I'm considering getting an entry level .223 AR 15 rifle soon (entry level meaning priced under $1000). I don't know much about the different companies making them other than S&W MP 15 and I hear Ruger makes one. I would appreciate input on some of the others that are available- their quality, reliability, etc. Also would like to know if any .223 can be adapted to shoot 22lr for target practice by changing the upper or lower or whatever you change to adapt them, or if only certainly rifles can be adapted to shoot both calibers. Thanks in advance
Seeking Input on Entry Level AR 15's
- Thread starter indyyy
- Start date
Independent Rebellion
New member
A M&P AR is a great economical rifle, along with a CMMG BRAVO 22 KIT ( starting around $140.00 )
bofh
Banned
The S&W M&P 15 is a good "entry-level" AR. As for caliber, you definitely want a 5.56/.223 and not a .223-only.
Please compare the reviews of conversion kits vs. .22lr ARs. You will quickly find out that the cheap kits, like the CMMG BRAVO 22 KIT, have reliability and magazine issues. The more expensive kits are all as expensive as a .22lr AR. Instead, the S&W M&P 15-22 runs just fine, you can get more than just one magazine for it, and accessorize it.
As the recoil between 5.56/.223 and .22lr is significantly different, training/practice with .22lr instead of 5.56/.223 goes only as far as weapon manipulation and not shooting speed and accuracy. You can't practice magazine changes if you only have the one that came with the .22lr conversion or rifle, so you need to buy more. If you consider a .22lr conversion or rifle just for training/practice, then you may be better off to spend that money on ammo and a training class instead. 1000 rounds of 5.56/.223 practice ammo is around $310-$350 (+ shipping).
Please compare the reviews of conversion kits vs. .22lr ARs. You will quickly find out that the cheap kits, like the CMMG BRAVO 22 KIT, have reliability and magazine issues. The more expensive kits are all as expensive as a .22lr AR. Instead, the S&W M&P 15-22 runs just fine, you can get more than just one magazine for it, and accessorize it.
As the recoil between 5.56/.223 and .22lr is significantly different, training/practice with .22lr instead of 5.56/.223 goes only as far as weapon manipulation and not shooting speed and accuracy. You can't practice magazine changes if you only have the one that came with the .22lr conversion or rifle, so you need to buy more. If you consider a .22lr conversion or rifle just for training/practice, then you may be better off to spend that money on ammo and a training class instead. 1000 rounds of 5.56/.223 practice ammo is around $310-$350 (+ shipping).
mudshark100
New member
I've had great experiences with Palmetto State Armory. Zero problems.
NotTwoShure
Well-known member
Go to Gunbroker.com and see what they are all going for. I have an Armalite and my wife has the Olympic Arms. I would suggest it be stamped 5.56 and milspec so it is chrome lined. Locally two weeks ago a gun shop had the M&P for $700.00 That was pre-Ovomit stuff. Slick guns had a few. .22 LR conversions are available.
by Ovomit, are you meaning the melonite barrel coating ? Most seem to like the S&W MP 15, but i did come across a review in which the guy is po'd because they stopped using melonite coating for barrel in 2012 and have been using a proprietary coating.
Also, wondering if anyone has heard of DPMS Oracle - was looking @ Cabela's AR's and they have them on sale for $549 -cheapest I've seen and has good reviews:
Link Removed
bofh
Banned
A .22lr AR has the same controls and ergonomics as a .223/5.56 AR, which is why there is the motivation to use it for training/practice. Your Marlin 795 is simply just a different rifle chambered in the same caliber, .22LR, with a slightly longer barrel, 18" vs. 16", no pistol grip, and a significantly lower sight height.
BigSlick
New member
I "had" a Spikes Tactical 22lr conversion for my AR. It was prone to jamming (every 2nd or 3rd round) unless I was using CCI Stingers. Still it would stove pipe at least once per mag sometimes twice. It would also break firing pins and ejectors. This was not a cheap one either though I finally gave up on it, just to many problems.
One day after a USPSA match one of the guys had a M&P 15-22 and let us play with it. I could not believe how sweet that thing ran. Aside from the occasional 22 cheap bulk ammo dud, it never jammed once and would fire as fast as you could pull the trigger. I was sold and this rifle moved to the front of my must have one list.
I've had excellent results from DelTon uppers(any lower will get you started). PSA also has many good reports. I don't have much to recommend on the "chamber insert" 22lr conversions. I'd suggest either getting a dedicated 22lr upper/magazines or just buying a Ruger 10-22. Considering the supply/cost of 22lr, I don't even recommend the expense of a 22 rifle right now.
$1000 will get you a decent AR, 1000 rounds of ammo, 10-12 magazines, and a $100 optic if you're lucky and a good shopper.
$1000 will get you a decent AR, 1000 rounds of ammo, 10-12 magazines, and a $100 optic if you're lucky and a good shopper.
Bill Amsden
New member
I have a DPMS 223/556. HAs been used on three hog hunts with success. I have fired several different brands of ammo with no issues, I have even had my slide fire stock on it, it'll dump 30 rounds very quickly. I think it is a great entry level AR15.
I just added my first AR15 to the safe - the Ruger AR-556. Excellent shooter! I picked it up Black Friday for $560 from Preppers, I think $580 including shipping. Its a sharp rifle. Not the best AR, but it seems to do everything pretty well. It was accurate out of the box, has the dust cover and forward assist the M&P sport lacks. The Ruger however lacks a chrome lined barrel, which for the occasional plinker and home defense is not by any means a deal killer. Picked up a Bushnell red dot and the thing is a blast to shoot!
Don't forget about Ammo. and mags. get a lot of both!
Don't forget about Ammo. and mags. get a lot of both!
