[Goomba]

I've been thinking about getting a seperat upper for my AR. to save some money in training. but the problem I'm running across is the cost of an upper + mags.

the cheapest I've seen a spikes 22LR is over $600. and the cheapest 5.45 is an oly arm at midway for $545

I'm on a pretty tight budget, so I cant just drop the money, I gotta save up.

I'm feeling a bit partial to the 5.45, its centerfire and the surplus ammo is priced better than current .223/5.56. but apparently some of it is corrosive. so If I go this route I have to be careful to not get corrosive ammo/ or clean the rifle right after shooting it.

I've thought about the 22LR conversion kits, but I'd like to have the accuracy that comes with a dedicated upper. and then there is the fact that it is 22LR and not a centerfire.

does anybody have any ideas and/or recommendations?

Thanks.

[Yunus]

If your mainly shooting 100 yards or less. I would go .22 because of the drastic ammo savings.

[canebrake]

For that price why not get a dedicated AR?

www.MidwestHuntersOutlet.com: Smith & Wesson Rifles/Shotguns M&P 15-22 Tactical .22 Long Rifle 16 Inch Barrel 6-Posi

The Smith & Wesson M&P 15 22 has a poly (tupperware) frame.

Tactical Defense Solutions LLC: UMAREX USA COLT M4 OPS AR-15 .22 LR in PrestoMart

The UMAREX USA COLT M4 OPS AR-15 .22 LR is a German made, full metal body with a threaded muzzle. (Muzzle Thread: M8x.75 )

Ruger SR-22 Rifle .22LR, Semi Auto Rif;e, 16" Barrel

American-Made, all-aluminum chassis that is custom manufactured to Ruger specs by Nordic Components, Inc.

All can be had for pretty much what you are paying for a upper.

[kenhesr]

Hi Goomba, IMHO if you are wanting to train cheaply with an AR platform, like Yunus says, .22LR is certainly the route to go. canebrake nailed it too, the S&W M&P 15-22 would be my first choice over a dedicated .22LR upper. You get the WHOLE rifle for under $500.00 and from what I've been reading, they are Outstanding!

Your thoughts on the 5.45x39 upper are correct, but If you only want to shoot non-corrosive, or don't already have a large stash of cheap surplus ammo, you won't save much over the cost of 5.56. In my area the corrosive surplus is already 20 cents per rd. by the box - Don't get me wrong, I really like mine, but we are talking CHEAP training here and I am feeding them at a dime per pop which is still not very cheap compared to the .22LR.



I agree 100% on .22 conversion kits, I have the M-261 and have no complaints, but I would much rather use my .22LR CZ-22 dedicated upper, far more accurate. The 9mm upper is lots of fun too, but not much good past 150 yds. and 9mm is kinda pricey.



I personally have not tried the S&W M&P 15-22 yet, I'll let ya know after christmas, that is my present from the wife this year, she just don't know it yet!! Good luck in your choice! and sorry about the old gratuitous pictures, I need to take some new ones!! Ken