.22lr AR conversion

[gunderwood]

I have a Spikes tactical .22lr conversion on the way. Anyone else have a .22lr AR conversion? I'll post a review of it at some point...

I just needed more posts to win that leatherman.

[allingeneral]

I was just looking at a .22 conversion yesterday and then I though NAAAAHHHHH!

[gunderwood]

I was just looking at a .22 conversion yesterday and then I though NAAAAHHHHH!

From the research I did, you get plinking accuracy. 1-2" groups at 50 yards. Good enough to train on steel out to 100 yards. A good dedicated upper will set you back 2-3x, but accuracy will be much better. An AR barrel is slightly oversized for .22lr. Close enough to work, but not ideal. Same with the twist rate; ARs are too high. The last reason for the limited accuracy is that the conversions "extend" the barrel. They have too because a .22lr is much shorter than a 5.56mm. The bullets jump about an inch before hitting the rifling in the barrel. The extension is not rifled.

The second drawback is that cheap .22lr is dirty. Your gun gets quite dirty and if you don't clean it after shooting .22lr and then shoot 5.56mm you will put a lot of wear on your upper. The grit from the .22lr polishes off the finish. Just make sure to clean it well before shooting 5.56mm. I use wipeout now, but am trying M-7 Pro.

The general consensus is that it can't harm your barrel or your upper (conversion "bolt carrier" doesn't move. The bolt rides internal to it and is the only moving part).

Most of the kits are clones of the original. CMMG seems to be the most popular. I choose the Spikes Tactical because it improved on the basic design.

1. Nickel plated for reduced friction and easy cleaning.
2. O rings on the chamber insert to reduce fouling
3. Gas tube plug (not exactly sure if mods are needed for this or if it just slides in; if it needs mods I won't use it.

I plan on using mine to train for CQB on steel. Good way to train the mechanics on the cheap.

Edit: Forgot to mention that you need a regular charging handle (won't work with some of the aftermarket ones) and they all recommend a round hammer vice a notched. Notched can work, but generally gives more failures. The mechanics are all the same except the bolt release. It does not hold open on an empty mag.

[allingeneral]

There's just a certain satisfaction to the heavier kick of the 5.56 round vs. a 22lr. I just don't think I would enjoy it as much. Maybe I'll change my tune after a few hundred rounds of 5.56 empties my pockets though