Updated Jan. 2024: Completely rewritten with new products.
Part of the reason the AR-15 became America’s rifle is its versatility. The design holds up to abuse, is infinitely customizable, and comes at prices ranging from a few hundred dollars to several thousand.
It can tackle home defense, three-gun competitions, known-distance matches, hunting, and general range-day shenanigans.
Ammunition prices and availability have taken a turn for the worse in recent years, so even 5.56 NATO can get expensive if you train regularly.
The solution is our old rimfire friend, and we’re here to find the best AR-15 in .22 LR for everyone.
These twists on the AR-15 platform aren’t just for plinking at tin cans, either. The user interface is very similar to a carbine or pistol that shoots 5.56, 300 Blackout, 7.62 NATO, or 6.5 Creedmoor.
The magazines even share their exterior size with those of an AR-15 chambered for 5.56 or 300 BLK. Some rimfire AR-15s incorporate non-functional features like a bolt release or forward assist to complete the aesthetic.
Every time you slingshot the charging handle and send 40 gains of round-nosed lead downrange, you’ll build muscle memory that transfers directly to anything in the AR family. Your skills and wallet will thank you.
THE QUICK LIST
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Best Basic .22 LR AR-15
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Editor's Pick
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Best Budget Pick
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Best High-End .22 LR AR
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Best Training Aid
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Best Conversion Kit
Table of Contents
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How We Chose the Best AR-15 in .22 LR
Scott Murdock is a Marine Corps veteran with a basic working knowledge of shooting, written English, and photography. He’s passionate about helping readers find quality gear that’s worthy of their money. You can find more of his work at Task & Purpose, Free Range American, and Outdoor Life.
This article is a culmination of the best and most accessible AR-15s we think fit most people. We do update articles regularly, so check back if your favorite isn’t listed (or drop us a comment below).
Best AR-15 in .22 LR
1. Best Basic .22 LR AR-15 – Smith & Wesson M&P 15-22 Sport
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Pros
- Affordable
- Full-length Picatinny rail, collapsible buttstock, flip-up sights
Cons
- Pistol grip is basic
- Only comes with one 25-round magazine
The prolific Smith & Wesson M&P 15-22 Sport probably comes to mind when you think about an AR-15 in .22 LR.
It’s a modern approach with a full-length Picatinny rail, collapsible buttstock, and flip-up Magpul MBUS sights instead of a carrying handle and A2-style front sight.
This was a rimfire platform from the drawing board rather than a factory conversion, so you’ll notice the ejection port is smaller than usual, and there’s no dust cover. The 16.5-inch barrel is threaded and comes with a birdcage muzzle device.
Its threaded muzzle gives you the ability to mount a suppressor later on, while the 10-inch M-LOK handguard offers plenty of room for accessories like a weapon light and bipod. A 2-inch Picatinny rail is also included to open up your mounting options.
The M&P 15-22 Sport doesn’t have a forward assist like its centerfire counterparts, and the old-school pistol grip is nothing to write home about. It would be nice if Smith & Wesson threw in more than one 25-round magazine (state-compliant magazines are available, too).
That’s about where critiques of this rifle end. It’s many people’s default rimfire AR-15 for a reason, and you can’t go wrong with an M&P 15-22 Sport — especially with an MSRP of less than $500.
2. Editor’s Pick – Heckler & Koch HK416
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Pros
- High-quality build and finish
- Ergonomic pistol grip
Cons
- Proprietary internal components limit part swapping
- Not as good of a value as some other options
You can always spot an AR-15 owner with an eye for the finer things when you see a Heckler & Koch HK416 in the wild.
The German manufacturer has a reputation for making high-quality firearms, and the rimfire HK416 .22 LR is no exception (even though it’s built by Umarex and licensed by H&K).
This rifle comes with a full-length Picatinny rail, an M-LOK handguard, a 16.1-inch barrel with a birdcage muzzle device, and a collapsible buttstock just like the Smith & Wesson M&P 15-22 Sport.
In addition to those features, you’ll get a more ergonomic (and, let’s be honest, cooler-looking) pistol grip, a non-functional forward assist, and a functional ejection port cover like you’d find on a centerfire AR-15.
H&K typically has excellent fit and finish, right down to the painted safe/fire indicators. This carbine will give you a taste of the high life without breaking the bank since the MSRP is just $599.
