First, I would like to thank everyone who provided input to me and the forum on the AR15 .22lr conversion units. My wife and I decided that we would prefer to continue to train on the AR15 platform than buy yet another in the form of a Ruger 10/22 (a fine rifle). Besides, at the time of this writing (2009 Oct 12), the 22lr BCG, 4 magazines and Christie’s loading tool cost LESS than the same number of parts for the Ruger (wood stock/blued with iron sights). The optics and accessories for the AR (obviously) are shared with the .22 function.
========================= Ordering URLs:
CDDN Sports. As of this date, the stainless BCG, and two 25 round mags (the second one is a short term offer) delivered will cost you just under $200:
The CMMG stainless BGC (according to CMMG Tech Support) is designed for 5.56, so a conversion unit in a .223 specific or a .223/5.56 maybe a little tight. Mine was. Kinda scary at first. It’s supposed to be a little snug, but I had to mildly yank on the charging handle to remove it. Once we ran a few hundred rounds through it, it’s perfect.
At the range, after about 50 rounds of 5.56, my wife dropped in the conversion BCG and fired the first round at 50yrds. The rifle barely moved. She did one of those chuckle-snorts and fired another round. She giggled said it was like using a staple gun. She loves it. So do I.. Absolutely no problems. Zero FTF or FTE.
Our optics are zeroed for 5.56, so we will have to learn where the rounds like to group, and adjust while shooting instead of re-zeroing. I can’t call the conversion unit a tack driver, but I am very happy with the 2” groups at 50 yards. I hope to tighten that up with more experience.
MAGAZINES
The CMMG mags are very sturdy. They are advertised at 25 or 26 rounds…but I wouldn’t recommend going over 20. I have big hands/fingers, so the Christie’s loader is nearly mandatory, and when I got to round number 22, I dented the casing to the point that I had to abandon the shell. 20 is a nice round number, and divides 100 very nicely, so we’re sticking with 20 per mag.
CLEANING
Cleanup is a breeze. You can safely and easily dismantle the BCG into 4 parts or subassemblies in about 10 seconds (after you figure it out). I would highly recommend using one of your old nylon bore brushes to remove the caked on stuff that won’t wipe off. It worked for me and left no marks. The BCG is back in the shipping tube looking factory fresh and happy, just waiting for its next opportunity to fulfill its function.
CMMG TECH SUPPORT
As mentioned above, the conversion unit was a little snug when it arrived. I was concerned for the health and well being of my rifle, so I called CMMG Tech Support and left them voicemail (it was after hours in MO). I received a call back (unfortunately VM) from Garson (nice guy and helpful). We had to play VM tag a couple of times, but we spoke and he gave me the answers I was looking for, all in under 24 hours from the original call.
OVER ALL IMPRESSIONS
We love it. Easy to use, easy to clean, fun at the range, and the ammo is cheap enough that a when fellow shooters ask you about it you can let them shoot up 20 of your rounds for less than $1. One nice guy was so happy to try it, he let us shoot his FS2000. Nifty.
At the time of this writing, it easily gets FIVE STARS.
I have the same kit, it's a great deal. Out of a thousand rounds or so I've had a hiccup or two with ultra-cheapo .22 ammo but other than that no probs... Love it.
__________________ NRA Lifer. God bless our troops.
BUY USA MADE.
NRA Lifer. God bless our troops.
