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Suppressed 22LR AR-style rifle -- opinions wanted

7K views 35 replies 8 participants last post by  surrealone  
#1 · (Edited)
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:
  • 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
  • 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
Right now I'm strongly leaning toward an integrated suppressor .. more specifically toward this particular incarnation of the S&W M&P 15-22 platform: Innovative Arms M&P 15-22 Integral. I see value in the shorter OAL (I'm not a tall/big guy, so long rifles are already unruly for me). I also see value in the ability to use high velocity, supersonic rounds ... chief of which is not having to worry about whether more expensive (and less plentiful) subsonic rounds will or won't cycle the action.

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
 
#2 ·
I don't know how you feel about 10/22's. I have one, as I've posted many pictures of on here that you might have seen.

There is a boat load of aftermarket parts for it. E. A. Brown Company sells a setup called the CHG-22 which is the receiver with an AR type charging handle instead of any sort of side handle. Might be to your liking.

Otherwise, like mentioned, there are magazines and companies devoted to 10/22 mods. Barrels especially. What I can say with my very vague understanding of this subject, is that since the average barrel length for one of them is 20", and the bore being 0.221" in diameter, the volume is very small, and from what I have read and understand, proper silencers have anywhere from 30-60x the volume of the bore in can volume to properly halt the rapidly expanding gases. Average being 45x which does the job, but standard velocity ammo will still have the residual "crack" that you hear.

Now to get to my point. Almost all of the silencers and suppressors I have seen for .22 really aren't that big. On the other hand, with the integrated platform, I would agree with you on your pros section by far. Will eat almost anything you feed it and still keep it hush hush. Size will also be kept down. Now, all I can think to ask is "How many platforms do you have that you plan on putting a can on?" If it is many, then I would do as you said, get a removable one. If it will be just this one..... Then I would say go integral.

Wishing you best of luck and I want to hear of your decision and range report.
 
#5 · (Edited)
I don't know how you feel about 10/22's.
I'm honestly not well versed with 10/22's. I'm leaning toward the M&P 15-22 because of parts interchangeability with the AR-15 platform ... for which I have some loose accessories as well as all necessary tools to build/maintain/mod one from the ground up out of nothing but hand-chosen parts. Having actually done so, I'm also very familiar with the platform. I had also considered the H&K 416 22LR (which is licensed by H&K, manufactured by Walther, and imported by Umarex as I understand it), for the same reason of part and tool interchangeability, but the H&K 416 22LR costs more than the M&P 15-22 and seems to have less aftermarket support (not surprising, really).

Does a 10/22 offer AR-15 parts interchangeability without a massive (read: additional cost) overhaul to the base platform? From the looks of one, I don't think so, but as I'm not well-versed with them, there could be something out there comparably priced with the M&P 15-22 and I'm just not aware of it.

Please advise!


Now, all I can think to ask is "How many platforms do you have that you plan on putting a can on?" If it is many, then I would do as you said, get a removable one. If it will be just this one..... Then I would say go integral.
Given the costs of setting up the trust, the base platform, the after-market mods to trigger and charging handle (and possibly stock), the suppressor, the tax stamp for the suppressor, and the optic (which is undetermined, yet), I'll be tapped out for a while. Thus, this will be my only suppressed firearm for quite some time; there's just no additional budget for new threaded barrels and the like for use on other firearms ... at least not for a while ... unless I sell some firearms (which I never do) or stop renovation on my home (which I won't).

By the time there's new budget for threaded barrels and the like ... there will also be sufficient budget for another suppressor ... and I'm not opposed to buying another one when that time comes.


I would say get the removable can. Once you start shooting suppressed it won't be long before more than a few pistols suddenly need a threaded barrel and to be shot suppressed. Having the removable can puts you way ahead of the curve. Please do not ask me how I know this....................
I can see the slippery slope! Interestingly you just made a good case -against- a removable suppresor without intending it. See, if I have a fixed budget (which I do), a removable suppressor could tempt me into exceeding it ... due to the urge to procure threaded barrels for other firearms. However, an integreated suppressor carries no such temptation, as it can't be used on more than one firearm. And the investment to obtain another suppressor is so steep that it will probably help keep me monetarily disciplined until funds free up enough to allow that dam to break ... such that I can suppress multiple firearms.
 
