Rifles that have available .22LR conversion?

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GenericHero

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I've researched this to death and I'm not finding anything new so I'm looking for some help from people that are more experienced with different models.

Basically I need a .22lr firearm so I can extend range visits. I am look for a rifle that can be converted to .22lr or converted to a higher caliber from .22lr. I've consider just buying a .22lr pistol and a larger caliber rifle but it just won't work for me. Long range accuracy with the large caliber is more important to me than short range with the smaller caliber. Unfortunately, I know short range won't be as accurate for me because of the wrong twist and barrel size (223) but that is fine. So far the 2 that I have read all the pros and cons about and that will work for me are:

AR15
Mini 14

Please don't think I'm looking to be spoon fed info about the rifles, just any models that you can think of that can be converted without a gunsmith. I have no problems spending the time on researching their pros and cons on my own. If you'd like to add any friendly comments or info, about the models, they are always welcome. =]

Thank you
 
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You can buy dedicated .22LR uppers from several sources. CMMG, Tactical Solutions, Spike's tactical, and I think Bravo Company. It's best to get a complete upper if you want accuracy. Also, pay attention to what mags they use. Avoid proprietary mags (I think Black Dog is the "generic" magazine of choice).

I went ahead and got a whole .22 (Smith&Wesson M&P15-22) because it was actually cheaper than buying a dedicated upper.
 
Thompson Center Contenders and Encores; AR-15s; Blaser: H&R Handi-Rifles.

I would just buy a dedicated .22LR rifle and be done with it.

mbogo
 
I don't know of a 22lr conversion for a Mini14; but a 10/22 is a smaller version in .22lr - a whole gun for the price of an AR-15 /22lr conversion kit.

The problem with conversions is that it is not the original design, and will probably have some hiccups running. I'm not a fan of my AR .22lr Ceiner conversion for dependability; so i think that a dedicated .22lr AR upper would be the way to go.

However, for the price of most dedicated .22lr AR uppers, you could have a sweet CZ .22 bolt rifle, which would be much much better IMHO.
 
Couple .22 conversions I can think of off the top of my head for military style rifles

AR-15 (numerous makers, styles, pretty cheap)
AK-47 (Ceiner makes the conversion, has HORRIBLE customer service)
K-98 Mauser - Very expensive and very rare
FN-Fal- same as Mauser, expensive and rare
Uzi- Again rare and expensive
G3- Gee this is sounding repetitive, expensive and rare

And don't discount the .22 rifles like the Sig 522 that are set up just like their bigger brothers. It will let you get a ton of experience with handling and layout/familiarity with the larger brethren.
 
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akolleth and mbogo: Thanks, I'll check those out.

desidog: Yep, there is a mini 14 conversion.

I noticed a lot of people have said just buy a separate gun or a full upper. As stated in my first post, its just not possible in my situation. It has nothing to do with money.

I really liked the Sig 522 but unfortunately it won't work for me.
 
Probably the most cost-effective is the CMMG stainless AR-15 conversion, runs about $150 on sale various places. The parkerized one is about $100 or less, but most reports say you have to polish off the park in places for it to work.

My stainless kit has been 100% for about 300 rounds so far.

Caveats:
1. mine won't extract live/dummy/dud rounds; you have to bang the butt on your thigh while retracting the bolt. Sometimes you have to remove the mag.
2. The bolt hold open doesn't work. They do make a piece that supposedly drops in and makes the BHO work but I haven't tried it.

Here's a quick vid in case you're interested.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dLGoQKBmsQ8
 
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Like a previous poster said, for the money you're going to spend on any conversion that is more than just for plinking (AR conversions specifically), you could by one of many decent semi-auto 22lr's. My 10/22 was about $230, a buddy of mine picked up his 597 for $175, etc. A complete 22lr upper goes $300 or so and won't do anything better than a cheap Marlin.
 
He said he can't get 2 rifles for undisclosed reasons.

I noticed a lot of people have said just buy a separate gun or a full upper. As stated in my first post, its just not possible in my situation. It has nothing to do with money.
 
1KPerDay: Thanks for all the info, I'll definitely check out that CMMG stainless conversion and thanks for the video it was helpful.

I left out why I can't purchase two rifles because its kind of a long story and I didn't want to bore anyone. My two hobbies are working on my cars and shooting but I have to travel (by car) for work for months at a time. Since I can't bring my cars with me, I'd like an "all-in-one rifle". I'd like to get into distance shooting but having a .22lr conversion would be nice for the days I just want to go to the range and cheaply shoot. I might be able to barely squeeze one locked rifle case in my trunk, along with my necessities, but no way would two fit -- and my puppy gets the backseat. ;)
 
I might be able to barely squeeze one locked rifle case in my trunk, along with my necessities, but no way would two fit -- and my puppy gets the backseat.

My dog rides shotgun. If you ask her, it's non-negotiable.

For your trunk-space issue, if you can't go soft case and need lockable- I'd recommend the AR platform. The upper(s) and lower come apart with two pins, and therefore a storage case can be shorter and deeper. a 16" bbl with upper receiver will run about 24" (depending on the muzzle device) and the lower with a regular length fixed stock will be about 18", shorter with a telescoping stock.

..or there's folding stocks!
 
1KPerDay: Looks like I won't be getting the CMMG conversion. They don't ship to the 2 states I travel to the most -- the mag capacity is too high to be legal. Although I have a license for large capacity in one of those states but its still a no-go. I'll have to order a 10rd conversion kit (ciener).

Desidog: lol, my fiancee gets shotgun but my puppy will sometimes stare at her until he gets pulled up front. Luckily he will never get larger then 6 pounds. Also thanks for the info -- I will definitely need a lockable case and I'll be getting a hard case just because there will be a lot of other things back there.
 
1KPerDay: Looks like I won't be getting the CMMG conversion. They don't ship to the 2 states I travel to the most -- the mag capacity is too high to be legal. Although I have a license for large capacity in one of those states but its still a no-go. I'll have to order a 10rd conversion kit (ciener).
I guess you missed this one...
http://www.cdnninvestments.com/ar22stcokitn.html

:)
 
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