AR15 .22lr Conversion--which type?

[Eightball]

Alright, so I want a .22 conversion unit for my AR15; that being said, I can't make up my mind as to if I want a drop-in .22lr unit (could afford it within a week or two, use any extra $$$ for more mags and ammo, but not as accurate, etc), or a dedicated .22lr upper (better accuracy & twist rate, but a little more pricey, etc). Cheap plinking while using my AR is one of the primary reasons of interest, as I could shoot it for cheaper--but I don't want something with "terrible" accuracy. On the flipside, I do have a slight worry about the .22lr "leading up" the barrel and/or gas port cut for my .223. And of course, "bang for the buck" is always handy.

I already have a .22 rifle, and a .22 conversion for my 1911, for the record. Please don't suggest getting a different .22 rifle.

So, vote--if you were going to get one or the other for an AR15 for the above reasons, and were a college kid whose income flow stops in a few weeks (when I go back to college, can't work or earn $$$ due to course load), what would you do if you wanted to get a .22lr conversion?

 

[gvnwst]

I bought a spikes upper instead of a conversion kit, i like the idea of having no clogged gas tube (about the only thing i would worry about) and the chamber being scraped. I have heard that conversion kit accuracy isn't acutally that bad. I had the cash for the barrel and stripped upper more than the BCG, so i went for it.

 

[BlacklabelOP]

I bought a ciener kit for $150 and black dog machine mags...

100yrd plinking and drills... Put the rest of my cash in optics.

 

[cbrgator]

I've got the Ciener. No complaints. Supposedly, one shot from .223 blows all the crap from the conversion kit right out of the gas tube.

 

[helz_mcfugly]

getting a ciener kit soon. Ive seen them alot at the range and everyone that has one loves it. I would probably want a second upper just for the conversion kit later on but Ide use it in my current setup just like it is for now.

 

[vzwnnj]

I have a CZ V22 dedicated upper...very reliable and accurate...was about $300 if i recall correctly...The thing really likes CCI Mini Mags

I have a buddy who has the Ciener...his works fine, but not as accurate as the CZ upper...but considerably less cost

 

[Threeband]

Does anyone know anything about this CMMG drop in from Brownells?

http://www.brownells.com/aspx/NS/Store/ProductDetail.aspx?p=27008

 

[mljdeckard]

It's really a question of what your idea of acceptable accuracy is. Understand that .22lr and .223 are NOT exactly the same caliber. Accuracy might range from ok to terrible if you have the wrong barrel.

 

[ArmedBear]

Dedicated upper. Keep it sighted in, don't worry about cleaning it for a couple of bricks. Pure fun, very reliable, and accurate, too.

 

[Eightball]

Does anyone know anything about this CMMG drop in from Brownells?

Found an old thread on here about 'em, they seem to be a JAC kit without dealing with the man himself (which I've heard is a real "plus").

Seeing the price on those is why I've got my dilemma. :/

 

[railroader]

I like my ciener kit. It will shoot about 1 inch at 25 yards with the right ammo. It won't win any accuracy contests past 50 yards but it is fun for plinking. It doesn't shoot to the same point of aim as 223 so I have how many clicks to adjust for the carry handle sight written down. Mark

 

[zoom6zoom]

Does anyone know anything about this CMMG drop in from Brownells?

Yes, I have one. I had originally ordered the Ciener from them but it was backordered forever, then they told me they were dropping his product due to unreliability of the product being available. When the CMMG came in they offered me a sweet deal on it. If you've got a C&R or FFL their current price on it is $179. It works great with the Black Dog mags. I haven't tried a lot of different ammo in it, but it runs great with the Aguila from CMP.

BTW, comparing a 10 round and a 27 round BD mag side by side, it looks like the only difference is a small plastic nub inside keeping the follower from going down further. Spring seems to be identical. Ten seconds with a Dremel...

 

[shooting4life]

I have a spike dedicated upper. The upper runs like a champ, only the occasional fte and usually that is when the bolt and carrier is really dirty. I take out the bolt and wipe it off with a paper towel put a few drops of oil and I am off shooting 100's of more rounds. I have near 10,000 rounds through it and have only needed to clean the bolt. The best part is the made the upper to work with the federal bulk pack ammo that is sold at walmart so you even get to use the cheap ammo that is 13 dollars a brick instead of the 7 dollars per hundred for minimag. I love my upper.

 

[vzwnnj]

The CZ V22 shoots anything that is high velocity...standard stuff reportedly will not cycle the bolt. Federal, Remington, etc all work great....It just likes the minimags best if you're looking for accuracy

 

[donkee]

I like my dedicated .22 so much, I keep posting it!

I ordered a bolt/barrel from Spike's. I put it together using a Mega upper and lower and some other spare parts I had. It is a riot!