New project: a “true” .22 AR pistol

dbarale

dbarale

Well-Known Member
Joined
Oct 31, 2017
Messages
869
Location
Asheville, NC
Rating - 100%
19   0   0
I need you guys to tell me why I shouldn’t do this: I want to build a real AR pistol. I mean with a real short barrel, and without a buffer tube or brace.
I have a CMMG conversion bolt and some mags. And I just purchased this pistol upper.

2111DA29-9D65-4B35-ACC4-140B0965C207.jpeg

Just a PSA with a 7.5” (maybe a 9”?) barrel and a generic quad rail. The plan is to cut down the barrel, get rid of the gas system, make a plug for the back of the lower, and cobble the whole disaster together.

Kinda like this:

9A4C02AF-B143-462D-9995-7F44E1634CB3.jpeg

I will remove the shroud nut, and maybe replace the barrel nut too. I am aware that the 1/7 twist rate is wrong for .22 but it was working OK with .40gr bullets in my 10.5” pistol. I am only looking at minute of soda can at 10 yards anyway…

It will be completely useless, and quite ugly. Anything else I am missing?

I am supposed to purchase a lower tomorrow and order a LPK.
 
Could go all in on a star wars themed .22 pistol!

www.thefirearmblog.com

Functional Star Wars Blaster: Han Shot First and You Can, Too -

If you'd like your own passable replica of Solo's DL-44 blaster and don't want to shell out big bucks for it, I have good news! Home AR builders can assemble their own versions that come reasonably close to the Mauser's looks, for far less money, and in a much more accessible caliber like .22LR.
www.thefirearmblog.com www.thefirearmblog.com

1661203251754.png
 
some_kid6 said:
Could go all in on a star wars themed .22 pistol!

www.thefirearmblog.com

Functional Star Wars Blaster: Han Shot First and You Can, Too -

If you'd like your own passable replica of Solo's DL-44 blaster and don't want to shell out big bucks for it, I have good news! Home AR builders can assemble their own versions that come reasonably close to the Mauser's looks, for far less money, and in a much more accessible caliber like .22LR.
www.thefirearmblog.com www.thefirearmblog.com

View attachment 514477
Click to expand...
Hmmm … imagine replacing the original blaster muzzle device with say a short configuration Oculus that has been Cerakoted silver. That short of a barrel would likely not push MiniMags supersonic but if it did a slight spring tuning to run CCI Standards wouldn’t be to hard. Sure it would not be more than a range toy but damn it would be fun!
 
My home brew 22lr blaster. It needs a better pistol grip but I want something weird. Bolt and barrel are a dedicated CMMG 22 kit with 4.5" barrel. Mini KAK flash can, Chinesium tube handguard, KNS buffer hole to 1919 adapter, MWI 1919 side folder buffer tube hinge (I know this was the pricey way to do my plan was not super detailed lol)

IMG_20220822_174504861.jpg
IMG_20220822_174743662.jpg
 
Last edited:
dbarale said:
Sexy. Are you running a dedicated 22 barrel?
Click to expand...
Yep, I just added some deets. It's the CMMG dedicated kit, it was the only thing I could find in stock, but they are proud of it.

I'm thinking about getting RR to make me a holster for it lol
 
Last edited:
This is what I was running before, CP33 with 1919 adapter, fixed buffer tube and iirc an Mccarbo muzzle thingy, mostly there to stop me shooting my fingers off.

IMG_20220822_174825251.jpg


I'm debating selling/trading it though, because I love the other blaster more. The 33rd mags are nice though.
 
I am getting started. I ordered a lower parts kit and I need to go pick up a lower locally tomorrow. I am trying to decide between a $70 Anderson or a $90 Double Star. We’ll see.

Took the barrel off without incident. Well, kinda…
I managed to not scratch anything, then I reassembled the quad rail so I could sell or trade it, and promptly dropped it. Now it has a few nice little dings.

51B30F4F-1EB9-4A4F-BA28-3F7DE8324E9C.jpeg

52A3FCCC-25CC-4CDA-86A0-80BAED666B4D.jpeg

Oh well. In the parts bin it goes.
Onto the next disaster. I decided to reuse a weird fixed stock that I had. The plan was to square off the angled rear face, then remove the stock lug. I figured I could see how much I would like it with a foam cover. So I chucked it in the lathe and started making chips. It went well until I turned my head for a second to look at my kids who were being jerks. I guess my hand moved when I turned my head, resulting in too big of a bite, and:

23531EAA-F32F-4EF6-976F-A6A932E74A10.jpeg
The worst part is that the chuck was on the threads. It jumped out of the soft jaws and destroyed a good half of the threads. Nailed it!

