AR Preference - .22 LR Conversion Kit or Dedicated Upper or Dedicated Rifle?

[Nvberinger]

Many of the dedicated rifle are just plastic uni-frame. I don't see the point.

[TrappedinCalifornia]

As I said in the OP, I don't have a dog in the hunt.

I can see advantages and disadvantages to each option, particularly in California with our 'maze' of laws related to so-called "assault weapons."

With that said, I could see a dedicated upper for many of the reasons cited above. However, a dedicated rifle might be worth the extra investment in this State. But, a lot of the justification for either is going to be dependent upon how much you actually shoot the thing and for what purpose.

A conversion kit is something I see as a potential 'bonus' for a go bag - IF - your primary rifle is going to be an AR. There are a few which are 'accurate enough' for the occasional squirrel/rabbit.

A dedicated upper is a less expensive alternative to a rifle, has the advantage of an actual .22 LR barrel, and can be mated to an existing lower for an AR. However, in this State, it can potentially create 'issues' (legal and otherwise) depending on how you configure your lower vis a vis its so-called "assault weapon" configuration. (Yes. Legal, at least in the sense of "looking like," opening you up to questions being asked.)

A dedicated rifle obviates most of the issues surrounding so-called "assault weapons" once the questions are being asked. But, for my purposes, were I looking for a dedicated .22 rifle, I'm not sure one in an AR configuration would be my choice over, say, a 10/22, Marlin 60, or a CZ bolt action. As a 'survival rifle,' a dedicated upper or, more likely, a conversion kit would seem to be a 'better' alternative in the grand scheme of things.

That's my, personal take on them. YMMV. Having played with all three types, I've come to the conclusion that all can be 'fun to play with.' But, again, that's why I asked which you prefer.

[AR22]

As I said in the OP, I don't have a dog in the hunt.

I can see advantages and disadvantages to each option, particularly in California with our 'maze' of laws related to so-called "assault weapons."

With that said, I could see a dedicated upper for many of the reasons cited above. However, a dedicated rifle might be worth the extra investment in this State. But, a lot of the justification for either is going to be dependent upon how much you actually shoot the thing and for what purpose.

A conversion kit is something I see as a potential 'bonus' for a go bag - IF - your primary rifle is going to be an AR. There are a few which are 'accurate enough' for the occasional squirrel/rabbit.

A dedicated upper is a less expensive alternative to a rifle, has the advantage of an actual .22 LR barrel, and can be mated to an existing lower for an AR. However, in this State, it can potentially create 'issues' (legal and otherwise) depending on how you configure your lower vis a vis its so-called "assault weapon" configuration. (Yes. Legal, at least in the sense of "looking like," opening you up to questions being asked.)

A dedicated rifle obviates most of the issues surrounding so-called "assault weapons" once the questions are being asked. But, for my purposes, were I looking for a dedicated .22 rifle, I'm not sure one in an AR configuration would be my choice over, say, a 10/22, Marlin 60, or a CZ bolt action. As a 'survival rifle,' a dedicated upper or, more likely, a conversion kit would seem to be a 'better' alternative in the grand scheme of things.

That's my, personal take on them. YMMV. Having played with all three types, I've come to the conclusion that all can be 'fun to play with.' But, again, that's why I asked which you prefer.

Well believe me I have Model 60s, Marlin Lever actions and many, many more .22 Rifles and Handguns in addition to the AR dedicated Rifle..You do not have to limit yourself to only one .22

Everyone who enjoys Rimfire, should have at least one dedicate Rifle in the AR platform..I am not talking a plastic proprietary design SW MP22, or God forbid a Colt M4 cheapo one, or one of the other knockoff plastic crappers that are out there..I am talking a "real" one like mine..

[Peahi2]

I'm in the dedicated upper AND shooting other 22 rifles category.

Shooting those 22 conversion kits is suboptimal as mentioned by others (as well as discussed ad nauseam at AR15.com. The accuracy issues as well as cycling that dirty ammo through the gun makes it a no go for me. If I was only shooting 22 once in a blue moon with no care about real accuracy, it would be ok (and to fire some regular centerfires after shooting the 22lr rounds to clear out the gas system).

In reality, after I got my expensive *** CMMG 22 upper and magazines, I didn't really shoot it much because all my shooting time was taken up by my CZ 457 and later on, a 10/22 that I got for appleseed. The CMMG 22 upper goes on a Franklin CA7 AR pistol. Perhaps I'll shoot that more during covidian times if the ammogedon continues into the fall and next year.

if money was no issue, and I was in no rush to wait for it to be made, I would like to try out a 16 inch CMMG 22 upper. I think there is great value in being able to shoot AR rifle and pistol uppers on your regular lower to be able to train using your "good" trigger, grip, and stock set up. Getting a dedicated plastic 22 AR with a funky trigger and different overall setup would be suboptimal. If you're gonna spend money on a nice geissele or Larue trigger, you might as well try to train using 22 ammo too.

[angrybell]

[AR22]

I started my kids way back on a little Cricket single shot..Still have it and the grand kids are just about ready it for it now..

[swiftone]

Dedicated rifle. Mine is built on a 80% lower I had engraved with Mattel Firearms, sons birthdate as the serial and converted to A1 specs.

CMMG barrel/bolt assembly/Bravo Company handguard with A1 stock and pistol grip. An "almost" twin of one of my carbines and thus much less expensive to train with. Got a ton of freedom week mags, load up before I leave home and play..

It is the one on the left

[nitroxdiver]

[nitroxdiver]

[crufflers]

That is cool AF.

[TrappedinCalifornia]

[Peahi2]

Most def a collectors item! So clean and organized...German engineering and precision.

[TrappedinCalifornia]

Given how poorly the conversion kit option is doing in the poll, I thought it might prove interesting to compare what was said on YouTube about the CMMG kit 9 years ago, back in October of last year, and six months ago.





I'm not 'promoting' anything. I just find the 'enthusiasm' for the CMMG conversion kit on YouTube an interesting juxtaposition to the results of this poll.

[crufflers]

I almost got the conversion kit many times before I got an actual CMMG complete upper because of those reviews most likely... the upper was a steal back then for some reason, sale or something. After that it just made sense to pair it with a lower that I had delegated as a backup since I had tried one polymer lower and didn't love it. Do love it on a light .22 build tho.

[heavyhaulin818]

TIPPMAN ARMS ELITE OR GSG 16-22.