Bushmaster C22 – Big Green's M&P 15-22 Competitor
Bushmaster has quietly slipped the C22 out under the radar. The new plinking rifle is aimed squarely at the M&P 15-22’s commanding performance in the market. Built on the Carbon-15 platform, the .22LR rifle comes standard in a M4-like configuration and a price point that will make prospective 15-22 buyers think twice: $380 (the 15-22 on CTD is lowest at $418 for the “compliant version”).
Adding to the value, the C22 uses standard M-4 size furniture and a dust-cover complete with an A-2 front sight. Weight is similar to its competition, coming in at 5.6 lbs vs the 5 lbs for the 15-22, which is respectable considering the metal sight and slightly heavier receivers. Its not all perfect, the C22 still has a proprietary barrel nut, so it may be a bit until the aftermarket allows users to match their “real” AR furniture.
The biggest obstacle to practicing is almost always the cost. Ammunition has constantly gone up of the years, and will continue to do so. So get more practice in for less money with the Bushmaster C22 M4 Carbine in .22 Long Rifle. It comes with a 16″ M4 contour barrel with a black oxide finish and lightweight carbon upper and lower receivers. The flat top receiver is equipped with a Mil-Standard top rail and fixed A2 front sight. The 6 position, M4 collapsible stock and Mil-Std carbine 2 piece handguard means you can practice the same holds in the same position as you do with your standard AR.
Specifications and Features:
.22 Long Rifle
16″ M4 profile barrel
25 rounds
1:16″ twist
Polymer receiver
6 position stock
A2 front sight
Flat top upper receiver
32.25″-36″ length
5.6 lbs
One of TFB's resident Jarheads, Nathan now works within the firearms industry. A consecutive Marine rifle and pistol expert, he enjoys local 3-gun, NFA, gunsmithing, MSR's, & high-speed gear. Nathan has traveled to over 30 countries working with US DoD & foreign MoDs.The above post is my opinion and does not reflect the views of any company or organization.
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Nice, I'd much rather have a quality short (12") threaded barreled 22lr upper to practice with my SBR lower. I don't want to spend $ for another Geissele trigger etc.
S&W 15-22 is simply a workhorse that gets the job done through it all, at a fair price, like a G-Shock watch. It is one of the few guns that I would bother to "defend" on an Internet site.
Also, nobody will ever convince me that the "BlackDog, or standard AR 22lr" mags are better than S&W's mags. S&W mags have the load assist, full length round count viewing port, and they function as well as the gun. The 25 round mags have a perfect 5.0 customer rating on MidwayUSA, from 216 customers!
I have two different versions of the 15-22 and at least a dozen mags.
There *could* be some that like the ability to switch the upper on the Bushmaster, but not me, not at all interested in that. I like my 22lr guns as their own deal, I like rimfires. Now if my wife, or my state, put a receiver limit on me - then I might change my tune.
I'm all for more guns and more choices - but to act like this Bushmaster is going to solve some "problem" that exists due to the S&W 15-22 is rediculous.