My good friend and I were catching up last weekend, and he mentioned he'd like to get an "AR like mine". I kinda laughed and asked him which one he was referring to. He wasn't sure, but we figured out he was talking about my SW 15-22. He said he'd like to have one just like it.
While I'm sure the parts are out there to build a custom AR in .22lr, I thought it might be nice to surprise him with a built 5.56 as a sort of wedding gift (his wedding is a bit over a year out).

I don't know if I should try to clone the 15-22 in 5.56, or maybe build him something a bit different, but still featuring a mlok rail. So here's where I turn to you all in the forum. Help me decide what to build.

1 Buy him a S&W 15-22
2 Pistol build 10.5" or 14.7"
3 Carbine length build 16"
4 Mid length build 16" or 18"
5 Rifle length build 20"

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John 14:6, Luke 21:11

I have BCM Pat Rogers spec mid-length carbines. I bought after testing one of Pat's. One is set up as, and served in the role of, a duty rifle among other things. My second has been out of the box to confirm the serial # but never set up. (I also have a Wilson 9mm set up for Glock mags, of which I have a bunch, but it was a poor fiscal choice.)

I wish Bravo made a .22lr version, but they can't even keep up with the serious platforms. If your friend enjoys the 15-22, that is a decent choice. We had them for cheap training at my last agency. Fun, cheap to feed, good transferable training for most purposes.

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NHI, 10-8.

Oh boy, Im sure his wife is gonna love THIS....

I'm guessing yer single....

Build him a 5.56 and get a CMMG .22lr conversion to go with it. That way he gets the best of both worlds. Cheap .22lr for plinking and cheap training, and 5.56 for more serious stuff.

mid length 16" with a Faxon Match gunner .223 Wylde barrel, Or a Ballistic Advantage 16" Hanson profile in Wylde. 1 in 8 twist. Good from @50-80 grains.

IMHO, build him a mid length with 223 Wylde barrel. Should be able to “ con him” into him buying a 15-22 once he gets hooked.

Buy him a 15-22 would be the cheapest way out and he'd be just as happy.

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Live long and prosper

Absolutely!!! This is the best way to go, two guns in one. I’ve lost count how many I’ve built the last few years, but look closely at Aero Precision. Top shelf parts at an affordable price.

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Danny
SWCA #3370 - SWHF #672

Search PSA website for Pencil Barrel. They have a decent kit back in stock. Floating, irons included for $499. Add your lower and done deal.

Of the 4 AR patterns I have when I'm not reaching for the 15-22 it's the light weight pencil barrel 16 inch mid 5.56 I reach for most.

Bob

Simple, build one identical to the .22 except in 5.56.

Build him a carbine length 5.56 and add a CMMG (or similar) 22LR conversion kit. Best of both worlds.

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Send lawyers, guns & money...

My thoughts exactly.

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BTDT, Got The T-Shirt

I put together an 18" rifle length upper (stainless barrel, Wylde chamber) on a Magpul dressed lower. Nice blend of size, weight, and balance. PSA supplied all the parts.

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To cannon, all men are equal

Get him to the range with a couple of AR's in various calibers. Chatter with him, ostensibly about what his options are, buy, build, conversion uppers, etc. Because, you know, you're a good buddy and helping him decide what he wants.

He may just tell you which option he finds most appealing.

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Just Say No - To Social Media

Wife is on board with the idea!

Guilty as charged, but that's another story

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John 14:6, Luke 21:11