Need advise on a .22 upper for the AR-15 platform

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TonyAngel

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So, my dad is 82. He isn't as strong as he used to be and can't shoot a lot of my stuff. I did get him into a Ruger Wrangler and he's having a blast with it. It kind of bummed him out that he couldn't shoot my latest build, which was a lightweight 10.5".

I think I need to get or build him a .22 AR. My first thought was to just grab a Smith 15-22, but I have a carbon fiber lower that I'm getting ready to pull out of one gun to replace with a standard lower. So...I have this lower and nothing to do with it.

My mission is to put together a VERY light AR-15 in .22, if I can. I'm looking at the cost benefit thing. I mean, if it's gonna cost me more than the price of a Smith 15-22, I may as well buy the Smith.

I know I could research this and I have, but there is just so much out there that I don't want to miss anything just because I didn't know.

Thanks.
 
Most of the places I looked that sell dedicated 22 uppers are out of stock right now. You can figure between $250 - $350 for a complete upper from Palmetto State Armory or Right To Bear Arms and Supplies. Both are out of stock though.
 
I use a CMMG conversion in my 5.56 7.5" AR SBR. It works great, 7.5" barrel 5.56 was too short so I haven't had the conversion kit out (other than to clean it) in a long time.
 
So, my dad is 82. He isn't as strong as he used to be and can't shoot a lot of my stuff. I did get him into a Ruger Wrangler and he's having a blast with it. It kind of bummed him out that he couldn't shoot my latest build, which was a lightweight 10.5".

I think I need to get or build him a .22 AR. My first thought was to just grab a Smith 15-22, but I have a carbon fiber lower that I'm getting ready to pull out of one gun to replace with a standard lower. So...I have this lower and nothing to do with it.

My mission is to put together a VERY light AR-15 in .22, if I can. I'm looking at the cost benefit thing. I mean, if it's gonna cost me more than the price of a Smith 15-22, I may as well buy the Smith.

I know I could research this and I have, but there is just so much out there that I don't want to miss anything just because I didn't know.

Thanks.

The M&P 15-22 is hard to beat price wise and weight wise. It’s also a great gun for what it is.

I’ve been sitting on the fence as I’ve wanted to do what you are trying to do. By the time you get the M&P mag adapters, a BCG, Barrel and 22LR charge handle there doesn’t seem to be a way to do it as cheap as the 15-22.
 
The M&P 15-22 is hard to beat price wise and weight wise. It’s also a great gun for what it is.

I’ve been sitting on the fence as I’ve wanted to do what you are trying to do. By the time you get the M&P mag adapters, a BCG, Barrel and 22LR charge handle there doesn’t seem to be a way to do it as cheap as the 15-22.

I agree and it's what I'm thinking. I just thought I'd ask and see if someone knew something that I didn't. I actually had the very first M&P delivered to my LGS after they were released. The one that didn't even have a muzzle device. I shouldn't have sold it.
 
OK, I just showed my dad the M&P on the computer. He wants one that looks like the 10.5" I just built. Small and compact. So... anyone know of any good deals on dedicated bolts? I looked a bit and the dedicated bolts cost as much as a conversion kit with 3 magazines. I have a spare upper and complete lower. All I'd need is the barrel, bolt and magazines.
 
You'll be disappointed with the conversion kit and 5.56/223 barrel. Precision degrades when the chamber adapter leads up and it isn't easy to clean out. Mine leaded up horribly after a thousand rounds.
 
OK, I just showed my dad the M&P on the computer. He wants one that looks like the 10.5" I just built. Small and compact. So... anyone know of any good deals on dedicated bolts? I looked a bit and the dedicated bolts cost as much as a conversion kit with 3 magazines. I have a spare upper and complete lower. All I'd need is the barrel, bolt and magazines.

The reason the dedicated bolts cost as much as the conversion bolt is because they are the same thing. The only difference is one uses a barrel collar while the other uses a chamber adapter., the rest is the same.

Most of the 22 pistol length barrels come in either 4.5" or 9". A few companies make a 10.5" barrel but you will pay more for it. or you could buy a 16" and send it out to have cut to that length. One thing to remember is that a 22lr barrel sticks into the receiver more than a standard barrel. Example - a 16" 22 barreled upper will actually have the same overall length as a 14.5" barrels 55.6 upper.

