22lr AR for training build

[MichaelJR]

Okay, so my primary go-to is a lightweight lwrc. Obviously, I'm not too keen on the idea of tossing in a conversion into that, it gives me the heebys. So, I would like to build a "clone" of it in 22. Obviously I'm not buying a new RMR for the clone, I'll use a burris (or something similar), but everything else I'd like to be identical. Right now, she weighs in just over 7.5 lbs. Serious lightweight. I did notice the M&P 22, but it's only 4.5 lbs....

Question is, will it take my Ace stock, magpul furniture, trigger, etc etc, ....but also can I weigh her down in areas if need be to get the balance to where my go-to rifle is at.

Has anyone else cloned their classes/end of the world/top rifle for a similar purpose? Dedicated upper is also a possibility.

Any advice would be appreciated.

As for my RMR, any recommended clones or stuff of similar size/weight/etc without buying a new rmr?

Per usual, thanks ahead of time.

 

[Supermoto]

I use a nordic upper to train with. It balances similar to a 18" barrel, but it is slightly nose heavy compare to my 16" lightweight.
There uppers run awesome, the problem is they sell out so fast its hard to get them

 

[OnTheRoad]

I got the dedicated CMMG upper. For not much more extra $$ you get a barrel with a correct twist for the rounds you're firing and you don't have to worry about fouling up your "good" upper. Shoots great and the weight and handling is comparable to my regular flattop upper. Standard AR furniture fits right on it. I got it earlier this year, shot it all summer and fall and have noticed it has improved my groups and general handling when going back to 5.56. Really, nothing bad to say about it.

 

[ColdDayInHell]

I got the dedicated CMMG upper. For not much more extra $$ you get a barrel with a correct twist for the rounds you're firing and you don't have to worry about fouling up your "good" upper. Shoots great and the weight and handling is comparable to my regular flattop upper. Standard AR furniture fits right on it. I got it earlier this year, shot it all summer and fall and have noticed it has improved my groups and general handling when going back to 5.56. Really, nothing bad to say about it.

+1 I'll eventually do the same, CMMG makes excellent products. And Michael, I agree the M&P 15-22 is lightweight, it felt like an airsoft gun in my hands. I also agree with you about your LWRC, I would never run a conversion bolt in it. I only do it in my AR because the M&P Sport is "cheap" enough for me to where I don't mind if it takes a little abuse. Doesn't BCM make some .22 uppers?

 

[MichaelJR]

I use a nordic upper to train with. It balances similar to a 18" barrel, but it is slightly nose heavy compare to my 16" lightweight.
There uppers run awesome, the problem is they sell out so fast its hard to get them

That blows, currently sold out.

- - - Updated - - -

I got the dedicated CMMG upper. For not much more extra $$ you get a barrel with a correct twist for the rounds you're firing and you don't have to worry about fouling up your "good" upper. Shoots great and the weight and handling is comparable to my regular flattop upper. Standard AR furniture fits right on it. I got it earlier this year, shot it all summer and fall and have noticed it has improved my groups and general handling when going back to 5.56. Really, nothing bad to say about it.

I usually only run mini-mags, but is she good for bulk as well?

 

[OnTheRoad]

I usually only run mini-mags, but is she good for bulk as well?

I've been running Centurion 1250fps 40gr LRN through it without a hitch. Also used the Aguila Super Colibri for the critters in the backyard, not strong enough to cycle the action but enough power to drop squirrels in their tracks without the neighbors catching on.

 

[ColdDayInHell]

I've been running Centurion 1250fps 40gr LRN through it without a hitch. Also used the Aguila Super Colibri for the critters in the backyard, not strong enough to cycle the action but enough power to drop squirrels in their tracks without the neighbors catching on.

These are great rounds. I have a nice little range in my basement and these + the CCI CB long rounds work awesome. Real quiet, but pretty damn effective. I imagine they would be perfect for squirrels.

 

[MichaelJR]

I've been running Centurion 1250fps 40gr LRN through it without a hitch. Also used the Aguila Super Colibri for the critters in the backyard, not strong enough to cycle the action but enough power to drop squirrels in their tracks without the neighbors catching on.

The Colobris don't get stuck in the barrel of the AR?

 

[Gammon]

I am using a CMMG upper. Actually it is a CMMG bolt and barrel that I added to an upper and handguard that I had in the shop. The CMMG system allows you to use the forward assist on stubborn rounds which is an added plus.

After purchasing some new mags (Black Dog) I ran a lot of rounds through the upper to break in the mags. I got some failures to fire (light hits) after about 600 rounds. This was to be expected as the soot built up in the chamber. These failures gave me the opportunity to check the extractor, a weak link in many dedicated uppers. Several uppers that I have used would usually extract a live round, but refuse to extract one that that had failed to ignite. The CMMG unit extracted all duds with no problems and these FTFs were the only malfunctions in 600 rounds. This is the first 22 upper that I would trust in a match. I shot the Defensive Carbine Match at Pioneer with no problems.

I realize that there are many new uppers like the Nordic on the market, but I am leery of any upper other than the Atchisson/Ciener design. Several excellent uppers using new designs/technology have come and gone; the DPMS 22 upper and the V 22 sold by Dillon are good examples. Both worked well and were priced reasonably, but both are gone; out of production with no spare parts available.

The Atchisson/Ciener design is the oldest and most popular conversion/upper on the market. Other desgns come and go, but the odds are that you will always be able to get parts for this one.

 

[OnTheRoad]

The Colobris don't get stuck in the barrel of the AR?

