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I'm really entertaining the though of building a really simple AR-15 for plinking out at the range. All I'm really looking to do is build on my fundamental shooting technique from different firing positions and have some fun. Since this is more of a practice weapon than a practical one, I'm going to be firing .22LR. Is my best bet just buying a used AR in the $550 range or can I assemble one for $400 or less?

You can assemble a basic M4 in .223 for less than $500 if you REALLY shop the deals.
A .22LR dedicated upper alone will usually cost you close to your $500 mark.

Sure, you could buy a standard M4 upper for $299, sell the BCG for $110 - $125 (unfired) and put the proceeds for a Ciener .22LR convertor ($175)
But the 1:9 twist rate of the .223 barrels does not work well with .22LR, and accuracy suffers.
.22LR likes 1:16 twist rate.

That would put you at $350 for the upper complete. The best I've ever done for a complete lower is $150.
So that best-case $500 AT15 in .22LR is $500, and it's not very accurate.

You can buy a Colt Umarex .22LR AR15 for $500

http://www.impactguns.com/store/723364450501.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

http://www.cheaperthandirt.com/69671-1.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;


$218.52 "AR-15 (.22 LR)"

RSJ wrote:http://www.cheaperthandirt.com/69671-1.html


$218.52 "AR-15 (.22 LR)"

Great Price !!!! Saw one around here locally for $300.

The Mossberg looks like great bang for the buck.
The lower does not appear to be an AR-15 standard lower.
For example, the safety is a button above the trigger guard, as opposed to the lever below the ejection port.
That might not be important to you, especially since the price of this complete rifle is about what a low-end complete lower (only) would cost.
Note that Ruger also has an AR15ish .22 based on their 10-22, and it's more than double what this Mossberg costs.

I have a bunch of Ar15's and have built two stripped lowers.You can find step by step how to videos on Brownells website.
For a 22LR i highly suggest a dedicated 22 upper with a bolt carrier group designed for a dedicated 22LR..Has the correct rifleing twist as was mentioned.
Spikes has great uppers as doe's CMMG. I have a Tcatical Solutions AR22 M4 that i put on a Spikes lower.
Got my upper here and came with two blackdog magazines...
http://www.paulzintgunsmith.com/AR_Uppers.html
Here is a video of my 22...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x3tKeQ_2f9Q
Also you can put a regular 5.56 AR upper on the lower and use it for either one of the uppers you have.Just add a buffer and spring.
The dedicated 22 upper don't need a buffer and spring.
Cheap lower here...
http://www.aimsurplus.com/product.aspx? ... groupid=53
And here is the brownells how to...just jump to the lower reciver section if you want to try it.
http://www.brownells.com/.aspx/lid=1100 ... R-15_Video
Also those Colt 22 M4's are not real lowers...fake pins etc...made in Germany by Umarex with a Colt brand on it.
Most reviews are not good on it...

AndyC wrote:You have a couple of options, besides build or buy:

1. You can build/buy a regular .223-style AR15 and:
a. Add a complete .22 upper (more accurate) or
b. Buy just a .22 conversion-kit

or

2. Buy a dedicated .22-only rifle:
a. Colt
b. Smith & Wesson

If I was choosing a dedicated plinking rifle in .22LR only, I'd buy the S&W .22 - the Colts (made by Walther) seem to have had some teething issues.

Check East Coast Guns
http://eastcoastgunsales.com/product.php?ID=105904
http://eastcoastgunsales.com/product.php?ID=105953

Thanks for all the input guys.

I think I might have found a good fit in the CMMG dedicated .22. It clocks in right at $500 and the lower is a full .223 that I can just swap uppers on.

http://cmmginc.secure-mall.com/item/QUE ... e-FSB-1641" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

idrathernot wrote:Thanks for all the input guys.

I think I might have found a good fit in the CMMG dedicated .22. It clocks in right at $500 and the lower is a full .223 that I can just swap uppers on.

http://cmmginc.secure-mall.com/item/QUE ... e-FSB-1641" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Yeah that one sounds pretty good.I guess ya swap out that polymer buffer tube if ya get a 5.56 upper later on huh ?