So now I am making a plug. Yes, I know that I can buy the Spikes one for $20 but where’s the fun in that?
Here’s what I am thinking:

09552FE0-63C8-45A0-9077-908FF431B63F.jpeg

The smooth portion is cut to the diameter of the bottom of the threads and should slide right into the receiver. The idea is to be able to make a stabilizer for the back of the CMMG conversion bolt. Similar to what’s available but better, because I will make it myself. It will be spring loaded.

E8E50C2A-C205-4745-8814-E8B2FE00E969.jpeg

I just have to wait for the receiver so I can figure out what the finished length should be.
 
dbarale said:
Love the grip. What barrel nut is that?
Click to expand...
www.ohhunt.com

ohhunt Extremely Steel Barrel Nut For M-LOK Free Float Handguard

Universal steel barrel nut design does not require timing or alignment, dramatically reducing the overall installation time. Free shipping from the US!
www.ohhunt.com www.ohhunt.com

No idea how the nuts are supposed to work because I won't need them lol

Grip is from Blackwood as suggested by @GeorgeBush

I wanted to buy pretty much everything they sell. The wooden AR stuff is just sexy.
 
Last edited:
I want a single point sling attachment point at the back of the receiver. The easy solution is to get a buffer plate with a loop. But that’s just no fun.

Instead, I will make my own using a stainless steel bolt. Because cutting stainless is always a blast.

Not.


From this:

405A1140-6052-4F1B-8332-92B7B4E7385E.jpeg

To this:

A622B159-70EF-4872-8BDA-6CBAF40F4DAC.jpeg

To be continued…
 
I have several that I did over the years. Used different tubes and some just a slick barrel nut.
Most mine were cut down M16 barrels but when I went to the CMMG combo I stopped using the cut down barrels. Wanted threaded and correct twist so I would feel better about running a can.

Mine were using a Pic rail on the back or Spikes if I recall with push button sling mount.
One thing with all the kits as you know you really want to BCG to be forward all the way. Using a 22 buffer or a device that adds pressure. Several things will work. Easy is rubber anti slip tape. I just add it to the plug or back of BCG. You will need to replace from time to time when you clean the gun.
 
Last edited:
heavydoc said:
Must be cold there! 🤣
Click to expand...
Hey now! LMAO


I had to use carbide cutters and full speed. Those barrels are hard on the surface. Not as hard when you get deeper. Makes it difficult to obtain a consistent surface finish.

Part of me now thinks that I need a steady rest and a live center. But the other part knows that it’s just a toy lathe. It’s not meant for that kind of work.
 
Last edited:
Mr.Gadget said:
I have several that I did over the years. Used different tubes and some just a slick barrel nut.
Most mine were cut down M16 barrels but when I went to the CMMG combo I stopped using the cut down barrels. Wanted threaded and correct twist so I would feel better about running a can.

Mine were using a Pic rail on the back or Spikes if I recall with push button sling mount.
One thing with all the kits as you know you really want to BCG to be forward all the way. Using a 22 buffer or a device that adds pressure. Several things will work. Easy is rubber anti slip tape. I just add it to the plug or back of BCG. You will need to replace from time to time when you clean the gun.
Click to expand...

This is a first iteration. If I can find an M16 barrel at a reasonable price I will probably redo it. I really would like the 1/12 twist, and the rifle length gas system would allow me to add another inch or two which would help (@heavydoc, no comment).
 
Last edited:
I decided to change the profile of the barrel. No reason. Or maybe the best reason? I didn’t like the way it looked.

FF592BC1-6A63-4858-9BB2-8B07B70A6CFF.jpeg


BTW I shaved 250g off the barrel. From 525 down to 275g. The gas block and gas rube lose another 58g, and the forend 245g (but that’s not counting a barrel nut). That’s a lot of weight up front.
 
Last edited:
dbarale said:
I decided to change the profile of the barrel. No reason. Or maybe the best reason? I didn’t like the way it looked.

View attachment 520470


BTW I shaved 250g off the barrel. From 525 down to 275g. The gas block and gas rube loose another 58g, and the forend 245g (but that’s not counting a barrel nut). That’s a lot of weight up front.
Click to expand...
What is a gas rube? 🤣
 
Really love the Blaster look. I have a slick side cmmg upper in my safe getting dusty. Might be a real cool build. Let me clarify, I would need a .22 conversion kit and a short .223 barrel. And of course the usual AR parts.
 
Last edited:
baltimoreed said:
Really love the Blaster look. I have a slick side cmmg upper in my safe getting dusty. Might be a real cool build. Let me clarify, I would need a .22 conversion kit and a short .223 barrel. And of course the usual AR parts.
Click to expand...
Quite frankly, a Ruger 22/45 is a much better gun in every possible way, at about the same cost. But where’s the fun in that?
 
