Earlier this month I received an email ad from MidwayUSA with this product on sale. I found the carbon steel version with 3 magazines for $156.87 and the stainless steel model with 3 magazines for $229.00. I wanted the stainless steel version but decided to save the additional cost and get a few other items I needed in the same order. Being that I live not too far away from Midway USA, my package arrived in just two days and I eagerly (with my son’s head in front of mine) opened the box to check it out. I also decided to try out some FrogLube as well, so we proceeded to follow the Froglube guidelines to clean and lubricate the bolt carrier before initial use. Saturday morning my son and I went out to our range with the AR, the carbine length barrel and gas system and dropped in the conversion bolt. The target was set at 50 yards and the scope was sighted for 100yds in 223. We were shooting Federal white box and I was able to shoot the entire magazine without any issues. I was also able to shoot a group approx 2.5 - 3 inches off hand at a fairly rapid pace. My son has to use a bench (as he can’t hold it up) and was able to shoot similar groups. I have not done any real accuracy testing, but initial opinion is that it will suit my needs and I will let my son shoot it more without burning the more expensive 223. Other reviewers state that continued use of 22LR can block up your gas system and that you should fire some 223 through it regularly to blow out the gas tube. In all, we shot about 200 rounds without any misfires and I am pleased with my purchase.
Firearms Insider 8 Key Points
Claim to Fame: Converts your standard .223/5.56 AR-15 upper to shoot 22LR.
Target Market: Plinkers and trainers that want to shoot cheaper ammo.
FNB's (features and benefits of this product):
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Installs fast and easy
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Relatively accurate
What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?: Carbon steel bolt group, matte black phosphate finish (appears discontinued) and a Stainless steel bolt group. CMMG Inc.
What others are saying?: "Conversion works exactly as described, drops in without modification to your AR-15. The slide doesn’t lock open as with the regular bolt carrier group, however the bolt does hang up on the magazine".. Midway USA
Price point:
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MSRP = $229.95 - $349.95
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Retail = $131.80 (Clearance) - $362.99
I need it now! Availability: Currently available at Midway USA on clearance. The link is listed above.
Our Rating:
+ East to install + Reliable
- May not be as accurate as a dedicated upper
Score: 8.5 Great
It’s covered in molle and has velcro on the front and back. On the front there’s an admin pouch that’s pretty big. There’s also some pouches on the side plate carrier that my friend said could be for soft armor, I used it for holding my electronics. The front and back are held together by four side release buckles. On the shoulders, they’re wrapped in elastic to cushion and protect the buckles. The ones on the cumberbund are protected by cordura that wraps around it and has molle on the inside(towards the wearer) and outside. It’s extremely quick to put on and secure. The cumberbund is comfortable but its not too adjustable. In the back it is attached with some heavy duty elastic so that it can stretch out but you can’t make it any tighter. They say to order the vest in whatever size your plates are. The communication/hydration routing loops are elastic so they can accommodate just about anything you can feed through it. The drag handle on the back is sewn about every two inches down the back and it runs the whole way down the vest. I had my brother pull me around for a bit to give it a good test and it works. It rode up a little but it wasn’t really uncomfortable and in a situation where I’m being drug I don’t think that I’ll be that worried.
30% lighter
Our Rating (What we say about it)
+ Comfortable
+ Light
+ Many Cammo options
+ Flash flame protection
+ Removable side plate pouches
+ Cushion for airflow and impact protection
- Adjustability down sizing
