Can you build a better .22LR AR15 than a 15-22?

[Glocker23]

I have a 15-22 and I was wondering if you could really build a better .22LR than a 15-22?

If so, would I even be able to find barrels and bolt carrier groups?

Or should I just find a .22LR upper and just go that route? If so, is there a clear #1 option?

If I recall, a rimfire rifle can be shorter than a centerfire rifle in California.

Thanks in advance for the help.

[2shotjoe]

yup, CMMG sells them, few other vendors make their own.

my 22lr ar-15 ends up being 32" with a 16" barrel and magpul MOE butt stock closed.

[SOAR79]

since the 15-22 is polymer, I'd guess that most people would say that the aluminum 22s are superior. The CMMG would be first on my list

[Merc1138]

Yes, you can build one that's better than the 15-22, but not simply because the 15-22 is polymer.

You can start with a better trigger, start with a stock you'd prefer, go with a lightweight, m4 style, or heavy bull barrel if you want, etc. You can start with something better/preferred rather than hoping you can swap components later.

And yes, you can have a 26" rimfire rifle, while a centerfire semi auto needs to be 30" in its shortest shootable configuration. However, you still need a 16" barrel. You're not going to get a rimfire AR shorter than 30" with a standard buffer tube, but you can get a folding mechanism or full retractable stock like this:

[uxo2]

CMMG Bolt assy with TACCOM reliability kit

Or better yet TACCOM bolt assyhttp://taccom3g.com/TACCOM_22LR_BOLT_ASSY.html
and a dedicate barrel

then add a Catch22 BHO ..

http://www.arcatch22.com/

[Glocker23]

Wow, lots of stuff to look at on Taccom3G.

Another question is can I use my 15-22 magazines? I have a ton of those and would love to reuse them for an AR22 build.

I love my 15-22 so much. Light weight, accurate and fun. I just like the heavier feel of an aluminum.

Do you know where I can find stocks like that Merc? Seems the buffer assembly adds unnecessary weight and length to an AR22 so this is a much better way to go?

Regarding - http://www.arcatch22.com/

Do I need it if I am able to use my 15-22 magazines? If so, do I need to get a different bolt catch for that?

Thanks all. Great info.

[pennys dad]

for CMMG 22lr lowers you will need either CMMG mags or Black Dog mags

[Merc1138]

Nordic components used to make it, you'd have to find one in classifieds somewhere. However, it's not particularly weight saving due to the steel bars and aluminum butt.

Does make it a hell of a lot shorter though. However at that point you need a 16" barrel with a muzzle device that's long enough, or an 18" barrel to meet the 26" OAL.

Additionally, trying to get a cheek weld with a normal height sight or optic sucks, then again I was able to mount the PA microdot without a riser so it's more compact in that regard as well.

[2shotjoe]

for CMMG 22lr lowers bolt carrier you will need either CMMG mags or Black Dog mags

FIFY

[Rumline]

If you want a top quality 22LR AR15, JP Rifles also makes a complete 22LR upper, based on the Nordic receiver: http://www.jprifles.com/1.2.15_22LR.php

[whipkiller]

Wow, lots of stuff to look at on Taccom3G.

Another question is can I use my 15-22 magazines? I have a ton of those and would love to reuse them for an AR22 build.

I love my 15-22 so much. Light weight, accurate and fun. I just like the heavier feel of an aluminum.

Do you know where I can find stocks like that Merc? Seems the buffer assembly adds unnecessary weight and length to an AR22 so this is a much better way to go?

Regarding - http://www.arcatch22.com/

Do I need it if I am able to use my 15-22 magazines? If so, do I need to get a different bolt catch for that?

Thanks all. Great info.

I don't think you'd be able to use your 15-22 mags, but you would be able to sell them (to me) pretty easily.

[rimfired]

What do you mean by "better"? If it's reliability, you can't get more reliable. If it's accurate, yes you can get more accurate. If it's the polymer that bugs you, then maybe aluminum would fit your bill. As far as triggers and stocks, the 15-22 will take all the same parts as an AR.

I struggled with the same question because I too have a 15-22 that my son has taken over lol. I also have a complete AR lower in my safe so I thought of building a dedicated AR 22. In the end, after weighing pros and cons I'm going to get another 15-22 and do something else with the lower. I like the saying "2 is 1 and 1 is none".

[Glocker23]

The Nordic stock does not seem to exist anywhere. Nothing else like it I imagine? If I have to have a min overall length might as well make it all barrel rather than useless buffer tube and stock assembly.

Other things harder to get going on a 15-22 body is ambi safety and ambi mag release. I'm a lefty so those things matter to me.

Lots of options for HK's but they probably wouldn't fit:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Classic-Army-Retractable-Stock-GSG-/190870930579?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2c70cb4493

[rimfired]

Other things harder to get going on a 15-22 body is ambi safety and ambi mag release. I'm a lefty so those things matter to me

Wouldn't know about that, I was born normal ... J/k. Seriously then yeah a custom AR 22 with ambidextrous controls would be the way to go. Good luck and let's see some pics when you get it built!

[SNCaliber]

customization is way broader when going from a box built AR 22 like the 15-22 to something aftermarket, you can choose what parts you like as you build it, plenty of companies making 22 dedicated uppers