I am looking to make my first firearms purchase, and was considering the Colt .22 AR-15. (a store near my city has one for sale for $500.) My dad was a Marine and a few of my friends are gun nuts, so i have been shooting before. But i want to something i can learn with, as far assembling, cleaning, shooting, etc. without worrying about price or doing permanent damage to it. I also just want to have fun, with some casual shooting. But i am concerned with home security, its really not the main priority, but i might as well consider it. I like what ive been hearing about .22 caliber rounds, but im still no expert.. I'm pretty sold on it, i just want to know if there are any glaring issues with ithis rifle. any advice would be appreciated.
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Colt .22 AR-15 good for a beginner?
- Thread starter cormega
- Start date
Re: Colt .22 AR-15 good for a beginner?
The majority of the reviews for the Colt (actually manufactured by Umarex) haven't been good. OTOH, the Smith and Wesson M&P15-22 is worth looking into for a .22lr plinker. If price is not an issue and you want an AR platform, my suggestion is to buy an AR-15 in 5.56/.223 and either a .22lr upper for it or a CMMG .22 conversion kit. Then you're learning with the "real" thing.
BTW, and without opening a can of worms, .22LR is not a viable "home defense" solution...
The majority of the reviews for the Colt (actually manufactured by Umarex) haven't been good. OTOH, the Smith and Wesson M&P15-22 is worth looking into for a .22lr plinker. If price is not an issue and you want an AR platform, my suggestion is to buy an AR-15 in 5.56/.223 and either a .22lr upper for it or a CMMG .22 conversion kit. Then you're learning with the "real" thing.
BTW, and without opening a can of worms, .22LR is not a viable "home defense" solution...
Re: Colt .22 AR-15 good for a beginner?
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: GTriever</div><div class="ubbcode-body">The majority of the reviews for the Colt (actually manufactured by Umarex) haven't been good. OTOH, the Smith and Wesson M&P15-22 is worth looking into for a .22lr plinker. If price is not an issue and you want an AR platform, my suggestion is to buy an AR-15 in 5.56/.223 and either a .22lr upper for it or a CMMG .22 conversion kit. Then you're learning with the "real" thing.
BTW, and without opening a can of worms, .22LR is not a viable "home defense" solution... </div></div>
+1
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: GTriever</div><div class="ubbcode-body">The majority of the reviews for the Colt (actually manufactured by Umarex) haven't been good. OTOH, the Smith and Wesson M&P15-22 is worth looking into for a .22lr plinker. If price is not an issue and you want an AR platform, my suggestion is to buy an AR-15 in 5.56/.223 and either a .22lr upper for it or a CMMG .22 conversion kit. Then you're learning with the "real" thing.
BTW, and without opening a can of worms, .22LR is not a viable "home defense" solution... </div></div>
+1
Re: Colt .22 AR-15 good for a beginner?
If you want an AR 15 type .22, the S&W M&P 15/22 is a much better gun, the composite construction notwithstanding. You're too young to remember, but Remington's Nylon 66 run forever.
The S&W is $100 cheaper, too.
If you want an AR 15 type .22, the S&W M&P 15/22 is a much better gun, the composite construction notwithstanding. You're too young to remember, but Remington's Nylon 66 run forever.
The S&W is $100 cheaper, too.
Re: Colt .22 AR-15 good for a beginner?
I have had a Colt and while it was okat and shot decent I wouldn't reccomend it for the reasons that it is made of pot metal (the receiver), and the fact that it can't be easily broken down and cleaned as you say. I would recommend the S&W M&P 22 for that purpose. All the lower internal parts from them will interchange w/ the regular AR-15. I installed a Rock River NM trigger kit in mine which improved the trigger pull alot. As far as home security for w/ the 22 LR it's better than nothing.
I have had a Colt and while it was okat and shot decent I wouldn't reccomend it for the reasons that it is made of pot metal (the receiver), and the fact that it can't be easily broken down and cleaned as you say. I would recommend the S&W M&P 22 for that purpose. All the lower internal parts from them will interchange w/ the regular AR-15. I installed a Rock River NM trigger kit in mine which improved the trigger pull alot. As far as home security for w/ the 22 LR it's better than nothing.
Re: Colt .22 AR-15 good for a beginner?
I would suggest you buy a complete lower receiver from one of the hundreds Internet retailers, and then get a dedicated 22LR upper.