#3 ·
I would say get the removable can. Once you start shooting suppressed it won't be long before more than a few pistols suddenly need a threaded barrel and to be shot suppressed. Having the removable can puts you way ahead of the curve.

Please do not ask me how I know this....................
 
#6 ·
I debated the same as you, but eventually decided to buy a few and not worry about it. A buddy of mine has a 10/22 integrally suppressed that he loves, but I prefer the 15-22's. Two are integrally suppressed by Innovative Arms and a regular non suppressed. Even in stock form they are fairly quiet. Having a few to choose from will allow you to shoot simultaneously with others if you wanted.
 
#7 ·
A buddy of mine has a 10/22 integrally suppressed that he loves, but I prefer the 15-22's.
Having used both in suppressed form, can you lend some thoughts on why you preferred the 15-22's? I'm not sold on that platform -- just leaning to it right now ... and a firm understanding from someone who has used both could help me finalize a decision.

I've got until the NFA trust is done to decide, but it'd be nice to get the decisions done and order the non-NFA aspects now. :)

I'd love to know what you liked/disliked as it pertained to the 10/22's and the 15-22's...
 
#8 ·
It all comes down to preference. The 15-22 comes in several different versions and with that a wide range of prices. You can do many mods or just leave it stock and add optics. I didn't want to piece together/build a rifle just open box, load magazine, and enjoy. Ask yourself if you want a suppressor can that you can use on many different platforms as suggested by the others, or an ARish 22 that shoots quiet with most ammo. You might just be hung up on the aesthetics of an integral and do a normal can and SBR it down the road, but then again that's another 200 stamp if legal in your state. PM me If you need any specifics. I'll try to help if possible.
 
#9 ·
Surreal,

I haven't seen a legitimate AR-22 platform from Ruger yet, unless you buy the .223 model and slap one of those .22lr conversions in it, but that's not your intention. They have AR look a likes but not the same, as far as I know.

The 15-22s have the AR interchangeability with 90% of aftermarket available parts for the AR. I would concur with you about leaning more toward the 15-22 side of the fence. I don't know how easy or tough it is to swap barrels in one of those, but if it isn't bad, then I would go for that, if I were you.

The 15-22s that I have seen were really reasonably priced. What I did with my .223 AR was bought it skin and bone stock. It was a flat top, just the factory fore end, one magazine and hard case. Just pieced it together with aftermarket parts as the funds came along, and the need came along to upgrade it.

You could essentially do the same thing. Get the trust started and decided upon. Get the rifle and can, whether you get integral or removable. Sounds to me like you are almost set on integral. Then the rest of it is just AR-compatible parts, and they are readily available and nearly everywhere. As for aftermarket parts for the platform, I am a fan of MagPul. Their stocks and fore ends are extremely modern, almost futuristic, and they look dang sharp on any AR I have seen them on. The other things they have are just great.
 
#10 ·
Sounds to me like you are almost set on integral.
I think my mind's made up -- an integrated suppressor seems to have the most pros with the only cons being cost/reusability as it pertains to other firearms. Since I don't have a pile of other firearms with threaded barrels, it'll be a non-issue for a while.

Much thanks to all who posted in this thread, as the input received made me stop and consider ... and ultimately helped me make a decision.

Now to get that trust going; been playing tag with the attorney over the last few days. Meh!
 
#13 ·
NFA Trust in place. NFA purchase completed -- now I wait.

Interestingly, one doesn't just buy a completed firearm from Innovative Arms; to obtain the Innovative Arms M&P 15-22 Integral, one must provide a M&P 15-22 to Innovative Arms ... and they will then port the barrel and install the integrated suppressor.

