Suggestions For AR-22 Upper Build Parts

[WeR0206]

My next upper build is going to be one chambered in 22 LR. Since this is kind of a different part ecosystem than the centerfire world (that I'm more familiar with) I was curious about which barrels, bolt groups, mags, etc. people would recommend.

Budget for the build is <$400

Here are the parts I'm considering, any feedback would be much appreciated.

• Upper Receiver: I will use a Demo BCM Upper I have on hand ($0)
• Barrel Sub Assembly: BoreBuddy 16” Blaster 1:16 Pencil Barrel (4140, looser sporter chamber) ($150)
• Bolt Groups: Right To Bear 22 LR Bolt Group ($110)
• Handguards: Aimsports Wraith 10” Black (# US-AS001) ($65)
• Mags: Black Dog AR15.22 10 Round Mag (# SW-10SM-NY) ($18)
• Total: $150+$110+$65+18 = $343

 

[flogxal]

I have a .22LR 16" that I built with an RTB Pencil barrel, might be the same one BoreBuddy sells. I used a CMMG bolt which I'd tried as a 5.56 conversion bolt, and just bought the dedicated collar when I got the .22LR barrel. The upper reciever is a RTB basic one made for PCC/rimfire.

I use a Bore Buddy plug at the buffer tube.

Black Dog mags are all I use and I have a fair number of them.

I've used this rifle in Steel Challenge and in Appleseed shoots, just swapping optics. It's a nice shooter for a cheap barrel rimfire rifle. I've never had malfunctions. I keep the bolt slightly wet with Mobil 5w-30 on the slide rails/springs.

The barrel does fine with Norma Tac-22, Wolf Gold, Eley Club.

 

[WeR0206]

I have a .22LR 16" that I built with an RTB Pencil barrel, might be the same one BoreBuddy sells. I used a CMMG bolt which I'd tried as a 5.56 conversion bolt, and just bought the dedicated collar when I got the .22LR barrel. The upper reciever is a RTB basic one made for PCC/rimfire.

I use a Bore Buddy plug at the buffer tube.

Black Dog mags are all I use and I have a fair number of them.

I've used this rifle in Steel Challenge and in Appleseed shoots, just swapping optics. It's a nice shooter for a cheap barrel rimfire rifle. I've never had malfunctions. I keep the bolt slightly wet with Mobil 5w-30 on the slide rails/springs.

The barrel does fine with Norma Tac-22, Wolf Gold, Eley Club.

Thanks for the input!! People seem to really like the Black Dog mags

 

[roostercogburn98]

Thanks for the input!! People seem to really like the Black Dog mags

Every one I have ever used worked like a charm. I’ve used them in 22LR and 22 Mag.

 

[flogxal]

Every one I have ever used worked like a charm. I’ve used them in 22LR and 22 Mag.

Their only "weak point" -- put in quotes because it seems theoretical and not real -- is the plastic follower might get chewed up from many, many times of the bolt running home and hitting it on last round in the magazine. I haven't seen the follower get chewed up in mine, but it might happen? Maybe?

 

[WeR0206]

Every one I have ever used worked like a charm. I’ve used them in 22LR and 22 Mag.

Their only "weak point" -- put in quotes because it seems theoretical and not real -- is the plastic follower might get chewed up from many, many times of the bolt running home and hitting it on last round in the magazine. I haven't seen the follower get chewed up in mine, but it might happen? Maybe?

What about KRISS 10 Round Mag ($30), or CMMG 10 Round Mag (# 22AFC2B) ($16)
…any experience with either of these?

 

[flogxal]

I have 2 CMMG magazines that came with the conversion bolt. Don't notice any functional difference between them and the Black Dog. Hell they may even have been made by Black Dog & sold by CMMG.

 

[WeR0206]

Just found this great video/discussion with the guy who runs BoreBuddy:

 

[flogxal]

I think he had a sort of website before, or maybe some posts somewhere, back when I built mine. I remember reading some of his troubleshooting ideas -- sort of like that guy who has the thorough website on PCC / AR-9mm.

I have one of his beefed up extractors to use if mine ever goes south, but I haven't needed to use it.