What Does a .22 kit do to Your AR Barrel?

lawn gnome

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Like the title says, what does a .22 conversion kit do to your AR barrel?
Ok, so I now have a CMMG conversion kit.:D

Do I dedicate a specific barrel and upper to use with the .22 conversion kit all the time?:confused:

Do I go through the process of making a special upper just to use with it?:confused:

Do I just use it on the upper of the month that I am using at the time?:confused:

If I just use it through the .223 barrel, does it cause any long term wear or damage?:confused:
 
.22 Conversion Kit

I have the same conversion kit and am very happy with it. I did dedicate an old H-Bar upper as I was concerned about leading my "Good".223 barrels. I went the extra step of removing the gas tube and blocking the gas block to prevent ported gasses from coming back into my face. (I had noted excess gas and some debris coming back into the receiver). Since removing the gas tube I note the upper and lower are much cleaner.

As for wear and damage I can't say for sure. It is worth noting that most .22 ammo is lead or copper wash and you can expect the gas port in the barrel will shave some off as the round passes. That lead and .22 crud has to go somehwhere. Not all of it will make it to the receiver. I note as well that CMMG recommends a thorough cleaning before converting back to .223. Bottom line, I recommend a dedicated upper.

Hope this helps
 
just use whatever upper you have. will just needs alittle extra cleaning when you are done. big deal, most of us clean after every range use anyways.

shoot it away and don't worry about it. will not wreck your gun.
 
For the extra $$ I'd ditch the conv. kit and go with a .22 upper.
You'll get the right .22lr twist.
 
I have one of the conversions. I got it from Questar. Works great, no jams, no copper/lead fouling in the barrel really above and beyond what I normally get. And of course not even much fouling in the receiver, except at the very front. Now as for accuracy, I don't believe it has the potential as accurate as a normal .22 (or a dedicated upper), since the barrel is .003 bigger than the bullet...More of a musket launcher, I guess. At 25 yards (indoor pistol range I shoot it at), it it seems very accurate and I have no problem driving tacs with it...I haven't bothered shooting it at longer range than that.

Pro's: Cheap ammo, 25 or 30 rounds at a time, just like the good old days. Easy to install. No jams (well, I had one with some crappy ammo where the bullet "bent"). Easy clean up and less mess than normal. No apparent fouling of the bore. Conversion is cheaper than an upper.

Con's: Yep, still a restricted weapon, limited to an approved range. Accuracy may suffer (but I didn't notice it).

I also intend on getting one of those Colt .22LR when (if) they come out and are Non Restricted. I want to gopher hunt in style, and although VZ-858 blows them to bits with 7.62x39 the ammo can still be pricey (but the experience is very satisfying ;-) )
 
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