15-22's for Project Appleseed

Published on March 1, 2023
Duration: 14:14

This guide details advanced modifications for the Smith & Wesson M&P 15-22 rifle, specifically tailored for Project Appleseed marksmanship training. The modifications focus on improving ergonomics, reliability, and accuracy, including custom cheek rests, upgraded triggers and charging handles, and internal enhancements like improved extractors and magazine releases. The speaker, demonstrating high-level gunsmithing expertise, also covers barrel bedding, re-crowning, and muzzle device tuning to achieve sub-MOA accuracy.

Quick Summary

Advanced modifications for the Smith & Wesson M&P 15-22 for Project Appleseed include adding a custom cheek rest, upgrading to a LaRue MBT-2 trigger, and installing Geissele pins (Colt 901 specific) to prevent pin walk. Further accuracy enhancements involve barrel bedding, re-crowning, and precise muzzle device torquing.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: M&P 15-22 for Appleseed
  2. 01:30Appleseed Gear: Covers & Patches
  3. 02:45Stock & Sling Setup: Cheek Rest & Fit
  4. 03:30Optics & Charging Handles: Sig Sauer & NLA
  5. 04:50Grips & Trigger Upgrades: BCM, LaRue, Geissele Pins
  6. 06:25Internal Enhancements: Mag Release & Extractors
  7. 07:20Instructor's Personal Rifle Setup
  8. 09:05Advanced Gunsmithing: Barrel & Receiver Mods
  9. 10:30Muzzle & Rail Tuning for Accuracy
  10. 12:30Accuracy Results & Project Appleseed Goals

Frequently Asked Questions

What modifications are recommended for the Smith & Wesson M&P 15-22 for Project Appleseed training?

Key modifications include adding a custom cheek rest for better sight alignment, upgrading to a LaRue MBT-2 trigger, installing Next Level Armament extended charging handles, and using Geissele pins (Colt 901 specific) to prevent pin walk. Internal upgrades like Geissele magazine releases and Volquartsen extractors enhance reliability.

How can the accuracy of an M&P 15-22 be improved for marksmanship events like Project Appleseed?

Accuracy improvements involve advanced gunsmithing such as bedding the barrel into the receiver, reaming the selector bore, lapping and re-crowning the barrel, and precisely torquing the muzzle device. Polishing feed ramps and tuning ejectors also contribute to consistent cycling and accuracy.

Why are specific Geissele pins needed for the M&P 15-22?

The M&P 15-22 features a thicker polymer receiver compared to standard AR-15s. Standard pins are too short and prone to 'walking out,' which can interfere with the safety selector. Geissele pins designed for the Colt 901 offer the correct length and fit to prevent this issue.

What role do accessories like cheek rests and extended charging handles play on the M&P 15-22?

A makeshift cheek rest improves sight picture consistency by raising the shooter's eye level, reducing parallax. Extended charging handles, like those from Next Level Armament, offer easier manipulation, especially under stress or when wearing gloves, ensuring reliable bolt operation.

More Gunsmithing & DIY Videos You Might Like

More from School of the American Rifle

View all →