Was wondering....

Is it better to get a 22LR upper or a 22LR conversion kit for plinking practice?

Would a 22LR conversion kit would be more humbug to install/switch out?  Is it prone to failures?

Would a 22LR upper be more reliable?  The only downside I see to this is that it is one more thing to bring to the range.

Or is it better to just buy a complete 22LR since they are not too expensive anyway?

What are your thoughts / experience with this?

 a complete 22LR upper would be more accurate and less trouble.  a bit more expensive but it depends on what you want to do with it.  if you want to practice drills, the 22LR conversion kit would be cheaper as you don't need the accuracy but if you wanna plink and be some what accurate, get the entire upper. 

Sounds like a dedicated upper would be better overall.  Thanks, sliver!

I recommend highly CMMG uppers or conversion pieces.

22lr conversion. More room in safe. Same ergonomics. Same trigger pull. Cheaper. get the redi mag better mag adapter s&w 22lr adapter which lets you use the m&p 15-22 mags. You also have bolt hold open on last round and stays open when mag is dropped. Same manual of arms as your ar.

I got a 15-22 and think it's great. No regrets.  I've never tried a bolt kit or just a 22lr upper. Hope that helps a little at least  lol

22lr conversion. More room in safe. Same ergonomics. Same trigger pull. Cheaper. get the redi mag better mag adapter s&w 22lr adapter which lets you use the m&p 15-22 mags. You also have bolt hold open on last round and stays open when mag is dropped. Same manual of arms as your ar.

djsmiles808 -- the reasons you list are actually very appealing.  Does the different barrel twist and caliber of the 223 barrel become an issue? 

I recommend highly CMMG uppers or conversion pieces.

Thanks Speedtek. The CMMGs seem to have very good reviews.

Tried a drop-in conversion and didn't like it.  Failures just about every other round, shooting it both dry and wet.  If you're not using plated bullets, you'll be fouling your barrel with lead.

Just about all uppers don't hold the bolt back on reload (they'll hold the bolt back on the last round, but it goes shut once the magazine is removed).

I can't believe I waited this long to get an M&P15-22.  Works exactly like my AR, with a few additions, looks exactly like my AR, and is just as fun (if not more fun…I'm spending less!) as my AR.  I was iffy when I first paid for it, but now I have absolutely no regrets…well, other than not buying it earlier!

Tried a drop-in conversion and didn't like it.  Failures just about every other round, shooting it both dry and wet.  If you're not using plated bullets, you'll be fouling your barrel with lead.

Just about all uppers don't hold the bolt back on reload (they'll hold the bolt back on the last round, but it goes shut once the magazine is removed).

I can't believe I waited this long to get an M&P15-22.  Works exactly like my AR, with a few additions, looks exactly like my AR, and is just as fun (if not more fun…I'm spending less!) as my AR.  I was iffy when I first paid for it, but now I have absolutely no regrets…well, other than not buying it earlier!

was it hard to find more .22lr mags for your upper?  how much do they cost?

was it hard to find more .22lr mags for your upper?  how much do they cost?

Never bought an upper.  I searched for one I wanted, but none held the bolt back through a reload.

Never bought an upper.  I searched for one I wanted, but none held the bolt back through a reload.

opps, I meant was it hard to find mags for your M&P15-22?

opps, I meant was it hard to find mags for your M&P15-22?

it's getting easier to get M&P 15-22 mags nowadays. Easier to find than before.

Many places online has them available online. (If you want to save a few bucks)
OGC had them last time I visited. (If you want to buy local)

Compass Lake, Accuracy Speaks, White Oak Armament will build one. All welll known smiths who know their way around ARs

those with .22lr ar15's, do you guys use bulk/lead rounds in your rifles?  I've seen CCI .22lr go for 12-13 bucks for a box of 50 locally.  If you reload .223/5.56, it seems like the price is the same if not cheaper if you need to use plated/high velocity .22lr for the rifles to run reliably. 

Here my input

For my need I bought the 22lr conversion kit instead of another upper/ or another rifle due to my main means of transportation is on a motorcycle.

Have both and several converting kits, but find that the Air Force conversion better.
Uses conventional magazine bodies w/22 inserts.

those with .22lr ar15's, do you guys use bulk/lead rounds in your rifles?  I've seen CCI .22lr go for 12-13 bucks for a box of 50 locally.  If you reload .223/5.56, it seems like the price is the same if not cheaper if you need to use plated/high velocity .22lr for the rifles to run reliably.

For accuracy, no. My CLE upper likes standard velocity ammo such as SK standard, Eley (purple box), Wolf Match etc.
http://www.compasslake.com/22uppers.htm

those with .22lr ar15's, do you guys use bulk/lead rounds in your rifles?  I've seen CCI .22lr go for 12-13 bucks for a box of 50 locally.  If you reload .223/5.56, it seems like the price is the same if not cheaper if you need to use plated/high velocity .22lr for the rifles to run reliably.

Google is your friend.
Many people can run almost anything through their 15-22's.
Most have to see what works and what doesn't.
S&W recommends

-CCI Standard Velocity                                 -Federal American Eagle
-CCI Mini-Mag                                             -Federal Game Shock
-CCI Stinger                                                -Winchester Super -X 
-Aguila Super Extra High Velocity                 Aguila Super Extra Std. Velocity