There’s also a pistol version, should you prefer something more compact. Just keep in mind that several proprietary internal components will limit your ability to swap out parts.
The HK416 .22 LR is an awesome training AR, but I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention another rimfire offering from H&K, the MP5 .22 LR.
It’s not based on the AR-15 platform, and I know it comes with a fake suppressor from the factory, but come on, just look at it and tell me you don’t want one.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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What do you think of HK? Rate them below!
3. Best Budget Pick – Hammerli Tac R1
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Pros
- Very affordable
- Five-position adjustable buttstock
- Multiple magazine options
Cons
- Heavy trigger
- Finding compatible parts can be difficult
- Not ideal for people who want to customize their rifle
Hammerli isn’t a big name in the AR world, but the Swiss manufacturer is dominant in Olympic shooting. That arena involves uncompromising accuracy standards and, you guessed it, rifles and pistols chambered for .22 LR.
The Hammerli Tac R1 is a major departure from what Hammerli builds for the Olympic stage, but you can bet the brand isn’t about to sully its good name with an inaccurate sporting rifle.
The Tact R1’s threaded muzzle is topped with a standard flash hider. A 13-inch M-LOK handguard wraps the 16.1-inch barrel, and a Picatinny rail runs the length of the handguard and receiver, so you can run an optic in addition to the included flip-up irons.
The five-position adjustable buttstock has multiple attachment points for a sling, including ambidextrous QD mounts.
The upper receiver has a forward assist and a traditional ejection port and dust cover, so it’s a great tool for people who want to save money on ammunition while building proficiency with the AR-15 platform. Take your pick from 10-, 20-, or 30-round magazines.
The biggest surprise on the Tac R1 is the price tag. Hammerli lists an MSRP of $349, although retail prices seem to run higher than that.
Some owners report that the Tac R1 has a heavy trigger, and finding compatible parts can be challenging, so it might not be the best AR-15 in .22 LR for people with the modding bug.
4. Best High-End .22 LR AR – Smith & Wesson Performance Center M&P 15-22 Sport
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Pros
- Upgraded version of the base M&P 15-22 Sport
- Hogue grip and short magazine for better prone position
- 18-inch fluted barrel for improved accuracy
Cons
- Heavy due to longer barrel
- Not ideal for fast-paced plinking
What’s better than a Smith & Wesson? Easy…a Smith & Wesson that’s been tweaked by the company’s Performance Center.
The Smith & Wesson Performance Center M&P 15-22 Sport builds on the base rifle’s solid platform to create a factory upgrade for more discerning shooters.
Unlike most rimfire AR-15s, this one caters more to competitive shooting than fast-paced plinking. Accuracy gets a big boost from the thick 18-inch fluted barrel, and Smith & Wesson offsets the extra weight with a polymer lower receiver to keep it at a reasonable 5.6 pounds.
The beefy Hogue grip and short magazine help shooters get into a solid position, especially when prone. Usual features include an M-LOK handguard, collapsible buttstock, full-length Picatinny rail, flip-up iron sights, and QD mounting points for a sling.
Like the base M&P 15-22 Sport, this rifle uses a rimfire-specific bolt and ejection port with no forward assist or dust cover.
Oh, and this one is state-compliant, thanks to the 10-round magazine.
5. Best .22 LR AR Pistol – CMMG Banshee MK4
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Pros
- Fun and stylish
- Can be used with a pistol brace
- Built-in hand stop and Picatinny rail
Cons
- More expensive than some rifles
Don’t forget you can also buy an AR-15 pistol in .22 LR. The CMMG Banshee MK4 carries over a lot of the AR-15’s best features and adds a ton of style.
It’s got to be one of the most fun tools for burning through boxes of .22 LR at the range. This pistol stands out from the crowd partly because of a bronze Cerakote finish that gives off budget Honey Badger vibes.
The EML4 handguard has a built-in hand stop, a Picatinny rail up top, and one M-LOK attachment point at the 3-, 6-, and 9-o’clock positions. The upper receiver includes a full-size ejection port and dust cover but no forward assist.
“Wait, pistol braces are fair game again?”
The legal drama surrounding pistol braces has been going on for years, and nobody can blame you for not memorizing every plot twist along the way. You can read all the sordid details in our guide to the issue, but the bottom line is that in November 2023, a federal judge issued an injunction against the ATF’s rule that defined firearms with pistol braces as short-barreled rifles.
