I've been itching for a new plinker, and I think I'm going to take the plunge and fire up a NFA trust (done right, with a real attorney all the way) to handle not only NFA firearms but the rest of those I own, as well, since it makes estate planning so much simpler when it comes to firearms.
That said, I'm STRONGLY leaning toward the Smith & Wesson M&P 15-22 as the rifle platform ... with plans to change out the trigger, charging handle, and stock to suit my taste. I am, however, wrestling with choice of suppressor and its mounting approach. I see two angles to this:
That said, I'm completely willing to entertain other platforms and approaches for a fun, suppressed .22LR plinker. (And for the record, I'm considering a Slide Fire stock, too. Maybe!) Your thoughts/experience/advice is wanted! If you know of a platform and/or suppressor that's in line with the kind of plinker you see me considering -- something that you think is better suited to my plinking intent -- please let me know! If there are 'don'ts' that come to mind ... I'd like to know that, too.
Surreal
That said, I'm STRONGLY leaning toward the Smith & Wesson M&P 15-22 as the rifle platform ... with plans to change out the trigger, charging handle, and stock to suit my taste. I am, however, wrestling with choice of suppressor and its mounting approach. I see two angles to this:
- Integrated suppressor
- Pros:
- Keeps OAL down
- Allows barrel to be ported such that supersonic ammunition can be used and reliably slowed to subsonic speeds -- eliminating the supersonic 'crack'
- Permits use of cheap 22LR ammo if barrel ported
- Cons:
- Suppressor usable only with platform in which it's integrated
- Total cost of ownership for 22LR suppressor supporting multiple firearms is higher
- Pros:
- Removable suppressor
- Pros:
- Usable on other 22LR firearms
- Total cost of ownership for 22LR suppressor supporting multiple firearms is lower
- Cons:
- Substantial increase to OAL
- More expensive subsonic 22LR ammo required to avoid supersonic 'crack'
- Testing required to find subsonic ammo that will cycle the action
- Pros:
That said, I'm completely willing to entertain other platforms and approaches for a fun, suppressed .22LR plinker. (And for the record, I'm considering a Slide Fire stock, too. Maybe!) Your thoughts/experience/advice is wanted! If you know of a platform and/or suppressor that's in line with the kind of plinker you see me considering -- something that you think is better suited to my plinking intent -- please let me know! If there are 'don'ts' that come to mind ... I'd like to know that, too.
Surreal