armourbl

I ended up ordering a decked out CMMG upper. Still waiting for it to ship, waiting isn't easy... I'll probably still end up with a 522 someday. They can be had here on the used rack for an OK price. It will be nice to have something dedicated and different in the safe. ben

So do you both have the standard bolt or the SS bolt? If you have the standard have you seen any reason that you should have gotten the SS bolt? The price difference is about $80. ben

I think I'll always have my AR15 no matter what. I may sell it and replace it with something nicer someday that I build myself, but one will always be in my arsenal. The .22 is for several reason -- cheap ammo, safer and quieter to use in certain locations, wife and oldest kid can learn on it, etc. I fully realize I could find myself enjoying the .22 more than my AR15. That part does scare me a bit. LOL I figured that even if I got the dedicated upper, I'd someday want to match it with a dedicated lower. No way I can find a complete lower for $140. ben

Yeah, but hard to turn down a complete rifle at that price. Things started off simple in my quest for a tactical .22, but like many things I purchase it can be a snowball rolling down a big hill effect. I just want to avoid wishing I would have stepped it up a little in the beginning. Don't want to look back with regrets and wasted dollars. Not sure what you mean about knowing I'll want a centerfire upper at some point. ben

More food for thought. Same options dedicated upper vs. complete rifle. Difference of $140. Of course, I'll have to send it to an FFL and pay their fee. Dedicated Upper:Sierra .22 LR 16 inch Upper w/Low Profile Railed GB (SST Forward Assist Equipped Action, Mil-Spec Anodized, Stainless Steel Go/No Go Collar, Include Bolt Hold Open Actuator, Add 25 Round BHOA Magazine) Part No: U-M422-16SI $485.35 Complete Rifle:QUEBEC .22 Evolution 16 inch Rifle w/Low Profile FSB (SST Forward Assist Equipped Action, Mil-Spec Anodized, Stainless Steel Go/No Go Collar, Add Bolt Hold Open Actuator, Upgrade to 25 Round BHOA Magazine) Part No: F-M422-16Q $625.35

Here is the follower. There is link on the page about Black Dog magazines and the BHOA. http://cmmginc.secure-mall.com/item/.22-Evolution-Conversion-Bolt-Hold-Open-Spring--Follower-for-25-Rnd-Mag-1526

Here is the drop-catch. http://cmmginc.secure-mall.com/item/.22-Evolution-Conversion-Bolt-Hold-Open-Actuator-1525

Just some YouTube searches on CMMG Bolt Hold Open and found some good information. Looks like CMMG offeres two devices. One drop in device that fits in the magazine well under the bolt which lets the lower receiver bolt home paddle to work as it would normally. The other is follower and spring to replace the unit in the magazines. I'm not sure that the follower is necessary, probably just trying to improve things. ben

I guess I need to study more. I read somewhere that with the BHOA you have to extensively modify the BlackDog mags. ben

I also see that the BlackDog magazines will stop the bolt when empty. Does this mean the BHOA is not needed when using these magazines? ben

Looks like Joe Bob gives you the "good ole boy" discount. It shows $32 for me. I need to slow down and do this right. I appreciate your help so far. Looks like if I buy the upper direct from CMMG it is a bit cheaper than from Brownells. I'm basing this on the upper that includes the stainless bolt. Here is what the cart on CMMG site looks like. Sierra .22 LR 16 inch Upper w/Low Profile Railed GB (Stainless Steel Bolt Upgrade, Mil-Spec Anodized, Include Bolt Hold Open Actuator, Add 25 Round BHOA Magazine) Part No: U-M422-16SI = $442 plus shipping of $24. Note that includes one BHOA mag. Should I go ahead and get the stainless along with the BHOA or go for the cheaper route with the base entry upper. I guess if it were you spending your money, what would your build look like? ben

Which is the better choice of the ones you pictured? Looks like Brownells has the mini riser. http://www.brownells.com/.aspx/sid=49641/pid=23256/Product/Mini_Riser_Assembly Also, is it the Carbine MOE handguard that fits? I'm putting together an order right now. ben

Hmmm, I was planning on getting the Gen2 front BUIS to match. I did wonder about the rail alignment from the pics. Let us know what your results are... ben

Here is what my AR setup looks like. ben

Saw your response to my post. I have Magpul Gen2 rear BUIS I'm saving for whatever .22 I end up getting. I'm curious to know what issue you had. ben