Right to Bear uses CMMG made barrels and bolts, which are good to go. And when in stock, they have good prices.
 
If you can find a good condition DPMS dedicated 22 LR they are worth the money. I have one an it has been bullet proof (pun intended). Uses Blackdog magazines and has run really well for me. It will even run Remington Golden Bullet ammo. :D
 
OK, I just showed my dad the M&P on the computer. He wants one that looks like the 10.5" I just built. Small and compact. So... anyone know of any good deals on dedicated bolts? I looked a bit and the dedicated bolts cost as much as a conversion kit with 3 magazines. I have a spare upper and complete lower. All I'd need is the barrel, bolt and magazines.
Tony,

I’m another huge fan of the CMMG conversation kit. Mine Has been flawless for a few thousand rounds, and is around 5 MOA (100 yards) with good ammo on a cheap PSA upper.

this is the kit I bought:

https://www.primaryarms.com/cmmg-22lr-ar15-conversion-kit-bravo-3-25-round-magazines

Mine didn’t immediately fit in my upper, but i called CMMG and they explained to use some emery cloth and buff the brass part. Took me 5 minutes and I was good to go.

I have a buddy who shoots one in his 11” and it runs great as well. We have little side bets shooting shotgun shells off a board at 20 yards. We generally go 8-9 out of ten...but have gone 10/10 many times. That’s shooting cheap ammo.

If your father likes your 10.5, put a conversion bolt in your gun and let it rip! It will take you under a minute to swap from .223 to .22 and back.

take care, Buzz
 
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You'll be disappointed with the conversion kit and 5.56/223 barrel. Precision degrades when the chamber adapter leads up and it isn't easy to clean out. Mine leaded up horribly after a thousand rounds.

I haven’t seen this yet but I will watch for it.
I use copper plated bullets...maybe that’s why?
 
I was never a fan of the conversion kits after having to use them while in the Army. Accuracy was so-so using the conversion kit in the M16A1 but worse in the M16A2 due to the faster twist rate. It very well could have been the cheap 22lr ammo that we used too.
 
How about a Ruger Charger with a brace?

It's not an AR but then it doesn't have the problems that can happen with the .22 LR in an AR and magazines are available everywhere.
 
TonyAngel

I have also heard very good things about the CMMG .22 AR15 conversion kit. The Primary Arms deal is a great one in that they also include three magazines with it. I had one listed on my Christmas list last year but my wife got me a .22 conversion for my CZ P07 instead. Not that I'm complaining mind you, it's a very nice kit too!
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I appreciate the input. I'm hearing the same thing here that I've read everywhere I've looked. Some saying that the conversion kit is the best thing since sliced bread and others saying that it doesn't shoot worth a crap. Really, all we're going to be doing with it is shooting clay pigeons and shot gun hulls at 25 yards or so; or maybe the occasional outting where we might go to a pit or something. It doesn't need to be laser accurate. It just needs to be accurate enough that it's worthwhile shooting.

For you guys that are shooting the conversion kit, what twist rate are you guys running? Mine is a 1:7.

I don't know what it is, but people out there treat the .22 AR like it's made of gold or something. Another possibility is that I could just find and inexpensive barrel in .223 with a slow twist for the purpose of shooting it with the conversion kit. I gotta say, the conversion kit with 3 mags for $160 is very appealing to me.
 
I appreciate the input. I'm hearing the same thing here that I've read everywhere I've looked. Some saying that the conversion kit is the best thing since sliced bread and others saying that it doesn't shoot worth a crap. Really, all we're going to be doing with it is shooting clay pigeons and shot gun hulls at 25 yards or so; or maybe the occasional outting where we might go to a pit or something. It doesn't need to be laser accurate. It just needs to be accurate enough that it's worthwhile shooting.

For you guys that are shooting the conversion kit, what twist rate are you guys running? Mine is a 1:7.

I don't know what it is, but people out there treat the .22 AR like it's made of gold or something. Another possibility is that I could just find and inexpensive barrel in .223 with a slow twist for the purpose of shooting it with the conversion kit. I gotta say, the conversion kit with 3 mags for $160 is very appealing to me.

