Let’s Dive into Smith & Wesson Short Magazine M&P15-22 22LR 10 Round
The Smith & Wesson Short Magazine M&P15-22 22LR 10 Round is a specialized magazine designed specifically for the Smith & Wesson M&P15-22 rifle. This .22 LR magazine offers a reduced profile compared to standard M&P15-22 magazines, making it ideal for benchrest shooting and situations where a shorter magazine is preferred. Its polymer construction keeps it lightweight and durable, while its 10-round capacity adheres to capacity restrictions in certain states.
I needed a magazine solution that wouldn’t interfere with my benchrest shooting. The standard-length magazine made consistent, comfortable shooting a challenge, constantly bumping against the rest. I was looking for a compact, reliable magazine that would solve this problem, without sacrificing capacity where restricted.
Upon unboxing, the Smith & Wesson Short Magazine M&P15-22 22LR 10 Round felt solid and well-constructed. The polymer material has a slightly textured surface, offering a good grip even with gloves. The weight is negligible, which is exactly what I wanted for a magazine primarily intended for benchrest use.
Compared to the standard Smith & Wesson 25-round magazine and the ProMag 10-round magazine, the Short Magazine offers a distinct advantage in terms of profile. While the ProMag is similar in capacity, it doesn’t always have the same flawless feeding reliability I’ve experienced with Smith & Wesson factory magazines. I chose the Smith & Wesson Short Magazine for its guaranteed compatibility and compact design, even over aftermarket options.
My initial impression was positive. I was excited about the potential for improved comfort and stability while shooting from a bench. The build quality appeared excellent, and I anticipated reliable feeding based on my experience with other Smith & Wesson magazines.
Real-World Testing: Putting Smith & Wesson Short Magazine M&P15-22 22LR 10 Round to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Smith & Wesson Short Magazine M&P15-22 22LR 10 Round at my local outdoor shooting range. The weather was mild and dry, perfect conditions for evaluating the magazine’s performance. I shot from a bench using a Caldwell Stinger shooting rest.
The Short Magazine performed flawlessly. It was easy to load, seated securely in the magazine well, and fed rounds smoothly and consistently. The shorter profile made a noticeable difference, allowing me to maintain a more comfortable and stable shooting position on the bench.
No issues arose during the first use. I experienced no failures to feed, no jams, and no difficulty ejecting the magazine. The entire experience was seamless and significantly improved my benchrest shooting comfort.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of regular use (approximately 500 rounds), the Smith & Wesson Short Magazine M&P15-22 22LR 10 Round has held up remarkably well. There are no signs of cracking, chipping, or any other damage to the polymer body. The spring tension remains strong, ensuring consistent feeding.
The magazine shows minimal wear and tear. The exterior has some minor scuffs from being inserted and removed from the magazine well, but nothing significant. I haven’t noticed any degradation in performance.
Maintenance is incredibly simple. After each range session, I wipe down the exterior of the magazine with a dry cloth. Periodically, I disassemble the magazine, clean the interior with a brush, and lightly lubricate the spring.
Compared to some aftermarket magazines I’ve used with other rifles, the Smith & Wesson Short Magazine significantly outperforms them in reliability. Other magazines have experienced feeding issues and durability problems. This Smith & Wesson magazine is a reliable, consistent performer.
Breaking Down the Features of Smith & Wesson Short Magazine M&P15-22 22LR 10 Round
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Smith & Wesson. This ensures quality control and compatibility with the M&P15-22 platform.
- Caliber: .22 Long Rifle. This is the standard caliber for the M&P15-22 rifle.
- Magazine Capacity: 10 Rounds. This capacity complies with regulations in certain states and offers a compact profile.
- Material: Polymer. The polymer construction makes it lightweight and durable.
- Color: Black. This provides a low-profile and tactical appearance.
- Gun Model: Smith & Wesson M&P 15-22. Designed specifically for this rifle, ensuring proper fit and function.
- Quantity: 1. Each purchase includes one magazine.
