Check out all conversion options we carry for the AR:
The 556 and 22lr share the same bullet diameters so it’s no surprise that there is a conversion kit to allow you to fire 22LR out of your 556 AR-15 with a simple bolt change.
Let me show you how easy it is to swap the bolts,
-Start with a clear and safe firearm
-Push out the rear takedown pin
-Pivot the upper forward
-Pull back on the charging handle far enough to remove the bolt
-Take the conversion bolt and slide it into the place
-Close the two halves
-Push the takedown pin back into place
-Cycle the bolt a few times
Now you’re ready for a day of fun at the range.
The 22 conversion kits are great for allowing a person that has never shot before to get some trigger time or just a great inexpensive way for you to practice.
If you’re interested in building a dedicated 22lr options do exist to create this type of rifle. The AR with the tan furniture is actually a dedicated 22LR.
Looking into the dedicated chamber we notice that the barrel protrudes into the upper receiver and a collar from the bolt locks onto the barrel. This inset of the barrel actually makes the overall length of the rifle about an inch shorter than a standard AR with the same 16″ barrel. By running a dedicated 22lr you do not need a gas block or gas tube, the barrel will also have the appropriate 1 and 16 twist rate for 22lr.
The conversion bolt has a chamber adapter allowing a 22lr to be loaded and fired through your original 556 chamber. Through my experience of firing my two rifles I have noticed that the dedicated is more accurate and stabilizes more brands of ammunition than the conversion kit. But have never had issues with either kit. The parked conversion kits usually require a good 400 to 500 round break in and plenty of gun oil.
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i know this may sound stupid but if i bought a 22lr ar-15 could i change it to a 223
I know that the barrel lenght is from the bolt face to the end of the barrel, so was just curious
Using the .22LR conversion kit with the 5.56/.223 barrel definitely hurts your accuracy as a .223/5.56 bullet is actually .224" in diameter and a .22LR is a bit smaller. It does'nt engage the rifling very well and as you pointed out the much faster 1:9 or 1:8 twist of the 5.56 is way too fast for the .22LR setup. Okay for plinking, but not so hot for "target practice." IMHO
It will work with piston guns, but you will need to remove the piston and operating rod. A thorough cleaning of the piston area will be necessary before reassembly. .22 long rifle ammunition is very dirty compared to centerfire ammuntion.
The barrel is not shortened. There is a portion of the barrel that is inside the receiver. The barrel is still 16 or more inches in length.
if it shortens a 16" barrel by an inch, doesn't that make it NFA?
this is relevant to my interests
nice