Noveske .22LR build

[PFran42]

After seeing Buckjay's incredible .22LR build (https://www.m4carbine.net/showthread.php?t=113356), I knew I wanted to do something similar. Unfortunately, the SH incident occurred right when I started my build so it has taken a few months to complete. The recent ammo shortage has done nothing short of convince me that an AR-platform .22LR rightfully belongs in every AR owner's safe. I have had a great time during the various iterations of this build and have learned first-hand what components work as advertised (Redi-Mag Better-Mag) and which ones have survived off of marketing (CMMG BHOA).

Without further adieu...

(click on any of the parts to link to their product pages)

Upper:
VLTOR MUR-1A (http://www.vltorstore.com/products/MUR%3A-Modular-Upper-Receiver.html) (will be replaced with a Noveske/VLTOR MUR-1A or MUR-1S... I can't decide)
CMMG stainless bolt group (http://www.cmmginc.com/product_p/22ba487.htm)
TACCOM Enhanced 22RF firing pin (http://www.taccom3g.com/ENHANCED_22RF_FIRING_PIN.html)
TACCOM Extreme extractor (http://www.taccom3g.com/EXTREME_EXTRACTOR.html)
CMMG forward assist adapter (http://www.cmmginc.com/product_p/22ba4b1.htm)
AXTS Raptor charging handle (http://axtsweapons.com/products/raptor-556)
TACCOM ultra lightweight barrel (http://www.taccom3g.com/ULW_BARREL.html) (13.5 oz.)
Noveske NSR-13.5 (http://noveskerifleworks.com/cgi-bin/imcart/display.cgi?item_id=nsr-135&cat=183&page=1&search=&since=&status=&title=)
Noveske QD swivel mount (http://noveskerifleworks.com/cgi-bin/imcart/display.cgi?item_id=km-qdrm&cat=184&page=1&search=&since=&status=&title=)
Troy rear folding BattleSight (http://troyind.com/%20/back-up-iron-sights/folding/rear-folding-black-fde/troy-battlesight-rear-folding)
Troy front folding HK BattleSight (http://troyind.com/%20/back-up-iron-sights/folding/front-folding-black-fde/troy-battlesight-front-hk-folding)
Magpul 1913 Picatinny rail covers (http://store.magpul.com/product/MAG013/174)
Aimpoint Micro T-1 (http://www.aimpoint.com/us/products/all-products/product-singleview/product/Micro%20T-1/)
KAC Aimpoint T1 Battery Cap (http://www.knightarmco.com/shop/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=87) (storage for an extra CR2032 battery)
Larue LT660 T-1 mount (http://www.laruetactical.com/larue-tactical-aimpoint-micro-mount-lt660-lt660hk-or-661)
Primary Arms LER 3X magnifier (http://www.primaryarms.com/Primary_Arms_3X_Long_Eye_Relief_Red_Dot_Magnifier_p/pa3xler.htm)
Larue LT755 Tall Tactical QD Pivot Mount (http://www.laruetactical.com/larue-tactical-qd-pivot-mount)

Lower:
Noveske N4 Gen 2 lower receiver (http://www.rainierarms.com/?page=shop/detail&product_id=2807) (non-Chainsaw)
Seekins Enhanced Bolt Catch (http://www.seekinsprecision.com/accessories/enhanced-bolt-catch.html) (I'm a lefty and it is easier to reach)
Geissele Super Dynamic Enhanced (SD-E) trigger (http://geissele.com/superdynamicenhanced.aspx)
Spike's Tactical lower parts kit (LPK) (http://www.spikestactical.com/new/z/lower-kit-spikes-standard-parts-kit-p-421.html)
BCM Stock Hardware MOUNTING KIT (Mil-Spec) (http://www.bravocompanyusa.com/Stock-Hardware-Mounting-Kit-Mil-Spec-p/stock%20hardware%20kit.htm)
TACCOM 22INSERT pressure plug (http://www.taccom3g.com/22INSERT_PRESSURE_PLUG.html) (keeps firm pressure on the bolt group ensuring that barrel collar to barrel contact is consistent)
Noveske QD End Plate (http://noveskerifleworks.com/cgi-bin/imcart/display.cgi?item_id=rec-qdep&cat=164&page=1&search=&since=&status=&title=)
B5 Systems Enhanced SOPMOD buttstock (http://www.b5systems.com/products.html)
Spike's Tactical ST-T1 Heavy Buffer (http://www.spikestactical.com/new/z/lower-parts-spikes-stt1-heavy-buffer-p-707.html) (Installed soley to keep the rifle 100% quiet)
Battle Arms Development BAD-ASS-ST Short Throw 45° Ambi Safety Selector (http://shop.battlearmsdevelopment.com/5-BAD-ASS-ST-AMBI-SAFETY-SELECTOR-SHORT-THROW-45-BAD-ASS-ST.htm) (short levers on both sides)
Norgon Ambi-Catch™ mag release (http://02a574b.netsolhost.com/Home_files/AmbiCatch.htm)
Magpul MIAD grip (http://store.magpul.com/product/MAG050/39) (installed with large backstrap and flat front section)
Redi-Mag Better-Mag S&W® .22 Rimfire Magazine Adaptor (http://www.redi-mag.com/index.php?l=product_detail&p=52)
M&P 15-.22 25RD magazines (http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product4_750001_750051_766288_-1_758016_757846_757837_ProductDisplayErrorView_N)