It is going to cost more than an Umarex (have you seen the barrel?) or MP15 (plastic upper/lower), but you get a full alloy AR15 with a barrel explicitly designed for 22LR.
I went that route (DTI service rifle lower, and service upper from Ballistic Advantage with Lothar Walther barrel, DTI upper and free-float handguard).
About $1000 for everything.
I would suggest you buy a complete lower receiver from one of the hundreds Internet retailers, and then get a dedicated 22LR upper.
It is going to cost more than an Umarex (have you seen the barrel?) or MP15 (plastic upper/lower), but you get a full alloy AR15 with a barrel explicitly designed for 22LR.
I went that route (DTI service rifle lower, and service upper from Ballistic Advantage with Lothar Walther barrel, DTI upper and free-float handguard).
About $1000 for everything.
Re: Colt .22 AR-15 good for a beginner?
If you just want a clone 22 plinker, get the AK47. A whole lot cheaper and the most reliable one out there....I have all of the ones made but the S&W and the Sig so far and the AK is my fav.
While a 22lr sure isnt the go to round for defense, its better than running around the house with your pecker in your hand while some gangbanger shoots up your family and rapes your dog!
John
If you just want a clone 22 plinker, get the AK47. A whole lot cheaper and the most reliable one out there....I have all of the ones made but the S&W and the Sig so far and the AK is my fav.
While a 22lr sure isnt the go to round for defense, its better than running around the house with your pecker in your hand while some gangbanger shoots up your family and rapes your dog!
John
Re: Colt .22 AR-15 good for a beginner?
i own one, and while it is fun, it is completely unreliable. Maybe it is just mine, but i have heard others returning it three times before they get one that works like it should. if i could go back and buy the smith instead i would. Without a seconds hesitation i might add.
if you don't mind spending a little more get a spikes 22 upper and a real lower for more money but you will have the ability to change the upper half and use center fire rounds. alas if you budget wont allow the extra money then go with the smith over the colt. even if you get a good running colt the bolt release is non functioning, and the safety is different (180Deg. vs. 90)
i own one, and while it is fun, it is completely unreliable. Maybe it is just mine, but i have heard others returning it three times before they get one that works like it should. if i could go back and buy the smith instead i would. Without a seconds hesitation i might add.
if you don't mind spending a little more get a spikes 22 upper and a real lower for more money but you will have the ability to change the upper half and use center fire rounds. alas if you budget wont allow the extra money then go with the smith over the colt. even if you get a good running colt the bolt release is non functioning, and the safety is different (180Deg. vs. 90)
Re: Colt .22 AR-15 good for a beginner?
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Mudcat-NC</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
While a 22lr sure isnt the go to round for defense, its better than running around the house with your pecker in your hand while some gangbanger shoots up your family and rapes your dog!
John
</div></div>
My thoughts exactly...lol.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Mudcat-NC</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
While a 22lr sure isnt the go to round for defense, its better than running around the house with your pecker in your hand while some gangbanger shoots up your family and rapes your dog!
John
</div></div>
My thoughts exactly...lol.
Re: Colt .22 AR-15 good for a beginner?
For those who say go with the S&W, are they made of plastic? I admit, I am a little worried about the plastic. Like I said, I dont claim to be an expert, i just always remember my dad bitchin' about the plastic in glocks. (why is everyone so into glocks anyways?) But Ive heard and read that the plastics nowadays are ridiculously durable. And i only have about $700-$800 to work with, so going with a real AR is out of the question right now... Is it true .22 rounds can ricochet around in someones body?
For those who say go with the S&W, are they made of plastic? I admit, I am a little worried about the plastic. Like I said, I dont claim to be an expert, i just always remember my dad bitchin' about the plastic in glocks. (why is everyone so into glocks anyways?) But Ive heard and read that the plastics nowadays are ridiculously durable. And i only have about $700-$800 to work with, so going with a real AR is out of the question right now... Is it true .22 rounds can ricochet around in someones body?
Re: Colt .22 AR-15 good for a beginner?
Cormega, depending on your age, you may not remember a very successful .22 from Remington called the Nylon 66. Bulletproof.
Glocks have been so unsuccessful that nearly all other manufacturers have added polymer framed pistols to their lineups.
It is possible, however to build a milspec dedicated .22 if the S&W doesn't suit your fancy. Cavalry Arms lower @$125 stripped or about $175 complete(DSG.com?). It IS a plastic lower, though.
