The video presents the Rock Island Armory TM22 Feather as a .22 LR semi-auto rifle suited for plinking or as an AR-style trainer in a rimfire caliber. It features an 18-inch barrel and is positioned as an option for shooters who want an AR-like layout without using 5.56. The host frames it as a lightweight, affordable rifle that can help new shooters learn AR-style controls while keeping recoil and ammunition costs low. The focus is on examining how this .22 LR platform mimics familiar AR ergonomics while remaining compact and easy to handle.
The TM22 Feather is chambered in .22 LR and comes with an 18-inch threaded barrel. Overall length is listed at 36.5 inches, with a claimed height of 7.68 inches and a width of about 3 inches on the product page. Actual measurements later show some variation, but the rifle remains compact. The rifle weighs a claimed 4.9 pounds, keeping it under 5 pounds. It includes an adjustable stock with an adjustable cheek riser to match sight height. In the box, Rock Island Armory supplies two proprietary 10-round magazines, which helps with state compliance. Higher-capacity 15- and 25-round magazines are available separately.
Up front, the TM22 Feather uses an 18-inch barrel with a threaded muzzle and a thread protector, allowing the rifle to be run with a suppressor for quieter shooting. The rifle carries an M16-style aesthetic, including a tall polymer front sight tower that can be moved along the barrel. The height of the front sight makes it easier to obtain a natural sight picture without craning the neck. A polymer handguard of generous size reinforces the M16 look and provides a comfortable grip area. On the underside, there is a fixed sling attachment point that does not rotate, intended to keep the sling stable and prevent twisting during use.
The upper receiver and top Picatinny rail are polymer. The rifle ships with a removable carry handle that incorporates the rear sight; once removed, a full-length Picatinny rail is exposed for mounting optics. The magazine release is textured and easy to access, and the magwell is slightly flared to aid insertion of the small .22 LR magazines. The rifle uses proprietary magazines, with two 10-round versions included and optional 15- and 25-round versions available. On the left side, a large, extended safety lever offers clear engagement and is positioned similarly to an AR, though it is not a standard AR safety. The grip is fully rubber with a finger groove and moderately aggressive texturing on the front and back, providing a secure hold even with sweaty hands. The rifle uses a flat-faced trigger that feels smooth with a short take-up and a clean break, followed by a positive reset.
The safety on the TM22 Feather not only blocks the trigger but also affects charging. With the safety engaged, the bolt cannot be pulled fully to the rear. When the safety is switched off, the bolt can be drawn back and will lock open on an empty magazine. There is no separate bolt release; removing the magazine allows the bolt to drop forward. This behavior can be useful for newer shooters learning basic manipulation. The stock is adjustable for length of pull with approximately five positions, accommodating shooters with different arm lengths. The cheek riser adjusts up and down roughly an inch and a half to align the eye with the sights or an optic. A substantial buttpad at the rear adds comfort and stability, and there is a QD sling socket in the back of the stock for modern sling attachment.
The manufacturer claims a 2-pound trigger on the TM22 Feather, and this is tested with a trigger pull gauge. Measurements show an extremely light pull, with one reading coming in under 2 pounds at approximately 1.92 pounds. The trigger feels smooth and consistent, with minimal take-up and a crisp break, making it well-suited for precise .22 LR shooting. The rifle’s weight is also checked on a scale. Without the vertical grip and magazine, it weighs about 4.71 pounds. With the grip installed, the weight rises to around 4.88 pounds, closely matching the 4.9-pound claim. Adding an unloaded extra magazine brings the weight to roughly 4.97 pounds, and with both magazines on the gun it reaches just over 5 pounds, still very light for a semi-auto rifle.
The rifle’s actual dimensions are measured to compare with the listed specifications. With the stock fully collapsed, overall length is about 33 inches from butt to muzzle. Fully extended, the length matches the listed 36.5 inches. Height without the vertical grip is approximately 7 inches, while adding the grip increases total height to about 9 inches, differing from the 7.68-inch figure on the website. Receiver width is just over 1 inch, and the widest point at the handguard measures between 2 and 2.5 inches. The video concludes that Rock Island Armory delivers a feature-rich, AR-style .22 LR rifle that remains lightweight, compact, and easy to handle. It is presented as a practical plinker and training tool for both new and experienced shooters, with the host inviting viewer feedback and questions about any details that may have been missed.
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