CMMG .22LR Uppers - 22B7CC2 vs 22B7CC6

[Badger89]

Hey guys, I've narrowed my choice of dedicated .22LR uppers down to two models. I'm torn between these two specific .22LR uppers from CMMG and would like to hear your thoughts before I buy.

Here are the specs for the 22B7CC2:

• Mil-Spec M-4 Upper receiver with ceramic finish
• Black phosphate action
• .22 Long Rifle caliber
• 16 inch W.A.S.P. barrel (1:16 twist, 4140 cmv, melonite treated)
• Mil-Spec 1/2 X 28 threaded muzzle with A1 flash hinder
• Live round extraction
• "Anti-jam" charging handle (we'll see about that when we get to the range...)
• Picatinny railed low profile front "gas block" (They offer uppers with a FSB or rail height block as well, but I have a set of sights laying around for a railed gas block so I'm going with this version)

Here are the specs for the 22B7CC6:

• Mil-Spec M-4 Upper receiver with ceramic finish
• Stainless steel action
• .22 Long Rifle caliber
• 16 inch W.A.S.P. barrel (1:16 twist, 4140 cmv, melonite treated)
• Mil-Spec 1/2 X 28 threaded muzzle with A1 flash hinder
• Live round extraction
• "Anti-jam" charging handle
• Picatinny railed low profile front "gas block"

The only difference listed in the specs is the phosphate vs stainless steel bolt group, however I have also heard that the 22B7CC6 comes with a functioning forward assist plunger, while the 22B7CC2 just comes with a non-functioning "looks like a forward assist" plug. But, AFAIK, neither the phosphate nor the stainless steel action work with a functional forward assist without an additional adapter, which I was not planning on buying... Can anyone confirm this?

Price wise, the lowest in stock pricing I've found, including all applicable taxes and shipping to my door is $433.94 for the 22B7CC2 and $527.44 for the 22B7CC6 (or $511.66 if I take advantage of reduced rate shipping through 6/16). It should be noted that the 22B7CC2 would ship directly from CMMG and the site says "please allow up to 90 days for shipping" while the 22B7CC6 is listed simply as "in stock." From what I have been reading on CMMG's facebook page it doesn't seem like they've been on the ball with shipping orders lately... some people have been waiting since March. They're probably just as backlogged as everyone else. I would like to start shooting this before the end of the summer if .22LR ammo ever comes back in stock (which might take more than 90 days itself).

Additionally, I will be replacing the firing pin and the extractor with TACCOM upgrades, which are stainless steel, and I've been pondering haveing the entire bolt group melonite/nitride treated as well (regardless of stainless or phosphate) although that's still up in the air at the moment.

So, feedback from anyone who's shot one or both of these? Are there any other differences between the bolt group material and the functioning vs. non-functioning plunger? Is the 22B7CC6's forward assist actually functional straight out of the box or does it still need the adapter plate added to the bolt? And the $100 question... Is the 22B7CC6 worth the extra cost for the few extra options and potentially faster delivery time, or should I save the money and send the phosphate bolt group out for melonite treatment? (the purpose would be for more corrosion resistance, I could care less about wear resistance being a .22LR)

Thanks for the help!

EDIT: P.S. The 22B7CC2 would be ordered through Brownells and shipped from CMMG, the 22B7CC6 would be ordered and shipped from Cabela's... not sure if that influences anyone's opinion or not. I have never dealt with either retailer, so I have no personal experience as far as which one is better to deal with if I run into problems.

[mikeyk101]

I can't help you with the choice between phosphate and SS but my personal opinion is to go with the SS and working forward assist. With that being said, if you are really itching for the upper now, order the Cabelas one because it is in stock but you are paying a premium price. The Brownells shows that it is a backorder. But if it is shipping directly from CMMG, then why not order directly from CMMG and save a few bucks. Either way if ordered from Brownells or direct from CMMG, it will probably take the same time to ship.

I am receiving my CMMG .22lr upper tomorrow. I am getting the one with the F marked front sight base. I ordered it on Apr 12 and it shipped out last week. It ends up only being 2 months from when I placed the order to it being shipped to me. Now I also ordered it with the optional SS bolt and the forward assist. If no one else answers up, give me a day or so and I will let you know if it works right out of the box.

