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2/2/2014 4:08:22 AM EDT
Hi everyone! New to this forum and new AR owner!!  I purchased a DPMS AP4 .223/5.56 and would like to buy the .22lr convertion. Question is, can I buy just the .22lr bolt and magazine and use the factory barrel or do I need the complete upper? I see some kits that claim you can use existing barrel.
2/2/2014 4:15:40 AM EDT
[#1]
Yes, when you use a Ciener or similar type kit you use the factory .223/5.56 barrel. I did it this way for years.





Edit: Probably important to mention that if you use a kit in a normal AR its best to clean it thoroughly after every session. You should then fire a couple rounds of .223/5.56 through to clear out the gas system also. 22 is a dirty girl that you don't wont to leave sitting in your rifle. Thats my opinion a tleast.

2/2/2014 4:22:47 AM EDT
[#2]
They work fine, but the only problem is the barrel twist rate is incorrect for a .22LR round so accuracy isn't the best.
2/2/2014 6:10:48 AM EDT
[#3]
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Quoted:
They work fine, but the only problem is the barrel twist rate is incorrect for a .22LR round so accuracy isn't the best.
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The dedicated upper will be more accurate due to having the proper diameter barrel and the proper twist rate for .22lr, as mentioned.  The difference between the two is small, but enough to affect accuracy.  Shooting coke cans with a red dot, you won't really tell much difference.
2/2/2014 6:34:31 AM EDT
[#4]

Quote History
Quoted:
The dedicated upper will be more accurate due to having the proper diameter barrel and the proper twist rate for .22lr, as mentioned.  The difference between the two is small, but enough to affect accuracy.  Shooting coke cans with a red dot, you won't really tell much difference.

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View All Quotes
Quote History
Quoted:



Quoted:

They work fine, but the only problem is the barrel twist rate is incorrect for a .22LR round so accuracy isn't the best.




The dedicated upper will be more accurate due to having the proper diameter barrel and the proper twist rate for .22lr, as mentioned.  The difference between the two is small, but enough to affect accuracy.  Shooting coke cans with a red dot, you won't really tell much difference.

Yep. A 22lr kit in my RRA carbine is some of the best plinking I have ever done-out to 50yrds or so.  You learn to adapt your aim and get a feel for it. You wont win any bullseye tournaments against 10/22's and the like though. I have always wanted to get a good dedicated upper to test that out but usually wind up blowing the money on other toys.



 
2/2/2014 7:10:51 AM EDT
[#5]
Topic Moved
2/2/2014 1:50:07 PM EDT
[#6]
I always read about accuracy and twist rate tossed around when it comes with these .22 conversion. With some real testing, I have seen me .22 conversion be just as accurate as my S&W MP 15-22.

The conversion was used in a Rock River AR-15. Used scopes on both of these at 100 yards. I think that thicker AR barrels aid in accuracy.
2/4/2014 5:09:55 PM EDT
[#7]
My Colt 6920 when comparing regular .223 with my two conversion units:
CMMG conversion puts 10 rds in 1" at 25 yds from a shooting bag rest.
Old Colt conversion puts 10 rds into 3/4" at same distance/conditions.

.22 rimfire is about 1/2" lower than .223 at 25 yds.

I'm amazed and very happy.
2/5/2014 4:17:33 AM EDT
[#8]
There have been improvements over the years to everything AR-22 but if you'll check out this old post
it may give some insight into accuracy of conversions vs dedicated set ups. Groups I have fired since with
improved barrels designed for 22's specifically and the use of better ammo's definitely have brought the
possibilities up and out to longer distances. Under 1 inch groups is pretty normal these days with a number
of combinations.

Link, My post #692 from 2009. About half way down the page shows the differences at that time.
http://www.ar15.com/forums/t_3_15/441890_22_Conversions___Dedicated_22_s__22_Builds___Range_Reports__Ammo__Tips__Tricks__Insight_and_More_.html&page=3


Dave
AR Sponsor