Model 1 Sales claims 8-12 weeks on .22 uppers @ present($525), I think Spike's is shipping continuously ($549/upper)
Cormega, depending on your age, you may not remember a very successful .22 from Remington called the Nylon 66. Bulletproof.
Glocks have been so unsuccessful that nearly all other manufacturers have added polymer framed pistols to their lineups.
It is possible, however to build a milspec dedicated .22 if the S&W doesn't suit your fancy. Cavalry Arms lower @$125 stripped or about $175 complete(DSG.com?). It IS a plastic lower, though.
Model 1 Sales claims 8-12 weeks on .22 uppers @ present($525), I think Spike's is shipping continuously ($549/upper)
Re: Colt .22 AR-15 good for a beginner?
Not sure that I'd go AR 15 (even in a .22LR) as my <span style="font-style: italic">first</span> gun. Perhaps a 10/22 is a better investment.
That's the way I would go.
Not sure that I'd go AR 15 (even in a .22LR) as my <span style="font-style: italic">first</span> gun. Perhaps a 10/22 is a better investment.
That's the way I would go.
Re: Colt .22 AR-15 good for a beginner?
Whittaker Guns:
Rock River complete lowers w/Collapsible stock & National Match triggers $309.99
Tactical Solutions A2 Upper .22cal $499.99
Whittaker Guns:
Rock River complete lowers w/Collapsible stock & National Match triggers $309.99
Tactical Solutions A2 Upper .22cal $499.99
Re: Colt .22 AR-15 good for a beginner?
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: eleaf</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Not sure that I'd go AR 15 (even in a .22LR) as my <span style="font-style: italic">first</span> gun. Perhaps a 10/22 is a better investment.
That's the way I would go. </div></div>
I'd forgotten the first gun part by my second reply.
I pretty much agree with eleaf on this. Either a bolt action or a 10/22, with the 10/22 getting the nod for potential home defense use, though, as noted, .22s aren't what you WANT in a life-or-death deal. Lethal but not a reliable stopper.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: eleaf</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Not sure that I'd go AR 15 (even in a .22LR) as my <span style="font-style: italic">first</span> gun. Perhaps a 10/22 is a better investment.
That's the way I would go. </div></div>
I'd forgotten the first gun part by my second reply.
I pretty much agree with eleaf on this. Either a bolt action or a 10/22, with the 10/22 getting the nod for potential home defense use, though, as noted, .22s aren't what you WANT in a life-or-death deal. Lethal but not a reliable stopper.
Re: Colt .22 AR-15 good for a beginner?
Buy a real AR get you a Cmmg conv. kit and then if you want at some time get a 1/16 upper for the rig. The colt .22 is junk. they will only take the colt mag. and the other makes are not any better.
nothing wrong with the colt ar. but stay away from the .22 guns on the market. as other said get the conv kits. I have seen guys win smallbore batchs with ar's with the conv kit. so the barrel was a 1/9 or so.
Buy a real AR get you a Cmmg conv. kit and then if you want at some time get a 1/16 upper for the rig. The colt .22 is junk. they will only take the colt mag. and the other makes are not any better.
nothing wrong with the colt ar. but stay away from the .22 guns on the market. as other said get the conv kits. I have seen guys win smallbore batchs with ar's with the conv kit. so the barrel was a 1/9 or so.
Re: Colt .22 AR-15 good for a beginner?
What kind of smallbore match?
My 1:8 shot into about 3" @100yd (was guaranteed to do 1/2MOA with .223), adequate for a tactical/action trainer, but you can't get any serious accuracy training with that.
Serious Service Rifle guys drop a grand for a training UPPER from CLE or accuracy speaks.
For greater than minute-of-coke-can accuracy an 1:16 twist barrel is necessary with nearly all .22 LR ammo.
Granted, the Colt is junk, have you SHOT the S&W?
Are you SURE the match winning ARs didn't have old school 1:12 barrels or dedicated .22 uppers?
See, Cormega? Everybody has opinions, often passionately held.
There is a some good advice here (all of mine, of course!)
If you can hang out at a club or range, often you have the opportunity to try different equipment before you drop your own coin. Often, a very few shots from something you think is cool convinces you it would be a grievous mistake. What suits me might not suit you.
Best of luck!
What kind of smallbore match?
My 1:8 shot into about 3" @100yd (was guaranteed to do 1/2MOA with .223), adequate for a tactical/action trainer, but you can't get any serious accuracy training with that.
