Spikes Tactical .22 Upper

[Stickman]

I'll be writing up the first portion of my review of the Spikes Tactical .22 upper shortly, but I shot some pictures and wrote up the new item thread today.

I have mentioned previously that I thought that the .22 market was going to explode, and indeed it has. Weapon restrictions, ammo restrictions, and a hostile climate towards new outdoor shooting areas are play into the hands of the subcal uppers and complete weapons.

For the price of a box of 5.56 ammo, you can shoot all day with a .22. While a subcal unit can never take the place of total training with your primary weapon, it can certainly be a substantial move forward in your training. It can also allow you to shoot more ammunition that you could afford (for most of us).

Taking the training aspect out of the picture, a .22 upper is a great way for friends and family to get involved in shooting. Minimal or nonexistant recoil, as well as less noise make for a great shooting platform for the novice shooter.


Here are a couple pictures.....

[Eric]

Very nice. While the recoil and blast are obviously less than standard .223/5.56 rounds, all of the fundamentals of shooting remain the same. What a great way to get some repetitions in without breaking the bank on ammo. With the cost of ammo absolutely going through the roof, this really makes a lot of sense. I'm easily paying twice what I used to for a case of ammo now and while I can't see shooting .22 LR in a class, it can be used to supplement the training you do on your own.

[ryanm]

Are these available yet? I'm guessing in the $1400 range?

[rob_s]

I do wish one of these .22 makers would figure out a bolt hold open device that works like the real thing. Without that I find the only value to be in marksmanship as not many other TTP are going to carry over. Reloads aren't the same, hammers and NSRs aren't the same...

I still want one, if for no other reason than I found that my DPMS made a great transition tool for introducing new shooters to the AR.

[Alaskapopo]

I got a Spikes Tactical 22 upper in today. Nothing fancy just the M4 model. I have some Green Magpul hand guards on the way. It does not match at the moment.



Mags


Function:

The upper did very well and I only had 2 misfires that fired with second hit from the hammer out of 120 rounds. No failures to feed or eject.

Accuracy.

This is where I am somewhat disappointed. I was averaging about 2 inch 5 shot groups at 30 yards. Fired from a bagged rest. I will with hold judgment until I try different ammo. But I was using high velocity federal 38 grain gold plated hollowpoints. The upper was not even as accurate as my 22 pistols frankly. I am not to the point of sending it back as it will still serve the mission I got it for which is as a training understudy but it will not be able to double as a small game rifle with this crappy accuracy.

Again I am going to try some different ammo before I pass judgement. Its the standard barrel. I am thinking I should have waited for the Lothar Walther barrel upgrade.
Pat

[Army Chief]

I'm still trying to figure out how I feel about a .22 upper, but I'm sure that will all become clearer once I hit US shores again and realize what 5.56mm ammunitions costs. As luck would have it, I have no stockpile to fall back on, either.

AC

[badazzar15]

I got a Spikes Tactical 22 upper in today. Nothing fancy just the M4 model. I have some Green Magpul hand guards on the way. It does not match at the moment.



Mags


Function:

The upper did very well and I only had 2 misfires that fired with second hit from the hammer out of 120 rounds. No failures to feed or eject.

Accuracy.

This is where I am somewhat disappointed. I was averaging about 2 inch 5 shot groups at 30 yards. Fired from a bagged rest. I will with hold judgment until I try different ammo. But I was using high velocity federal 38 grain gold plated hollowpoints. The upper was not even as accurate as my 22 pistols frankly. I am not to the point of sending it back as it will still serve the mission I got it for which is as a training understudy but it will not be able to double as a small game rifle with this crappy accuracy.

Again I am going to try some different ammo before I pass judgement. Its the standard barrel. I am thinking I should have waited for the Lothar Walther barrel upgrade.
Pat

Your more than welcome to send the upper back and let me look it over.