If that is all you want out of a 22, then the conversion kit will suit you fine. A 1-12 twist would be better than 1-7, 1-8, or 1-9.
 
The problem I had with my conversion kit is that groups went from 4 inches at 25 yards to 4 feet and that's no exaggeration
 
If that is all you want out of a 22, then the conversion kit will suit you fine. A 1-12 twist would be better than 1-7, 1-8, or 1-9.

I've been looking for a 1:12 barrel, but apparently, there aren't many around in a 9 or 10" length. If I can find a longer one that's pretty cheap, I'll have to see if I can dig out the collet rig for my lathe and I'll turn that sucker down. LOL

I cannot express how bored I am. I actually setup a shooting range in my garage. Bunch of old books, my Ruger Wrangler and quiet .22 shorts.
 
I've been looking for a 1:12 barrel, but apparently, there aren't many around in a 9 or 10" length. If I can find a longer one that's pretty cheap, I'll have to see if I can dig out the collet rig for my lathe and I'll turn that sucker down. LOL

I cannot express how bored I am. I actually setup a shooting range in my garage. Bunch of old books, my Ruger Wrangler and quiet .22 shorts.

I looked earlier when I made my last post and it seams that even 16"-20" 1:12 barrels are hard to find and pricy.

It's probably a good thing that I don't have a lathe and mill anymore. Being a retired Tool and Die maker/machinist, I could really get myself into trouble :D
 
I looked earlier when I made my last post and it seams that even 16"-20" 1:12 barrels are hard to find and pricy.

It's probably a good thing that I don't have a lathe and mill anymore. Being a retired Tool and Die maker/machinist, I could really get myself into trouble :D

Bud, been there, done that. I haven't even had any formal, or informal training for that matter. Thank goodness for the internet and Harbor Freight. I know just enough about using the equipment to get myself into trouble...BUT...I'm really good with a drill press and a hammer. LOL
 
Oh man, at that price I decided to go ahead and grab one of those conversion kits. I would have gotten one long ago but could not justify the cost. That argument is no longer valid. As far as building a dedicated 22, that is going to happen because I had this carbon fiber lower and I can think of no application for better than a 22.
 
I don't think it would be a waste. I mean, it should do for clay pigeons, soda cans and such. It should be able to hit steel at 25 yards, which is what I'm really worried about. One of the ranges that I go to has a dedicated rimfire section and they have a nice gallery set up with plates, game sillouettes, bouncers, etc. You could empty a 25 round magazine and never shoot at the same target twice.

What I find a little odd is that according to the videos that I've seen and information that I've read, the conversion does best with 36gr high velocity. For purposes for cycling, I guess so, but conventional wisdom would dictate that it would shoot better using heavy non hollow point bullets. I guess I'll see.
 
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Well, I got my kit in from Primary Arms. Actually got it yesterday. Crazy fast shipping. Anyway, took it to the range and put 400 rounds through it without a hitch. When I first got there, I ran a mag of 5.56 to verify that my scope held zero at 50 yards when removed and replaced, then I slid in the conversion. At 100 yards I put some clay pigeons on the back stop (I HATE shooting at paper). Since I'm running a 1:7 barrel, I theorized that heavier bullets would do better so I took a bunch of 40gr with me. 40gr Wildcat with the dynapoint bullets and 40 CCI MiniMags Target. It shot well with the Wildcats, but it LOVED the CCI Target stuff. With my scope, it was hitting a good bit low, but was able to use the reticle to compensate and popping clays at 100 was pretty easy. With my back up sights, I have those zeroed to 50 yards but the wild thing was that using the long range aperture at 25 yards shooting .22, it hit pretty darned close. Close enough to make shotgun shell hulls pop up. I gotta say, I like it. What I didn't like was having to switch out bolts.

I am definitely gonna build me a dedicated .22 upper. I have all of the parts except the barrel. It turns out that you can convert the conversion unit to a dedicated .22 bolt with the replacement of one part.
 
That's the beauty of the CMMG bolts, just change the chamber adapter for the barrel collar and you are ready for a dedicated barrel.
 
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