Haven't had a chance to shoot it yet (with the ULW barrel installed), but I am headed to the farm in the next two weeks and I'm sure it will see a brick or two. This rifle functioned flawlessly while running a Spike's M4 profile .22LR barrel while I was waiting on the TACCOM to arrive. I did have an issue with getting Black Dog Machine 25 round mags to hold the bolt open on the last round using a CMMG BHOA and numerous combinations of different CMMG/BDM magazine versions. It was then I found out about the Redi-Mag Better-Mag adapter and since then I have been 100% on the bolt hold-open issue. You do have to switch to S&W mags but after having owned just about all of them, I have to say that S&W are probably the best feeding/loading .22LR magazines available (Just don't throw them on the ground and do a Sig Sauer sand/mud shovelling on them!!!).

For those of you with no experience with TACCOM, I can't say enough about their stellar customer service. Tim answered every email I sent him within a business day and was happy to address any issues (break-in, cleaning, usage, etc.). Great company, superb offerings and I'll be going to them for all of my .22LR needs from here on. Also, Mark Larue stepped in after I had purchased a counterfeit LT755 magnifier mount and went to TOS's Industry Forum to inquire about it. I was just wondering if the mount was genuine. If it was deemed a copy, I was going to throw it away and purchase a real one. Mark told me to send it in and they would send me a replacement free of charge. That is above and beyond in my book! Larue had me a customer before this incident but now they might as well consider me a "disciple"!

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-deQNrsis5WE/UYHVu9rdT_I/AAAAAAAAqb8/tkV30ABP_e8/w2012-h1341/IMG_5690.JPG
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-QUadbx94BL8/UYHWjcMcEvI/AAAAAAAAqcU/5Q71Xf7HG0E/w2012-h1341/IMG_5703.JPG
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Jn49Jv4_GTc/UYHWtxdkrEI/AAAAAAAAqcc/J_6j0PmgQKk/w2012-h1341/IMG_5708.JPG
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-xtE5DON4a-E/UYHWarqsxVI/AAAAAAAAqc4/9Px5OoelxLE/w2012-h1341/IMG_5700.JPG

[Sentaruu]

sweet .22

[bluejackets92fs]

It's crazy seeing guys put more money into a 22lr than I do in my BCM or Colt. Broke dick college student syndrome is a PITA sometimes. Very nice rifle though.

[teflondon100]

I like it. Rimfire is a cheap way to get trigger time. Great review, my wheels are turning on how to upgrade my CMMG 22 upper. Thanks for all the links.

[masakari]

nice rig man. I too recently finished my sweet dedicated .22 AR but unfortunately am stuck with BDM X-Form mags until the S&W ones become common again. When they do, I'll get the better mag adapter.

[claymore_dude]

Nice .22 setup. Seems very solid, and I love that NSR!:D

[justin_247]

Rimfire is a cheap way to get trigger time.

... he could have purchased probably 15,000 rounds for the cost of that rifle.

[PFran42]

I wanted to have a dedicated .22 that mirrored my 14.5" Noveske .223. As soon as the 13.5" NSR arrives, it will be 97% identical. I'll kind of be saving money (from here on out) as I will be able to use the .22 for weapon manipulation, shooting drills and plinking. Plus, I always cringe when I get home from a weekend at the lake and I have gone through 500 .223 rounds. Now instead of burning through 1000 rounds of the expensive stuff a month, I can divide my time between the two rifles and save a couple hundred a month. The .22 should pay for itself in a little over two years.