Serious Service Rifle guys drop a grand for a training UPPER from CLE or accuracy speaks.
For greater than minute-of-coke-can accuracy an 1:16 twist barrel is necessary with nearly all .22 LR ammo.
Granted, the Colt is junk, have you SHOT the S&W?
Are you SURE the match winning ARs didn't have old school 1:12 barrels or dedicated .22 uppers?
See, Cormega? Everybody has opinions, often passionately held.
There is a some good advice here (all of mine, of course!)
If you can hang out at a club or range, often you have the opportunity to try different equipment before you drop your own coin. Often, a very few shots from something you think is cool convinces you it would be a grievous mistake. What suits me might not suit you.
Best of luck!
Re: Colt .22 AR-15 good for a beginner?
For "first" firearm purchase the S&W MP15-22 will work great for you. Like many have said above stay away from the Colt, doesn't compare favorably at all with the M&P. I've seen the M&P as low as $379 at gun shows so it is at a great price point for a starter. It also for the most part functions the same as a AR15 so its a great trainer platform for you as well.
JM2C
For "first" firearm purchase the S&W MP15-22 will work great for you. Like many have said above stay away from the Colt, doesn't compare favorably at all with the M&P. I've seen the M&P as low as $379 at gun shows so it is at a great price point for a starter. It also for the most part functions the same as a AR15 so its a great trainer platform for you as well.
JM2C
Re: Colt .22 AR-15 good for a beginner?
By the way, I have a Spikes Tactical AR15 22lr rifle myself but liked the M&P so well I bought my girlfriend one for Christmas. It is MUCH lighter in weight than my AR15 22 setup which she struggles to shoot for long periods of time because of fatigue.
By the way, I have a Spikes Tactical AR15 22lr rifle myself but liked the M&P so well I bought my girlfriend one for Christmas. It is MUCH lighter in weight than my AR15 22 setup which she struggles to shoot for long periods of time because of fatigue.
Re: Colt .22 AR-15 good for a beginner?
Ruger 10/22 is the perfect starting .22. Semi auto (10 shots), and there are about a bazillion aftermarket parts to do whatever you'd like.
It's not part of the AR platform, but for your first gun it is the PERFECT choice.
Ruger 10/22 is the perfect starting .22. Semi auto (10 shots), and there are about a bazillion aftermarket parts to do whatever you'd like.
It's not part of the AR platform, but for your first gun it is the PERFECT choice.
Re: Colt .22 AR-15 good for a beginner?
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Slimguns</div><div class="ubbcode-body">They aren't actual Colt's.</div></div>
Very true. Their made by Umarex, the same bunch that are making the ones for H&K.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Slimguns</div><div class="ubbcode-body">They aren't actual Colt's.</div></div>
Very true. Their made by Umarex, the same bunch that are making the ones for H&K.
Re: Colt .22 AR-15 good for a beginner?
Actually, they are made by Walther.
If you really want accuracy, get the CLE upper, I have one from back in my service rifle shooting days and its pretty dang impressive.
John
Actually, they are made by Walther.
If you really want accuracy, get the CLE upper, I have one from back in my service rifle shooting days and its pretty dang impressive.
John
Re: Colt .22 AR-15 good for a beginner?
Mud, Frank gets $1100 for an upper nowadays.
Even so, I sprang for a barrel and bolt last summer, built as an SPR 18".
Impressive accuracy. Shot a 10 shot group around1/2"@50 in some breeze just this afternoon, and used up the last of my SK Standard.
Mud, Frank gets $1100 for an upper nowadays.
Even so, I sprang for a barrel and bolt last summer, built as an SPR 18".
Impressive accuracy. Shot a 10 shot group around1/2"@50 in some breeze just this afternoon, and used up the last of my SK Standard.
Re: Colt .22 AR-15 good for a beginner?
Yes, they aint cheap, thats for sure! I got mine several years ago and only use it now if I am going to shoot service rifle week at perry (I dont shoot the AR during the year so a little practice with the 22 upper goes a long way...and I dont have a stable of ARs anymore to practice with as I sold them off after I moved over to the match rifle). Its great practice and yeah, the accuracy is astounding.
I know the price on them current though as I put almost $200 in NRA bucks towards one for one of our jr shooters. Got tired of loading all his 223 so now he gets to shoot 22s instead for a lot of his practice. much more economical.
