I’ll confess…I’m a dyed-in-the-wool fan of blued steel and fine walnut.
But despite my love for that style, most days you’ll find me toting a “dishwasher gun” — composite stock and stainless steel.
But you’ll also find me plinking and sniping at the occasional ground squirrel with an AR-style .22 LR.
A .22 LR AR gives you all the benefits of the AR-15 platform, but with the barely-there recoil of the .22 LR. And if you’re after varmint, they’re a great way to take care of small game.
But what is the best .22 LR AR? Well, we’ve narrowed down some options, bringing you some of our favorites. So keep reading!
Table of Contents
Loading...
Best AR-15 in .22 LR
1. Walther Colt M4 Carbine
Looking at it, the Colt M4 Carbine, it doesn’t scream “.22 LR PLINKER.”
It sports a 16-inch Parkerized M4 pattern barrel with a flash hider and an anodized aluminum upper and lower.
The front sight fixture is all metal with an elevation adjustable front sight post and a bayonet lug if you are so inclined.
The carbine has a traditional forend with no rails or slots for accessory mounting and the buttstock is a 5-position sliding affair common to most ARs today.
Up top is a traditional removable carry handle with an A2 adjustable sight assembly. Under the carry handle is the flat-top Picatinny rail for mounting scopes, red dots, etc.
The trigger is OK. My trigger scale showed a bit over 8lb for an average. There is a bit of taking up, then a pretty hard pull, and a bit of overtravel.
It is not the best for shooting precision groups from the bench, but then again — neither is the M4 Carbine.
Magazines are available in 30-round, 20-round, and 10-round configurations.
The little rifle is fun to shoot, unloading a box of .22 LR in short order.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
-
25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
Copied! Visit Merchant
What do you think of the Walther Colt combo? Rate it below!
2. Smith & Wesson M&P 15-22
As mentioned earlier, the Smith and Wesson M&P 15-22 launched the same year as the Colt M4 .22 Carbine.
The Smith and Wesson is a fine AR platform .22 Long Rifle option for shooters and is currently available in several variations.
These rifles feature a polymer upper and lower and as such weigh a bit less at just over 4-pounds.
While there is no forward assist button on the Smith and Wesson and the bolt release button is fully functional.
Magazines are available in 10-round or 25-round models.
The S&W M&P 15-22 is supplied with Magpul M-LOK forends, 6-position buttstock, and Magpul MBUS folding sights.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
-
25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
Copied! Visit Merchant
This gives you a lot of options for optics, lasers, and lights to customize your rifle for your needs.
For all your plinking and training needs any of the S&W M&P 15-22 variations will serve you well.
3. CMMG Mk4le
CMMG is probably best known for its conversion kits and upper, but they also supply rifles in .22 Long Rifle.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
-
25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
Copied! Visit Merchant
The Mk4le is the basic model and features an M4 profile 16-inch barrel, front sight, forged upper and lower, 6-position buttstock, and MBUS rear sight.
This gun weighs in at 6.2 pounds. Magazines are available in 10-round and 25-round capacity.
4. Tippmann M4-22 Pro
Offering a solid .22 LR option for those who like that AR-15 style, Tippmann’s M4-22 Pro brings a 16-inch barrel length to an overall 31.25 to 34.5-inch length (depending on stock position).
In total, you get a .22 LR rifle that weighs in at 5.22 pounds.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
-
25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
Copied! Visit Merchant
The M4-2 Pro is mostly Mil-spec compatible and works alongside a variety of AR-15 stocks, handguards, and sights.
All in all, this rifle is a great addition to your rifle collection.
Best .22LR Conversions and Uppers
1. CMMG Bravo AR-15 Conversion Kit
As mentioned above, when one thinks about using their existing AR platform to shoot .22 Long Rifle, CMMG is often the first option that comes up in an internet search.
The Bravo kit consists of a stainless bolt carrier conversion and a 25-round magazine.
Simply remove your bolt carrier group from your upper, insert the CMMG conversion kit, load the mag and go.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
-
25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
Copied! Visit Merchant
All in all, for a budget-friendly way to shoot and train with your AR the CMMG conversion kits offer a lot of bang for the buck.
