New for 2019: Tippmann Arms M4-22 PRO

Now that .22 LR ammunition is back on store shelves following a multi-year drought, shooters can take advantage of the inexpensive cartridge for training and plinking. All that's needed is a solid platform for practicing handling fundamentals, and the Tippmann Arms M4-22 PRO offers AR owners a functional, reliable platform designed to enhance AR handling and manipulation, all without the cost of centerfire 5.56 rounds.

Functionally and visually, the Tippmann Arms M4-22 PRO has all the features of a standard, 5.56 NATO AR-15. The rifle is constructed with aluminum receiver halves, and the upper receiver is mated with a 16-inch barrel machined from 4150 steel, a 1:16-inch twist rate and treated with a parkerized finish. All of the controls on the rifle are identical to those found on a standard AR-15, including a bolt catch, charging handle, two-position safety selector and functional forward assist. Inside the lower receiver, consumers will find a mil-spec trigger assembly, and the gun is compatible with popular drop-in AR-15 trigger assemblies as well. Trigger-pull weight measures 4.5 pounds.

On the outside of the rifle, consumers will find a free-float handguard made from composite materials. The handguard features M-lok cutouts for attaching compatible accessories and Picatinny-rail segments, so users can train with the same lights, lasers, grips and other add-ons used on a 5.56 NATO rifle. A standard, mil-spec buffer tube is also included with the rifle, complete with a mil-spec, six-position collapsible stock. However, owners can customize their rifle with the aftermarket stock of their choice, allowing for additional customization.

Each Tippmann Arms M4-22 PRO is equipped with a 25-round magazine, a new design from the company. The rifle also features a nickel-plated bolt designed to cut down on friction and fouling, as well as guarding against corrosion. Rifles ship with flip-up iron sights, and the flattop receiver mates with a Picatinny rail located on the top of the composite handguard to offer expanded mounting space for optics. Other features included on the rifle are a Gen 2 pistol grip, ambidextrous sling-adapter plate and threaded muzzle complete with a 1/2-28 TPI thread pitch.

The Tippmann Arms M4-22 PRO features an all-black finish, measures 34.5 inches long with the stock fully extended and weighs in at 5.22 pounds unloaded. The suggested retail price on the gun is $549.95.