[claymore_dude]

I wanted to have a dedicated .22 that mirrored my 14.5" Noveske .223. As soon as the 13.5" NSR arrives, it will be 97% identical. I'll kind of be saving money (from here on out) as I will be able to use the .22 for weapon manipulation, shooting drills and plinking. Plus, I always cringe when I get home from a weekend at the lake and I have gone through 500 .223 rounds. Now instead of burning through 1000 rounds of the expensive stuff a month, I can divide my time between the two rifles and save a couple hundred a month. The .22 should pay for itself in a little over two years.

My thoughts exactly. I hope you enjoy your new rifle. Let us know how it goes when you hit the range

[PFran42]

A few people have asked me about how I am running S&W .22LR mags in a standard M4 lower.

Here are some close-ups of the Redi-Mag Better-Mag adapter (http://www.redi-mag.com/index.php?l=product_detail&p=52).

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lQut3X_Eyr4/UXXiMQS2LKI/AAAAAAAApw4/0SaW5pjB0pc/w1788-h1341/IMG_20130422_212143.jpg

It has a built-in tensioned dedent that snugs it up against the magwell. You just slide it up from underneath, press the mag release button in order to allow it to clear, continue sliding upwards, and slide the bolt release interface mechanism into the adapter from above the lower while making sure that it also engages the standard bolt release.

I think it is an intelligent design as it does not require any disassembly of the lower in order to install reduced tension bolt release springs (CMMG BHOA (http://www.cmmginc.com/product_p/22aff4c.htm)) or design variants of the standard Mil-Spec bolt release (Catch22 (http://www.arcatch22.com/)). In order to transition my lower to a .223 upper, all I have to do is pop-out the Pressure Plug (http://www.taccom3g.com/22INSERT_PRESSURE_PLUG.html) and remove the Better-Mag adapter (http://www.redi-mag.com/index.php?l=product_detail&p=52). The entire operation takes about 20 tool-free seconds.

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-7NMXKUeL_5M/UXXh-atTOFI/AAAAAAAApwI/kA-lDVVYsUA/w1788-h1341/IMG_20130422_211933.jpg
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-rzl24umIKBs/UXXiWFATYJI/AAAAAAAApxE/jzQRitTOVu0/w1788-h1341/IMG_20130422_212207.jpg
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-kvUN-Ze1MnE/UXXiYRv1sMI/AAAAAAAApxQ/-8LgCdypKgs/w1788-h1341/IMG_20130422_212217.jpg
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-qoYxl3kCPG4/UXXixCMDb4I/AAAAAAAApxc/zSWRorcQBOA/w1788-h1341/IMG_20130422_212248.jpg
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-FcGcHy7RSNc/UXXjTEjtbhI/AAAAAAAApx0/peQF2PrztvI/w1788-h1341/IMG_20130422_212546.jpg
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-yAAJ7NYlH30/UXXjqA4HmdI/AAAAAAAApyA/BoW0Y3NWsHg/w1788-h1341/IMG_20130422_212725.jpg
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-bVhSq-i8N2E/UXXkCEPeaLI/AAAAAAAApzw/NTqescDfOLo/w1788-h1341/IMG_20130422_212853.jpg
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/--i3ndjkxaLA/UXXkH7zJLpI/AAAAAAAApyk/BmJzz4Z3Y8s/w1788-h1341/IMG_20130422_212922.jpg
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-MzjKCAbKDNQ/UXXkT8tIOOI/AAAAAAAApz0/y997Yf4PwYY/w1788-h1341/IMG_20130422_213006.jpg


Works with ProMags also.

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-WrdfviJN1fM/UXdQb-bSbTI/AAAAAAAAp-k/tu4vVaOTLAg/w1788-h1341/IMG_20130423_232341.jpg

[buckjay]

Good job brother! Looks like you've one upped me ;)

[Onyx Z]

Nice job! Definitely gonna build one of these with all my spare parts! ...even though I have a .22LR also...

[masakari]

hey so since you have probably used both now, are the M&P15-22 mags longer overall than Black Dog mags?

[markm]

To each his own... but I simply can not see running those quality receivers with rimfire. Makes no sense.

[WickedWillis]

I agree with you here. Fun and nice looking plinker, I personally just cannot justify that much on a non life-defending firearm.




To each his own... but I simply can not see running those quality receivers with rimfire. Makes no sense.

[PFran42]

To each his own... but I simply can not see running those quality receivers with rimfire. Makes no sense.

Handling this rifle is EXACTLY like handling my 14.5" Noveske with respect to controls, furniture, optics, etc. When I do go to my "real" rifle, it is comforting to know that I have been putting time in with a cheaper cost-per-round stand-in that has the exact same manual of arms and "feel".

