AR15 .22 Conversions.....barrel question.

[Eightball]

Alright, with the price of ammo having gone stupid as of late, I've been looking into doing the .22 conversion thing for my AR15 (already have a conversion for my 1911, like the idea and execution of conversions). Previously, I'd been leaning a bit more towards a dedicated .22 upper (for the twist rate, slightly better bullet-to-bore fit, no theoretical or actual worries about cleaning the gas port, the usual bit), but depending on how Xmas goes, I may need to use some of my money I earn over Christmas Break (college student) to purchase a smaller CCW piece than my 5" 1911 , in addition to anything else.

So, as of late, rather than think along the lines of a dedicated .22 upper, the 1/3 cost of a drop-in bolt-type conversion is beginning to appeal to me (it would also leave more $$$ for those nifty Black Dog Mags); however, on most of the reviews I"ve read for them (and the concept of sending .22lr down a .223 barrel), people have been using chromed barrels. So, I'm starting to possibly over-think myself, because my barrel isn't chrome lined (better accuracy guarantee, and I use this thing hunting when I can). Ultimately, my question boils down to--are there any additional, negative (or positive) considerations to take in mind when considering an AR15 drop-in .22lr conversion unit for a .223 upper that is not chrome-lined?

 

[SaxonPig]

This set up will not deliver match grade accuracy whether the barrel is chrome lined or not. These units are intended for plinking and fun shooting.

 

[Eightball]

This set up will not deliver match grade accuracy whether the barrel is chrome lined or not. These units are intended for plinking and fun shooting.

That's good, because cheap plinking would be the primary purpose for buying a conversion unit However, the potential accuracy I've heard about/seen obtained with a dedicated .22 upper are pretty nifty.

However, my issue still remains--would there be an issue in the non-chromed barrel, with cleaning, reliability, or whatnot?

 

[IndianaBoy]

There won't be much difference.

Don't let the chrome lining lead you out to buy a dedicated upper.

A chrome lined barrel is slicker, cleans up easier.... and it is more durable in a centerfire.


It will have little effect on accuracy in a 22lr AR setup.

 

[mljdeckard]

They won't be as accurate because they are the wrong caliber. .22lr bullets are .22 caliber. .223 bullets are actually .224, the same diameter as the casing on a .22 lr, keeping in mind also, it's a harder jacketed bullet. They will work, and shoot, but if you want serious accuracy out of it, you will need to order an upper with the correct caliber.