Barrel twist for AR15 22 Conversion

[daclamdvm]

Does anyone have any experience with using an AR15 22 conversion in an older 1 in 12" or 1 in 14" twist AR barrel? I got one for my 1 in 9" twist barrel and it shoots OK at 25 yards, but is pretty bad at 50 yards. I really love shooting it, and after dropping the $175 on the kit, can't convince the boss I now need a dedicated 22 upper. So, I was thinking, if I could find an old AR barrel with a slower twist, would it shoot better? Or, is the 0.001" difference in groove as important a factor as the twist rate? Anyone know where you can get an AR barrel with a slower twist (that doesn't cost as much as the dedicated upper?)

 

[esrice]

Before I'd switch over to a 1:12" 5.56 barrel, I'd sell the conversion, get a dedicated .22 upper, and keep your 1:9" upper.

 

[daclamdvm]

I was going to keep the 1 in 9 upper and assemble another upper with the other barrel, but I think I get the point- the dedicated upper is the way to go. I'm looking for a project too but don't want to totally waste the money.

 

[esrice]

If accuracy is your goal, then the dedicated upper is the way to go.

The conversion is great for plinking, or for simulating your AR training on the cheap.