Should I ever choose, I could easily transition this platform to another caliber at the expense of a barrel, gas block, gas tube and BCG.

If you really think about it, having a gen 2 lower and VLTOR MUR is completely unnecessary (for any caliber) in the first place.

[PFran42]

hey so since you have probably used both now, are the M&P15-22 mags longer overall than Black Dog mags?

I didn't lay them side by side but the S&W's are a tad bit longer. Btw, ProMag 32 rounders are ridiculous...

[Shoulderthinggoesup]

Wow. I couldn't bring myself to spend that much on a .22, but that is a killer build. Nice work and nice write-up.

[masakari]

I didn't lay them side by side but the S&W's are a tad bit longer. Btw, ProMag 32 rounders are ridiculous...

thanks for the response.
could someone could tell me exactly how much longer S&W mags are than Black Dog mags? i need to know if they will fit in my UW Gear mag pouches.
thanks

[PFran42]

Just to update the thread, my 13.5" NSR came in so today I swapped out my VLTOR MUR-1A (going to use it on a Mega billet lower) for a VLTOR MUR-1S and also replaced the 11" NSR with the 13.5" model. I figured the slick-sided 1S was a better fit for the build as forward assist is pretty much useless on this rifle.

Sorry for the horrible pics. I can't find the good camera and I am in a hurry to get out of Dodge for the weekend!

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-R6mHmzt94ME/UY1eagvWGCI/AAAAAAAArkA/Kz-n_kBxqZo/s1024/IMG_20130510_165243.jpg

Here is where the 11" NSR found it's home...

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-P1TfiS0bKCE/UY1iSOB6Y8I/AAAAAAAArk4/69EeJd9I5wI/s1024/IMG_20130510_170911.jpg

[armed_zebra]

Question: Why not just build the upper and use the upper from your 556 rifle?

It is a very nice rifle and I agree with the concept of using a "training gun" that is the same as your primary so why not use the same lower? I did just that so I would have the 22 upper as an accessory, not a whole new gun. Also, since my lower is SBR'ed, I can use the 4.5" barrel on my 22 upper to keep bulk pack quiet through a can. Just wondering what your train of thought was on a complete rifle vs. dedicated 22 upper.

[shaneinhisroom]

Wow....you guys have a lot of money to just throw around...A M&P 15-22 is all you need if you want the same manual of arms as any of AR-15. Slap all the accessories on your regular gun to the 15-22 and it is exactly the same.

Killer build, but damn, I can get a lot of 22LR to practice with for that kind of rifle.

[PFran42]

Question: Why not just build the upper and use the upper from your 556 rifle?

It is a very nice rifle and I agree with the concept of using a "training gun" that is the same as your primary so why not use the same lower? I did just that so I would have the 22 upper as an accessory, not a whole new gun. Also, since my lower is SBR'ed, I can use the 4.5" barrel on my 22 upper to keep bulk pack quiet through a can. Just wondering what your train of thought was on a complete rifle vs. dedicated 22 upper.

If you think about it, I have a .223 spare lower (its just attached to a .22LR upper right now). Its all how you perceive things. If I ever get the urge to build another .223 upper, there will be a lower waiting on it.

[claymore_dude]

Just to update the thread, my 13.5" NSR came in so today I swapped out my VLTOR MUR-1A (going to use it on a Mega billet lower) for a VLTOR MUR-1S and also replaced the 11" NSR with the 13.5" model. I figured the slick-sided 1S was a better fit for the build as forward assist is pretty much useless on this rifle.

Sorry for the horrible pics. I can't find the good camera and I am in a hurry to get out of Dodge for the weekend!

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-R6mHmzt94ME/UY1eagvWGCI/AAAAAAAArkA/Kz-n_kBxqZo/s1024/IMG_20130510_165243.jpg

Here is where the 11" NSR found it's home...

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-P1TfiS0bKCE/UY1iSOB6Y8I/AAAAAAAArk4/69EeJd9I5wI/s1024/IMG_20130510_170911.jpg

Looks, just as good with the 13". I'm glad Noveske is finally caught up so now they can produce more rails which means I'll finally be able to grab one- at non-gauged prices.

[PFran42]

Just to update the thread, I have now shot around 2000 rounds through the build and I couldn't be happier with the rifle's performance. It goes with me on every range trip and always gets it's turn after a few hundred .223 rounds have been fired using one of my other rifles.

