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Posted: 4/20/2026 8:30:42 AM EDT
[Last Edit: OldBlue61][Edited]
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I'm fairly new to the AR, purchasing my first one a month ago. I also bought the CMMG 22LR conversion kit, which has been... challenging to use. Numerous misfeeds, just kind of a PITA to use. I was thinking of buying something like a Tippmann to use out on the back 40, just for plinking and fooling around with. But then after some reading on the forum I found THIS from Bear Creek. Looked interesting to me. But I'm unsure as to what exactly to do. Can I just swap this out on my AR15 and (other than new mags) have a reliable way to shoot 22LR? Is that it? Nothing else needs changed? It would be great to use my existing lower since I'm getting used to the new trigger and whatnot, and it seems like that would be a great way to train with the existing lower. I have another red dot I could throw onto the 22 upper, so even that would be covered. --EDIT-- - Spelling, d'oh! |
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When I wanted to build a couple .22lr AR's for my wife and I, I went the route of buying couple of the original Chiappa M4-22 uppers. https://chiappausa.com/category/conversion-kit/conversion-kit-uppers/ Not sure if they're still available, but they work pretty well. Sure, the receiver is plastic, but the bolt moves inside the carrier, so it's not wearing out the inside of the receiver. Obviously not as strong as aluminum, but these are range toys. You can get magazines for them from Black Dog, too. Just slap this upper on any standard AR lower, and pew pew pew. As far as the BCA brand, I don't have any experience with those, but from what I've read around here, the quality can be hit or miss. |
Award: 24/365 Most likely to be an appendix.
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In my experience the CMMG drop in 22 LR conversion kit are reliable but can be a little ammo sensitive. With good quality ammo my 22 LR conversion kits were reliable. The worst part about shooting 22 LR in an AR-15 is the filth and debris associated with shooting 22 LR. I’ve shot a lot of Federal auto match, Armscor 36 grain HV HP and Aquila Super Extra plated HV RN & HP ammo in my AR-22’s. Some 22 LR conversion kits and dedicated uppers can be hit or miss with after market triggers. My conversion kits are reliable with two stage triggers like RRA NM, Geissele G2S and LaRue MBT 2S. I have also used military single stage triggers, PSA polished single stage and ALG triggers. Some times conversion kit reliability can be helped by using a pressure plug or taping a couple of quarters to the front of the buffer. Limiting any excess movement of the 22 LR conversion bolt in the upper receiver helps to improve reliability. I shoot way more 22 LR AR-15’s than centerfire AR-15’s. I have several dedicated upper and lowers in 22 LR which I frequently shoot. I have a couple 22 LR conversions kits for AR-15’s but I don’t use them often. One disadvantage to a 22 LR conversion kit in a centerfire AR-15 is the different barrel twist and bore of centerfire barrels compared to rimfire barrels. A 1:7 twist .224 barrel will produce a lot of fliers with .223 diameter 22 LR ammunition which usually uses slower twist like 1:16 barrels. The 22 LR conversion kits are good for plinking and running CQB drills on steel plates. If you want to shoot tiny groups on paper targets get a dedicated 22 LR upper. There is no wrong answer it just boils down to personal preference and how much you want to spend. I have property close to my house where I can shoot a lot. I really enjoy shooting steel plates with 22 LR pistols and rifles. I can and do shoot centerfire but tend to shoot more rimfire. |
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I have no first hand experience with the Tippman but Friends have the S&W 15-22. I prefer real AR-15’s with standard lowers and aluminum upper receivers. You can buy the upper from BCA you linked above for a good price compared to a Tippman or S&W. BCA customer service seem to work with customers if there are issue. I suggest buying a dedicated upper then if you decide 22 LR AR-15 is not for you it is easy to sell the upper. If you really enjoy shooting 22 LR AR-15’s then you can always assemble another lower so you can have a complete rifle. I found I could buy a Right to Bear complete 22 LR upper cheaper than I could build an upper. You can buy a Right to Bear or CMMG compatible upper and use your CMMG conversion bolt with a collar instead of the chamber insert. Right to Bear and Bore Buddy sell a lot of AR-22 products. There are numerous sources for CMMG pattern parts but BCA bolts, barrels are proprietary. CMMG collar, link to RTB https://www.righttobear.com/rtb-22lr-barrel-collar-assembly-ss-rtb-22ba415/ https://www.righttobear.com/22lr-parts-upgrades-accessories/ |
| Go with the BCA upper! I have one and it works just fine. The CMMG conversions work too, but you're stuck with a barrel that isn't right. |
I've actually been here since about 2004 as M90A1, but lost my original login info and can't get any help from the forum administration in getting it back!
I'll echo the ammo sensitivity posted above. I've got a couple of 22 conversion kits and dedicated uppers and they all seem to function best with CCI Mini-Mags. The CMMG and Atchisson kits will tolerate other ammo, but the Mini-Mags seem most reliable. @Amphibian is a member with a lot more operational understanding who might share his wisdom 
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Got the new BCA upper a few days ago along with new mags. Had a chance to run 4 mags of .22LR yesterday. Worked great - no issues, no problems. So far, so good. Attached File Attached File |
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A little late to the thread but I have a BCA 22LR upper and it runs on all the different 22LR I have tossed in it. Accuracy varies with ammo type but its decent running upper. It's fun enough that I put it on a dedicated lower. CMMG conversion I have runs well on the old Walmart federal red 550 bulk packs. Tried some Remington golden bullets today and it was a struggle. Nice thing about both is they use the same mags. CMMG conversion defiantly makes a mess of things but with current 223/556 prices it's not like shooting a ton is very economical so might as well run some 22LR. A few center fire rounds at the end of each range session helps keep your gas port cleared out. I also found that blowing the lower out using an air compressor prior to cleaning helps make the job a bit easier. |
Originally Posted By ar-jedi:
SO MUCH WIN IN ONE POST IT COULD CRASH ARFCOM !!!
SO MUCH WIN IN ONE POST IT COULD CRASH ARFCOM !!!
| I got one of the BCA 17HMR uppers, basically the same thing but higher pressure. It actually shoots well but the back of the case bulges out. Hasn't killed me yet, I plan to keep shooting it. |
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Originally Posted By GaryM: I got one of the BCA 17HMR uppers, basically the same thing but higher pressure. It actually shoots well but the back of the case bulges out. Hasn't killed me yet, I plan to keep shooting it. Are you using the buffer and spring as supplied by BCA? |
I've actually been here since about 2004 as M90A1, but lost my original login info and can't get any help from the forum administration in getting it back!
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Originally Posted By hdcharlie: Are you using the buffer and spring as supplied by BCA? I did just purchase an 80% lower and complete lower parts kit (sans buffer tube) along w/ B5 furniture to convert the BCA upper into it's own complete rifle. I plan on stopping by my local gunsmith later today to drop off the lower to get it fully machined and then I'll start assembling the new lower. First time - should be fun. I just need to decide on a buffertube assembly yet. |
I built this one mostly from extra parts I had lying around. I bought a 1:16 barrel and the bolt kit but otherwise, it's mostly leftovers. It's been great. One of my buddies borrowed it when we did an Appleseed shoot together and he got his patch with it. 
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