Best .22 AR Conversion Kit for Use w/ Aguila 60gr Subsonics & Suppressor

[Shytheed Dumas]

I've taken the plunge and am now waiting on approval for my AAC Pilot 2 suppressor to come in. While I wait, I'm making decisions on what to do about host guns, and came to the conclusion that I would like to buy a .22lr conversion kit for my AR-15.

I have a DPMS upper with a 1:7 twist on an SI Defense lower, and I think it would be ideal for stabilizing 60 grain subsonic Aguila ammo. There are a few kits to choose from, but I want to be sure to buy the one that will cycle this and similar ammo reliably. Any experience with this kind of set up out there? All suggestions are appreciated.

 

[GCBurner]

The ones I've tried don't function too reliably with Standard Velocity target ammo, they need something with a little more power. Federal Champion high-velocity hollow points work well in mine, CCI Standard Velocity stovepipes a lot.

 

[Shytheed Dumas]

I was afraid of that. Which specific kits have you used?

 

[sixgunner455]

Friend of mine uses the Aguila 60gr in his conversion unit. His targets are usually varmints on his property, and it performs well, but he has to clean the unit every half box or so to keep it running properly, and he's had the tiny cases not eject and tie up the gun a couple of times.

Not a defense gun when set up that way, so he doesn't worry about it. Me, I'd get a 10/22 or Savage with a threaded barrel and run lighter subsonics through it. I don't like cleaning my .22 that much.

 

[Sky]

I have two CMMG conversion kits I have used in various ARs. Have not used them for a while because of owning dedicated uppers now. Both of mine were the chrome type and I can not remember having problems with either one. Easy to clean but do not seem to recall having to clean them after a few hundred rounds? One of the dedicated uppers was having a few FTE and jams with one of the CMMG mags ( I have several ) so I tried the mag in an other upper with the same results. Changed the mag and no further problems; thought about throwing the mag with the problem away. Also Blackdog mags seem to work as well as the CMMG mags but will not work with certain upper/lower combos.

 

[GCBurner]

I was afraid of that. Which specific kits have you used?

I've got a CMMG and a Ceiner. They're about equal in reliability.

 

[mongo4567]

I went the other way, got an A1 upper with the 1/12 so that I could shoot standard weight bullets very accurately in my conversion. I have a Spikes tactical conversion and love it. It has a steady diet of Federal bulk. I have also shot the Ceiner and it was fine.

I have tried the aguila sss 60grn in my 10/22 with a 1/9 twist barrel. It shot fine, but the round is so slow that I get a lot of noise out the action. It also didn't function well and I didn't want to lighten the spring just for that...plus, it would probably have more noise out the action. I couldn't find a good bolt lock for the 10/22 either. I would think the sss round is best in a bolt gun.

My favorite hosts are the Ruger Mk3, 10/22, and Walther P22. I usually just shoot Federal bulk, it doesn't make a lot of difference. And I usually just add oil instead of cleaning. To make subsonic 100% reliable in an auto I would think that you need to lighten springs. If I want Hollywood quiet, I use a Thompson Contender 22lr pistol with subsonics. You pretty much only hear the hammer and the bullet impact.