AR15 Questions

No, not really.

Most of the .22 versons out there are dedicated .22 RF and not compatable with AR-15 uppers.

You can get a .223/5.56 AR-15 and then put a .22 Upper or conversion kit on it.
http://cmmginc.secure-mall.com/category/22LR-AR15-Upper-Groups-184
http://cmmginc.secure-mall.com/category/22LR-Conversion-Kits-231

rc

With current new gun prices?
By the time you figure in the cost of the tools you will need to buy to build one properly?
I don't think you can build as good a gun as you can buy all ready to go.

Then if you are that new to the AR platform?
A factory guarantee that it is right, and will work is worth something.

rc

I agree with RC 100%...


Unless you just WANT to make the investment (time and money) to build your own...

rcmodel is right as usual. There are exceptions to the rule, but they'll end up costing you more $$. Tactical solutions makes a .22LR upper that will fit on any standard AR lower. The only benefit for going this way is that the dedicated .22LR upper will be more accurate than the conversions. It'll have the right 1:16 twist and the barrel will be just a bit more snug to the .22LR lead projectiles.

The .22LR conversion for a standard ar will be just the ticket for just about anything you want to do, but if you want the extra accuracy, tactical solutions .22 AR upper is the ticket.

http://www.tacticalsol.com/tshome/ar22-22lr-conversion

the only way to save money by building is to find all your parts at a discounted price....u also dont need the expensive tool...i put my ar together using normal tool...allen wrenches as punches and channel locks, needle nose pliers..just cover your seen parts with electrical tape so they dont scratch...the upper i just custom ordered..

I did a custom rock river match grade stainlees steel heavy barrel, full length quads, BCM gunfighter charging handle, rock river 2 stage match lower with magpull acs stock...1100 bucks...u can buy a rock that is similar for 1050 but it has basic stock, standard charging handle, aluminum tube

by building your own you save in the long run cuz you can by the parts you want as you go instead of buying an 800 dollar gun then ditching the stock, forend, trigger group, grip for upgraded parts...so if u just want a basic run of the mill AR just buy one out of the box for 6-800 bucks...if you want a custom bada** AR built to your specs build it yourself and save

if you want to take a stab at building one, the best way to start is by buying a complete upper and building your own lower out of a stripped lower, a lower parts kit, and a butstock. you could probably build one that way for well under 600. heck you could even buy a complete lower and stick the 2 halves together for a little more.

you can also buy a 10/22 for about the cost of a 22 conversion kit. and it will probably work better.

Palmetto State Armory has some great rifle kits for reasonable prices. You just add a stripped lower of your choice. The kit comes with everything you need. The upper will come assembled and test fired.

I would just look for a dedicated 22 upper that you can use with the lower you assemble.

There are several .22lr uppers that will work on a 5.56/.223 milspec lower. Not the other way around. You can also leave the upper alone and get a 22lr converstion bolt. CMMG makes both. I personally don't like the bolt only conversion. It is to dirty and using the .223 barrel makes the .22lr not very accurate.

None of the 22lr ARs are compatible with a milspec upper.

I'm going to disagree with RC.

Unless mechanically inept or lack the patience, build the lower and buy the upper. Too often stock lowers get gutted later and things like stocks, triggers, and grips upgraded later (basically buying 2 of each). There is also the added benefit of having a better understanding of the function of the confidence that comes with it. Take your time, get what you want the first time, and it will mean more.

As for the upper, RC is definitely spot on. Even disregarding the special tools required, most assembled uppers tend to be the same or cheaper than building yourself.