Only issues I have had are:

- One round of Federal bulk pack stuck in chamber after discharge (ammo issue)
- Two stovepipes due to me applying awkward pressure on the magazine while trying to zero a new optic (user error)
- 3 Failure To Fire (ammo issue)

The Redi-Mag Better-Mag has worked flawlessly since install and I think it is the best upgrade you can make to a .22LR (right behind using a stainless steel bolt group).

As far as additions/upgrades...I recently purchased a Trijicon TR24G and a Larue LT104 mount so that I could see if these optics actually provide a usable 1X mode. I'm impressed so far. Not sure if this will stay on the .22 permanently, but it affords another option and probably will be swapped back and forth with the T1 for the next month or two.

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-t07KH-Mmtmw/UZg5mZ9-t6I/AAAAAAAAsCM/kw36CwOfwxM/w1080-h603-no/DSCN1467.JPG
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Bh821FxBqWY/UZj2DNDIYTI/AAAAAAAAsCg/3LkRG2-cuME/s912/good_.22LR_TR24G.JPG

[RHINOWSO]

Great dedicated 22 AR builds - I agree an AR in 22 is a nice thing to have around, I didn't have the money available for things like you guys are doing, but just went with a M&P-15/22. Great rifle and the kids enjoy it a lot too.

[mikeith]

I have a similar setup in sbr as a trainer (upper only though)
http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b375/MIKEITH/A1CD6C18-F2FC-4897-B418-9F01577144A2-4644-0000031F51255C4B_zps6691a4aa.jpg

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b375/MIKEITH/0569D8CD-75DA-4FBE-94C7-A2CA555DBD10-4644-0000031F568D74B1_zps68dd2ef7.jpg

That's a 6.5" barrel 5" suppressor and 9" nsr handguard

Just sold the barrel and ordered a 4.5" with 7" nsr rail (this will keep just about any 22lr ammo subsonic)

[PFran42]

I have a similar setup in sbr as a trainer (upper only though)

That's a 6.5" barrel 5" suppressor and 9" nsr handguard

Just sold the barrel and ordered a 4.5" with 7" nsr rail (this will keep just about any 22lr ammo subsonic)

That looks great! What suppressor are you running?

[jayband]

good job bro, replace the upper with Nov MUR-1A and the iron sights, you got yourself a complete build

[PFran42]

good job bro, replace the upper with Nov MUR-1A and the iron sights, you got yourself a complete build

Thanks! I've gone back and forth on that. A .22LR doesn't need forward assist so the "correct" upper is on there...BUT...The VLTOR MUR-1S does not have the alignment hole for the NSR that is included with the Noveske MUR so I will probably pick one up as soon as the loose their "unicorn" status.

Also, been debating on whether I should move the whole .22 setup over to this Mega upper/lower combo I mocked it up, but it is almost a shame to use Mega's pinnacle of AR perfection on a .22LR build...

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-sJ5INKrl5mA/Uank4fkICAI/AAAAAAAAsfw/G8-l8bfREcc/w913-h685-no/IMG_20130601_080537.jpg

[jayband]

I hear you on the MUR-1s, but if you ever convert back to 223, it will come handy ;) Meanwhile I love your Mega build!!! (My next project)


Thanks! I've gone back and forth on that.

A .22LR doesn't need forward assist so the "correct" upper is on there...BUT...The VLTOR MUR-1S does not have the alignment hole for the NSR that is included with the Noveske MUR so I will probably pick one up as soon as the loose their "unicorn" status.

Also, been debating on whether I should move the whole .22 setup over to this Mega upper/lower combo I mocked it up, but it is almost a shame to use Mega's pinnacle of AR perfection on a .22LR build...

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-sJ5INKrl5mA/Uank4fkICAI/AAAAAAAAsfw/G8-l8bfREcc/w913-h685-no/IMG_20130601_080537.jpg

[No.6]

Thanks PFran42 for posting the links and the pictures. The links make it easy to find all the parts necessary.

[PFran42]

Just to update the thread...

Not that it was having any function issues but I got around to installing my Geissele SD3G trigger the other day with the light springs. That trigger is scary good!...and a little scary. I spent a good amout of time greasing it down with Aeroshell MS6 and then dry firing it is 200 times, cleaning off all the grease and then re-applying. While I was at it, I took the bolt group apart and got a Dremel, buffer attachment and some metal polish and polished the feed ramp and all contact points between the bolt and the rails of the carrier.

The entire gun is now 100% silent and 100% silky smooth. I never considered polishing the bolt group b/c it was 100% reliable but I am glad I did as it took everything to an entirely different level.

[B215R]

Geez, this thing is sick!