I have a new M&P 15-22, and it's having some issues.
First and foremost, the thing stovepipes frequently, about 1-3 times for every 5 shots. It's beyond annoying. I initially assumed it might be a break-in issue, but we've shot about 300-400 rounds through it now, and it hasn't gotten any better. It happens with multiple types/brands of ammo, including Federal Auto-Match, CCI AR Tactical, CCI Mini-Mag HP, and Federal 510. We've mostly shot Federal Auto-Match and CCI AR Tactical, and it happens noticeably more often with the Auto-Match, but it does happen with the CCI, too. We only have 1 mag right now, so I can't rule out a mag issue. It can happen with any round in the magazine (i.e. it's not just the first or last round, etc.). Yes, we cleaned & lubed it before first use. Yes, it's been cleaned & lubed after each trip to the range. Yes, it happens to everyone who shoots it. I'm familiar with pistols and bolt guns, but this is our first AR-style gun, so maybe I'm just not lubing some important spot, but the manual doesn't give any helpful advice on exactly what needs lube, so any suggestions are welcome.
Second, the bolt stays back after the last round most of the time, but not always. I'd say, maybe 1 out of 5 times, it doesn't stay back. It's not a huge problem, but it's not right. Any idea what would cause this to happen, but only occasionally?
Third, the grip handle is loose. I stuck a 3/16" hex wrench down there and turned the hex head screw that you can see, but it didn't make any difference. I'm guessing that the nut on the other side is just spinning, too, which is why it's not getting tighter, but I can't see the other side, so I'm just guessing; maybe the threads are stripped. And idea how to tighten the handle?
I bought this primarily for my son, as the first gun that's actually for him. He's being a good sport about it, but you can tell that he's deeply disappointed that it's having so many issues. We went to the range today, and the M&P 15-22, despite being the "cool, new gun", got the least attention, because, well, who wants to use a gun that jams every 2-3 rounds?
Any suggestions or assistance with this would be much appreciated. Should I send it back to Smith & Wesson? Any thoughts on their service reputation and / or turn-around time? Do they pay shipping?
In case it matters, it's a "state compliant" model, with the 10-round long magazine, fixed stock, and no brake/hider/comp on the end of the barrel.
First and foremost, the thing stovepipes frequently, about 1-3 times for every 5 shots. It's beyond annoying. I initially assumed it might be a break-in issue, but we've shot about 300-400 rounds through it now, and it hasn't gotten any better. It happens with multiple types/brands of ammo, including Federal Auto-Match, CCI AR Tactical, CCI Mini-Mag HP, and Federal 510. We've mostly shot Federal Auto-Match and CCI AR Tactical, and it happens noticeably more often with the Auto-Match, but it does happen with the CCI, too. We only have 1 mag right now, so I can't rule out a mag issue. It can happen with any round in the magazine (i.e. it's not just the first or last round, etc.). Yes, we cleaned & lubed it before first use. Yes, it's been cleaned & lubed after each trip to the range. Yes, it happens to everyone who shoots it. I'm familiar with pistols and bolt guns, but this is our first AR-style gun, so maybe I'm just not lubing some important spot, but the manual doesn't give any helpful advice on exactly what needs lube, so any suggestions are welcome.
Second, the bolt stays back after the last round most of the time, but not always. I'd say, maybe 1 out of 5 times, it doesn't stay back. It's not a huge problem, but it's not right. Any idea what would cause this to happen, but only occasionally?
Third, the grip handle is loose. I stuck a 3/16" hex wrench down there and turned the hex head screw that you can see, but it didn't make any difference. I'm guessing that the nut on the other side is just spinning, too, which is why it's not getting tighter, but I can't see the other side, so I'm just guessing; maybe the threads are stripped. And idea how to tighten the handle?
I bought this primarily for my son, as the first gun that's actually for him. He's being a good sport about it, but you can tell that he's deeply disappointed that it's having so many issues. We went to the range today, and the M&P 15-22, despite being the "cool, new gun", got the least attention, because, well, who wants to use a gun that jams every 2-3 rounds?
Any suggestions or assistance with this would be much appreciated. Should I send it back to Smith & Wesson? Any thoughts on their service reputation and / or turn-around time? Do they pay shipping?
In case it matters, it's a "state compliant" model, with the 10-round long magazine, fixed stock, and no brake/hider/comp on the end of the barrel.