Finally, CMMG and a host of other manufacturers offer dedicated .22 Long Rifle uppers to mate to your AR lower for low-priced plinking and training.
2. Palmetto State Armory .22 LR Complete Upper
PSA is well known for its quality and budget-minded AR-15s, AR-10s, and AK-47s — and this dedicated .22 LR upper is no different!
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
-
25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
Copied! Visit Merchant
For the money, it’s a great way to turn any AR-15 into a plinking king or make training with your standard rifle a lot cheaper.
It comes fully ready for the range with a dedicated .22 LR barrel, BCG, and charging handle.
3. Mk4LE Upper
The Mk4le upper is identical to the full rifle offering with the exception that no rear sight is supplied.
You simply remove your .223 upper, pin on the .22 LR upper, load up your magazines, and hit the range.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
-
25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
Copied! Visit Merchant
With a dedicated upper you will likely see an improvement in accuracy because the barrel is specifically bored and rifled for .22 Long Rifle bullets.
A .223 bullet is actually .224-inches in diameter whereas the .22 LR is .223-inches. In some AR barrels, you may not get quite the accuracy because of the bore diameter and twist rate.
But with a .223-inch bore and the slower twist specified for .22 LR, you will likely see much tighter groups.
Conclusion
Hopefully, this glimpse into the world of .22 Long Rifle ARs gives you some ideas on your options.
From fully dedicated rifles to conversion kits to uppers, there is a way for everyone to get more practice and training with their AR platforms.
Regardless of the option or options you choose, get out there and have some fun shooting your .22.
What kind of rifle do you plink and train with? Let us know in the comments! If you’re looking for more great AR-15 information, check out our Definitive Resource!
31 Leave a Reply
I own a Colt M4 Ops .22 One of my favorite guns Has trigger kit from hk parts With Tac Sol Aeris and Primary Arms 1-6x24 scope it is deadly out to 100 yds and beyond And pretty damn quiet too
Tippman Arms.
I am running a CMMG Conversion kit. I can train it across all of my AR platforms. I can do active traing for a fraction of the cost, only problem is that Ref dot changes between the .22 LR and use of the actual .556/.223 rounds other than that. I love being able to plink with the .22 LR
I recently purchased the Hammerli TAC R1 in 22lr
Doing several reviews of other AR 15 style rifles, this was my choice
OVERVIEW
Walther Hammerli Tac R1 22 Long Rifle 16.1in Matte Black Semi Automatic Rifle - 22 Long Rifle - The HAMMERLI TAC R1 22 rifle offers the best precision, quality, and value of any .22 L.R. AR-Style rifle on the market. Featuring a 13” M-LOK handguard, flip up back-up sights, removable flash-hider, and ergonomic stock & grip, the TAC R1 22 rifle is the most versatile .22 rifle available. All of these features, in addition to the all-aluminum construction of it’s receivers and handguard, set a new standard for performance and value which made me feel good about this purchase.
We chose the Tippmann M4-22 - not the cheapest but works exactly like the AR-15
Is that an airsoft rifle? Or a 22lr caliber rifle??
.22 LR
22lr
Would you use a CMMG conversion kit on your AR15 self defense rifle for practice?
Would you have concerns about messing up your self defense rifle?
Is there a concern about .22LR fouling the gas port?
Is there a concern about .22LR fouling/leading the barrel?
What about the Kriss DMK 22?
I did plenty of research and finally settled with the Tipmann M4 22 lr. Other than propriety mags which aren't cheap- everything I read gave me confidence that for the money I was getting the best/more realistic AR trainer rifle available. Thoughts?
I just picked up a Tippmann too. I'd say it's about a 2MOA shooter with standard bulk ammo. I have about 800 rounds through it now. I had 2 FTF but that was when I'd used standard velocity lead tip ammo. With high velocity or copper plated no problems. And all functionality is there just like on my AR15. Really nice rifle. It's better than the others I've seen that my friends have.
I'll pick up some good ammo since so far I've shot stuff just laying around the house to see if it was picky about ammo. Now to try it out next weekend at a Project Appleseed shoot.
The guy called 22 Plinkster has a really good review of it on youtube. He's a well respected shooter too.