John
Yes, they aint cheap, thats for sure! I got mine several years ago and only use it now if I am going to shoot service rifle week at perry (I dont shoot the AR during the year so a little practice with the 22 upper goes a long way...and I dont have a stable of ARs anymore to practice with as I sold them off after I moved over to the match rifle). Its great practice and yeah, the accuracy is astounding.
I know the price on them current though as I put almost $200 in NRA bucks towards one for one of our jr shooters. Got tired of loading all his 223 so now he gets to shoot 22s instead for a lot of his practice. much more economical.
John
Re: Colt .22 AR-15 good for a beginner?
http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=151911440
http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=151911440
Re: Colt .22 AR-15 good for a beginner?
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: cormega</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I am looking to make my first firearms purchase, and was considering the Colt .22 AR-15. </div></div>
my friend, it has been 10 days since this post was made, what did you get ? hopefully NOT the Colt, hopefully you got the S&W M&P 15-22, or a "real" AR-15 lower and a TacSol upper, they ARE THE BEST !! in my OPINION. all steel and aluminum construction, just as in any quality AR-15 upper.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: cormega</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I am looking to make my first firearms purchase, and was considering the Colt .22 AR-15. </div></div>
my friend, it has been 10 days since this post was made, what did you get ? hopefully NOT the Colt, hopefully you got the S&W M&P 15-22, or a "real" AR-15 lower and a TacSol upper, they ARE THE BEST !! in my OPINION. all steel and aluminum construction, just as in any quality AR-15 upper.
Re: Colt .22 AR-15 good for a beginner?
Why not get a savage or CZ bolt action? They are way more reliable, way more accurate, and still alot of fun. I would go the bolt gun route, just my .02 cents
Why not get a savage or CZ bolt action? They are way more reliable, way more accurate, and still alot of fun. I would go the bolt gun route, just my .02 cents
Re: Colt .22 AR-15 good for a beginner?
First firearm, and you guys are saying AR .22???
I say sig522 or s&w mp15-22 for well under $500. Damn I saw the m&p go for $340 or something when s&w had there 40% off sale. We aren't even close to the same price as even the low end AR .22.
I should have bought the M&P when it was on sale but still wasn't sure on the rifle at the time. If it goes for that price again I will be buying it or if I find a sig522 for $400ish.
First firearm, and you guys are saying AR .22???
I say sig522 or s&w mp15-22 for well under $500. Damn I saw the m&p go for $340 or something when s&w had there 40% off sale. We aren't even close to the same price as even the low end AR .22.
I should have bought the M&P when it was on sale but still wasn't sure on the rifle at the time. If it goes for that price again I will be buying it or if I find a sig522 for $400ish.
Re: Colt .22 AR-15 good for a beginner?
Well, he was looking at the Colt, and he apparently likes the AR format. The Colt is not a good deal.
Overall I favor a bolt as a first gun, but many will buy a semi. Just like you CAN NOT convince ANYBODY that a revolver is better than an auto for the non-enthusiast who will likely shoot once and then stick it in the night stand. Everybody with a television KNOWS that semiauto is the only way to go.
So, If we're talking semiauto, and he likes the AR, the budget deal is the S&W, while the high priced spread is the dedicated milspec .22 AR.
I don't feel the Sig has been out long enough to recommend it to anybody as a first gun. How many people have YOU talked who own or have shot one? I mean, it's PROBABLY OK, but they do market the Mosquito also, and I would never recommend one of those zinc wonders as a first/only gun ( I own one, but I also own a good half dozen quality .22 pistols as well).
First gun need not be only gun, thank the Founding Fathers, but if it doesn't work well, that's not very reinforcing, at least not positively reinforcing.
Well, he was looking at the Colt, and he apparently likes the AR format. The Colt is not a good deal.
Overall I favor a bolt as a first gun, but many will buy a semi. Just like you CAN NOT convince ANYBODY that a revolver is better than an auto for the non-enthusiast who will likely shoot once and then stick it in the night stand. Everybody with a television KNOWS that semiauto is the only way to go.
So, If we're talking semiauto, and he likes the AR, the budget deal is the S&W, while the high priced spread is the dedicated milspec .22 AR.
I don't feel the Sig has been out long enough to recommend it to anybody as a first gun. How many people have YOU talked who own or have shot one? I mean, it's PROBABLY OK, but they do market the Mosquito also, and I would never recommend one of those zinc wonders as a first/only gun ( I own one, but I also own a good half dozen quality .22 pistols as well).
First gun need not be only gun, thank the Founding Fathers, but if it doesn't work well, that's not very reinforcing, at least not positively reinforcing.
Re: Colt .22 AR-15 good for a beginner?
^I agree 100% on a bolt as a first gun. If he wants an AR style .22 as a first gun, dedicated milspec .22 AR like you said all the way. The only problem is it's a lot more money. My problem is not the gun it's the huge price difference. A high quality big $$$ dedicated milspec .22 AR is actually probably better for a beginner than a cheap AR style .22 as the rifle will probably run a lot smoother, with less jams and overall problems. Damn... you are buying a rifle you could pass down to your kids, and who can argue with that. It's just a huge price difference compared to $350 - $450 price range.
From all the reviews, forums and range reports the sig522 has been doing very well, but it is still a new kid on the block.
I think it's going to be the next rifle I pick up.
^I agree 100% on a bolt as a first gun. If he wants an AR style .22 as a first gun, dedicated milspec .22 AR like you said all the way. The only problem is it's a lot more money. My problem is not the gun it's the huge price difference. A high quality big $$$ dedicated milspec .22 AR is actually probably better for a beginner than a cheap AR style .22 as the rifle will probably run a lot smoother, with less jams and overall problems. Damn... you are buying a rifle you could pass down to your kids, and who can argue with that. It's just a huge price difference compared to $350 - $450 price range.
From all the reviews, forums and range reports the sig522 has been doing very well, but it is still a new kid on the block.
I think it's going to be the next rifle I pick up.
Re: Colt .22 AR-15 good for a beginner?
I was sorely tempted last week at the gunshow. Green 522 for $425, black for $410. I mean, I've got a couple dozen Atchisson mags, between the Cieners and BDMs, and 2 drums that came Friday.
But my 3 shooter family has 7 10/22s, 4 dedicated .22 ARs, a 77/22, left and right hand CZ452s, Krico .22 silhouette rifle, lefty Rem 481, an Anschutz Woodchucker kids gun, and stuff I can't call to mind at present.
If the 522 doesn't work, it's just money; I'll sell and take the loss as edutainment.
S&W M&P 22s can be had for $449 at Academy or just over $400 plus tax at the gun show around here. So far they seem to work OK, the one I shot with the original trigger was a darn sight nicer than a DPMS LPK trigger and ran just fine. Except for early extractor problems, reviews are pretty uniformly good.
Milspec .22 ARs can work great right out of the box, or can require break in and tuning, maybe not best for a beginner.
I was sorely tempted last week at the gunshow. Green 522 for $425, black for $410. I mean, I've got a couple dozen Atchisson mags, between the Cieners and BDMs, and 2 drums that came Friday.
But my 3 shooter family has 7 10/22s, 4 dedicated .22 ARs, a 77/22, left and right hand CZ452s, Krico .22 silhouette rifle, lefty Rem 481, an Anschutz Woodchucker kids gun, and stuff I can't call to mind at present.
If the 522 doesn't work, it's just money; I'll sell and take the loss as edutainment.
S&W M&P 22s can be had for $449 at Academy or just over $400 plus tax at the gun show around here. So far they seem to work OK, the one I shot with the original trigger was a darn sight nicer than a DPMS LPK trigger and ran just fine. Except for early extractor problems, reviews are pretty uniformly good.
Milspec .22 ARs can work great right out of the box, or can require break in and tuning, maybe not best for a beginner.
Re: Colt .22 AR-15 good for a beginner?
^lol I think you are definitely set in the .22 department.
That is what I am thinking, either the 522 or mp 15-22 for just over $400 you can't really go wrong for a fun gun. Worst case like you said just sell it.
That is what I am thinking, either the 522 or mp 15-22 for just over $400 you can't really go wrong for a fun gun. Worst case like you said just sell it.
Re: Colt .22 AR-15 good for a beginner?
Cormega with all due respect I am a firm believer that anyone's first firearm should be simple i.e. a 22lr bolt action. To do anything well you must first learn the fundamentals. A semi auto doesn't really lend itself to simple. Harder to clean, harder to learn one shot at a time. Harder to learn re attaining consistent position on the rifle etc. etc. etc. Any basic marksmanship course would not start you on a semi auto. Not to mention a good 22lr bolt gun should be considerably more accurate.
