Let’s Dive into CMMG, Inc .22 Survival Spring Kit
The CMMG, Inc .22 Survival Spring Kit isn’t the sexiest piece of gear in your kit, but it’s arguably one of the most crucial for keeping your CMMG .22LR conversion kit or dedicated .22LR AR-15 running smoothly. This isn’t about flashy aesthetics or groundbreaking performance; it’s about ensuring reliability when you need it most.
I’ve been running .22LR AR platforms for years, primarily for inexpensive training and small game hunting, and the common denominator across all of them has been spring fatigue and breakage. These little springs take a beating, and when they go, your rifle goes down. The CMMG, Inc .22 Survival Spring Kit promised a readily available solution to this inevitable problem.
The kit comes in a small, unassuming package. Opening it, my first thought was, “Wow, that is a small package of springs!” Everything appeared to be well-made, but frankly, it’s hard to judge a spring by its looks alone. It’s more about how it performs under pressure and over time.
Compared to buying individual replacement springs from various sources, the CMMG kit seemed like a more organized and cost-effective approach. I had considered buying a bulk assortment of springs, but the CMMG kit provided specifically the ones known to fail most frequently in the CMMG .22 conversion. This targeted approach was definitely preferable.
Initially, I was cautiously optimistic. Springs are springs, right? But knowing I had a backup of the most critical components for keeping my .22 AR running gave me immediate peace of mind.
Real-World Testing: Putting CMMG, Inc .22 Survival Spring Kit to the Test
First Use Experience
My first opportunity to use the CMMG, Inc .22 Survival Spring Kit came sooner than expected. During a high-volume training session at the range, my .22 conversion kit started experiencing failures to extract. Upon inspection, the extractor spring was noticeably weaker than it should have been.
Replacing the extractor spring with one from the kit was straightforward. The process took only a few minutes with a simple punch and the results were immediate. The extraction issues vanished, and the training session continued without further interruption.
No problems arose in the wet conditions, the springs were enclosed and function was restored after the replacement.
Extended Use & Reliability
Several months later, and after thousands of rounds, the replaced extractor spring is still going strong. I have the peace of mind knowing the CMMG, Inc .22 Survival Spring Kit is in my range bag. The other springs in the kit remain unused, but their presence is comforting.
The springs themselves show no signs of wear or corrosion. I’ve even tossed the kit into my cleaning kit, and it’s survived the usual bumps and jostles. This little kit has exceeded my expectations for durability and ease of storage.
Compared to my previous experiences of scrambling to find the correct replacement springs online and waiting for them to arrive, this kit is a game-changer. Having these critical components readily available makes maintaining the .22 conversion significantly less stressful and increases range time.
Breaking Down the Features of CMMG, Inc .22 Survival Spring Kit
Specifications
The CMMG, Inc .22 Survival Spring Kit is designed specifically for CMMG .22LR AR-15 conversion kits and dedicated .22LR AR-15s. It includes:
- One .22 Bolt Catch Spring: This spring controls the bolt catch, essential for locking the bolt back after the last round.
- Two Firing Pin Springs: These springs ensure proper firing pin retraction, preventing slam fires and maintaining reliable ignition.
- Two Extractor Springs: These springs provide the tension needed for reliable case extraction.
- Two Recoil Springs: These springs manage the bolt’s cycling and help maintain consistent feeding.
- Caliber: .22 Long Rifle
- Color: Silver
These specifications matter because each spring plays a crucial role in the reliable operation of the .22LR AR platform. A weak or broken spring in any of these areas can lead to malfunctions, rendering the rifle inoperable. This kit ensures you have replacements readily available.
Performance & Functionality
The CMMG, Inc .22 Survival Spring Kit excels at providing a readily available solution to common .22LR AR spring failures. The springs themselves function perfectly, restoring the rifle to proper working order.
The kit’s greatest strength is its convenience. It addresses the most common failure points in a single, inexpensive package. The only weakness is that it only addresses the springs included; other parts can fail.
The CMMG, Inc .22 Survival Spring Kit meets and exceeds expectations, it is worth the money.
Design & Ergonomics
The CMMG, Inc .22 Survival Spring Kit is what you would expect. The springs themselves are small and functional.
There’s no real learning curve; if you’re familiar with AR-15 maintenance, replacing these springs is a simple task. The CMMG website and other online resources provide ample guidance if needed.
Durability & Maintenance
Based on my experience, the springs in the CMMG, Inc .22 Survival Spring Kit are durable and resistant to wear and tear. The kit is well constructed.
Maintenance is virtually nonexistent. Keep the kit in a dry place, and the springs should last indefinitely until needed.
Accessories and Customization Options
The CMMG, Inc .22 Survival Spring Kit does not lend itself to modification or customization. The springs are designed to replace the factory springs and require no additional parts.
The kit is compatible with any CMMG .22LR AR-15 conversion kit or dedicated .22LR AR-15.
Pros and Cons of CMMG, Inc .22 Survival Spring Kit
Pros
- Inexpensive insurance: For under $13, it’s a small price to pay for preventing downtime.
- Comprehensive selection: Includes the most commonly needed replacement springs.
- Easy to install: Requires minimal tools and technical expertise.
- Peace of mind: Knowing you have backup springs readily available reduces stress during range sessions or hunts.
- Extends the life of your .22LR AR: Prevents minor spring failures from turning into major headaches.
Cons
- Limited scope: Only covers a specific set of springs; other parts can still fail.
- Not a complete repair kit: Doesn’t include other wear items like extractors or firing pins.
Who Should Buy CMMG, Inc .22 Survival Spring Kit?
Perfect for anyone who owns a CMMG .22LR AR-15 conversion kit or a dedicated .22LR AR-15, especially those who shoot frequently. It is also a must-have for survivalists, hunters, and competitive shooters who rely on their .22LR AR for training or small game hunting.
Those who rarely shoot their .22LR AR or only use it for occasional plinking might be able to skip this product. However, even for infrequent users, the low cost makes it a worthwhile investment for long-term reliability.
A basic AR-15 tool kit with punches is a must-have accessory to make spring replacement easy.
Conclusion on CMMG, Inc .22 Survival Spring Kit
The CMMG, Inc .22 Survival Spring Kit is a simple but essential accessory for anyone running a CMMG .22LR AR-15 conversion kit or dedicated .22LR AR-15. It’s not glamorous, but it’s incredibly practical.
The price is absolutely justified for the peace of mind and potential downtime saved. For less than the cost of a magazine, you can ensure that minor spring failures won’t derail your range session or hunting trip.
I would absolutely recommend the CMMG, Inc .22 Survival Spring Kit. It’s an inexpensive insurance policy against common .22LR AR malfunctions. Don’t wait until a spring breaks to order one; get it now and keep your .22LR AR running smoothly. Your range days and hunts will thank you.