I am going to be going to an Appleseed shoot with my wife in Sept an want to know if it is worth getting a conversion to save some money or if I should get her a 10/22 to use like I will if a conversion will be less than acceptable accuracy wise. The only AR I have is a Sabre Defence 1:7 twist 16" middy and I was curious what kind of accuracy I could expect with Federal ammo. I can't use 500rds of 223 right now so a 22lr is my only option. If the consensus is that I will not be happy in the accuracy department I will try to find another aluminum receiver 10/22 and build a couple of Liberty Training Rifles. Thanks for your help.

Conversions in a 1:7 barrel are for plinking and function drills. Shooting for any kind of score, a stock 10/22 will leave it in the shade.

A dedicated upper with proper 16" twist, on the other hand....

I love it when someone asks a question enabling me to show my anal-retentive (anal retentive?) side.  I have been testing many types of 22lr ammo in my Spikes setup, so ....

My upper, my lower, Spikes 22LR barrel (1:16 twist), Spikes dedicated bolt, 4x32 scope (ACOG ripoff).  25 yards only (I wanted to go at 50yds but it was really windy yesterday)

Worst:  Federal Value Pack (Blue 525 rd), 2 1/2"


Best: RWS target, 3/8"


Wait, I got more ..... full set on FLICKR

Nice thing about a dedicated 22LR barrel, is I don't have to worry about leading up the gas port.

.....wow... great job.  ...Now to find some RWS.....

Yeah I am not sure now about the conversion in my AR15.  It seems that it either works well in your rifle or it doesn't.  I don't know if I want to risk getting it for the Appleseed only to have it be really innacurate at even 25yds vs just setting up a 10/22.  I have a bid on Gun Broker for a 10/22 so depending on if I win that will determine what my other options are.  I really liked the idea of having a couple of 5.56 uppers and being able to use them with the 22lr conversion but if I can't even hit a milk jug at 50yds then I don't see the point for me anyway to get one and I just can't see spending $600 on a dedicated 22lr upper when a $200 10/22 will allow me to practice the fundamentals just as well.

having a 22LR AR upper IS more expensive than a 10/22, but, you'll have the advantage of handling a weapon, just like your regular AR.  Basically, more trigger time with your chosen weapon, just a different round.

Natchez Shooters Supplies, still in stock.

Unfortunately, the better groups, the higher the cost  I'm only using RWS for my NRA Light Rifle shoots.

There have been a few guys who have posted that they shot Rifleman with .22 conversion kits in their AR's.  Best bet would be to get one and find the right ammo for it.

Brad

2 1/2" groups at 25 yards with Fed bulk?

I get less than 1 inch (usually under half inch) groups with WM Federal bulk pack all day long at 25 yards from numerous dedicated barrels - all shot with a 5x scope off a sandbag rest.  I do better than 2 1/2" at 25 yards from my conversion kits in a .223/5.56 1:9 barrels at 25 yards also with Federal bulk pack.

I love shooting my Colt 6920, but due to ammo prices I've been shooting it exclusively with my Ciener kit. With the 1/7 barrel I only can get about 3" groups @ 25 yards with Federal bulk pack. It runs 100% so I can't complain about reliability. I'm giving serious thought to getting a dedicated upper just to improve accuracy. My range only allows paper targets so it's not as fun as shooting at a private range where I could blast at cans, pumpkins, etc where the accuracy issue wouldn't be a big deal.

I just recently attended an Appleseed with my dedicated upper (vs. conversion) and scored Rifleman on the 2nd day.  Everyone on the line was asking questions and drooling...