Review: CMMG 22LR AR Conversion Kit – Shoot 22LR Through Your AR15!
While the CMMG AR 22 conversion kit has been out for almost ten years now, a lot of people might not be familiar with it. This simple bolt carrier group and magazine converts your 5.56/223 AR-15 to shoot 22LR just by swapping it with your existing bolt carrier and mag.
Shooting for Cheap
This conversion kit is nothing new. It was popular in 2013 when there was an ammo shortage. Today, it makes for a great way to practice on the cheap or as a bug-out option. I keep this in my AR case with a reasonable amount of .22 ammo just in case.
The operation of the CMMG AR .22 conversion kit is simple. The end of the kit looks like a .556 case and fits in your barrel. The bolt moves back and loads a .22LR round into the conversion kit itself.
The mags are from CMMG and have the last round hold open. There is no need to change your buffer since the entire kit can function without it.
Sure there is 1/1000th of an inch difference between the 5.56 and a .22LR but not enough to make a difference.
Some people worry about fouling up the barrel shooting .22LR thorough it. I have never had an issue, but if you shoot thousands of rounds through it, you might clog your gas block.
Function
The CMMG AR .22 conversion kit runs flawlessly in all of my rifles, including in my .224 Wylde, as you can see in the video below. Shooting at 50 yards, there is about an 8-inch drop between the 5.56 and the .22LR. If you use a scope with Mil-dots or a BDC, it is easy to find your holds.
Also, CMMG has an upgrade kit that allows you to shoot full-auto .22LR. Watch the video below for function, accuracy, and full-auto fun.
Accuracy
For accuracy, I used a Faxon barrel that has a 1:8 twist that is a little slower, so the .22LR should like it better. All rifles are going to behave differently, so your results might be different, but this should give you a baseline.
| Ammunition Brand | Bullet Type | Group Size |
|---|---|---|
|
Federal Gold Medal Match |
40 Grain Lead Round Nose |
2.5" (1.4" w/o flyer) |
|
Norma Match-22 |
40 Grain Lead Round Nose |
1.3" |
|
Wolf Match Target |
40 Grain Lead Round Nose |
1.1" |
|
Gemtech Subsonic |
42 Grain Lead Round Nose |
1.3" |
|
CCI Subsonic Hollow Points |
42 Grain Lead Hollow Point |
0.8" |
|
Federal Auto Match |
40 Grain Lead Round Nose |
2.2" |
|
CCI Standard Velocity |
40 Grain Lead Round Nose |
1.4" |
That is the CMMG AR Conversion kit, and if you have an AR-15, you should pick one up. It is a great little thing to put in your bag and shoot for cheap. Get one while you can before the .22LR runs out.
Key Features: CMMG 22LR AR Conversion Kit
- Compatible with most AR-15s chambered in .223 Rem/5.56 NATO
- Includes (3) 25-round magazines
- Full auto conversion kit separate
- MSRP: $229.95
Dustin is well known for his influence in the firearms industry, runs a Youth Marksmanship Camp program and directs a summer Christian Kids camp – Camp His Way. He became well known after winning Top Shot Season 3 on the History Channel.
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