So yes, you’re free to buy the Banshee MK4 with a pistol brace and enjoy all the tactical rimfire goodness you can handle. That 4.5-inch barrel is just begging for a suppressor, so maybe you’ll end up applying for a tax stamp anyway.
6. Best Training Aid – Tippmann M4-22 RCR
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Pros
- Excellent training aid
- Lightweight 4.5-pound trigger
- Unique ported barrel reduces recoil
Cons
- Fixed tube may not be for everyone
- Pricey
Rimfire forums are full of people recommending Tippmann Arms, and after looking at the Tippmann M4-22 RCR, it’s not hard to see why.
This slick AR-15 has all kinds of features, making it a fantastic training aid and a fun way to spend time at the range without breaking the bank.
Just like a centerfire AR-15, the M4-22 RCR has aluminum upper and lower receivers, a functional forward assist, and an ejection port cover. It’s compatible with most standard AR-15 components, so you can upgrade parts or personalize this rifle just like any AR-15 chambered for 5.56.
There might not be much you want to change, though. The 4.5-pound trigger is better than most and already comes with an upgraded grip and handguard. Tippmann even got clever with the barrel.
While it measures 16 inches, only the first 7 inches are a functional barrel. The rest is a fixed tube that cuts weight and makes room for ports that keep the muzzle flatter between rapid shots (finally, a way to tame that punishing .22 LR recoil).
The M4-22 RCR is a little pricey for an AR-15 in .22 LR, but it backs up the expense with some neat features you won’t see every day.
7. Best Conversion Kit – CMMG .22 LR Conversion Kit
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Pros
- Budget friendly
- Drops into any AR chambered in 5.56/.223
Cons
- Less accurate than dedicated .22 LR rifles
- Not compatible with .300 BLK AR-15s
As awesome as these rifles are, there is a cheaper alternative for people who want to cut ammo costs while training with their AR-15.
This CMMG conversion kit drops into any AR-15 chambered for 5.56 or .223, so you can knock a decimal place off your price per round for less than $200.
Is this conversion safe? The bore of a barrel chambered for 5.56 or .223 is generally slightly larger than one chambered for .22 LR, so it’s safe to use one of these conversion kits in an AR-15 chambered for 5.56 or .223 (but not 300 BLK, even though the magazines are compatible).
This conversion only goes one way for obvious reasons.
Because the bore is slightly larger, you won’t get as much accuracy from a .22 LR conversion as you would from a rifle built to shoot .22 LR.
Another consideration is maintenance—.22 LR is a notoriously dirty round, so carbon will accumulate faster with one of these kits. That’s not a problem if you stay on top of your cleaning regimen.
Final Thoughts
If you’re in the market for your first AR-15, you can’t go wrong with 5.56. The midsize rifle round is too good at too many things to be replaced anytime soon.
On the other hand, if your primary rifle needs are already taken care of, an AR-15 in .22 LR is a fantastic training tool that’s tons of fun to shoot. Besides, every red-blooded American needs a .22.
Whether you want something inexpensive to cut down on training costs or a high-end competition gun with all the bells and whistles, there’s something out there for you.
Given how quiet .22 LR is and how affordable rimfire suppressors and subsonic ammunition are, this is also a budget-friendly way to dip your toe into the world of suppressors.
What kind of rifle do you plink and train with? Let us know in the comments! If you’re looking for more great AR-15 information, check out our Definitive Resource!
44 Leave a Reply
Im looking to pick up a 22lr rifle. What would you all chose? An AR style vs a traditional 10/22?? I have a 5.56 AR so it wouldn't be an introduction to the AR platform for me. I have been on the fence about this for a while so any help or advice is appreciated Thanks in advance!
I have an S&W AR-15-22 and I absolutely love it. I have fired around 1,000 rounds through it and it is accurate and has yet to misfire or jam. I have also used it to train some new AR users. And, best of all, it is not expensive. A good deal for rifle, case and three mags is less than 500 clams. Enjoy!
For the pic in this article, the one with the title under it of "Drop it in your fave AR-15…so long as it’s chambered in 5.56 or .223" - what hand guard is that on the rifle?
