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Thread: Looking to purchase my first AR, full blown 5.56 or start with a .22?

  1. #11
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    Quote Originally Posted by Mac5.56 View Post
    I see very little reason for purchasing a .22 M&P M4 clone as opposed to a 5.56. Other then cost all you are doing is purchasing an inferior replica of a tool that was designed to function in a certain way, for a certain purpose.

    I've grown up with firearms and been taught that ALL firearms are equal in that they can kill you, or destroy what the muzzle is pointed at, regardless of caliber. This is absolute truth, therefore making decisions on "lesser calibers" for the purpose of anything other then cost, and recoil is pointless. You have already stated that cost is not an issue, and since the 5.56 M4 has literally no recoil worth mentioning if shot properly there is not a choice to be made. Go with the caliber the system was designed for. It's not like since it's a bigger caliber it's going to jump up and bite you or something.

    I've seen these questions pop up from time to time, and I always scratch my head. Do you mind telling me why exactly you are even considering the options?
    I'll agree that the 556 is the way to go if you can only have one. However, I also have an MP 15-22 because I can afford to shoot it more often. I always bring both to the range, and shoot both. Also, my 22 is set up almost identically to my 556. But for the $6 that 20rnds of 556 costs, I can shoot about 150 rnds of 22. I wouldn't recommend the 22 as a first/only AR, but it definitely has it's place.
    Semper Paratus Certified AR15 Armorer

  2. #12
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    Quote Originally Posted by ASH556 View Post
    I'll agree that the 556 is the way to go if you can only have one. However, I also have an MP 15-22 because I can afford to shoot it more often. I always bring both to the range, and shoot both. Also, my 22 is set up almost identically to my 556. But for the $6 that 20rnds of 556 costs, I can shoot about 150 rnds of 22. I wouldn't recommend the 22 as a first/only AR, but it definitely has it's place.
    I don't think it has been said yet, but what the hell...
    A .22 is not a BB gun. It will **** someone up who's not wearing armor.

  3. #13
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    Quote Originally Posted by maxwell600 View Post
    A .22 is not a BB gun. It will **** someone up who's not wearing armor.
    That may be true, depending upon where you shoot them. People have been killed with claw hammers as well, but that doesn't mean I'd rather keep that for self defense than a gun.
    Semper Paratus Certified AR15 Armorer

  4. #14
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    Quote Originally Posted by maxwell600 View Post
    I don't think it has been said yet, but what the hell...
    A .22 is not a BB gun. It will **** someone up who's not wearing armor.
    That is not the point he is trying to make. Did you read my post at all? It is not about a .22 not being lethal, it is about the intended use of the Rifle and the Caliber that is BEST suited for That use!

    If I had a .22 and a rock in a gun fight I would take a .22 and keep the rock as back up, not the other way around.
    Mobocracy is alive and well in America.*
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  5. #15
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    There's no reason to begin with a "starter" .22LR AR.

    Just get one from a quality company (the two you mentioned are fine) and go from there. If for some reason you wanted to shoot .22 later on, you can always get a conversion kit.
    "I have your number. Consider yourself warned."

  6. #16
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    I just want to say an AR in .22 would be great for a kids first AR. For me an AR in .22 would be ok as a third AR having a primary and a spare would be my goal before going the .22 route. We have a 15-22 at work. It is fun and cheap. I looked for a .22 upper and the 15-22 was about the same price and a complete gun. My 8 year old can shoot the .22.
    "Real men have always needed to know what time it is so they are at the airfield on time, pumping rounds into savages at the right time, etc. Being able to see such in the dark while light weights were comfy in bed without using a light required luminous material." -Originally Posted by ramairthree

  7. #17
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    Get a KACSR15E3 with a BC 2.0 and be done with it.
    SSG Jimmy Ide- KIA 28 Aug 10, Hyderabad, AFG

    1SG Blue Rowe- KIA 26 May 09, Panjshir, AFG.

    RIP Brothers

  8. #18
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    Go with the 5.56 for your first AR. But if you have $3,500, you could easily get a quality AR plus a .22LR clone, and a decent amount of ammo for each. Don't fall into the accessory trap. Keep it simple, get good with what you have, and then when you replenish your funds, you can add optics or whatever else you really need.

    If you want to get the most out of your money, shoot a lot, but shoot with a purpose. Most of the people I see at the range are just throwing lead down the tube with no apparent purpose. When I'm shooting, I try to address certain goals. Accuracy, target transitions, re-loads, malfunction clearing (I always load a couple of dummy rounds in my training mags before I head to the range), moving and shooting from different positions, and speed. I usually write up a plan and stick to it. The Katar has some great practice sessions for pistol on his low speed high drag site you can find similar plans for rifle online. There are tons of drills you can do on your own or with a friend, but if you aren't certain (and probably even if you believe you are certain) get some training from a qualified instructor. And no, your neighbor who was in the guard back in 84 is not necessarily a "qualified" instructor. Just my $0.02. Good luck, read a lot on here, and it will keep you from making the stupid mistakes most people make when buying their first AR.

  9. #19
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    Quote Originally Posted by Fearless_One View Post
    ... if I'm looking to really get the best experience in an AR platform should I go with a .22 such as the M&P for the price perspective or should I go for a quality 5.56 AR...
    Maybe I'm old fashioned, but if this is the very first rifle you're going to own, then buy a .22...

    Not for the "price perspective." There's not much "price perspective" in buying a .22 AR: A decent .22 AR is going to cost you $500, plus mags, etc. etc. etc., and you'll have to shoot at least 2,000-3,000 rounds just to break even.

    Start with a .22 with iron sights and learn good shooting habits, and then move up to a centerfire gun and optics.

    It sounds like you're an experienced shotgunner, but shooting a rifle is a lot different.



    If it MUST be an AR, then OK, get a .22 AR. Otherwise, there are lots of good (cheap, accurate) options for semi-auto .22s out there.
    Last edited by Bimmer; 03-19-11 at 01:04. Reason: fixed typo

  10. #20
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    Point by point; my thoughts exactly.
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