammunition. The installation is simple, and the included magazines are a nice bonus.
Customer Comments:
Users appreciate the versatility and cost savings this kit provides. One user noted, "Great for cheap training with my AR-15. The magazines work perfectly with my M&P 15-22 too."
Why It Fits the M&P 15-22:
While not a direct upgrade for the M&P 15-22, this kit is beneficial for those looking to train with .22 LR on a standard AR-15, complementing the M&P 15-22 in a broader training regimen.
The Vortex Optics Crossfire Red Dot Sight is an outstanding addition to the M&P 15-22, providing rapid target acquisition and a clear sight picture. The red dot is bright and easily adjustable, and the battery life is exceptional. Mounting and zeroing the sight was hassle-free, and it held zero well during extended shooting sessions.
Customer Comments:
Many users highlight the durability and performance of the Crossfire Red Dot. One reviewer said, "Perfect for my M&P 15-22. The dot is crisp, and it holds zero even after rough handling."
Why It Fits the M&P 15-22:
The Vortex Crossfire Red Dot enhances the versatility and speed of the M&P 15-22, making it a fantastic choice for both plinking and training scenarios.