Smith & Wesson Issues M&P15-22 Safety Alert, Inspection

Smith & Wesson recently announced it identified two M&P15-22s that exhibited safety concerns. Moreover, the pistols exhibited breech face counter bore depths not within manufacturing specifications.

Smith & Wesson M&P15-22 Safety Alert

Because of improper depth, the bolt can crush the rim of case upon closing. Further, this action causes the round to fire, cycling the bolt, potentially resulting in multiple discharges without depressing the trigger, according to Smith & Wesson.

Smith & Wesson M&P15-22 Safety Alert Scenarios

With a loaded magazine in the firearm and the bolt locked to the rear, depressing the bolt release to allow the bolt to drop freely may ignite the round as the bolt closes without engaging the trigger and with the safety selector in either the safe or the fire position, and may also result in multiple discharges.
With a loaded magazine in the firearm, bolt in the closed position and a round in the chamber and the safety selector in the fire position, depressing the trigger will cause the round to fire normally, however as the bolt cycles, the next round may be ignited by the bolt crushing the rim of the case as it closes, causing multiple discharges.

This Safety Alert applies to all M&P15-22 firearms manufactured before February 1, 2019. Smith & Wesson officials said the incidents are believed to be isolated. Meanwhile, out of caution, the company asks all customers of all M&P15-22 firearms manufactured before Feb. 1, 2019, to immediately inspect their firearms for this condition.

Smith & Wesson further cautions customers to “stop using your firearms immediately until it has been inspected and, if the condition is found, the bolt replaced. Every rifle must be inspected to determine whether it exhibits the condition described, according to Smith & Wesson.

To determine your firearm manufacture date, and for video instructions regarding inspection, visit MP15-22SafetyAlert.com. The website features a serial number verification tool. Here, the app determines specific manufacture dates.

If your gun suffers this condition, the bolt must be sent to Smith & Wesson for replacement. Smith & Wesson will inspect and replace, if necessary, at no additional cost to the customer. Smith & Wesson will also cover all shipping costs as well. Anyone uncomfortable performing the inspection can send their bolt to Smith & Wesson.

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