How to convert an ar 15 to a new caliber.

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davisa

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Hey,

Has anyone ever changed their AR over to a different caliber? I have a upper in 7.62x39 and would like to go to a 264 LBC. Is this something I can do or should I just take it to a gunsmith? Any advice would be welcome.

Davisa
 
I would recommend buying a new upper that way you can keep your current caliber in case you want to go back.
 
At a minimum you will need a new barrel and a bolt. Depending on the differences in the two barrels, you may need other stuff like a gas block, gas tube, hand guard, barrel nut, etc.

It is not really difficult to do.

But, like others said, it might be more convenient to get a complete assembled upper.
 
I'd dump the soviet and have a gunsmith re barrel it. Only because he's got the right tools and experience to do the job right. You can jack a barrel up just torquing the muzzle devise without a barrel vise as an example.
 
Depending on the caliber, sometimes you don't even need to change the bolt or mag, just barrel. 300 AAC blackout for example.
 
Depending on the caliber
Click to expand...
With the calibers stated by the OP, I don't think a new bolt will be needed, I'm almost positive they would be of the same parent case as the 6.5 Grendel, the .220 Russian. He's starting with a 7.62x39, so going to a .300blk or .450bm WOULD require a new bolt, but I believe the .264 and 7.62x39 both are of the same parent case.


Although, OP, I'd look at a less proprietary (and soon to be obsolete) caliber. The 264 LBC is not going to take off. Look at 6.5 Grendel which released to SAAMI specs earlier this year. That would be a barrel swap only for you, if you didn't want to buy a whole new upper.
 
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The excellent ARP 264 LBC/6.6 Grendel will shoot both!
"18" stainless barrels and uppers. This is a one time thing after these are gone we will not do it again.
We're going to do it right, they will shoot either the Grendel or 264LBC ammo
They will be headspaced on a typical 7.62x39 bolt face so our super strong 7.62x39
bolts will work" H.
 
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