AR .22lr Question

[bumpbailey]

I am interested in getting a .22lr M&P15 or the Olympic Arms .22lr version of the AR. My question is can I upgrade either of these over time to a larger caliber by getting a new upper and magazines? Or is it more complicated than that?

 

[50 BMG]

If you have seen the SW AR22 it is plastic and has a different bolt . I do not believe the lower is the same as a AR15 chambered in 223 or 556. I have shot both the Ruger and Smith version. I liked the Ruger much better. It also takes 10/22 mags which are easier to find. if you live in a free state you can by high cap 10/22 mags far cheaper than the new AR22 mags. for the Smith or the Colt.

The Ruger is built on a 10/22 platform.

 

[hminsky]

An alternative is to get a .223 upper that you like, and get a (roughly $200) 22lr adapter.

 

[gchristopher9]

Can you shoot 22lr out of a standard 223 barrel? are you better off with a dedicated 22lr barrel? how does accuracy compare between the two options?

 

[mac1911]

I dwelled on the same issue.....If you have a AR already or plan on getting one. I would go with a 22lr dedicated upper.

Here http://www.gunkings.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=81&zenid=66b46oiuje6mv4gcp99rd1dtq7 with free shipping

Mags on sale here http://blackdogmachinellc.net/ar15-.22-conversion-full-body-short-10-round-magazine.aspx

If the colt or S&W took the blackdog/ciener conversion type mages I might have opted for one.

For mass compliant models I think the wait will be a little long.

I have the tactical solutions upper...runs great. Smashing clay targets @ the 100y back stop.

 

[Gammon]

+1 on the dedicated 22LR upper. If you buy an AR style 22LR rifle you are stuck with the stock trigger and mags. There are a lot of after market mags and accessories for the Ciener conversion which is the basis of most of the dedicated uppers. Also there are many more accessories ( triggers, etc.) available for an AR than there are for the AR style 22 rifles.

 

[mac1911]

http://www.ar15.com/forums/forum.html?b=3&f=15 some good reading and some great set ups.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5GhO_qC19G4 one of my favorite 22lr host

 

[vellnueve]

+1 on the dedicated 22LR upper. If you buy an AR style 22LR rifle you are stuck with the stock trigger and mags. There are a lot of after market mags and accessories for the Ciener conversion which is the basis of most of the dedicated uppers. Also there are many more accessories ( triggers, etc.) available for an AR than there are for the AR style 22 rifles.

No, the S&W offering accepts standard small-pin AR fire-control groups.

 

[RIFLEMAN1000]

You are definately better off buying a dedicated 22 upper. The 22 conversions cause a lot of problems with 223 uppers . They fire dirty 22 ammo and lead up gas system and they are not too accurate depending on the 223 barrels rate of twist and may not stabilize bullet well.

 

[bumpbailey]

Thanks everyone! Great help as usual!