Man I’m loving mine a little too much I’m not gonna lie.. I wanted a dedicated trainer for multi-gun so research said it had to be the Tippmann- but with few reviews out it was still a SWAG choice and I’m glad I chose it. I’ve put about 2k through it and other than a dozen or so primer issues I’ve had zero failure to anything. I have not found a bulk ammo or non-match ammo that performs how I’ve read it optimally can-but that would kindness if defeat the purpose of an expensive 22 that chews 5.56 priced ammo lol. I’ve used mostly American Eagle 40gr copper plated hollows and was very meh through the whole 1300. Remington Thunderbolt 40s and CCI mini mag 40 and 36 supers and still eh but the CCI has been in low enough numbers that I’d say inconclusive thus far. It sure isn’t fun with some subs (or supers really) and a decent can. Either way it does exactly what I needed it to-and after some dress up and one of those fake can shrouds (I couldn’t help myself) that sits partially inside the free-float guard I call it the Honeybadger :) Thing is a blast-no regrats.
My Tippmann Elite M4-22 rifle with a Vortex Diamondback HP 4-16x42mm scope shooting CCI Stingers(1640 fps) is definitely a 1 MOA shooter!
I was able to get a hair over 1 moa at a 'Rimfire Known Distance' back in January. Using CCI Standard Velocity. Got about 1.75 inches at 150 yards. Unsupported prone using a sling.
Project Appleseed is going to partner with Tippmann in the next month or two. Buy a Tippmann and get a free pass to an Appleseed. And Appleseed is good stuff. I say that as an Appleseed instructor here in Texas.
I agree best trainer available
I have owned the S&W 22 version since they were introduced. I installed a 4 pound Timney trigger, (3.5 will NOT work) and all Magpul furniture. The gun is awesome. It likes CCI MiniMags, and CCI Tactical, but Eley force just knocks the accuracy out of the ball park. It carries a Vortex 3x9 scope. I shoot it frequently. I truly enjoy this rifle.
how about the sig 522? it shoots a lot better than any colt style m4 rifle
Well, this is an article on the "Best AR-15 in .22", and the 522 isn't an AR-15 in .22, so....
My kids both run the DPMS .22 upper. Very reliable dedicated .22 upper. Family participants in Project Appleseed with the DPMS versions. Please be aware Appleseed has temporary prohibited the Smith and Wesson M&P 15/22 for open battery detonations. Smith and Wesson has been quite about the issue.Fyi.
https://appleseedinfo.org/how-to-prepare/
"** Effective immediately the use of Smith and Wesson M&P 15/22’S at and Appleseed are hereby temporarily prohibited due to recent safety issues."
I have had mine since Obama was re-elected. Maybe 5000 rounds through it and never a hick-up except with the 3.5 pound Timney trigger. Timney took it back, sent a 4 pound single stage trigger and never a problem. I have not heard about anyone having an issue. Two of my friends have had theirs as long as I have. Same results. They really like them. Is there a re-call?
Seems like you also missed another fun pinker, the umarex HK416D.
Isn't that an Airsoft gun?
AIRSOFT??? You are joking I hope.
H&K 416 is NOT an airsoft gun — I t’s definitely .22lr. I’ve had mine for several years, put thousands of rounds through it, and it shoots amazing well and accurately. It should be on this list.
No Kriss Defiant?
Working bolt release, forward assist and last round bolt hold open. Accurate, takes 10/22 barrels and most of your favorite furniture/triggers from your AR15... All metal too...
I shoot rimfire steel plate matches and by far the go to gun is the M&P 15-22. It is light, reliable and easily customizable. Many of the other competitors start with other guns but almost always end up moving to this platform. Out of all my rifles it's my favorite gun and most fun to shoot.
I totally agree!
Nice read. The Colt sounds like I need one. I have a Tippman arms M4 22. Fairly new to the market. y’all should review that one. Another AR clone but doesn’t feel like a toy. Quad rail is nice for my unnecessary furniture! Lots of plinking.
Best.
Alex
Tippmann Arms M4-22 ...why does no one know about this gun yet!?
I have wanted a .22 AR for a while and the Tippmann Arms would be the one I would go with if I had the $$ !
I agree! I did a lot of research before I purchased the Tippmann Elite M4-22 rifle.