.22 conversion for my AR

KyleFarnham · Apr 3, 2011

I bought an AR-15 recently, (Armalite upper/lower) and was wondering what would be involved to get it up an running as a .22 plinker as well. Do I need a whole new upper or just replace some parts (bolt carrier group) in the one I have?

If you could give me a heads up on the cost for conversion that would be awesome too.

bsmith918 · Apr 3, 2011

You can get a kit for under $200. CMMG makes them. It would come with a magazine, but you would want a few extra's. You can also get a complete upper for $300-$500 and there is even a great group buy going on the Nordic Components upper that is completely awesome. If you have the money, buy the complete upper.

Matt1911 · Apr 3, 2011

I've been using a CMMG conversion kit for the past 6 months but I've decided to make a dedicated upper instead for 2 reasons.
1: .22 ammo is dirty and I don't like fouling up my gas tube because I'm paranoid of catastrophic failure even though it's a long shot.
2: The twist rate on the .223 (1/7 or 1/9) is different than what needs to be used for a .22 (1/16) when using the correct twist rate you'll be able to get better accuracy.

On the build I'm doing, after the expensive handguards (Troy TRX Extreme) and the red dot sight (primary arms M3 clone) that I just have to have, mine will cost about $550 total for a complete upper, but it could be had for much cheaper if using regular handguards and Magpul flip up sights.

The CMMG conversion kit will do the job just fine and as long as you run a few .223 rounds through the barrel to clean out the gas tube after shooting .22's but a dedicated .22 is really the way to go.

JoeBobOutfitters.com · Apr 3, 2011

bsmith918 said:
You can get a kit for under $200. CMMG makes them. It would come with a magazine, but you would want a few extra's. You can also get a complete upper for $300-$500 and there is even a great group buy going on the Nordic Components upper that is completely awesome. If you have the money, buy the complete upper.

We just got in stock the new CMMG Evolution Conversion Kits:. They are a bit more advanced than all other conversion kits on the market, and have a BHOA, which most others don't, AFAIK, no others do, as part of the kit.

If you're looking for an accurate plinker, then the dedicated uppers are the way to go. With the correct twist rate, it'll work better accuracy wise and for bullet stabalization. If you're just looking at plinking at 25-50 yards and throwing lead down range, it's hard to beat the conversion kits. I've had a cmmg conversion kit (original version) for ~4 years now. It runs well with blackdog mags, but does not have the BHOA as the new versions do, and is not stainless like the newer versions. You get to keep all the same optics, handguards, flash lights, bipods, etc. The kit itself saves a few hundred, but you don't feel compelled to throw on all the gizmos on a brand new upper

.

CharlieWH2O · Apr 3, 2011

CMMG is a great conversion kit...

jtischauser · Apr 4, 2011

I had a Stainless CMMG conversion kit. It worked decent. I would get light strikes with my 3.5# JP competition trigger. It cost me about $200 with a free mag or two. I sold it and bought a dedicated Nordic Components upper. It runs like a top with any trigger. It cost about $500 but we are doing a group buy on them for about 25% off. Don't miss out!

aldrin44 · Apr 4, 2011

Jesse Tischauser said:
I had a Stainless CMMG conversion kit. It worked decent. I would get light strikes with my 3.5# JP competition trigger. It cost me about $200 with a free mag or two. I sold it and bought a dedicated Nordic Components upper. It runs like a top with any trigger.

This was my experience. I think the NC is more accurate as well.