I have fired them in the AR, a 10/22, a Savage Mark II FV-SR, a Sig Mosquito and a Walther P22. Never had one stick and only issue I had was with trouble chambering on a few due to the shorter cartridge length.

YMMV; I tend to clean often, so if someone has some crud starting to build up in their barrel I imagine the possibility of a round sticking may increase.

 

[MichaelJR]

I am using a CMMG upper. Actually it is a CMMG bolt and barrel that I added to an upper and handguard that I had in the shop. The CMMG system allows you to use the forward assist on stubborn rounds which is an added plus.

After purchasing some new mags (Black Dog) I ran a lot of rounds through the upper to break in the mags. I got some failures to fire (light hits) after about 600 rounds. This was to be expected as the soot built up in the chamber. These failures gave me the opportunity to check the extractor, a weak link in many dedicated uppers. Several uppers that I have used would usually extract a live round, but refuse to extract one that that had failed to ignite. The CMMG unit extracted all duds with no problems and these FTFs were the only malfunctions in 600 rounds. This is the first 22 upper that I would trust in a match. I shot the Defensive Carbine Match at Pioneer with no problems.

I realize that there are many new uppers like the Nordic on the market, but I am leery of any upper other than the Atchisson/Ciener design. Several excellent uppers using new designs/technology have come and gone; the DPMS 22 upper and the V 22 sold by Dillon are good examples. Both worked well and were priced reasonably, but both are gone; out of production with no spare parts available.

The Atchisson/Ciener design is the oldest and most popular conversion/upper on the market. Other desgns come and go, but the odds are that you will always be able to get parts for this one.

I'd jump on one if they made the 16" with a mid-length site radius. I want them to be a perfect match. Unless there's a way to bring the a2 post forward a few inches.

(I'm emailing them now actually, see what they can do)

Update: They do not do custom work, however their 16" carbine (m4 profile, not the lightweight) can be shipped without the FSP attached and setup for a quick install as mid-length sight radius, which is damn good news. Apparently they do it quite a bit, super easy with good results. For the record, CMMG customer service is AWESOME.


I'd look into the nordic if I wanted to wait, but I can't get a clear answer for anywhere about lead times.

 

[jar]

The nordic uppers are awesome. They use 10/22 extractors, so that's one spare part you'll definitely always be able to get.

Mine runs perfectly on Federal bulk pack.

 

[stumpg26]

Check out Core 15. They have a few dedicated 22lr uppers and are an excellent company to deal with.

 

[ColdDayInHell]

I'd jump on one if they made the 16" with a mid-length site radius. I want them to be a perfect match. Unless there's a way to bring the a2 post forward a few inches.

(I'm emailing them now actually, see what they can do)

Update: They do not do custom work, however their 16" carbine (m4 profile, not the lightweight) can be shipped without the FSP attached and setup for a quick install as mid-length sight radius, which is damn good news. Apparently they do it quite a bit, super easy with good results. For the record, CMMG customer service is AWESOME.


I'd look into the nordic if I wanted to wait, but I can't get a clear answer for anywhere about lead times.

CMMG customer service is awesome, they have helped me on a few products and I was completely satisfied with them. The conversion bolt carrier damaged my buffer tube and I emailed them about it. They will send out a new buffer tube and conversion kit if I send them the defective one. Ahhh I love CMMG.

 

[Gammon]

I can't say much about CMMG customer service because I have yet to have a reason to seek their help. I forgot to mention that the bolt in my CMMG upper is stainless; pretty to look at and easy to clean.

 

[dcmdon]

I got the dedicated CMMG upper. For not much more extra $$ you get a barrel with a correct twist for the rounds you're firing and you don't have to worry about fouling up your "good" upper. Shoots great and the weight and handling is comparable to my regular flattop upper. Standard AR furniture fits right on it. I got it earlier this year, shot it all summer and fall and have noticed it has improved my groups and general handling when going back to 5.56. Really, nothing bad to say about it.

I've got a complete CMMG .22 AR. Its nice because its built out of real AR parts. The CMMG ARs include a functional forward assist and a last round bolt hold open.
The only difference is that there is no gas system, the bbl is for a .22 lr and on some models the buffer tube is a solid piece of plastic.

In fact, prior to moving to MA, I removed all the parts and installed them on a pre-ban Oly-Arms lower I had. I've currently got a RRA 2 stage trigger, ergo grip and LMT ambi safety on the gun. The sight is a Bushnell TRS25 on a YHM riser. It is a good stand in for the Aimpoint Micro T1 I use on my everyday AR.

Check pricing. If I remember right, the complete gun was only like $150 more than an upper.

Don

Here's mine:

 

[Gammon]

I'd jump on one if they made the 16" with a mid-length site radius. I want them to be a perfect match. Unless there's a way to bring the a2 post forward a few inches.

(I'm emailing them now actually, see what they can do)

Update: They do not do custom work, however their 16" carbine (m4 profile, not the lightweight) can be shipped without the FSP attached and setup for a quick install as mid-length sight radius, which is damn good news. Apparently they do it quite a bit, super easy with good results. For the record, CMMG customer service is AWESOME.


I'd look into the nordic if I wanted to wait, but I can't get a clear answer for anywhere about lead times.

When buying an upper you should keep in mind that a 16 in 22 LR barrel will not be the equivalent in external OAL of a 16 in 223 barrel. The 22 LR barrel must extend further into the upper to mate with the 22 LR bolt assembly. The end result is a 22 LR barrel that is over one inch shorter in external dimensions than a comparable 16 inch 223 barrel. You might be better off with an 18 inch barrel.