While seemingly a hassle, because it's handled that way this ended up costing me $200 less than expected ... which I plan to sink into an aftermarket trigger. :)
 
#14 ·
I don't personally know how the trigger group on a .22 lr-dedicated AR is, if it is identical to a .223 model or not. If so, then I have seen some really nice trigger jobs that are just a hair under 200 bucks. Timney and American Gold come to mind.

I just did some mods to my AR recently, I will have to get pictures. Put a 1911 shaped grip on it, and took the scope off, changed the foregrip, etc. Really made it much nicer to shoulder and point. I have considered doing a trigger swap, but am not upset with the stock factory trigger.

Wishing best of luck and speediest of returns on your NFA rifle. Would need to see photographs of this beauty when it is back in your possession.
 
#15 · (Edited)
It depends on the .22LR platform as to whether its trigger components are compatible with AR-15 trigger components. In the case of the M&P 15-22 the trigger group is 100% compat -- which was part of the purchasing decision.

While I tend to prefer Geissele SSA triggers in my AR's, I need something lighter in the M&P 15-22 if I intend to bump-fire it, so I ordered a Timney 667-S, today. I also pulled the trigger on a pair of Black Dog Machine 50rnd drums since they are half price directly from Black Dog Machine right now.

I'm still torn on optics. Generally I'm an AimPoint purist due to their amazing battery life and how stupidly tough they are ... but they're also stupidly tough on the wallet and this rifle just isn't intended to endure the kind of abuse my SHTF rifle was built to handle. From a 'mission' angle this will be a 25-100 yard gun -- used for plinking and squirrel/muskrat genocide on my property. My eyes aren't what they used to be so I'd prefer magnification. The caveat is that the optics package needs to be LIGHT, because the heavier the optics package the less likely the gun will run steadily in a fun-gun, bumpfire mode. That pretty much rules out a red dot and flip-to-side magnifier combo. (I know, I'm old school...)

Anyone got any 1x4 illuminated reticle rifle scope recommendations that are mid-grade and won't break the bank? I'd like to keep it under the $350-400 range. I'm also open to a 3x9 scope with a top or offset-mounted reflex sight....

Surreal

P.S. Pics will surely follow when it's in my hands and sighted in. The Slide Fire stock probably won't come for a while just because it's truly a fun day type of toy that serves no real purpose. I might punt on it completely if I'm not convinced it'll run well. (I'll be able to borrow a bud's gen 1 slide fire stock to test, which is a plus.)
 
#16 ·
Found a suitable 1x4 scope -- not great but not terrible, plenty of 3gunenrs use it: Bushnell - 1-4x 24mm Throw Down PCL

I'm picky about optic mounts and also know they'll likely find nicer optics on them as time goes on, so I applied the 'buy once, cry once' stance for a mount and selected: http://www.laruetactical.com/larue-tactical-spr-m4-scope-mount-qd-lt-104

Together, the pair fell right around the top of what I wanted to spend for optics. Spending $$ for a good mount will also allow removal of the optic (to reduce weight) if bumpfire proves to be a problem for the optic.

At this rate, I'm going to have all the goodies for the rifle long before I have the rifle. I hate the wait!
 
#17 ·
Surreal,

A good friend of mine belongs to that Sportsman's Guide website, and once in a while they will have "blemish sales" on high quality optics that have the slightest blemishes and imperfections on the surface, and carry the factory guarantees and warranties. Leupold and Redfield scopes that have mounting marks from a previous scope or just from the handling of it. They knock like 100+ dollars off the scope for just those reasons.

Nikon I heard is good quality stuff, too. ProStaff if you are inot that kinda thing.
 
#18 ·
Nikon (M-223) was a bit beyond the current toy budget unless I wanted to go cheap on the mount and, as I said, I'm picky about mounts. The ProStaff is a bit too much scope; don't need that much magnification.

I honestly expect the Bushnell to be fine for a plinker that occasionally takes out varmints. if I truly hate it, well, I'll deal with it when the time comes.
 