Cormega with all due respect I am a firm believer that anyone's first firearm should be simple i.e. a 22lr bolt action. To do anything well you must first learn the fundamentals. A semi auto doesn't really lend itself to simple. Harder to clean, harder to learn one shot at a time. Harder to learn re attaining consistent position on the rifle etc. etc. etc. Any basic marksmanship course would not start you on a semi auto. Not to mention a good 22lr bolt gun should be considerably more accurate.
Re: Colt .22 AR-15 good for a beginner?
There are two reasons to own an AR that fires 22lr.
1. You have an AR and want something of the same design that is cheaper to shoot, therefore enhancing your skills with the real thing. Or
2. You want a 22 that looks like something it is not.
Everyone is free to do, and have, what they want. MY advice for a first gun in 22lr is definately the Ruger 10/22. There are several FACTORY models to choose from and endless possibilities when you start adding parts.
One thing I will say is the 10/22 WILL WORK EVERY TIME as long as you keep the chunks out of it and shoot decent ammo.
IMHO, all these high speed looking rigs will eventually become obsolete, the 10/22 will be here and last a lifetime.
There are two reasons to own an AR that fires 22lr.
1. You have an AR and want something of the same design that is cheaper to shoot, therefore enhancing your skills with the real thing. Or
2. You want a 22 that looks like something it is not.
Everyone is free to do, and have, what they want. MY advice for a first gun in 22lr is definately the Ruger 10/22. There are several FACTORY models to choose from and endless possibilities when you start adding parts.
One thing I will say is the 10/22 WILL WORK EVERY TIME as long as you keep the chunks out of it and shoot decent ammo.
IMHO, all these high speed looking rigs will eventually become obsolete, the 10/22 will be here and last a lifetime.
Re: Colt .22 AR-15 good for a beginner?
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: GTriever</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
BTW, and without opening a can of worms, .22LR is not a viable "home defense" solution... </div></div>
.22LR not good for home defense ?
read this,
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Her son had a 22 cal. Rifle and shot back at the alleged robbers.
The woman waited, opened the door, saw that the suspects were gone and called 911.
Deputies found blood all over the floor and noted that the front door had been knocked down.
Paramedics took the woman's 11-year-old son to the McAllen Medical Center where he’s listed in stable condition.</div></div>
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: GTriever</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
BTW, and without opening a can of worms, .22LR is not a viable "home defense" solution... </div></div>
.22LR not good for home defense ?
read this,
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Her son had a 22 cal. Rifle and shot back at the alleged robbers.
The woman waited, opened the door, saw that the suspects were gone and called 911.
Deputies found blood all over the floor and noted that the front door had been knocked down.
Paramedics took the woman's 11-year-old son to the McAllen Medical Center where he’s listed in stable condition.</div></div>
Re: Colt .22 AR-15 good for a beginner?
PP, no one said a .22 wouldn't kill. He said it wasn't a viable option. I'd simply stick with, it's not the best option unless its your only option.
In close quarters, do you really want them to have the life support for an additional 30 seconds to 5 minutes or more before they die or would you rather a time frame closer to 0 (zero) to 60 seconds. VERY general rule, bigger guns cause bigger damage, bigger damage cause faster death.
PP, no one said a .22 wouldn't kill. He said it wasn't a viable option. I'd simply stick with, it's not the best option unless its your only option.
In close quarters, do you really want them to have the life support for an additional 30 seconds to 5 minutes or more before they die or would you rather a time frame closer to 0 (zero) to 60 seconds. VERY general rule, bigger guns cause bigger damage, bigger damage cause faster death.
Re: Colt .22 AR-15 good for a beginner?
my point sir, was that this child who was protecting his mother apparently had no other option, i am quite certain that if he had a M-97 Winchester 12 Ga. shot gun loaded with #2 Buck, he would have used it, if he had an M16 with 30 rnd. mag. full of 62 Gr. FMJSCBT he would have used it also.., as well as a grenade or two. but he only had that puny little .22LR, and used it quite effectively, wouldn't you agree ??
my point sir, was that this child who was protecting his mother apparently had no other option, i am quite certain that if he had a M-97 Winchester 12 Ga. shot gun loaded with #2 Buck, he would have used it, if he had an M16 with 30 rnd. mag. full of 62 Gr. FMJSCBT he would have used it also.., as well as a grenade or two. but he only had that puny little .22LR, and used it quite effectively, wouldn't you agree ??