"Best Conversion Kit – CMMG .22 LR Conversion Kit"
Well, its kinda hard for anyone else to be a best conversion kit for AR .22 when the only one available is the CMMG .22 LR Conversion Kit.
If you're going to go with .22 on an AR-platform as a 'always have' or 'will use' thing then either build a rifle or buy one
Guess these guys have never heard of building a dedicated .22LR UPPER? The one I built beats ALL of these options.
guess these guys have never heard of BEAR CREEK ARSENAL
got two RIA AR22M4LITEs for M'Gal's Birthday. the first one came w/3x10RD mags & a 25 from RIA. it cost $178 from Buds. the second one was for $167 w/210RD mags & a 25 from RIA.
also recommend the POF PGA-22 got her for Christmas for $262 from Battle Hawk Armory.
it's my nightstick w/Kaw Linear, TCon V5 WL/LAZ, 110RDrum, carryhandle & QD Alice Pack Sling.
Shoud add an honorable mention to this list for the gemtech integral upoer
I've got the CMMG conversion and I was disappointed in the accuracy. I went out and customized a 10/22 with an arc-angel stock carbon fiber bull barrel and comp trigger, it's less than an H&K and it's extremely accurate. added satisfaction of building it.
Looking for some advice, please. I own a Colt .22 AR in the UK, and looking to dismantle it to transport it to the USA without a license, which means I can save a lot on export fees. Can you purchase the lower in the US, and if yes do you know where. I will be leaving the lower in the UK.
You can purchase a lower in most gun stores in the US but they're legally considered firearms so you'd need to meet the requirements to purchase one (i.e. citizenship and passing a background check). I think it'd be easier to just borrow a friend's lower and use it whilst in the US. Hope that helps.
I think the bear cre3k arsenal side charging .22lr ar15 is 1 of my favorite rifles,i can hit a nickel at 100 yards continuously. I have 3 they are that much fun...
I own a Colt M4 Ops .22 One of my favorite guns Has trigger kit from hk parts With Tac Sol Aeris and Primary Arms 1-6x24 scope it is deadly out to 100 yds and beyond And pretty damn quiet too
Tippman Arms.
I am running a CMMG Conversion kit. I can train it across all of my AR platforms. I can do active traing for a fraction of the cost, only problem is that Ref dot changes between the .22 LR and use of the actual .556/.223 rounds other than that. I love being able to plink with the .22 LR
I recently purchased the Hammerli TAC R1 in 22lr
Doing several reviews of other AR 15 style rifles, this was my choice
OVERVIEW
Walther Hammerli Tac R1 22 Long Rifle 16.1in Matte Black Semi Automatic Rifle - 22 Long Rifle - The HAMMERLI TAC R1 22 rifle offers the best precision, quality, and value of any .22 L.R. AR-Style rifle on the market. Featuring a 13” M-LOK handguard, flip up back-up sights, removable flash-hider, and ergonomic stock & grip, the TAC R1 22 rifle is the most versatile .22 rifle available. All of these features, in addition to the all-aluminum construction of it’s receivers and handguard, set a new standard for performance and value which made me feel good about this purchase.
We chose the Tippmann M4-22 - not the cheapest but works exactly like the AR-15
Is that an airsoft rifle? Or a 22lr caliber rifle??
.22 LR
22lr
145 smith road Eubank Kentucky 42567
Would you use a CMMG conversion kit on your AR15 self defense rifle for practice?
Would you have concerns about messing up your self defense rifle?
Is there a concern about .22LR fouling the gas port?
Is there a concern about .22LR fouling/leading the barrel?
What about the Kriss DMK 22?
I did plenty of research and finally settled with the Tipmann M4 22 lr. Other than propriety mags which aren't cheap- everything I read gave me confidence that for the money I was getting the best/more realistic AR trainer rifle available. Thoughts?
I just picked up a Tippmann too. I'd say it's about a 2MOA shooter with standard bulk ammo. I have about 800 rounds through it now. I had 2 FTF but that was when I'd used standard velocity lead tip ammo. With high velocity or copper plated no problems. And all functionality is there just like on my AR15. Really nice rifle. It's better than the others I've seen that my friends have.
I'll pick up some good ammo since so far I've shot stuff just laying around the house to see if it was picky about ammo. Now to try it out next weekend at a Project Appleseed shoot.
The guy called 22 Plinkster has a really good review of it on youtube. He's a well respected shooter too.
