I'm interested in owning a .22 rifle.  I have been searching for a while and narrowed it down to two.  I can't decide between the Ruger 10/22 and Ciener .22lr conversion kit.  I own 2 ARs that I could use the conversion with.  I have shot 10/22s before, but never tried .22lr AR conversions.  I like them both because they have hicap mags available.  The only thing I don't like about the 10/22 is the magazine reliability.  I've read that Tactical Innovations makes reliable mags for the 10/22, but they are expensive. My plans a 10/22 is to get the Krinker Plinker Kit and to get a dedicated AR .22lr upper with a Ciener conversion kit.

My question is: Which system (including magazines) is more reliable?

I would get a 10/22 with Tactical Innovations magazines.

I'd get the 10/22

If you want a cheap way to practise with the AR15, get a conversion.
If you want it a .22 for practical reasons, hunting etc. get the 10/22

The only time I have had problems with 10/22 mags, is higher capapcity aftermarket.
Really Depends on what you want it for.....

I've always left my 10/22 pretty much as it came,  always worked well and never given me problems.

Standard AR15.com response....

GET BOTH

Quoted: Standard AR15.com response.... GET BOTH

Ok, I have to admit, i did.

Quoted: Quoted: Standard AR15.com response.... GET BOTH Ok, I have to admit, i did.

Young-Kiwi , Which one do you trust the most?  have ever had any problems with your conversion?

Quoted: Quoted: Quoted: Standard AR15.com response.... GET BOTH Ok, I have to admit, i did. Young-Kiwi , Which one do you trust the most?  have ever had any problems with your conversion?

I trust the 10/22 More...

The Conversion is very Ammo sensitive, have to buy fast 22 to make sure it works all the time.

I think you'de have a lot better potential for accuracy in the 10/22.  The kit for the AR is not known for its accuracy due to the barrel of the AR being the wrong twist (and I think diameter) for the weight of the l.r. bullet.

I have two dedicated 22 uppers (both Kuehl), one spends most of the time on a Colt M16A1 & the other on a Colt AR-15.  Most of the time, with an SRT Comanche suppressor.  They are near 100% with CCI subsonics & anything hotter right out of the box.  Lower velocity subsonics don't reliably eject.  These uppers are about chipmunk accurate at 50 yards.  That being said, I have 3 10/22s, one a full auto Norrell.  The Norrell has an integrally suppressed barrel designed to slow supersonic rounds to subsonic.  This only works well with high velocity ammo.  100% with CCI minimags.  The other 10/22s have Green Mountain barrrels.  Accurate, but with the Bentz chambers are very mag sensitive.  So far, I've only gotten the stock Ruger mags to work well.  The stock 10/22 barrels are generally not very accurate & the chipmunks love them.  Although some folks claim exceptions, I wasn't satisified at all with the stock barrels.
If I could have only one, it would be an AR-15/M16 with a Kuehl upper.  Plenty accurate, high fun factor and evil looking.  Also, easy to slap on a 5.56 upper if you want to be loud or take on something larger than chipmunks.

ps - I have nothing against chipmunks unless thay are tearing things up around the yard.

Thanks to all for the great replies.  I have decided to go with the 10/22...first

Ruger 10/22

Ruger 10/22 is a wise choice.

My Ciener kit was way more reliable than my 10/22 ever was. Not to mention lots more fun.

I'd go with 10/22, but did you consider the Rhineland arms .22? I've heard good things about their rifles.

I don't know which I'd get if I could only get one.  I want to bet both when I have the money.  A 10/22 because it's such a cool little plinker and fun gun, and a .22 upper so that I can practice weapon drills cheaply, and still be using the same platform.