Switch to semi-auto .22?

[utnapishtim]

Nobody needs to be told that times are tough. That's why so many of us have taken on the .22 as our favorite range gun.

I have a DPMS MK12, and a M4-gery. I don't have a full power bolt gun. I do have a Savage MKIIF with a Boyds Tacti-cool stock; and she's accurate as hell.

But as a trainer, I'm thinking of trading it in for a .22 semi-auto in an AR profile.

Should I do it? Would it be a mistake I'd regret? If I should do it, what make of semi should I be looking at? Is the MP22 accurate to 100 yards, or should I look at a dedicated upper?

Thanks for helping me decide, your opinion is valued!

Oh, and as much as I'd like one, Compass Lake is a bit out of my price range.

 

[Tuna921]

Re: Switch to semi-auto .22?

I would stick with the bolt for accuracy

Jim

 

[frog5215]

Re: Switch to semi-auto .22?

You're going to be out a lot of money.
While the S&W M&P 15/22 is a great little plinker/trainer, and good for muscle memory and function drills, it should never be mistaken for a precision rifle. The squishiness that makes Glocks tolerant of out of spec parts and ammo (think of it as the AK of service pistols) renders the M&P unsuitable for accuracy training.

I put, I think, $1700 into my MKII Mod 0 .22 upper, but most of that expense was for the authentic doo dads from PRI and ARMS.
The CLE match Douglas barrel and bolt (M-261) totalled $600 ($50 hickey for custom length rather than 20").

You could go cheaper easily, perhaps without seriously compromising accuracy.
Call CMMG and find out what kind of custom barrels they have available, or contact Adam at Ballistic Advantage.
CMMGs 16" and 20" guns ought to give useful accuracy, but it will take a pretty good barrel to whip a Savage or CZ bolt gun @ 100yd.

Since you have a couple of lowers, a .22 upper makes great sense.
A 16" upper is only $360 and up from CMMG.You can free float and use a bipod, the whole works.It's milspec, after all.

 

[hackit2]

Re: Switch to semi-auto .22?

If your Savage is "accurate as hell" KEEP IT!
If you Dump enough money into any rifle, it will probally shoot better than You & I Can! Savage Bolt Rimfires are usally pretty good rifles for the money. Maybe consider a "Rusty" Kimber Model 82G from the CMP, or a CZ Model 452. Both can be bought for apx. $400.00, and are alot of Bang for the Buck!
Just my 2 cents! Good Luck!!

 

[Mike_in_FL]

Re: Switch to semi-auto .22?

My $.02. Keep your Savage. Build yourself that AR-15 lower you'd always want, good trigger, stock, and grip you want. Then look at Nordic's NC22 upper. Seems to be one of the best bangs going for the buck lately. Check out page 3 for groups:

http://www.snipershide.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=2073090

 

[SmallBoreSnipers]

Re: Switch to semi-auto .22?

I'd stick with a bolt. I just got a semi-auto .22 myself. It's fun as hell but just not as accurate.

 

[TOP PREDATOR]

Re: Switch to semi-auto .22?

i'd rather the bolt for the accuraccy factor, but if you are sticking with the semi rifles, perhaps the semi is the way to go, to act as a trainer for your semi centerfires.

plus it's pretty damn fun clicking off a 50 rd mag of .22s for less than $3.00

but if you plan on getting a centerfire bolt, the .22 bolt could be used in the same fashion - a trainer for the centerfire bolt.

 

[Oodin]

Re: Switch to semi-auto .22?

I took frog5215's advice and I have Adam building me a complete upper on a Sniper's Hide/JD Machine receiver as we speak.

By all means keep your Savage, but if you want a semi, get a semi.

 

[frog5215]

Re: Switch to semi-auto .22?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Oodin</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I took frog5215's advice and I have Adam building me a complete upper on a Sniper's Hide/JD Machine receiver as we speak.

By all means keep your Savage, but if you want a semi, get a semi. </div></div>

Any ETA on that upper?

 

[Oodin]

Re: Switch to semi-auto .22?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: frog5215</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Oodin</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I took frog5215's advice and I have Adam building me a complete upper on a Sniper's Hide/JD Machine receiver as we speak.

By all means keep your Savage, but if you want a semi, get a semi. </div></div>

Any ETA on that upper? </div></div>

Actually, no. I didn't ask for one and one wasn't offered. I didn't end up getting a Krieger barrel and went with one of Adam's tightbores. He's been a little slow to respond to emails, but I just hope that means he's building guns like crazy.

 

[hntbambi]

Re: Switch to semi-auto .22?

I shoot with various rifles of multiple platforms for hunting and target shooting. When I am waiting for the barrel to cool down, or waiting to post a fresh target on the range, I grab the 22 lr. It helps build form. While I have a pair of custom 10/22 guns and a fairly stock 10/22 magnum, I grab my old circa 1948 Remington 510 Target Master single shot. I shoot it to build the form and function to shoot the bolt/auto/muzzleloader/etc that I shoot as accurately as I can. I have used the semi 22 lr guns but I have found I can tend to get lazy and just want to plink, specifically when I have a 25 or more round magazine. The old Remington slows me down and I make slow deliberate shots with the best form.

I usually shoot the 22 lr offhand at 100 - 150 yards. I have a spinner target that works great for feedback.

 

[fireEMT5]

Re: Switch to semi-auto .22?

I have the MP15-22. It most certainly pegs the "fun meter"! At 50 yds, it'll hit the 10 ring all day long if I do my part. That's using federal bulk pack ammo. At 100 yds, I have to work a little more, but my eye sight isn't great. At the end of the day, yes I'd buy it again.