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AR15.COM
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1/10/2016 12:12:03 AM EDT
Hey folks-
I posted this in the AR build section, but someone suggested I ask over here.  

We shot a friend's MP 15-22 the other day and my son loved it. So I could buy one for around $400 (or a cheaper Chiappa). Of course another option is CMMG conversion kit for my colt, or even a dedicated upper.

But would like to get thoughts on building a .22 AR. I'm thinking I'd end up with a more solid gun that the S&W. Could it be done for around $500? Any suggestions on what parts to use?

Thanks!
1/10/2016 12:16:10 AM EDT
[#1]
BTW, saw this...any thoughts?

Chiappa .22lr upper
http://www.cheaperthandirt.com/product/2-CHP500-094?td_source=search#
1/10/2016 3:07:02 AM EDT
[#2]
I built mine using CMMG parts and TACCOM reliability kit.
Got exactly what I wanted and spent more money doing it then buying a CMMG upper but am happy I built it.
I can take apart without hassle and used std AR parts where dedicated .22 parts were not required.
1/10/2016 4:42:14 AM EDT
[#3]
Its a .22 AR, how much more solid than the S&W does it need to be?
1/10/2016 10:37:26 AM EDT
[#4]
I wanted to duplicate the weight of my 3 gun AR, so built a dedicated upper for my game gun lower... CMMG dedicated .22lr barrel and conversion unit...home built pressure plug... broke a firing pin, and replaced it with a TACCOM (5000 ? rounds)... did not work 100% with CMMG or Black Dog mags (metal upper also)... worked best with SW 15/22 mags... recently added a Boonie Packer bolt hold open for the SW mags... holds the mags much more rigidly  ... required gratuitous picture... I shoot a modified 3 gun match and carbine match with this upper

1/10/2016 10:55:19 AM EDT
[#5]
Quote History
Quoted:
BTW, saw this...any thoughts?

Chiappa .22lr upper
http://www.cheaperthandirt.com/product/2-CHP500-094?td_source=search#
View Quote



Personally buying a Chiappa is a crap shoot, some work but the material used in the bolt is not the quality of the CMMG or TACCOM.   I have four dedicated 22 LR AR-15's.  The weakest link in the Atchisson/Ciener design is the firing pin.  Parts are available from several sources for Atchisson pattern bolts but I ussually keep spare parts on hand.  The Chiappa is proprietary so if something breaks you usually have to send them the upper.  The Chiappa are known for the barrel nut coming loose from the polymer reciever.   Many posters mention they replace the polymer upper with Aluminum uppers.  My feeling is buy once and get an upper which will last.

I like the dedicated upper so I can build a 22 rimfire to match my centerfire AR's.  With a supply of firing pins and springs I think you could shoot a dedicated 22 Long Rifle for generations.   The design of the CMMG and TACCOM uppers are very durable and very fun to shoot.
1/10/2016 11:08:37 AM EDT
[#6]
Quoted:
Hey folks-
I posted this in the AR build section, but someone suggested I ask over here.  

We shot a friend's MP 15-22 the other day and my son loved it. So I could buy one for around $400 (or a cheaper Chiappa). Of course another option is CMMG conversion kit for my colt, or even a dedicated upper.

But would like to get thoughts on building a .22 AR. I'm thinking I'd end up with a more solid gun that the S&W. Could it be done for around $500? Any suggestions on what parts to use?

Thanks!
View Quote


Actually, this sort of topic is more commonly discussed in the Rimfire and Pistol Calibers section of the AR-15 tab.

In any case, best of luck with your project whatever you decide to pursue.  MHO, YMMV, etc.
1/10/2016 11:58:10 AM EDT
[#7]
So what is all needed for a dedicated? Barrel, and the bolt carrier assembly ? Anything else?
1/10/2016 12:47:20 PM EDT
[#8]
I was able to get a demonstrator CMMG .22lr upper at a show for $200. Then I traded a red dot for a composite lower. Paid $20 for the red dot. Kind of went over on the furniture, Magpul MOE in dark earth. Found it on sale for $125 and included the butt stock, grip and hand guard. Not sure on price of the lower kit, I think it was on sale for $49.
So if you look around you should be able to build one for under $500. There should be a few sales now that Christmas is over.
1/10/2016 11:45:35 PM EDT
[#9]
Chewbacca...   the CMMG .22lr barrel came with a collar (with feed ramp) that replaces the chamber insert, located on the front of the conversion's rails.... collar slips over the rear of the barrel... I'd recommend a pressure plug to allow the spring and buffer apply forward pressure to the conversion unit...in addition to the basic conversion unit and barrel... an upper, some form of hand guard/barrel nut, and a charging handle .... I opted for one of CMMG's polymer charging handles (does not have the cut out for the gas tube to help prevent trapping ejected brass) was all I needed to purchase.... I tried several generations of CMMG and Black Dog magazines, but they did not work as well as the SW 15/22 mags do for me... a Boonie Packer bolt hold open (for SW magazines) helps hold the magazines in place as they are cut out at the rear for the SW rifle

pic shows the collar pulled out of battery with the barrel... and not used chamber insert

1/11/2016 11:37:18 PM EDT
[#10]
Thanks, appreciate the insights.
1/13/2016 1:27:55 PM EDT
[#11]
This is what I did.

CMMG 22B7CA4

I purchased from Lanbos Armory.

I am not affiliated with either company, but I LOVE this upper.

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