Really dumb question: can my AR-15 be converted to 6.8?

[Dr_2_B]

Hi. I apologize for a question that is so elementary, pedestrian, pedantic, sophomoric, ... insert your own adjective here.

Can one buy, say, a 6.8 upper, replace the existing upper, & have a working 6.8 SPC rifle? My existing ARs are (1) an Olympic Arms and (2) a S&W M&P 15.

Thanks all.

 

[Z-Michigan]

Yes, absolutely. You will need 6.8 specific mags as well, but that's it.

It's also possible to replace the barrel and bolt in your existing upper, but that would cost almost as much as buying a complete 6.8 upper and you would no longer have the .223 upper. You're better off buying a complete 6.8 upper.

 

[Dr_2_B]

Thanks Mich. The stuff I read seemed to indicate that but I wasn't certain.

 

[68wj]

I swap a lower of mine between 5.56 and 6.8 all the time. Yesterday I ran about 150 rounds between the two.

 

[Tirod]

For more details: http://68forums.com/forums/forum.php

 

[TXSWFAN]

You can use a regular 30 round AR mag, they just won't hold 30 rounds. The best 6.8 mags I've used are the Barretts. SSA also makes some great ammo for the platform.

Here's a LWRC 6.8 SBR upper.

 

[SwissArmyDad]

Thanks for asking this question, Dr_2_B.

I found myself wondering the same thing, as I impatiently wait for my MOE lower build kit to arrive. Nothing against the 5.56, but I wondered if it was as simple as a CMMG .22 conversion.

Sounds like I'll probably go 5.56 dedicated upper, .22 bolt conversion, and then dedicated 6.8 upper...

Honestly I'm most excited about switching between .22 and 5.56 so I can teach my little guys with .22 first and then move them up to 5.56 when they're ready. I have to admit, though, 6.8 certainly brings thoughts of venison steaks in my freezer to mind.

 

[snakeman]

You will need an upper assembly, a bolt and carrier group, and magazines.