SILENCER SATURDAY #332: Quiet Summer – M&P 15-22 And Gemtech Integra

JR HensleyJune 9, 2024

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Good evening everyone and welcome back to TFB’s Silencer Saturday brought to you by Yankee Hill Machine, manufacturers of the brand new YHM 338 Bad Larry Suppressor. Last week we discussed some sound science and the reasons that breaking the sound barrier isn’t tamed with even the best performing suppressors. This week we spend a beautiful Saturday afternoon with the Smith & Wesson M&P 15-22 and the Gemtech INTEGRA integrally suppressed upper receiver. This is one of those combinations that captures the pure summer fun of plinking or target shooting. Let’s take a look.

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SILENCER SATURDAY #332: Quiet Summer – M&P 15-22 And Gemtech Integra

Neither the M&P 15-22 nor the Gemtech INTEGRA upper receiver are new releases. But this is a combination that does see a lot of range time in the summer. New and younger shooters appreciate the light weight, zero recoil, and of course the quiet shots. Years ago I secretly mocked the rimfire “AR-15” crowds and their range toys, instead focusing on the Ruger 10-22. I was wrong – the M&P 15-22 is surprisingly reliable, affordable, and absolutely fun.

The silencer purest in me wants to suggest a best-in-class thread-on rimfire suppressor on a shorter barrel to keep the overall length to a minimum. There are a few issues with my normal guidance. Unfortunately, most likely due to the pistol stabilizing brace battles of the past few years, it appears that S&W no longer offers the short barrel pistol version of the M&P 15-22. So if you want this setup, you will be looking at getting a 16” barrel cut, threaded and crowned, or a separate upper or barrel, all of which will increase your overall costs.

And then there are the legal issues. As you all know, rifles with barrel lengths less than 16” require an ATF Form 1 or Form 4 application and approval, which costs $200. That’s on top of the $200 for your thread-on rimfire suppressor Form 4 application. Obviously, the biggest benefit of this plan is the portability of the rimfire suppressor to other rimfire hosts. Please understand your local, state, and federal firearms laws before making alterations to any firearm.

SILENCER SATURDAY #332: Quiet Summer – M&P 15-22 And Gemtech Integra

It’s hard to tell from the above image, but the short M&P 15-22 barrel has longer threads that prevent most thread-on silencers from mating with the shoulder. It’s not a huge issue, but the official guidance is to use a properly sized spacer from SilencerCo or another manufacturer.

My stance on the integral vs thread-on suppressor situation hasn’t changed. If you are buying your first rimfire silencer, it should probably be a one that is threaded with a 1/2 x 28 (standard thread) mount. If you are buying your second (or 10th) rimfire silencer or if you shoot the M&P 15-22 every day, the Gemtech INTEGRA is a worthy investment.

Let’s review the numbers.

Smith & Wesson M&P 15-22 – Specifications

Manufacturer’s Page: https://www.smith-wesson.com/product/m-p-15-22-sport-m-lok-compliant
Owner’s Manual: Click Here
MSRP: $499
18″ Barrel
.22 LR
2-Stage Match Trigger
10″ M&P® Slim Handguard with Magpul® M-LOK™
Magpul® MBUS® Sights
VLTOR® Fixed Stock
Hogue® Grip
Match-Grade Precision Barrel, Chamber and Trigger
2″ M-LOK™ Rail Panel Included
Functioning Charging Handle
Shell Deflector
2-Position, Receiver Mounted Safety Lever

SILENCER SATURDAY #332: Quiet Summer – M&P 15-22 And Gemtech Integra

Gemtech Integra 15-22 – Specifications

Manufacturer’s Page: https://www.gemtech.com/product/integra-15-22
Owner’s Manual: Click Here
MSRP: $654
SKU / Model Number: 12568
UPC Number: 609224346620
Chambering: 22 long Rifle – subsonic, standard velocity or high velocity*
Full-Auto Rated: No
Use Wet or dry: Dry Only
Barrel Length: 17.5˝ – barrel w/Integrated Suppressor
Tube diameter: .925”
Weight: 2.55 lbs. – Includes charging handle and bolt carrier assembly
Tube Material: 6061 Aluminum
Tube Finish: Matte black hard Anodize
Core Material: 17-4 ph Stainless Steel
Core Finish: Black oxide
Barrel Material: 4140 Steel
Barrel Finish: Black oxide
Mount Type: Fits onto Smith & Wesson® M&p ® 15-22
Supersonic Ammunition: Yes
Disassemble for cleaning: Yes
Sound Tested: 119.8 dbc at REF; 124.4 dbc at SRE

SILENCER SATURDAY #332: Quiet Summer – M&P 15-22 And Gemtech Integra

After thousands of rounds of almost every flavor imaginable, my M&P INTEGRA setup still runs flawlessly, with an occasional ammo hiccup due to an underpowered load or a deformed bullet nose. Cleaning of both the M&P 15-22 host and the INTEGRA suppressor is straightforward, especially if you like to clean after each range session.

The M&P 15-22 probably won’t be winning any bullseye matches when pitted against specially tuned guns geared for precision target shooting, but with the right ammunition, it will pick off bottle caps from 50 yards away. The dedicated magazines hold 25 rounds which is more that some of the other available semiautomatic rimfire alternatives.

Not that length is the most important thing in life, but I stand by my original statement that the INTEGRA could shave two inches and still be legally compliant as a non-NFA rifle. But then again, a longer barrel can be easier and safer for newer shooters who are still learning the importance of muzzle discipline.

A good deal hunter can put this combination together for under $1000, not counting the tax stamp for the INTEGRA. A comparably equipped 10-22 and rimfire suppressor will end up being slightly less. However, in my opinion, the M&P 15-22’s ergonomics, weight, and magazines are worth the extra money. Besides, we all have a 10-22 already and this gives us the excuse to buy a new gun. As if you needed an excuse to buy another gun…

Thanks for reading. Be safe, have fun, and we’ll see you back here next week for another Silencer Saturday.