Cheapest .22cal AR build?

[CoyoteSix]

Hey all! what's the most inexspensive, but reliable .22 AR build?

NOTE: I'd have to buy a complete lower since it is illegal for a FFL to sell a stripped lower to an individual under 21.

I really want a AR style .22 if building one isn't much more exspensive and just as functional as the S&W M&P 15-22 I'd rather build.


Thanks!

 

[gotigers]

The link is a good place start:

http://www.ar15.com/forums/f_3/15_Rimfire_and_Pistol_Calibers.html

It is much more cost effective to buy a finished 22 deciated upper.

I researched for 6 months before deciding that a 15-22 would be better for me vs a dedicated 22 AR upper.

Edit: I meant it is cheaper to buy a dedicated upper vs building a dedicated upper. A 15-22 might be cheaper. I felt i came out ahead with my 15-22.

 

[Al Thompson]

I dunno. I've been very pleased with my M&P15-22 and see them around here for 400ish. Sort of hard to beat, IMHO.

 

[OARNGESI]

Cheapest will probally be just buy something like a new fronteir polymer lower and a chiappa upper you should be able to come out around 500

 

[candr44]

Buying one would be cheaper than building one and you would have a working gun right away. Building does have its advantages though. You can build it and get a rifle with the features you want. Also, you can buy it piece by piece and not have to spend a lot all at once for a complete rifle.

 

[CharlieDeltaJuliet]

I bought a complete CMMG Quebec-A from Sparta Guns and Ammo, here in NC for $450. It is a standard multi caliber lower(,inspected trigger etc) and a CMMG dedicated flattop upper with railed gas block(not used for gases). It has been a 100% rifle. I had a S&W M&P15-22 before buying this. I just changed my mind and wanted a full weight AR (plus can use the lower for any other standard upper I build). I like the S&W, but was always aggravated over the difficulty of changing hand guards.

Here is my CMMG AR in .22

 

[CoyoteSix]

Thanks for all the replies folks! I think if I can find some MP15-22's in my area for $400 I'll jump on'em.


Thanks again!

 

[rskent]

Its definitely cheaper to just buy one if you can deal with the standard carbine setup that seems to work for most people. If you want something a little different your just gonna have to build it.



Also: I agree, Sig needs to get on the ball and build a 238 in 22lr.

My CMP CMMG

 

[wally]

For most folks I'd recommend the CMMG AR .22lr conversion and a bunch of Black Dog "metal lips" magazines.

If you don't have an AR might as well build a real one exactly as you like, and convert it to .22lr so you will have two calibers to shoot. A dedicated .22lr AR upper is in some ways a better option, but is significantly more expensive.

In a single session do your 5.56 shooting first, then swap in the .22lr conversion, the other way around could have fouling issues as .22lr ammo tends to be rather dirty, but I regularly run 500 .22lr rounds through my CMMG in a single session without issues shooting steel plates.

Although overall it'll be cheaper to get the M&P22, or a SIG 522, but then you still don't have a rifle that'll shoot 5.56 ammo.

 

[rule303]

If you want something that can shoot 5.56 down the road, you could buy a NFA complete lower and Chiappa M4-22 upper. It would run about $450 for the complete upper and lower. The S&W is probably the best bang for the buck, but it will always be a dedicated rimfire. BTW, if you are under 21 you can't buy a complete lower either, since it is still a "receiver" in the eyes of the ATF until it is assembled and functional.