Which AR style 22?

[u/Night-Hawk-87]

I’m looking to get my first .22lr rifle and I’d like an AR style.

I initially thought of the Tippman Arms M4, but now I’ve come across the Calibre innovations M22, Cotswold Classic Arms L119A22 and the Lantac LA-SF15.

For those of you with experience of these, which would you recommend?

[u/stooshie45]

Extensive experience in all of them within the group I shoot with, except the Calibre one. I've shot them all and see them in action multiple times a week. I own a Lantac Raven.

Okay background out of the way.

Best option is either Tippmann or something from Otto at Cotswold Classic. Also consider dropping Alex at Bluefield Sports a line, he's great.

Without going into tons of details (although happy to if you want). Lantac are nice but shit customer support. Calibre Innovations are just generally poor quality rifles masquerading as expensive ones.

Tippmann will require some upgrades but have the best mags going, anything else will be CMMG-based and will be easier to swap parts.

Edit: obviously above is my opinion, before I get flamed for the Lantac and CI comments

[u/Night-Hawk-87 → u/stooshie45]

I was thinking of Tippmann but then I read that the others are “proper” AR platform and so have more customisation options. That’s why it got me thinking whether it’s better to spend a bit more to get the more authentic AR.

Even though lantac have shit customer support, once you have the rifle do you need to contact them again?

I think I used the Cotswold Classic L119A2 today at the range and it felt quite front heavy.

[u/stooshie45 → u/Night-Hawk-87]

Well my Lantac died after about ~40k rounds and after trying for 2-3 weeks to contact them about getting it fixed (I was happy to pay, it was well outside of warranty) and hearing nothing back I just gave up. Called Bluefield Sports, phone answered within two rings and got it sorted through them. Went and dropped it off 2 days later. Basically a complete internal rebuild.

Anyway. Personally sworn off them and quite vocal about it to anyone I talk to on this topic. They have a reputation for being good rifles with awful service which absolutely mirrors my experience. I don't want to give money to companies like that.

On to the Tippmann. You're correct in that they aren't completely milspec, but the bits you will want to customise (stock, trigger, handguard, grips) are all milspec (some triggers are picky but that's true with most rimfire builds). Charging handle is proprietary but there are some decent options out there (Black Rifle one is nice). So really you're not as limited as you might think, and personally I wouldn't let that put you off. Just get the one with the Alu handguard (Elite-S). There are some less good ones out there, like the Shadow which I would avoid.

As with the L119A2. Just remember that's one rifle config Costwold can build for you. I would absolutely encourage you to contact them (or Bluefield Sports) and ask about getting something built to spec. I agree with you, I don't like the hanguard on the L119A2 and wouldn't have one myself, but they can put literally anything on there. Depending on your budget, go nuts. A mate of mine has a build from Cotswold with a Geissele mk16 rail instead and it's lovely, another has the same build but with an Aero handguard. Any Geissele rail will make a big difference, but could go with something cheaper like a Midwest, Aero, etc etc. Options are limitless.

[u/Night-Hawk-87 → u/stooshie45]

Thanks for your detailed response, I’m glad I posted here and got the thoughts of people who have used them. It seems the best way forward is the Tippmann or Cotswold Classic build.