- Condition: New. The magazine is brand new and unused.
These specifications matter because they ensure compatibility, reliability, and durability. The polymer construction keeps the weight down, while the 10-round capacity caters to legal requirements and benchrest preferences. The fact that it’s made by Smith & Wesson gives me confidence in its quality and performance.
Performance & Functionality
The Smith & Wesson Short Magazine M&P15-22 22LR 10 Round performs its job exceptionally well. It feeds ammunition reliably, seats securely in the magazine well, and ejects smoothly. It’s a simple but crucial component that enhances the overall shooting experience.
The magazine’s strength lies in its reliability and compact design. Its weakness is its limited 10-round capacity, which may require more frequent reloading for some shooters. This is a trade-off for the smaller size and compliance with certain regulations.
The Smith & Wesson Short Magazine exceeds my expectations. It provides the reliability I expect from a factory magazine and the low-profile design that enhances my benchrest shooting. It’s a well-designed and well-executed product.
Design & Ergonomics
The magazine features a simple, functional design. The polymer body is slightly textured for enhanced grip. It’s easy to handle, even with gloves.
The magazine is very user-friendly. It is easy to load and insert, and it provides positive feedback when fully seated. There is virtually no learning curve.
Durability & Maintenance
The magazine is made from durable polymer that is designed to withstand regular use. The spring is made from quality steel that maintains its tension over time. With proper care, this magazine should last for many years.
Maintenance is minimal. Regular cleaning and occasional lubrication are all that’s required to keep the magazine in good working order.
Accessories and Customization Options
No accessories come directly with the Smith & Wesson Short Magazine M&P15-22 22LR 10 Round. It’s a self-contained unit.
There are no customization options for the magazine itself. However, the M&P15-22 rifle platform has a wide range of available accessories.
The magazine is compatible with any standard M&P15-22 magazine pouch. It also works with magazine loaders designed for .22 LR magazines.
Pros and Cons of Smith & Wesson Short Magazine M&P15-22 22LR 10 Round
Pros
- Reliable feeding: Consistently feeds rounds without jams or failures.
- Compact design: Shorter profile enhances benchrest shooting and handling.
- Durable polymer construction: Withstands regular use and resists damage.
- Easy to maintain: Simple cleaning and lubrication are all that’s required.
- Smith & Wesson factory quality: Guaranteed compatibility and performance.
Cons
- Limited 10-round capacity: Requires more frequent reloading compared to higher-capacity magazines.
- Polymer construction: While durable, polymer may not be as robust as metal alternatives.
Who Should Buy Smith & Wesson Short Magazine M&P15-22 22LR 10 Round?
This magazine is perfect for: benchrest shooters who need a low-profile magazine for improved comfort and stability. It’s also suitable for shooters in states with magazine capacity restrictions, as well as those who prefer a lighter, more compact setup.
This product is not ideal for high-volume shooters who prefer higher-capacity magazines. It is also not necessary for those who primarily shoot their M&P15-22 offhand.
A must-have accessory is a magazine loader. While not essential, it makes loading .22 LR magazines much faster and easier.
Conclusion on Smith & Wesson Short Magazine M&P15-22 22LR 10 Round
The Smith & Wesson Short Magazine M&P15-22 22LR 10 Round is a well-designed and reliable magazine that excels in specific scenarios. Its compact profile and consistent feeding make it an excellent choice for benchrest shooting and compliance with magazine capacity restrictions. It’s a simple but effective upgrade for M&P15-22 owners.
The price of $23.99 is justified, considering the magazine’s quality, reliability, and the Smith & Wesson name. It offers a significant improvement in comfort and stability for benchrest shooters.
I would personally recommend the Smith & Wesson Short Magazine to anyone who shoots their M&P15-22 from a bench or needs a compliant 10-round magazine. It’s a worthwhile investment that enhances the overall shooting experience. Upgrade your M&P15-22 today and experience the difference a shorter magazine can make!