#22 ·
.46cal,
Thanks for the recommendations. The Bushnell arrived last week and the LaRue mount showed up yesterday.

I like Aero mounts but decided on a mount with quick removal/replacement capability while maintaining zero, hence the LaRue. My thinking here is to simply remove the optic for (largely inaccurate) bumpfire -- which is the lightest solution for that situation. Iron sights should be fine when spraying .22LR rounds for fun. :) :)

I considered the Leupold AR Mark 1 -- loved the reticle but wanted a true 1x. After toying with the Bushnell I bought, I'm very pleased with it. Solid quality for the money.
 
#24 · (Edited)
I'm really anticipating it. The wait is killing me. I was told 4-6 months and of that, it's only been a bit more than 2 weeks. Ugh.

On the bright side, the trigger came in. On the down side, I learned that there are potential reset problems with a Timney 667-S trigger, so I returned it. Normally I'd have at least tried to make the Timney work, but sometimes all is well that ends well, as searching for a replacement resulted in me finding and getting in on a $167.00 kit sale from Grabagun.com (Slide Fire Solutions 30-0100-CM S&W M&P 15-22 SBS Conversion Kit Online Gun Store) while they still had stock. That kit's MSRP is usually $399.95 and it includes:

  • Slide Fire Right-handed SSAR-15 SBS stock
  • Slide Fire recoil enhancer (which I can't use)
  • 3.5lb CMC single-action, drop-in trigger
The trigger, alone, retails for what I paid for the kit, while the stock retails for just under $200 by itself. The pair comprise Slide Fire's recommended setup for the M&P 15-22 and at this pricepoint, I'm pretty pleased.

I'm considering selling off the SSAR-15 SBS stock while I wait -- specifically because I suspect this was a liquidation event in preparation for the newest Slide Fire stock (SSAR-15 MOD). It looks pretty sweet as far as bump fire stocks go and it's supposed to be available April 1. Here's a video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oApM0DnzIqg
 
#32 ·
I'm considering selling off the SSAR-15 SBS stock while I wait -- specifically because I suspect this was a liquidation event in preparation for the newest Slide Fire stock (SSAR-15 MOD). It looks pretty sweet as far as bump fire stocks go and it's supposed to be available April 1. Here's a video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oApM0DnzIqg
Yeah. I got the old style stock on what now was obviously a liquidation price. Want to test the system first before I do more cost wise. If the worst happens, I can always have a spare, even if it is clunkier.
 
#26 ·
Unknown. Youtube shows a number of M&P 15-22's with slide fire kits working well enough. Some use the recoil enhancer, which is basically a brake that directs gasses in the same direction in which the round is expelled from the muzzle. I won't be able to use that because of the integrated suppressor (which will reduce recoil somewhat, itself).

A lightened trigger is apparently very important to making a slide fire kit work properly on a M&P 15-22. Avoidance of extra weight on the firearm also appears to be relevant. I suspect that the forward motion applied to the forend by the user of such a slide fire enabled .22LR rifle must be very light -- as in much lighter than with a .223 REM or 5.56 NATO round. It probably takes some practice. I'm willing to test it out.
 
#29 ·
I started my paperwork late February and got it back with my suppressor two weeks ago. Looking like 5 months is normal wait for NFA trust stuff.
 
#28 ·
Semi-auto .22s will likely not cycle subsonic rounds. Why have a suppressed gun if it makes noise? Get a .22 bolt gun with a threaded barrel instead.
 
#31 ·
Semi-auto .22s will likely not cycle subsonic rounds. Why have a suppressed gun if it makes noise? Get a .22 bolt gun with a threaded barrel instead.
The suppressed .22 I purchased entails a ported barrel and integrated suppressor -- specifically to allow use of standard and high velocity rounds while still eliminating the supersonic 'crack'. As I will be using standard velocity rounds I do not expect to have cycling problems, and I won't have had to reduce my ROF to that of a bolt gun to have both quiet shots and reliable cycling. :cool: