SR22 or AR platform with .22 conversion

MikiP

MikiP

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SR22 or AR platform with .22lr conversion kit, would be doing this for off work training/range time hoping to cost save on ammo

Trying to decide, I have a pros/cons for both, ignoring the obvious Pro of ammo cost for both

SR22
Pros:
-Actually mfr'd for, and is dedicated a .22LR
-Bigger mag capacity? (plse confirm)
-Non-restrict, so able to fire in "safe" area, not restricted to conventional range
-Able to varmint hunt (non-restrict?)

Cons:
-More cost on initial purchase i.e. have to buy another platform instead of convert AR, and having to add "personalized pieces" (stock, red dot, flip sights, fore grip etc.)
-May not offer the "firing characteristics" I'm looking for in off-work firearms training i.e. recoil/jump
-Quality?
-Not the same fire control manipulation and cocking mech for drills


AR .22LR Convert
Pro:
-Cheaper to buy and run (throw in the convert, go to town)
-Has all my "personalized pieces" on the platform in place

Cons:
-Still restrict? (please confirm) so shooting area restricted to range only
-Quality/feed issues? Is this an issue with putting in a sub cal kit with this option?


This is what I've got. Please add/correct where it fits and is constructive.

Cheers!
 
SR22 is great

- non-restricted
- 100% reliable feeding, firing, ejecting (in my case and some others I have talked to)
- butler creek steel lip mags are great, higher cap magazines woo
- can look and feel like an AR if you put money into it (like I did)
- solid construction (mine is super heavy)
- only downside is that it does not mimic an AR in terms of functionality, safety, mags, bolt release, etc.


I have no regrets buying my SR22, which is pretty rare for me as I always find things I dislike or develop pet peeves quickly, but my SR22 has been nothing but great fun to build and shoot (albeit expensive, I wouldn't sell it for anything)

here's mine

sr22_flash1.jpg
 
Thanks for the reply.

I know its a bit to ask, but do you have a list of changes/cost you've done with yours?

My aim would be to copy as much as I can what I use at work, with an intent of using it for dynamic shooting application at varied short ranges, altered fire positions, application of fire. I think I'm willing to accept different IA drills, so long as the training effect of rounds on target with tactical application is achieved- the 80% solution.
 
What's the primary purpose of the conversion/SR22? Is it for training/practice for Service Rifle/CQB matches, or just a fun gopher killer???:D

If it's for competition practice, I'd go with the conversion kit, simply because all the controls such as mag release and bolt release will be the same. As you doubtless know, the SR22 is based on the 10/22, which has a bolt and mag release completely different than an AR platform.
 
Whichever way you go, there will be some compromises.

I chose a genuine .223 chambered AR 15 with a CMMG .22 LR conversion bolt kit.
The good news is that this system duplicates EVERYTHING my AR does, except for recoil. Trigger pull, balance, handling, sights, etc all stay EXACTLY the same.

The bad news is that with the 1 in 7" twist in my 10.5" LMT barrel, the groups at 25 yds with .22 LR ammo, are just about the same size as the groups at 100 yds are with .223 ammo [ 1 1/2" - 2" ]. I can live with this for CQB practice with the MUCH less expensive .22 LR ammo. However, in testing with a 1 in 12" twist barrel, my 25 yd groups with the .22 LR ammo were SIGNIFICANTLY smaller. I am now considering using the 1 in 12" twist for shooting both .223 and .22 LR ... further testing with various .223 bullet weights is on going.

Of course, other AR 15 "Lookalikes" may provide much better accuracy, and may also be NON restricted, to open up use in the field instead of being restricted to a range.
But for me, since I do almost all my shooting these days at my close by local range,
the genuine AR with the .22 LR conversion bolt makes the most sense.

FREE opinions on the internet may be worth much less than you pay for them
and
YPMMV.
[;{)
LAZ 1
 
FREE opinions on the internet may be worth much less than you pay for them
Click to expand...

Amen brother!!! :cheers:
Exactly why I want input before I pay my sheckle's

That's interesting about the twist. I had no idea it had that much variance on the .22LR- its never been a concern for me with 5.56/.223. I'm guessing this has to do with the bullet weight?

CQB, is exactly the application I'm looking at here. I'm willing to accept the grouping you talk about at 25- not often I'd be engaging past that. If I did the conversion, it would be either on a 14.5 or 16 barrel.

Choices, choices... hmm.

From shredder:
If it's for competition practice
Click to expand...
Now, I'll ask a definite newb question:redface:- is there a competition league or organization where you can shoot carbine/restricted long arms, allowing transition drills/tactical application? I thought IPSC and IDPA were only pistol?
 
Service Rifle and 3-Gun competitions come to mind.

Service Rifle is "shooting the army rifle the army way", which basically means shooting at man-size targets using prone, kneeling/sitting, and offhand positions from various ranges.

3-Gun competitions means using a rifle, pistol, and shotgun in any way the event organizers can dream up for you!

Both are great fun to participate in.
 
Lazerus2000 said:
I am now considering using the 1 in 12" twist for shooting both .223 and .22 LR ... further testing with various .223 bullet weights is on going.

FREE opinions on the internet may be worth much less than you pay for them
and
YPMMV.
[;{)
LAZ 1
Click to expand...

Lazerus, have you tested heavier bullet weights in a 1:12 barrel? Everything I've read or been told has said that a 1:12 twist barrel (the original M16 design) won't stabilize a bullet heavier than 55 grains. I haven't been able to test this since the only 5.56 I own is a Colt HBAR with a 1:7 twist. I do know that the 40 grn bullets aren't heavy enough in a 1:7 twist as they keyholed out of my Colt at 100 yards. I suspect that the twist is too fast for the light weight. I also suspect that, given the 40 gr .223 performance, that .22lr won't be any better. Thoughts?
 
Actually,
I shot some 10 shot groups with 60 Gr Aguila .22 LR SUB-sonic ammo in that 12" barrel with the 1 in 12" twist. Basically ONE BIG RAGGED HOLE @25 yds.

Same size groups for the 40 gr Winchester Dynapoint copper plated bullets.

in the 1 in 7" twist, none of the [ several ] .22LR loads OI tried would go below 1 1/2".

PS: remember the 1 in 14" twist on the original M16 ....
and how the "unstable" 55 gr BALL bullets had a fearsome reputation for tumbling when they hit?

remember,
guns have individual preferences, just like people.
YPMMV,
which is why you should try some experiments in YOUR rifle to confirm what it likes best.
LAZ 1
 
I had forgotten about the tumbling of the 55 gr rounds when they hit. Point taken.

I've not shot .22 LR out of my Colt as I don't have a conversion kit. That's on the to-buy list when tax time comes around :D

Are you talking about 25 yrds range in the 1:7 twist with .22 LR rounds? Your post isn't specific about that.
 
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I agree 100%. If it's for practice then trigger time with your 'regular' rifle/optic/accessories/etc is the way to go.


If it's for competition practice, I'd go with the conversion kit, simply because all the controls such as mag release and bolt release will be the same. As you doubtless know, the SR22 is based on the 10/22, which has a bolt and mag release completely different than an AR platform.
Click to expand...
 
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