[Wildcat]

A standard charging handle that has an open channel down the center for the gas key to reciprocate and access the gas tube. The bolt for 22lr doesn't need access to a gas tube so their 'anti-jam' charging handle is molded as a solid piece for the entire length of the handle. The idea is to keep an errant 22 case from possibly getting over top of the bolt and jamming up the action. This is the only failure mode addressed by their handle.

Also the forward assist is ornamental (pinned solid) on the 22 upper.

[mikeyk101]

snip...

Also the forward assist is ornamental (pinned solid) on the 22 upper.

Now I could be wrong, wouldn't be the first time but... From what I have seen, the 22lr uppers that ship with the phosphate bolt have a solid pinned forward assist. The ones with the SS bolt also advertise that they come with forward assist. Take a look at the dropdown menu on the CMMG page for the action upgrade on the upper I am receiving: CLICK HERE
Also take a look at the CMMG complete 22lr rifles: CLICK HERE Those that are listed with a phosphate bolt specifically state they have a fake forward assist. The ones listed with the SS bolt state that they come with the forward assist adapter.

[Wildcat]

Now I could be wrong, wouldn't be the first time but... From what I have seen, the 22lr uppers that ship with the phosphate bolt have a solid pinned forward assist. The ones with the SS bolt also advertise that they come with forward assist. Take a look at the dropdown menu on the CMMG page for the action upgrade on the upper I am receiving: CLICK HERE
Also take a look at the CMMG complete 22lr rifles: CLICK HERE Those that are listed with a phosphate bolt specifically state they have a fake forward assist. The ones listed with the SS bolt state that they come with the forward assist adapter.

Looks like limited options on the menu. Based on their catalog, LINK you can add a forward assist to either bolt style. The anti-bounce weight has teeth milled in it to function with the assist pawl.

If you don't see exactly what you want as a menu option, it would be best to contact them and ask. Their design is pretty modular and they should be able to set it up.

Several years ago, I got a complete upper with a stainless bolt assembly. I've been happy with it. I also don't remember an instance when a forward assist would have been useful on this piece of kit. A bolt hold open that works the rifle's bolt stop is a more desirable option to have but I have not tried the add-on they offer.

[Badger89]

Thanks for the replies guys. Mikey, I'll wait for your report.

[shadow65]

Bypass the black bolt and go with the stainless. It's smoother, stronger, easier to clean and stays cleaner, longer.
I always go with the forward assist in the event I want to use the upper for another caliber barrel.
It's more expensive to add it later.
That said, the forward assist blocks fit looser all the time and can cause cycling issues..

I do not recommend the Evolution upper receiver with side panels. I've seen OBD's blow the panels off.
Stick with the standard upper receiver.

The ceramic finish will not match an anodized lower receiver if that's important to you.

The anti jam charging handle was developed for the jam prone Spikes BCG. Not really an issue with the CMMG's. Doesn't matter because you will get it automatically. It's plastic and has been known to break. A mil spec CH will work fine.

You can also ditch the tacky looking gas deflector for a standard dust cover.
Dave N

[Grizzly16]

Call me petty but I'd say neither. I don't like manufacturers that claim "mil-spec" for their .223 ars. Much less when they claim it about a .22lr upper...

[shadow65]

Call me petty but I'd say neither. I don't like manufacturers that claim "mil-spec" for their .223 ars. Much less when they claim it about a .22lr upper...

You mean you've never seen a "mil-spec ceramic coated M4 upper receiver"?

They do use the same upper receivers on the .22's that they use on the 5.56's though.
Dave N

[mikeyk101]

I received my upper a couple days ago but have been kind of busy so I couldn't respond back. It did come with a functional forward assist with the SS bolt. A piece is added to the bolt to allow it to work. But with that being said, I agree with shadow65 that it is nice to have the option especially for later builds but not sure how often it would get used and the SS bolt is nice. I will say that when first mating it up to my RRA lower, it was an extremely tight fit and hard to push both pins in. And also I was having a hard time getting the upper to tilt forward. But after working with it, it has loosened up a bit. I'm sure a little gun lube and using it will take care of this. It has a nice solid feel when put together and the weight feels similar to my other M4's. I can't wait to get this out to the range. Maybe next Mon...