Man I’m loving mine a little too much I’m not gonna lie.. I wanted a dedicated trainer for multi-gun so research said it had to be the Tippmann- but with few reviews out it was still a SWAG choice and I’m glad I chose it. I’ve put about 2k through it and other than a dozen or so primer issues I’ve had zero failure to anything. I have not found a bulk ammo or non-match ammo that performs how I’ve read it optimally can-but that would kindness if defeat the purpose of an expensive 22 that chews 5.56 priced ammo lol. I’ve used mostly American Eagle 40gr copper plated hollows and was very meh through the whole 1300. Remington Thunderbolt 40s and CCI mini mag 40 and 36 supers and still eh but the CCI has been in low enough numbers that I’d say inconclusive thus far. It sure isn’t fun with some subs (or supers really) and a decent can. Either way it does exactly what I needed it to-and after some dress up and one of those fake can shrouds (I couldn’t help myself) that sits partially inside the free-float guard I call it the Honeybadger :) Thing is a blast-no regrats.
My Tippmann Elite M4-22 rifle with a Vortex Diamondback HP 4-16x42mm scope shooting CCI Stingers(1640 fps) is definitely a 1 MOA shooter!
I was able to get a hair over 1 moa at a 'Rimfire Known Distance' back in January. Using CCI Standard Velocity. Got about 1.75 inches at 150 yards. Unsupported prone using a sling.
Project Appleseed is going to partner with Tippmann in the next month or two. Buy a Tippmann and get a free pass to an Appleseed. And Appleseed is good stuff. I say that as an Appleseed instructor here in Texas.
I agree best trainer available
I have owned the S&W 22 version since they were introduced. I installed a 4 pound Timney trigger, (3.5 will NOT work) and all Magpul furniture. The gun is awesome. It likes CCI MiniMags, and CCI Tactical, but Eley force just knocks the accuracy out of the ball park. It carries a Vortex 3x9 scope. I shoot it frequently. I truly enjoy this rifle.
how about the sig 522? it shoots a lot better than any colt style m4 rifle
Well, this is an article on the "Best AR-15 in .22", and the 522 isn't an AR-15 in .22, so....
My kids both run the DPMS .22 upper. Very reliable dedicated .22 upper. Family participants in Project Appleseed with the DPMS versions. Please be aware Appleseed has temporary prohibited the Smith and Wesson M&P 15/22 for open battery detonations. Smith and Wesson has been quite about the issue.Fyi.
https://appleseedinfo.org/how-to-prepare/
"** Effective immediately the use of Smith and Wesson M&P 15/22’S at and Appleseed are hereby temporarily prohibited due to recent safety issues."
I have had mine since Obama was re-elected. Maybe 5000 rounds through it and never a hick-up except with the 3.5 pound Timney trigger. Timney took it back, sent a 4 pound single stage trigger and never a problem. I have not heard about anyone having an issue. Two of my friends have had theirs as long as I have. Same results. They really like them. Is there a re-call?
Seems like you also missed another fun pinker, the umarex HK416D.
Isn't that an Airsoft gun?
AIRSOFT??? You are joking I hope.
H&K 416 is NOT an airsoft gun — I t’s definitely .22lr. I’ve had mine for several years, put thousands of rounds through it, and it shoots amazing well and accurately. It should be on this list.
No Kriss Defiant?
Working bolt release, forward assist and last round bolt hold open. Accurate, takes 10/22 barrels and most of your favorite furniture/triggers from your AR15... All metal too...
I shoot rimfire steel plate matches and by far the go to gun is the M&P 15-22. It is light, reliable and easily customizable. Many of the other competitors start with other guns but almost always end up moving to this platform. Out of all my rifles it's my favorite gun and most fun to shoot.
I totally agree!
Nice read. The Colt sounds like I need one. I have a Tippman arms M4 22. Fairly new to the market. y’all should review that one. Another AR clone but doesn’t feel like a toy. Quad rail is nice for my unnecessary furniture! Lots of plinking.
Best.
Alex
Tippmann Arms M4-22 ...why does no one know about this gun yet!?
I have wanted a .22 AR for a while and the Tippmann Arms would be the one I would go with if I had the $$ !
I agree! I did a lot of research before I purchased the Tippmann Elite M4-22 rifle.