If you’re tired of burning through your stash of 5.56 ammo every time you hit the range, it’s time to check out this dedicated .22LR upper build. In this month’s AT3 Tactical Build, CJ walks you through every detail of why this setup is the ultimate budget-friendly training tool that still feels just like your favorite AR-15.
Timestamps:
00:00 – Why this build saves you money
00:30 – Build mission & AR ergonomics
01:05 – Why we chose a .22LR upper
01:39 – Lower compatibility tips
02:54 – Breakdown of the full upper build
4:42 – Accessories & control-enhancing add-ons
05:56 – Magazine options & fitment
6:49 – Red dot vs. irons for new shooters
8:23 – Start your 9mm AR build journey
Key Takeaways
Building a dedicated .22LR upper can save you tons in training costs
Mil-spec style triggers are more reliable with .22LR bolt geometry
AT3 Tactical offers all the parts for a reliable, lightweight training rig
Relevant Links
Related Video: 9mm AR Guide Ep1:
Wanted to get started shooting .22? Check out our starter guide right here:
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Are you running a .22 upper on your AR-15? Got a favorite trigger or mag setup? Drop your thoughts in the comments below—let’s talk training tools!
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Poll
What’s your favorite way to train on a budget?
Dedicated .22LR Upper
9mm AR Build
Dry Fire Drills
.223 Reloading
🤝 Transparency
We strive to provide the growing AR-15 shooting community with helpful, fact-driven information about the AR-15 & AR-15 style firearms and accessories to do our part in bolstering a more well-informed community and safer when handling, building, or shooting their personal firearm. Let’s face it, we all have to start somewhere when it comes to becoming a firearms expert. Our goal is to help you get there one small step at a time. The purpose and content of this video is to provide general information regarding the products and their applications on any/all related firearms that strictly comply with all federal, Minnesota state, and local laws. The viewer expressly agrees that AT3 Tactical LLC; its officers, directors, employees, and agents shall not be liable for any damages or losses related to the products and information provided in this video and hereby agrees to hold the foregoing harmless from any such losses or damages. AT3 Tactical LLC is a Federal Firearms Licensee.
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I wish there was good 22wmr upper
Has anyone ever successfully tried a FRT with this set up?
@At3tactical
Can you do this, but on an AR-10 .308/6.5 CM normal build frame?
CMMG adapter. Accurate enough, eats whatever I feed it, even at giggle speeds with a Franklin Armory trigger. Dedicated upper? Nah…
If you're into shooting sports to save money, you're not into shooting sports, you own a paper weight. Shooting isn't cheap. Shooting has never been cheap. If you just want to sit there and pull the trigger, may I suggest some sort of dry fire trainer for you. Otherwise, learn to budget.
Links to the parts used in the video would have been great…
I built a dedicated 22lr with spare parts. Got the cmmg conversion kit. Works great
Tippman also makes a dedicate upper and their magazines + loader make reloading incredibly painless and fast.
I tried all that, conversion kit, dedicated upper etc.
I just keep getting stovetops and failure to feeds, even though I also use the 'good' ammo (mini mags)
even spend extra to try the supposed better SW mags.
IMO, if I were to do it over again, just buy a dedicated 22LR rifle ( eg Smith & Wesson M&P15-22
) and be done with it.
Cmmg 22lr ar15 conversion easier and comes with mags
I just throw the cmmg kit into my beater spare upper. And even with the 1-8 twist it gets acceptable accuracy for training inside 100 yards. Ive made hits out to 200 on old fire extinguishers but definitely not as consistently as inside 100
I have a dedicated 22 sbr, but we have and prefer our 3 cmmg kits so we can run the primary rifles with the same optics lights etc. My youngest only shoots 22, so I flipped the gas block and removed the tube for now. Less to plug up.
you dont need a dedicated upper, just a CMMG kit, same with the AA kits for Glocks.
I suggest building your own. Dedicated 22LR BCG. Single stage mil spec trigger, bore buddy buffer plug and yes, Black Dog 22LR mags are best. Not M&P 15-22 mags…no just no. Unless you're running an M&P 15-22 rifle.
Do you have feeding problems with the blackdog mag or cmmg one?
I'm still looking for a dedicated 22lr upper that doesn't cost more than a Ruger 10/22…..
You lost me on the “ can’t use a cassette type trigger “ .. sometimes the old faithful Ruger 10/22 rules