AR-15 22LR conversion kit

There are a number of 22LR conversion bolts out there for AR-15 rifle systems. CMMG makes one, Spike’s Tactical makes one, I think Stag Arms makes one, etc. The unit you see in this video here is rather older, and a fellow kindly tossed it in with a purchase I was making of some other AR parts recently.

I have to say, I was skeptical about how well it would work and whether it was going to be something I’d ever use. I can’t believe how wrong I was. Hah. This little conversion bolt is an unreasonable amount of fun.

I had two failures to extract when I first tried this out, but then it was 100% perfect operation for me the rest of the afternoon. There are plenty of other videos online where folk review these little 22LR conversion kits, so I’m just adding to that existing set. My favorite element (and which I demonstrate toward the end of this clip) is how quickly and easily one can swap back and forth between shoot 22LR and 5.56 NATO. As quickly as you can change an AR bolt, you can adapt your rifle to the alternate caliber.

I’d surely recommend you pick one up if you’ve been considering it. They seem to never cost more than $200 (often kits can be found for around $150, including a magazine or two) and in my case operated just fine in all of my uppers thus far. These kinds of kits take virtually no extra room in your gear bag and it gives you the opportunity to…

1. run your AR-15 for pennies per shot (almost any kind of drills or practice you want to get with handling, target acquisition, etc. can be done with this kit as opposed to full-power rounds)

2. introduce new shooters to a larger platform (a Ruger 10/22 is a great way to start someone out, but letting them try an ArmaLite style black rifle can be a thrill, even if they’re really really young and not yet ready for 5.56 action)

3. doesn’t apply to most folk… but if you’re a pepper type, this is a super low-cost means of allowing your AR rifles to eat simple and abundant 22LR ammo for practice plinking or for taking small game.