S&W M&P 15-22P

[Coach1]

Lately, I have been interested in a pistol version of S&W's popular AR style 22 rifle. My son in law bought the rifle and we have had fun with that over the last few trips to the range. So, last Saturday I went to the LGS to check out the pistol version - S&W product number 813000. It was the last / only one in stock. I had read many reports, watched web videos, etc., and all were positive. I put it on layaway and just now confirmed what the store owner told me: S&W has discontinued production. I cannot find any information as to why.

Any of you guys know of this pistol and / or why S&W has halted production?

Here is a URL for reference:
http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/wcs/ ... rrorView_Y

[Coach1]

It seems my first post has drawn a little interest (reads) but no commentary as yet. So, I thought I would add one of my own.

I made a layaway payment on Saturday and mentioned to the store owner that the only web postings I could find about this pistol were positive. Everyone loved it.. lots of fun. But even the Smith & Wesson site did not explain why they stopped production for a gun they introduced in April 2010.

He said he has no problem selling the gun when he can get one in stock. The S&W quality is top notch as one expects. He thinks they have only halted production because they are driving manufacturing capacity for the rifle version - M&P 15-22. He cannot get enough of those. They are the new "Ruger 10/22"... in an AR style. Everyone wants one.

That made me feel better about my decision to get the pistol. Now I have to keep saving nickels to close the deal.

[Anchor]

The pistol is not in the 2011 catalog. Quite possible they have a backlog for the rifle. I purchased a standard model and it shot extremely well with any kind of ammo I fed it. Sold that one and now have the performance model with threaded barrel. Have been very pleased with the quality.

[Coach1]

Anchor.. thanks for confirming the web posts I read about the quality of this pistol .. and the fun factor. The S&W website (link above) is tagged as an Archive record. So that is consistent with it not showing in the 2011 catalog.

I think this pistol has a "cool" factor, too.
Has it drawn interest at the range?
Have you resisted adding a front rail grip? ( An NFA violation as I understand it)

[Bullseye]

S&W is pretty good about answering customer inquiries; have you tried contacting their customer service about the production issue with the M&P .22 pistol?

R,
Bullseye

[Coach1]

I thought I woudl follow up on this thread.

I did get an email from S&W customer support. The pistol manufacturing was stopped due to insufficient sales.. in less than a year. That seemed like a fairly narrow opportunity to validate a new product. But even so, I am enjoying mine very much. And as a limited edition pistol, it has a bit of uniqueness. It definitely draws interest at the range. And it is S&W quality.

I added a single-point sling, a Leaper Green / Red Dot sight (removed the std rear sight). a Hogue tactical grip, and a green laser from NC Star. you can shoot it at your shoulder with the Green Dot or off-the-hip with the laser. .. Lots of fun!!

Here are some photos. I hope they work
http://i1177.photobucket.com/albums/x34 ... 0_0123.jpg
http://i1177.photobucket.com/albums/x34 ... 0_0125.jpg

[greener]

good looking rig. Looks like it ought to be a fun plinker.

It's funny how some things don't catch on. Better looking than the Kel-Tec
http://www.keltecweapons.com/our-guns/pistols/plr-22/ which I've seen around, mostly at gun shows.

[Coach1]

Thanks, Greener. PARA USA abandoned the 9 MM version of their LTC 1911 for the same reason...another gun I am glad to own and enjoy shooting. With all the interest lately in smallish, conceilable 9 mm pistols, perhaps PARA will bring it in their catalog.