Smith & Wesson M&P 15-22 AR Review

Like many of you I tried the 22LR AR conversion kits but found they have a few drawbacks: the diameter of the 22LR bullet in a 5.56 chambered AR leaves something to be desired in the accuracy department, reliability is spotty depending on the rifle/ammo, and if you fire enough rounds through your converted AR the gas tube can become somewhat clogged (a couple 5.56 rounds quickly rectifies the problem but just noting it for those that may be unaware). 

Due to the reasons above, I started my search for a dedicated 22LR upper but found that most were pretty close in price to some of the dedicated 22LR ARs on the market.   So rather than just having a dedicated upper, I just went for it and got the M&P 15-22.   I've been glad I did ever since. 

Here's a quick run-down of the pros/cons of the rifle:

Pros:

-All controls function just like the AR platform making weapon manipulation drills realistic

-Comes with a 25 round mag that's easy to load.  Spare mags are reasonably priced ($20-25 most places)

-Stock and grip are interchangeable with common AR accessories if you want to swap them out

-Has been 100% reliable with the recommended ammo

-Is more accurate than conversion kits

-Comes standard with a polymer 1913 rail for adding accessories

-Good sights; rear sight is dual aperture

-Uses a proven operating design (very similar in function to the 22/45 pistols by Ruger)

-Cost.  The rifle can be had for under $400 most places and every 500 rounds you're saving over $100 in ammo cost vs the 223/5.56 platform

-Barrel is made of carbon steel

-Weight.  The rifle weighs 5.5lbs

-Has a case deflector to keep brass out of the face of left handed shooters

Cons:

-Cost.  I know it was a pro as well but buying a complete gun for around $400 is still more than a $120-150 conversion kit would be

-The upper/lower aren't interchangeable with other mil-spec AR uppers/lowers.  I don't think it's a big deal but more versatility is better than less in my opinion

-While the polymer seems durable thus far, it's still polymer not aluminum/steel

Here's a video of my wife and I running a few rounds thought it followed by a demonstration of disassembly/assembly procedures and a discussion of the pros/cons of the rifle:

In summary, this gun is a winner for Smith & Wesson.  Compared to its' competitors it's a more realistic training rifle for the AR platform that performs well in all areas.  Reliability is great, cleaning is a breeze, and new shooters will love this rifle.

Colt LE6920 Magpul Edition With Anodized Receiver Review

Well, first and foremost the LE6920 Anodized Magpul edition (Model: LE6920MPFDE) lives up to the standards Colt is known for.

The big question when it comes to Colt ARs in my opinion is––-are they worth the money they charge over lower priced competitors like PSA, Spikes, Windam, ect... Tough to say as it's an individual decision. I generally only recommend Colt ARs to people who don't know anything about ARs and have a ~1k budget because you really can't go wrong with one. But, I'm certainly not a Colt fan-boy as this is the only Colt rifle I personally own and I have nothing but good things to say about my other PSA ARs. I only bought this one because I got a good deal on it and I sold another rifle I bought years ago and made $450 on it to put toward this AR (and because I like shiny FDE products!).

Pros(and features):
-1 in 7 chrome lined 16.1'' barrel with A2 style brake
-5.56 chamber
-MPI (or MPC as Colt calls it) inspected bolt
-Anodized upper, lower, and buffer tube
-Magpul stock, rear sight, pistol grip, mags (2x black PMags), handguard, and VFG included
-Cleaning kit and sling included
-Good out of the box mil spec trigger (pulls crisp between 6-7lbs)
-This model has LE serial number (some people think this is a big deal, not me however)
-Reliability (0 failures of any kind through 500 rounds, the vast majority Barnaul ammo)

Cons:
-Cost
-Stepped M4 barrel isn't used/needed by the vast majority of shooters
-The anodization seems to turn color or hold carbon on the inside of the upper even after being cleaned(the video shows it better than I can write it)

Bottom line: You really can't go wrong with the 6920. If you're looking for a quality, reliable, out of the box AR at around $1k this rifle deserves consideration. You can probably get a similar quality rifle for less, especially if you build it, but you'd probably be increasing your chances of getting a lemon.

Here's a video with some discussion, shooting from 15m, 40m, and 75m (the farthest line of sight I have on the land). I also do a quick table top discussion and chrono some Hornday TAP 75gr and Silver Bear 62gr HP rounds.

Chrono Data:
Hornady 223 75gr TAP: 2437fps, 989ft/lbs energy
Silver Bear 62gr HP: 2687fps, 994ft/lbs energy

Palmetto State Armory 10.5'' AR Upper Review

Well, after over 6 months of waiting, I've gotten to run my 10.5'' PSA upper on a real AR lower to see how it runs. I had been running it for a bit using a pistol lower but we all know that's no where near as much fun! So far, I've got nothing but good things to say about this upper. It's run great, been accurate, reliable, ect... Running it with the Troy Claymore seems to really help negate the concussion typically found on SBRs, although that's probably not the case for anyone downrange from the shooter but who cares about them?! Here's a quick synopsis of the upper, barrel, and BCG (the heart and soul of the AR if you will....). Pros/features: -Hammer Forged Chrome Moly Vanadium barrel -Extra-thick Chrome-lined bore (whatever that means....) -5.56 NATO Chamber -1 in 7" twist rate -Forged upper -Heavy profile BCG (more on this below) -Milspec Carpenter No. 158® steel bolt -Shot Peened Bolt -Chrome Lined Carrier -Chrome Lined Gas Key -Gas Key Hardened to USGI Specifications -Gas Key Grade 8 Hardened Fasteners -Gas Key Staked Per Mil-Spec -Tool Steel Extractor -Extractor Spring -Black Extractor Insert -Cost ($369 withouth BCG, currently. $329 when I bought it) -It balances very well, even with the YHM Diamond Series Rail -0 malfunctions thus far Cons: -It's not free, unfortunately.... -Having to wait for your stamp to come back in order to run it on a rifle lower (not a product per se of theupper, just all sub 16'' OAL uppers in general) -Velocity loss from a shorter barrel I really like this upper and may actually get another for the next SBR project I'm thinking of building. Here's a video (above) of me running it a bit, shooting at some steel, a quick tabletop review, and some chronograph testing: Chronograph Data: Hornady 223 75gr TAP: 2157fps, 775ft/lbs energy Silver Bear 62gr HP: 2403fps, 795ft/lbs energy