AR-15 .22LR best Choice

[Maplewood]

I got to shoot a guys CMMG AR conversion a few weeks ago (just 10 rounds) and it was very nice, he said it was the CMMG conversion kit for a regular AR-15. So my question is, whats the best deal on a AR-15 in 22lr, I'm building a Delton kit this year, so maybe I will just do that and get this CMMG kit, or are the dedicated .22 AR's the way to go? I have seen them and they are expensive in some cases, I'm just a plinker, even when I get the 5.56 AR done, it will be a plinker. I understand some are not "real" AR's, just look like it from outside, but thats fine with me, I have a Marlin 795 with scope and it's cool, but that AR CMMG kit was waaaay cooler than the 795 to plink with IMO. If you have any info please let me know, positive or negative. I know .22's tend to jam and I'm fine with the occasional FTF or picky ammo.

Money is the issue here, I don't want to spend $400 on a dedicated AR .22

[emy]

If you already have an AR in 223, and you only want the 22 for plinking the conversion kit is perfect.

[triplestack3]

I have a dedicated AR-22 rifle. Aeroprecision lower, Stag (?) lpk, and CMMG upper. It has the right twist for 22LR and more importantly, no bullet button. Unfortunately we're talking about $600 for the setup.

Just get the conversion kit and some mags - you will be well within budget

[Mr. Meeseeks]

I had one for a little while, I had zero problems with it out of the box. I sold it when I caved and bought a S&W 15/22.

Here's the one I had.

[shadow65]

The main difference will be accuracy and change of POI.
If I run a conversion in a 5.56, I shoot 300-500 rounds of .22, then pull the BCG. Run a Boresnake while it's still warm, install the 5.56 BCG and shoot 5 rounds. That will blow out the gunk from the gas system.
Run copper wash ammo. It will leave less lead. Never run Remington. Very dirty and the bullet profile is slightly different.
A CMMG conversion in a 1/9 twist barrel will give you about 2"-3" at 50 yards.

A CMMG dedicated upper will give you 1" at 50 yards

Get the stainless. It's stronger, smoother, stays cleaner and uses less lube.

Be aware the ones you find for $160 are old, discontinued kits. They do not have the features of the Evolution, including live round extraction.
Dave N

[donw]

i have the dedicated Spikes Tactical ST-22 and i definitely WOULD recommend a dedicated AR .22.

it has the lowers that are 5.56, etc compatible and i got the 5.56 upper to go with it.

i know the Spikes ST-22 is no longer available so I'd try the CMMG in .22 lr...but...you ain't gonna get away with $400.00...i paid nearly $900.00 for mine new.

[AR22]

Get the CMMG dedicated upper...Forget the drop in conversions...The dedicated is definitley the way to go and well worth the extra cost over the conversion.......Our CMMG runs flawlessley if the ammo does its part,no malfunctions other than ammo related and even those are few and far between as they say..

Definitley get the stainless bolt group as Shadowcop stated,its a little extra but well worth it and the stainless upgrade is I think around 30.00..........

[Regaberto]

I just got a s&w 15-22 can't tell you how happy I am that I bought it shot 600 flawless rounds so far and only spend 25 bucks on ammo. I have a ar15 and thought about the dedicated upper but figured for the features I'd want in the cmmg kit I'd be about or more than a 15/22 so I took the plunge and am happy I did

[shadow65]

Then you paid way too much. You can get a complete CMMG rifle with a mil spec 5.56 lower much less thasn that.

Dave N

i have the dedicated Spikes Tactical ST-22 and i definitely WOULD recommend a dedicated AR .22.

it has the lowers that are 5.56, etc compatible and i got the 5.56 upper to go with it.

i know the Spikes ST-22 is no longer available so I'd try the CMMG in .22 lr...but...you ain't gonna get away with $400.00...i paid nearly $900.00 for mine new.

[TacticalTed.com]

I just had to have the S&W 15-22 and it is one sweet gun! No regrets and VERY reliable! All the controls are as in an AR and work, no fake non working parts.

[Ricky-Ray]

Go with the CMMG upper instead of the conversion kit. Much better in accuracy, plus you can have one rifle in 223/5.56 and another one in 22 rimfire. Shadow65 is the guy to go to when it comes to CMMG 22 uppers. You won't regret getting it from him.

[Horta]

I have the CMMG drop-in conversion kit and I am very disappointed with it. It is the pricier stainless model and I am getting 6” groups at 50 yards.

[shadow65]

Try different ammo. I have some barrels that will shoot decent groups with CCI Mini mags but look like a shotgun pattern with Fed bulk.
You just need to see what your barrel likes.
Dave N