Is buying a dedicated 22 upper for an AR-15 worth it?

[papakevin]

I currently have a CMMG kit for my AR and it works like a champ for shooting stuff, however I'm now looking to qualify for my rifleman rating at an Appleseed and I'm guessing shooting 22's out of a barrel with a 1-9 twist is limiting my accuracy.

I like the Spike's tactical, however it's a little pricy. Any suggestions? Also thought about just using a Sig 522, but like the training of using an AR. Plus, I really dig my AR trigger....

Thoughts, suggestions, opinions are all welcome. Thanks.

 

[shibumiseeker]

I debated that when I got my S&W 15-22. While I LOVE my 15-22, and it's a great AR trainer, I will end up getting a dedicated .22 upper as well.

In my mind the best use for a .22lr conversion kit, other than a fun plinker, is to put in the BOB to allow one to increase flexibility of the AR when bugging out.

 

[rimfire_crazed]

Unless you're completely in love with your lower, the 15-22 is more cost effective to me. You can get the whole piece for the same price as a good dedicated upper.

 

[esrice]

A dedicated upper (or dedicated gun like the M&P-22) will be more accurate than an AR conversion. A conversion's place is for adding versatility to a 5.56 gun, and to allow for some cheap plinking/practice/training.

Here is some interesting reading:

https://www.indianagunowners.com/fo...n_22_conversions_and_dedicated_22_rifles.html

https://www.indianagunowners.com/fo...versions_and_dedicated_22_rifles_part_ii.html

https://www.indianagunowners.com/fo...rt_spikes_dedicated_22ar_dial-up_warning.html

 

[gunwh]

i like the colt 22 that looks like the ar the tear down is a little different but great shooters. you can buy the colt complete gun for about the price of a dedicated upper.

 

[dom1104]

I own a Kidd ruger 10/22, a tactical solutions dedicated upper, and a 22lr conversion kit.

The ruger is more accurate than the dedicated upper which is more accurate than the 22lr conversion kit.

My advice would be to take it to the range and shoot it. Find out how accurate it is as opposed to just guessing. and then find out how accurate a dedicated upper is, by borrowing or shooting someone elses.

Remember Appleseed is only 25 yard targets, they arent really too far away. SO if your 22lr conversion kit holds 3 moa at 25 yards, you are golden.

 

[papakevin]

Thanks guys.

Dom1104, how accurate is a CMMG conversation kit supposed to be? I couldn't find any ratings on it. Granted, I'm likely just not to rifleman quality shooting just yet, but wondering how much impact running a CMMG drop in is having on my accuracy. Appreciate any information or links you can share. Thanks.

 

[SmileDocHill]

I have a heavy long barrel on my ar and get 2moa accuracy with my CMMG conversion using a sling sitting. Appleseed rifleman is achieved by getting 4MOA accuracy using marksmanship skills (sling, position....). If your rifle is capable of keeping its shots in a 1inch circle or square at 25 yards then IT is good to go. Test IT by using whatever you need to stabilize it the most (vice, sand bags, bi-pod, bench rest) Appleseed will teach YOU to be able to do that without the bench, bags, and stabilization methods you used to see what the rifle can do.
My AR, I sold the scope in the pic before ever using it.

 

[loony1]

another fan of the ruger 10/22

 

[thumper31768]

love my 22 upper and never had any problems with is it fits nice and tight and not lose at all

 

[fireball168]

I'm now looking to qualify for my rifleman rating at an Appleseed.

If you really want one that shoots - Compass Lake Engineering.

Hands down.

It was the most accurate 22LR I've ever owned, sold it to a friend in a moment of weakness (a bad lot of Wolf Match Target) - and have regretted it ever since.

One of these days I'll call them up and order another barrel, bolt and magazines and screw it all together.

 

[EPD1102]

I bought a Chiappa .22 upper and it's worked great but the barrel started to unscrew from the upper at about 2,000 rounds and I had to re-tighten it and loc-tited it. No problems since then.

 

[ISHOOTHST'S]

Just put another 500 rounds through my 15-22. Cant say enough good things about it.

 

[YankeeDollar]

gentle-ben

I own a cz-22 upper from Blue Press and it shoots great, I bought it to practice my off-hand, but now I don't need it since I don't shoot "high-power!

 

[curraheeguns]

I love my Spikes, but think it is BS that they pretty much tell you that in order to get it to run right you need to buy the upgraded extractor and the lakeside springs. If that is the case I think they should include them in the production of the upper.

Here is mine shooting 30 rounds :

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MIwDRL89Q0Q"]YouTube - M16 W/ Spikes 22 Upper / Thompson Machine CHD Suppressor[/ame]

 

[KingWeb50]

If you really want one that shoots - Compass Lake Engineering.

Hands down.

It was the most accurate 22LR I've ever owned, sold it to a friend in a moment of weakness (a bad lot of Wolf Match Target) - and have regretted it ever since.

One of these days I'll call them up and order another barrel, bolt and magazines and screw it all together.

This is true. I have a couple compass lake uppers and they are all lasers. The 22 upper works well for a cheap trainer also