‘Rim-Tac’ Rifles, Round II: The Sig 522 Edges Umarex’s M4

In February 2010, we began evaluating tactical or military-style carbines chambered for the 22 LR round, and we continue to find new guns in what we call the "rim-tac" category. Previously, we looked at one AR-15 derivative, one tac-styled 10/22, and another carbine that more closely resembled a 1941 Russian machine gun. Our test guns were the Ruger SR-22R No. 1226 22 LR, $625; Smith & Wesson's M&P 15-22 No. 811030 22 LR, $569; and the Legacy Sports Puma Wildcat PPS2250S 22 LR, $550. In that

Right: The Colt M4 Carbine is the product of three companies. Carl Walther Germany entered into a licensing agreement with New Colt Holding Corporation to produce these 22 rifles in Germany under the Colt brand. Umarex USA is the importer and services the Colt tactical replicas. Two tactical styles are being offered, each modeled after a Colt original—the M4 and M16 rifles. The M4 Carbine is a blowback semiauto with a barrel length of 16.2 inches and a detachable carry handle on a metal flat-top receiver. Colt recommends using only high-velocity ammo, but our standard-speed choices seemed to work fine.