Educate Me - AR15 SBR 22L

[jyl]

A buddy took me out shooting with his AR platform "spoons". My favorite was a SBR that he had fitted that day with a 22 LR upper/barrel, EO sight plus magnifier, green laser.

I don't know much about ARs and it seems really daunting to figure it all out. So, looking for guidance.

If you were going to build/buy a AR15 SBR 223 that will also accept a 22LR barrel/upper, where would you star? Brand, source?

[id10t]

Any standard AR15 lower will take a 22lr dedicated upper. And most 223/556 uppers (depending on barrel collar) will take a conversion kit chamber insert.

That said, I don't play in NFA land. The wait, the tax, etc. just get to me. Especially since I have friends with tax stamp collections to call on whenever I want to shoot full auto or SBR or suppressors...

But basically, to start either you build up as a rifle first, and then do the Form 1 ("making a SBR" application) and when you get your tax stamp back, you can buy and install the short barrel. Or start w/ a short barrel and build a "pistol" (w/ brace) then when the tax stamp comes in you can swap out to a stock.

Whichever direction you go, be aware of "constructive possession" - if you have a short barrel upper (or even just a short barrel) and no tax stamp and no AR lowers that are pistols then you could be charged wtih fed felony... Another reason I avoid the "pistol" AR types.

Finally, in California, I don't know if you can get ANY NFA items. I know full auto and suppressed is a no-no in the state, I would assume SBR/AOW would be as well.

[71T Targa]

If it were me, I wouldn't build/buy an SBR. Too much red tape. I'd just build a pistol.

Something like:


and add:


With whatever flavor of optics and lasers you want.

Your .22 isn't going to be a match shooter, but it'll put holes in paper or knock tin cans off a fence post.

[71T Targa]

A couple of PSA pistol builds:


Hmmm, not sure why that is so big. The link I copied isn't...

[id10t]

Nothing wrong with buying complete from PSA or buying a lower and upper from them to get the combo you want. But you can get exactly what you want if you build yourself - don't think "oh, I can get the cheap complete lower and replace this and that and ..." 'cause you won't save any money doing it then you have a drawer full of almost enough parts for another one so you order the few things you still need and .....

FWIW the lower I built last week -

PSA lower, local shop for $65 otd
JoeBobOutfitters "enhanced" parts kit w/ Ergo grip option $65 (I'd get the Ergo anyway, and the trigger in their enhanced LPK isn't bad for milspec, better than PSAs EPT trigger)
Ace/DoubleStar ARFX stock from CDNN w/ buffer tube $80
Rifle buffer and spring $15 from Primary Arms

Mind you, I was ordering a lot of other stuff at the same time so I ended up with free shipping on just about everything but those were the best base prices I found for a complete lower as of 2 weeks ago.

You can get a standard A2 style stock for $60 or so and depending on where bought it will come iwth buffer and spring, and you can get a collapsing CAR style stock for $35-40 at the bottom end, check to be sure it has the castle nut, blocking plate, tube, spring, and stock.

Or you can get a complete lower from PSA for $129 and up, plus shipping (or maybe not) and your local FFL fees.

Still, the issue is you are in CA. I'd get on calguns.net or AR15.com and ask what is needed to remain legal there before you start planning and building. Might be easier to get the Ruger PCC since the only "evil" feature it has is the removable mag.

[Jim Bremner]

Please consult www.calguns.com. I can tell you that shorter than 16" barrels are a no go in California. If you build an AR style rifle and want it to shoot 22LR please buy a lower marked "any" caliber not 5.56. It will keep some options open for you.

California has many ways to create legal issues that can earn you a vacation from your family.

[jyl]

Not in CA - in OR. No restrictions here.

[brainz01]

I screwed up a 556 barrel with a 22lr conversion kit a bunch of years ago. I shot about 500 rounds or 22lr without stopping to run some 556 to blast the gas system clean. 22lr is filthy stuff and it leaded up the gas port on the barrel underneath the FSB, which was pinned (and not easy to remove). The leaded port blocked the gas system and turned the rifle into a single shot 556.

Looking back, I probably could have fixed the barrel by plugging one end, heating the FSB with a propane torch, and simultaneously using compressed air to blast out the molten lead (wear eye pro!). But since the rifle was brand new, it got replaced under warranty.

After that experience, I bought a dedicated 22lr barrel and upper receiver to use with my 22lr conversion kit. Works well and I don't worry about messing up my 556 barrel/gas system.

22lr ARs are super fun to shoot. And quiet. And are often allowed at indoor ranges that would otherwise prohibit centerfire rifles.

[A930Rocket]

All I can add is my S&W AR15-22 won’t hit the broad side of a barn. I’ve run a 1,000 rounds through it and it’s just not reliable. Had a SWAT guy take a look/shoot and he was baffled.

Too much play in the barrel to upper I’m guessing, with no way to correct it.