SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (January 19, 2009) – Smith & Wesson Corp., the legendary 157-year old firearms maker, announced that it would expand its Military & Police (M&P) Rifle Series with the introduction of a new tactical rifle chambered in .22 LR – the M&P15-22. The dedicated .22 LR platform offers the fit and feel of the company’s popular M&P15 rifle, while being chambered in the more economical ammunition.

Engineered on a high strength polymer upper and lower receiver, the M&P15-22 benefits from reduced weight while retaining the looks and operating features of the standard M&P15 rifle. The new semi-automatic rifle features a 16-inch barrel with a twist of 1 in 15 inches. The M&P15-22 is standard with a six-position collapsible stock to accommodate a variety of shooters and shooting positions, an A3 style flat top upper receiver with a quad-rail handguard for easily mounting optional accessories and an A2 pistol grip for improved firearm control.

The new tactical rifle also features a fully functional charging handle, an AR-15 style magazine release, bolt catch and a two-position receiver mounted safety. The M&P15-22 is complete with a removable 25 round magazine along with a removable A2-style front post sight, an adjustable A2-style rear sight and a single stage trigger. An optional barrel shroud is also available.

“In designing the new M&P15-22, our engineers pulled out all of the stops to develop the ultimate .22LR platform,” said Tom Kelly, Vice President of Marketing for Smith & Wesson. “The rifle’s operating features, functionality and durability are exactly what you would expect from any of Smith & Wesson’s tactical rifles. By remaining true to the standard AR-15 design while offering all of the preferred features found on the M&P Rifle Series, the M&P15-22 is well suited for a variety of recreational shooting applications while also being an extremely viable training firearm for law enforcement and military personnel. Shooters will find the M&P15-22 to be a great firearm for multiple uses with the reduced recoil and economical .22LR caliber ammunition.”

The M&P15-22 has an unloaded weight of approximately 5 pounds. The rifle measures a compact 31 inches with the stock collapsed and 34 inches with the stock fully extended. The M&P15-22 is designed to accept all 1913 Mil. Std. rail adaptable accessories, Mil-Spec carbine stocks and most standard after-market AR-15 pistol grips.