If you have been following the rimfire market lately, you have likely seen the TM22 Pro. Originally released as an all-aluminum, AR-adjacent rifle, it gained a reputation for flexibility and being one of the last tactical 22’s in Canada. The TM22 Feather (marketed under Rock Island Armory in the US and Derya in Canada) is the slimmed-down, polymer-framed cousin. I picked this one up from IRunGuns.
It is designed to be lighter and more affordable, but does stripping away the metal take away the “soul” of the rifle? After 500 rounds and some time at a 3 gun match, here is the breakdown.
Overview
The TM22 Feather is a semi-automatic .22 LR that mimics some AR-15 ergonomics without being a direct clone. While the original TM22 used a more durable aluminum chassis, the Feather uses polymer for the receiver and furniture. This makes it a breeze to carry in the field, though it does lose that “premium” heft of the original.
Specifications
- Barrel: 18″
- Mag capacity: 10, 15, or 25 rounds (comes with 2 – 10 round mags)
- Weight: 4.9lbs
- Price: $325-399
Usability: Reliable but Not a Sniper
The most impressive thing about the Feather is its reliability. In my testing, this rifle went through 500 rounds and a 3 gun match without a single jam with no cleaning or oiling in between. That is rare for a budget-friendly semi-auto rimfire. It seems to eat high-velocity rounds with zero complaints.
However, do not expect match-grade accuracy. It is “minute of squirrel” at 50 yards, but it is not going to win any accuracy competitions. It is a plinker or an action shooting gun, not a precision tool.
The Good:
- The Safety: The safety is quick, tactile, and easy to engage. It is one of the best designs in this price bracket.
- Mag release: Easy to hit for a right handed shooter with your index finger
- The Magazines: Even the extended 25-round magazines are reliable. They lock in well and feed consistently.
The Odd:
- Charging Handle: The left-hand only charging handle might not be great for some but I love it
- Front Sight Tower & carrying handle: If you want that “M16 we got at home” look, fine. At least you can pull both off easily.
- Bolt hold open on empty mag only: Once you remove the mag, the bolt slams forward.
- Plastic top rail: Don’t stick heavy optics on this thing, the rail is not meant for anything too beefy.
Aftermarket and Potential Modifications
The TM22 Feather has a decent amount of “LEGO” potential.
- Grips: It is compatible with standard AR-15 grips, so you can swap the factory polymer for a Magpul or Hogue if you want a better feel. Note that because it’s got a weird angle, pay attention to the grip angle of any replacements you choose.
- Stocks: It uses a commercial-spec buffer tube, allowing for plenty of adjustment or replacement options.
- Forend: Some guys are 3d printing other forends
- Muzzle Devices: The muzzle is threaded for brakes/suppressors/etc.
- Optics: Since the front sight is removable, I think a red dot fits the use better
Competitors
- TM22 Pro: Aluminum instead of plastic but around $590 vs $350 for the TM22 Feather
- GSG-16: Offers the “tactical” look but is historically more finicky with ammo than the TM22 has proven to be. Prohib in Canada
- Custom or semi custom 10/22 with 597 adapter or TUF-22 mags: way more expensive (like $1k for most) and they still have reliability issues as the current TUF-22 mags are picky as hell
- Adler RF224: Super hit and miss on reliability with more on the “miss” side of reliability.
Conclusion
The Derya TM22 Feather is a lot of fun as a budget plinker that you can play dress-us with. While it is not super accurate, it’s reliable, flexible in how you outfit it, and pretty ergonomic.
Once you remove the lame carry handle and front sight tower, you are left with a lightweight, reliable rifle that outperformed my expectations.
