22 Magnum AR Upper? Does it Suck... - Bear Creek Arsenal

Published on August 28, 2022
Duration: 12:11

This review of the Bear Creek Arsenal 16-inch 22 Magnum AR-15 upper receiver explores its performance and niche appeal. While offering low recoil and increased velocity over .22LR, the 22 Magnum caliber presents challenges with ammunition cost and limited magazine availability. The direct blowback system, specialized buffer, and spring are detailed, along with accuracy testing results and potential reliability issues like light primer strikes, which may be trigger-dependent. The reviewer concludes it's a functional but niche option for specific varmint control needs.

Quick Summary

The Bear Creek Arsenal 16-inch 22 Magnum AR-15 upper receiver operates via direct blowback with a modified BCG and specialized buffer/spring system. It achieves 2-3 MOA accuracy, suitable for varmint hunting, but the 22 Magnum caliber's high cost and limited magazine options are significant drawbacks.

Chapters

  1. 01:32Introducing 22 Magnum AR Upper
  2. 02:5322 Magnum Caliber Overview
  3. 03:58Operating System Explained
  4. 05:06Buffer and Spring System
  5. 05:41Ammunition and Reliability
  6. 06:26Light Primer Strikes and Magazines
  7. 07:20Trigger and Primer Strike Caveat
  8. 07:48Magazine Features
  9. 08:09Upper Receiver Components
  10. 09:04Handguard and Muzzle Device
  11. 09:27Accuracy Testing
  12. 10:05Overall Performance and Niche Appeal
  13. 11:34Conclusion and Viewer Engagement

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the operating system of the Bear Creek Arsenal 22 Magnum AR-15 upper?

The Bear Creek Arsenal 22 Magnum AR-15 upper receiver uses a direct blowback operating system. This system is modified with a specialized bolt carrier group that has material removed due to the low energy of the 22 Magnum cartridge, and it requires a unique buffer and spring setup to function correctly.

How accurate is the Bear Creek Arsenal 22 Magnum AR-15 upper?

Accuracy testing at 36 yards with CCI Varmint loads resulted in groups within an inch from unstable positions, estimating the upper's accuracy at 2-3 MOA. This level of precision is considered sufficient for varmint hunting, such as squirrels or coyotes.

What are the main drawbacks of the 22 Magnum caliber in an AR-15 platform?

The primary drawbacks of the 22 Magnum caliber for an AR-15 platform are its high ammunition cost, which is comparable to 5.56mm but with less power, and limited magazine availability. It's generally too expensive for casual plinking and best suited for specialized pest control.

What reliability issues were observed with the 22 Magnum AR-15 upper?

The main reliability issue encountered was three light primer strikes during testing. The reviewer suggests this might be related to the trigger used (Hyperfire EDT) and could potentially be resolved with a standard mil-spec trigger featuring a full-power hammer spring.

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