Bear Creek Arsenal .22WMR complete upper. Reliable? Accurate? Good value? Loads of fun!

Published on June 28, 2022
Duration: 11:20

This review of the Bear Creek Arsenal .22 WMR upper receiver on a Palmetto State lower highlights initial reliability challenges attributed to using a rifle-length buffer spring with a carbine-length buffer. Despite these issues, the reviewer found the setup to be fun to shoot, with decent accuracy at 25 yards after sighting in. The .22 WMR cartridge is noted for its increased power over .22 LR but at a higher cost, though still cheaper than centerfire rifle rounds.

Quick Summary

The Bear Creek Arsenal .22 WMR AR-15 upper experienced initial reliability issues due to an incorrect buffer spring setup (rifle spring with carbine buffer). Despite this, accuracy at 25 yards was good, with groups around half an inch. The .22 WMR cartridge offers more power than .22 LR but at a higher cost, though still economical compared to centerfire rounds.

Chapters

  1. 00:45Introduction and Setup
  2. 01:01Buffer Spring Issue Discussion
  3. 01:38Initial Function Test
  4. 02:15First Feeding Failure
  5. 03:09Failure to Extract
  6. 04:47Improved Cycling Performance
  7. 05:13.22 WMR Cartridge Analysis
  8. 05:36Ammunition Cost and Performance
  9. 06:32Reliability Testing Continued
  10. 07:47Advantages of .22 WMR AR-15
  11. 08:21Scope Sighting and Accuracy Testing
  12. 10:00Accuracy Results at 25 Yards
  13. 10:39Lingering Feeding Issues
  14. 10:56Overall Impression and Conclusion

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the potential reliability issues with a Bear Creek Arsenal .22 WMR upper?

Initial testing revealed potential cycling and feeding problems, primarily attributed to using a rifle-length buffer spring with a carbine-length buffer. This mismatch can cause the firearm to not chamber rounds correctly or fail to extract spent casings.

How accurate is the Bear Creek Arsenal .22 WMR upper?

After proper scope zeroing, the upper demonstrated good accuracy at 25 yards, with groups achieving half an inch, and some shots touching. The reviewer plans to test accuracy at 100 yards in future outings.

Is .22 WMR ammunition expensive compared to other rimfire rounds?

.22 WMR is more expensive than .22 Long Rifle, typically costing between $13 and $17 for 50 rounds. However, it remains significantly cheaper than centerfire rifle cartridges like 5.56/.223 or .308 Winchester.

What are the benefits of a .22 WMR AR-15 platform?

The .22 WMR AR-15 offers increased velocity and power over standard .22 LR, providing a more potent rimfire option. It's considered a fun and effective platform for various shooting applications, with potential for better range than .22 LR.

Related News

All News →

More Reviews Videos You Might Like

More from Cranky Gun Reviews

View all →