Will this be the next must-have accessory for rimfire ARs? (Photo: 2A Armament)
Boutique builder 2A Armaments is rolling out a new high-end conversion kit for AR-15 rifles and pistols. The conversion kit lets shooters fire .22 Long Rifle out guns chambered for .223 Remington and 5.56 NATO.
Designed to offer superior reliability through modern engineering, the kit promises an edge over other low-cost setups. The bolt assembly features a lightweight titanium carrier, polished stainless steel chamber extension and polymer buffer with dual recoil springs.
2A Armament manufactures their own magazines specifically for the conversion kit but it does support other mags. In addition to being compatible with 2A magazines, the kit works with Black Dog and CMMG magazines.
Rimfire conversion kits have longtime been used for plinking and low-cost training. But not all conversion kits are made alike and few are as reliable as a dedicated rimfire rifle.
And even budget AR-style rimfire rifles can be less reliable than their centerfire counterparts. Still, not everyone wants or needs a dedicated rimfire rifle or upper, leaving plenty of room for a high-end conversion kit like this one.
2A is teasing a bright new tactical rainbow. (Photo: 2A Armament)
With a suggested price of $272 the 2A Armament kit costs a bit more than the competition but if it delivers centerfire-like reliability then it’s money well spent.
2A .22 mags run $18 each with translucent bodies and Nylon feed lips. Right now they’re going into production with smoke magazines but the company is teasing a rainbow of upcoming colors as well.
See Also: Gemtech GM-22 Rimfire Suppressor Review
To ensure a solid shooting experience 2A Armament recommends shooting high-quality, heavy-grain .22 Long Rifle ammunition with their kit.
“Our products are designed to perform across a broad cross section of available ammunition types, but in the end common lead round nose .22 LR ammunition is generally most reliable,” the company stated. “We do not recommend hollow points, 22 shorts; 22LR shot shells, or copper plated ammunition.”
2A Armament has a complete list of tested compatible and incompatible ammo on the conversion kit product page. They also recommend pretty thorough cleaning at least every 500 rounds, which is about right for your average rimfire gun.
The kit, ammo, and mags may cost a little more than other AR conversion parts, but they’re still less than a dedicated tactical rimfire gun. If the kit really does accomplish superior performance it will be a big hit with black rifle shooters everywhere.
I imagine due to cost of ammunition, rapid fire with them hurts the wallet.
Though to be fair when I was at Cabelas the other day they actually had (a few boxes) some 22WMR and no LR.
I think I paid more than this one to buy my low-end version of the CMMG kit. Works like a charm in my Bushmaster and is even good suppressed with sub-sonic .22LR’s. I’ll be keeping my eye on this one.
Does it work full auto in a m16 ? Does it have a slow cycle rate ? FOR THAT AMOUNT OF MONEY TO CAN BUY A 22LR. RIFLE
I have an original M271 conversion, will it work with those mags?
I bought a CMMG .22 conversion for my Bushmaster AR but it was a total waste of money! The thing always fires only two or three rounds and jams. Trying to get a sideways .22LR round jammed into a .556 round chamber is no easy task! Think I’ll wait to read some reviews before I invest in this one.
I’ve fired thousands of rounds through my CMMG without a hiccup. Maybe it’s your mag?
How about making one for 22 WMR?
I was thinking the same thing. I don’t understand why there is such a scarcity of .22 WMR semi-auto rifle designs.