CIENER .22lr AR-15 CONVERSION KIT
With the cost of ammo going through the roof, shooters are looking for new ways to continue shooting while not breaking the bank. In another article Kelly wrote about a purpose built 9mm AR-15 to train with. It required a new upper, a mag-well adapter, and a new hammer to use. In this article I want to look at something even simpler, even cheaper that could also be a viable option for most people.
Consisting of a specialized bolt, the Ciener 22lr conversion kit is probably the simplest way to convert your AR-15 to shoot 22 lr. Requiring only a simple bolt swap, you can go from shooting 223rem to 22lr in less than 30 seconds. High capacity full-sized mags are also available to make training with the kit as close as possible to using a regular 223 gun. There is also a model made for the Mini-14 as well.
I have been running this kit for close to 6 months now, and I must say, it has exceeded my expectations. I have shot over 3500rds using the conversion and it runs very well. It feeds FMJ and JHP ammo without any problems, though it will occasionally hang up with lead nose bullets after several hundred rounds.
In terms of functionality, your weapon works exactly the same as it would if you were shooting 223, except for the recoil. That makes it especially useful for new shooters or those who are recoil sensitive.
Recently Black dog machine addressed the ergonomic issue by making USGI sized magazines for the Ciener conversion kit. Made from high-impact polycarbonate, they share the same high standards as the original magazines,hold 27rds, and fit in your webgear just like a USGI 223 mag would. They are also rated for full auto fire. Avaliable in 4 different colors for approx $35 a piece They are avaliable at www.blackdogmachonellc.net
Manufacturers Product Information:
CONTENTS: The unit consists of a sub-caliber bolt/chamber adapter/return spring and guide rod/receiver rail assembly and magazine in a fitted plastic case that replaces the standard bolt/bolt carrier assembly in the AR15/M16 family of rifles.
FITS: The unit fits all AR15 and M16 family firearms whose dimensional tolerances meet those of the U.S. Government prints including current post ban firearms.
OPERATING PRINCIPLE: Direct blow back design.
ACCURACY: The accuracy of the firearm it is installed in is maintained out to 100 meters as the .22 bullet runs in the same bore as did the parent rifles standard cartridge. The point of impact is lower out past 100 meters.
MAGAZINE: The magazine's capacity is 10 (30 optional) rounds for the AR15 unit and 30 rounds for the M16 unit.
MATERIAL: Sub-caliber bolt/chamber adapter/return spring and guide rod/receiver rail assemble - 4130/4140 Chromoly steel, heat treated as required. Magazine and minor parts - Cold roll steel.
FINISH: Mil-Spec Parkerized.
WEIGHT: The unit weighs approximately 1 lb. without the plastic box, 1.25 lb. in its box.
The kit has a MSRP of $150 and can be ordered from numerous places online such as Brownells.
These are the article contributors, please take a second to visit their websites, cause they help us bring you cool info!
Ciener Conversions
Brownells Inc.
Tim P.