In my quest to find the perfect AR trainer for 3 gun, I think I finally found a solution I like. I wanted a gun that would be as close to my competition 5.56 AR as I could get, but be able to shoot cheaper ammo. I was very close to getting a Wilson combat AR9, but in the end, I really wanted standard sized mags, so I decided to go with .22LR instead.
I already have a CMMG .22LR conversion kit, but the mags don't drop free, and I can't use the BAD levers for dropping the bolt or holding it open, that I've gotten so used to with all my AR's.
In the end, I decided to go with a S&W M&P15-22 sport.
It functions exactly like my regular AR's when it comes to LRBHO, drop free mags, being able to use a battery assist lever, etc.
I put an MFT Battlelink stock on it, a Next Level Armament Scythe charging handle, an NDZ speed bolt release, a Ruger Elite 452 trigger, QD sling mounts, MOE+ grip, and a PA 1-6 scope. Most of my shots are taken at 50 yards or less, but I can hit 8" steel every time with it at 100 yards so that's accurate enough for me. I've shot just under 300 rounds with it so far and have had one malfunction with it, but it was during the first mag so it might have needed some break in. I'm hoping it will be as reliable as my CMMG kit was.
I decided to go with red since the blood of my enemies will blend in, and I won't need to clean it as often.