Retay RA1522 .22 LR 16in 25rd M-LOK
Video review
Expert review
About this product
What is the Retay RA1522 .22 LR 16in 25rd M-LOK?
The Retay RA1522 is a semi-automatic .22 LR rifle engineered for reliable, low-cost training and small-game hunting applications, featuring a 16-inch barrel and 25-round magazine capacity. Its aluminum M-LOK forend and adjustable polymer stock allow for extensive accessory customization and ergonomic tailoring across different body types and shooting stances. Priced at $369, this platform balances mechanical simplicity with modern tactical adaptability, making it ideal for shooters prioritizing ammunition economy over terminal ballistics.
What is the Retay RA1522 used for?
This rifle excels in high-volume .22 LR training scenarios where low recoil and minimal noise reduce shooter fatigue during extended sessions. The 25-round magazine lets users fire 100 rounds across four reloads in under 90 seconds with practiced speed loaders, while the 16-inch barrel maintains sub-2 MOA accuracy with standard velocity ammo at 50 yards. It's also suitable for small-game hunting within 75-yard effective ranges, though its semi-auto action requires careful cleaning after exposure to dust or moisture.
How does the Retay RA1522 compare to the Stevens 334 Rifle?
The RA1522 outperforms the Stevens 334 Rifle in .308 Win for rapid-fire training due to its 25-round capacity and 4.74 lb weight—nearly 2.3 lb lighter than the Stevens' 7.1 lb unloaded mass. However, the Stevens 334's bolt-action system and .308 Win chambering deliver superior long-range precision and stopping power beyond 200 yards, making it the clear choice for big-game hunting. The RA1522's M-LOK rail accepts lights and grips directly, whereas the Stevens platform requires separate picatinny adapters for most accessories.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
This rifle weighs 4.74 lb unloaded and measures 35.2 inches in overall length with the stock fully collapsed. The barrel length is precisely 16 inches with a 1:16 twist rate, while the M-LOK forend provides 7.3 inches of continuous accessory mounting space across its top and sides. At its widest point, the receiver assembly spans 2.1 inches, ensuring compatibility with most standard firearm cases and storage solutions.
Who is this NOT for?
Serious competitive shooters requiring sub-MOA accuracy or hunters targeting game larger than raccoons should avoid this platform. The semi-automatic action accumulates carbon fouling after 300-400 rounds without cleaning, potentially inducing failures to eject with certain bulk .22 LR ammunition. Additionally, its polymer grip lacks advanced texturing or palm swells, offering less control than the stippled walnut on a Stevens 555 Sporting 20 Gauge shotgun.
What's in the box?
The package includes one 25-round detachable magazine, a basic front and rear sight set, and a single Allen wrench for stock adjustment. Notably absent are threading protectors for the barrel crown, a cleaning kit, or any optic mounting plates—expect to spend an additional $40-$60 on essential accessories. The rifle ships in a cardboard box with foam inserts, lacking the hard case provided with many competitors in this price range.
Is the Retay RA1522 worth it at $369?
At $369, this rifle justifies its cost for shooters needing a high-capacity .22 LR trainer with modern mounting options, but budget-conscious buyers might prefer a used bolt-action for half the price. The M-LOK system alone saves approximately $80 compared to aftermarket handguard installations on legacy .22 platforms, while the adjustable stock accommodates shooters from 5'4" to 6'2" without additional parts. For those prioritizing reliability over features, the Stevens 334 in .308 Win offers superior out-of-the-box accuracy at a similar price point.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 4.74 lb—1.8 lb lighter than a typical AR-15 platform
- 25-round magazine capacity allows 100 rounds with three reloads
- M-LOK forend supports lights and grips without adapters
- Adjustable stock fits shooters from 5'4" to 6'2"
Trade-offs
- Barrel lacks threading for suppressors—requires $120-$150 gunsmithing
- Polymer grip lacks stippling—slippery with wet hands
- No included optic mount—adds $30-$50 for red dot compatibility
- Semi-auto action jams with dirty ammo after 300 rounds
Key attributes
| upc | 193212042590 |
| manufacturer | Retay USA |
| manufacturer part number | RA1522-BLK-MLOK |
| action | Semi-Auto |
| barrel length | 16" |
| caliber/gauge | .22 LR |
| capacity | 25 |
| color | Black |
| model | RA15-22 |
| product type | AR |
| shipping weight | 6.6 |
| sights | Front/Rear Flip Sights |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with standard .22 LR ammunition?
- Yes, the RA1522 cycles reliably with most 40-grain standard velocity .22 LR rounds, but may experience occasional failures to eject with hyper-velocity or subsonic loads. I recommend CCI Mini-Mag or Federal AutoMatch for consistent performance across 500-round sessions.
- Does it fit in a standard rifle case?
- Yes, its 35.2-inch collapsed length fits most 36-inch rifle cases with room for one additional magazine. For optimal protection, use a case with at least 2.5 inches of internal width to accommodate the M-LOK forend's profile.
- How long does shipping take?
- Ironclad Armory processes orders within 1-2 business days, with ground shipping typically taking 5-7 days to most continental US locations. Expedited options reduce transit time to 2-3 days for an additional $25 fee.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit my needs?
- Returns are accepted within 30 days for unused items in original packaging, subject to a 15% restocking fee. Firearms must be shipped via FedEx or UPS with adult signature confirmation, adding approximately $35-$50 to the return cost.
- Does this work with SilencerCo Sparrow suppressors?
- No, the barrel lacks threading for direct suppressor attachment—it requires an aftermarket threading service costing $120-$150 plus shipping. Consider the threaded variant Retay RA1522-T if suppressed shooting is a priority.