.22 vs .223

[PriestEG]

5.56 upper and a CMMG conversion kit

this is what i would do,.without a doubt!! anything else i would consider sub-par.... just my

 

[thegeez]

it's all about money-if you are on a tight budget for now,go with the .22 until the economy picks up and then go for the .223 and if you really like to shoot it,you can maybe get into reloading.

 

[bradw266]

The S&W 15-22 is a great gun. You can shoot the Federal bulk ammo. $20 for 550 rounds.

Really enjoy the 15-22.

 

[IndyGuns1]

I have a s&w .22 and a dpms .223 and I love them both. My .223 came first and I really only got the .22 to be cool haha. It's pratical but I like the .233 better. Stop coyotes in their tracks

 

[mandolin3]

Like others have suggested, I would definitely start with the .223/5.56 first. You can then add a less expensive .22 conversion kit, or more expensive (but typically more reliable) .22 upper assembly. If you start with a .22 you're just stuck with a .22.

 

[24Carat]

Maybe stupid question but does anyone make a .22 Magnum upper?

 

[MrYesterday]

Maybe stupid question but does anyone make a .22 Magnum upper?

No such animal that I've ever seen. It would need proprietary mags, the stroke of the breach block on the blowback system lengthened, and the chamber on the 22lr conversion replacement bolt reamed out to fit the thicker brass of the magnum cartridge.

 

[dross]

If you don't own a .22, that should be the first rifle you buy.

 

[hopcam]

If you don't own a .22, that should be the first rifle you buy.

I'd agree with that 100%. Also a +1 for the M&P 15-22. Great gun.

 

[Theslab1]

Depends on your budget.
I'll follow up with more of the same...S&W MP15-22.
So much fun to shoot and costs pennies a round.
If you plan to shoot 100 rounds every week it will cost you even with cheap ammo. ~$7-$12/20 rounds.

Get your fill of 22LR and then look at 5.56.

 

[smspears592]

Take a little extra time and save up for the .22 upper. I just gave my sister the same advice. She is getting a Glock 23 and the .22 conversion for an additional $300. Now she will have two guns. One to learn, practice, have fun (cheap) and same gun for safety. Great system to learn on the gun you are going to use.

 

[covert justice]

I guess it also depends on where he might do most of his shooting... a lot of indoor ranges don't allow .223. for me it comes down to $ 5.56/.223 is around $.50 a round and .22lr is around $.05

 

[Reggywill]

How reliable are the 22 conversion kits? Can/should they be used on a gas postion gun?