Ar15 - Thought on 22lr conversion

I have a Ceiner for my AR 20".
Had to adjust the scope, but the rifle shot the bulk Federal pack pretty well. Not quite as accurate as the centerfire, but still pretty good. Cheap shooting. Keep the gas port clean though.

Had a Ceiner. Never worked. You have to get one that was built when he was in a good mood. I believe he was or is getting sued, due to the high volume of crap he was putting out. Really shifty company.

Got a S&W M&P....digest anything I put in it. Gave it the Magpul treatment. Couldn't be happier.

Love my Ciener kit. Never had a problem. Shoots great!

IMO stainless or plated versions being 'slicker' than phosphated models feed more reliably, lack the usual break-in period and wipe down slightly easier.

Be aware some models (more recent years at least with CMMG and spikes) will extract live unfired rounds, while older models you're left using a tool to remove a dud or any unfired round (it gets very annoying). Grouping will not be the same as with a dedicated .22, my only experience is with 1:9 twist so far, but can still hit steel consistently at 100yards off-hand with bulk. Took conversion kit to an appleseed and will say ammo selection is critical if shooting for groups. I know of some folks who plugged the gas port due to firing too many .22 without running some full-house .223 to clear the gas tube on their AR.

2 x 5.56 rounds every few hundred rounds works for me along with a quick wipe down of feed ramp and throat of conversion kit every 300+ rounds.

You will want more mags than you think - I really like the gen 4 Blackdog x-form mags as the feed lips (both nylon and SS) and they can still be found at reasonable prices every few weeks even now.

For the price of the conversion kit, I would recommend you get a 10/22 or other 22 LR rifle.

Jim

Had a Ceiner. Never worked. You have to get one that was built when he was in a good mood.

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Might be your gun. I have a Ceiner that runs like a top with just about any ammo in several guns but doesn't run too hot in one gun. Old M&P15.

I don't think Ciener is in business anymore as he was arrested for fraud a couple of years ago. Was taking money for conversion kits but never delivered and his customer service left a great deal to be desired. I'd just buy a dedicated upper and leave it at that. I have 3,one is from Model 1the other is a Tactical Solutions and the 3rd is one that was built by a local AR guy. They are accurate and function with the Ceiner and Black Dog mags that I have on hand.

You'd be better off buying a S&W 15-22 in my experience.

I tried the S&W M&P15-22 it just wasn't for me(I just could not get used to the plastic), although it was a good rifle. I did I t like what I heard about the .22lr and the gas tubes. I ended up getting a CMMG Quebec-A dedicated .22. It is a standard AR lower and upper, just built with a .22barrel and bolt carrier group. It isn't for everyone, but it was the right fit for me.

Right now, I wonder if you could even get ammo for it for less than you're used to paying for 5.56/.223.

I've never understood the point of a .22 caliber AR, but that is probably just me. If I want to shoot .22 I just pull out one of my Ruger 10/22's and plink away. It isn't as if shooting a .22 will make you any better of a shot with 5.56 rounds. As Med says, you'll be lucky to find ammo for either right now.

I have a CMMG 22 conversion...runs great in my BCM ar15...
Never have a problem!

I agree about the ammo being scarce, I always try to keep 4-5k rounds on hand just incase scares like what we have now. If you are like me, I never liked the styling of a 10/22, that was the reason I went with an AR in 22. The 10/22, mini-14's and mini-30's were never my forte'. I have been really impressed with mine. It shoots as good as any other semi-auto .22 I have ever shot. Good luck on your decision and enjoy.. Let us know what you choose.

The Ceiner and the CMMG are essentially identical, and use the same magazines from Black Dog. I've got one of each, and they work in my rifles with no problems. As noted, accuracy is not as tight as with the .223 centerfire, due to the .001" smaller diameter rimfire bullets, but it's acceptable for plinking out to 50 yards or so.

IMO get a dedicated .22 upper instead of a conversion. I picked up my DPMS upper for $380 OTD a few week ago and couldnt be happier. using a dedicated upper you will be able to just swap uppers and be gtg instead of having to resight your optics or sites. also keeps your standard upper "cleaner"

and for those that are wondering whats the point of a .22 AR. for me I like to train with what im gonna use. So having all the controls in the same place, the weight being really close, and mag changes being the same make it completely worth it to me.

HKGuns said:

I've never understood the point of a .22 caliber AR, but that is probably just me. If I want to shoot .22 I just pull out one of my Ruger 10/22's and plink away. It isn't as if shooting a .22 will make you any better of a shot with 5.56 rounds. As Med says, you'll be lucky to find ammo for either right now.

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What is so difficult to understand? Having a dedicated 22 upper that is the same as your go to rifle is the way to go for training since manual of arms is the same. Only real difference is weight of mag/ammo and recoil. AR22 is a great way to train instead of blowing .223/5.56 reserves.

What is so difficult to understand? Having a dedicated 22 upper that is the same as your go to rifle is the way to go for training since manual of arms is the same. Only real difference is weight of mag/ammo and recoil.

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That actually depends on the upper. Many don't have a last round bolt hold open feature that operates they exact same way.

Overall I like, and use the concept. Using a .22LR upper is not a 1:1 in terms of training. However, I believe used properly there is great value and that it is much better than no trigger trigger time. Given the price of ammo they are a great tool.

I think a dedicated upper is a much better way to go than a conversion bolt.

As far as I know none of them really hold the bolt open. Some of them hold it open halfway until you remove the magazine.

There are a few problems with the drop-in bolts. Sometimes they run, sometimes they don't, depending on the bolt and the upper. The main reason I didn't want one, is that AR barrels are the wrong caliber and rate of twist for .22 LR. They will shoot, but don't expect them to group like an actual .22.

I have a CMMG dedicated upper. With two mags and a carry handle, it was about $400. All of my friends with the drop-in bolt kits are jealous. But if you want to make a four year-old nephew cackle like a little demon, let him do a mag dump with it.

CMMG now makes a bolt open adapter for their kits and uppers. It works great and is usually under $30.

Listen to mljdeckard, he is absolutly ore t about the drop ins. Atleast from my experience. The adapter is relativly new. I think they came about with the Evolution or Revolution or whatever. I cannot comment on the other brands but I love the CMMG dedicated rifles and dedicated uppers.

@ colorado handgunner, I understand if you go back to the Marlin too. I have an old Nylon 66 that is my go to .22. Good luck and if I can answer any questions please feel free to ask..

Another big benefit: many ranges do not allow .223 "Rifle Calibers", but allow the .22lr.