I’ve invested heavily in Colt Woodsmans over the years. Only bought 2 Ruger Marks. One a graduation present for a son of a good friend 30 years ago and the other, a Hunter, for my dil. I already have a cmmg .22 AR thats a tack driver and 100% reliable and plenty of mags. Besides I like fantasy guns like my MP5 AR .45. F7F3B2F6-DBAF-49F9-B09A-CFD55F8FF600.jpeg
 
baltimoreed said:
I’ve invested heavily in Colt Woodsmans over the years. Only bought 2 Ruger Marks. One a graduation present for a son of a good friend 30 years ago and the other, a Hunter, for my dil. I already have a cmmg .22 AR thats a tack driver and 100% reliable and plenty of mags. Besides I like fantasy guns like my MP5 AR .45. View attachment 523542
Click to expand...
Ok, you’re gonna have to tell us more about this…. whatever this is.
 
This is a AR build I did from 2016. The bcg and barrel are Olympic Arms, upper is a DPMS slabside, lower is a CNC Enterprises dedicated greasegun mag lower, the other parts are real MP5 bits I found on GB. The vortex fh is actually a jam nut for the front sight tower. I first had built a conventional looking AR pistol but didn’t like it so I thought why not a MP5. The cocking handle rides in the cocking tube on a piece of brass rod, there is a second piece that a piece of drill rod mounted on. They are bolted together so the front part can rotate. The cocking handle has to rotate to engage the slot and notch on the cocking tube while the drill rod has to stay aligned with the gas tube hole and gas key. The drill rod engages the gas key on the bcg. a large spring keeps it forward. Had a bearing in between them but it didn’t hold up so now theres a piece of teflon. The forearm was almost a perfect fit to the barrel and barrel nut. Think I shortened it a bit. The original rear drum sight was an MP5 drum but the holes were too low so I had to use a taller H&K rifle drum to regulate the sights. The sight was on a ragged piece of steel sheet metal the gun it was made from. Squared it up and d&t a couple of screws into the upper with an oak spacer. As it needs no AR charging handle i used a mp5 end piece to cover the end under the sight. The Oly spring wire ejector is mounted in the upper and very positive, my 2 Olympic builds run anything…….And the steel piece on the end of the cocking tube is actually a turned down lug bolt. It fit perfectly so I used it. Would love to fit a curved 45acp magazine to it. Hopefully that explains what ‘it’ is.
20CE0C2D-B6D0-4F5A-872E-EB83E52B445A.jpeg
2032E22B-6850-4865-AD21-5C8B758E2575.jpegCA27AB28-41A2-4D3E-8386-616719AC90B0.jpeg0A4CCA2F-7AE4-4FB0-A340-4F0A54FA40B3.jpeg9C6EB734-5B57-405E-8577-5FE219664AAD.jpeg
 
Last edited:
I mean, it's the south, so when i moved down from the north i already had x-files "HOME" visions of things i'd run in to...
didn't count on it applying to guns
I'm kind of sad that you couldn't make the HK handle operate a piston upper though.
 
baltimoreed said:
This is a AR build I did from 2016. The bcg and barrel are Olympic Arms, upper is a DPMS slabside, lower is a CNC Enterprises dedicated greasegun mag lower, the other parts are real MP5 bits I found on GB. The vortex fh is actually a jam nut for the front sight tower. I first had built a conventional looking AR pistol but didn’t like it so I thought why not a MP5. The cocking handle rides in the cocking tube on a piece of brass rod, there is a second piece that a piece of drill rod mounted on. They are bolted together so the front part can rotate. The cocking handle has to rotate to engage the slot and notch on the cocking tube while the drill rod has to stay aligned with the gas tube hole and gas key. The drill rod engages the gas key on the bcg. a large spring keeps it forward. Had a bearing in between them but it didn’t hold up so now theres a piece of teflon. The forearm was almost a perfect fit to the barrel and barrel nut. Think I shortened it a bit. The original rear drum sight was an MP5 drum but the holes were too low so I had to use a taller H&K rifle drum to regulate the sights. The sight was on a ragged piece of steel sheet metal the gun it was made from. Squared it up and d&t a couple of screws into the upper with an oak spacer. As it needs no AR charging handle i used a mp5 end piece to cover the end under the sight. The Oly spring wire ejector is mounted in the upper and very positive, my 2 Olympic builds run anything…….And the steel piece on the end of the cocking tube is actually a turned down lug bolt. It fit perfectly so I used it. Would love to fit a curved 45acp magazine to it. Hopefully that explains what ‘it’ is.
View attachment 523639
View attachment 523627View attachment 523628View attachment 523633View attachment 523637
Click to expand...
I love it. Thanks for the details.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom