AR-15 .22LR conversion options. drop-in receiver vs. dedicated upper

[FireBirdDS]

I'm in the midst of a debate on which route to go for a .22LR conversion for my DPMS Panther Arms AR-15 16" lite.

My two choices right now are:

DPMS .22LR dedicated upper for $420

CMMG .22LR conversion for $220

The upside of having a dedicated upper is primarily so that my standard .223/5.56 upper won't get fowled up by any .22 rounds. The downside is that I would be unable to practice with the setup on my standard upper. (quad rail, vertical grip, EOTech).

On the other hand, if I get a CMMG .22LR conversion, not only am I obviously saving money but I can practice with my standard upper setup.

My questions are:

• Are .22R through a .223 barrel significantly less accurate?
• Will .22LR rounds mess up my .223 upper in any way or are they simply more dirty? (i'm assuming I oughta only use copper-plated .22 ammo)
• How reliable is the CMMG conversion?

 

[esrice]

The upside of having a dedicated upper is primarily so that my standard .223/5.56 upper won't get fowled up by any .22 rounds.

Its not that big of a deal. If this was your primary concern, go with the conversion bolt and save some money.

• Are .22R through a .223 barrel significantly less accurate?

Depends on your intended purpose, and how much accuracy you need. 0-50 yards its a minimal difference.



If your priority is accuracy, a dedicated upper/barrel is best.

• Will .22LR rounds mess up my .223 upper in any way or are they simply more dirty? (i'm assuming I oughta only use copper-plated .22 ammo)

It will be a bit dirtier, depending on ammo used. Best practice is to simply run 5 or 6 rounds of full-power 5.56 thru it after a session using the conversion.

• How reliable is the CMMG conversion?

Like any .22, mine prefers some ammo to others.

Here are some links that might help you in your search:

https://www.indianagunowners.com/fo...3635-review_cmmg_ar_15_22_conversion_kit.html

https://www.indianagunowners.com/fo...rt_spikes_dedicated_22ar_dial_up_warning.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

 

[FireBirdDS]

Thanks for the info! As to my intended purpose, primarily close-quarters but I'd like it if I could reach out to 100 yards with it.

 

[esrice]

As to my intended purpose, primarily close-quarters but I'd like it if I could reach out to 100 yards with it.

A conversion will get you there, as long as you aren't shooting for groups.

 

[rockhopper46038]

And look around for pring on the conversion kits. I think they are worth the $220 you quoted, but can be found for quite a bit less. I think I found my Spike's unit through the Classifieds for $150, after a few weeks of looking. Out to 50yrds, as esrice said, it is as accurate as my Marlin 795, which is to say the holes will cloverleaf if you do your part. I haven't shot mine for groups at 100 yrds, but I would believe the dedicated upper would outshoot it - but the upcharge is pretty dramatic to do so.

 

[GNRPowdeR]

FireBirdDS - Where are you located?

 

[FireBirdDS]

Just north of downtown Indy

 

[GNRPowdeR]

Email inbound

 

[ctbreitwieser]

Buy just the conversion first. Try it and see if it suits your needs. If you decide later on that you'd prefer a dedicated upper, you can buy a barrel with dedicated collar, blank upper of your choice, and handguards and then build a dedicated from it.

 

[FireBirdDS]

CMMG .22LR stainless steel conversion kit on the way!

 

[mettle]

https://www.indianagunowners.com/fo...-22lr_ammunition_review_cci_tactical_too.html

I did this review with a drop in conversion.
You'll be surprised by the accuracy.
in. 22lr, the ammo is more the decision maker in accuracy.

 

[klrbear]

I have a dedicated CMMG upper that is set up exactly like my 556 AR 15. I really like the way it shoots but I will probably get a conversion kit to keep with my AR for cheap plinking without having to haul around a second rifle.

 

[FireBirdDS]

I changed my mind on my order. I'm instead going to just get a DPMS .22 dedicated upper.

 

[wilianknow]

How much is a CMMG .22LR stainless steel conversion kit? I think I might be in the market for one.

 

[wilianknow]

I know it is best to use high end ammo like cci.