First Impressions of Moriarti AR-22 22LR 16in Pencil Profile Barrel With Dedicated Nib Bcg
The Moriarti AR-22 22LR 16in Pencil Profile Barrel With Dedicated Nib Bcg offers AR-15 enthusiasts an affordable and reliable way to enjoy the .22LR platform. This combo deal, featuring a 16-inch pencil barrel and a dedicated NiB (Nickel Boron) bolt carrier group (BCG), promises enhanced accuracy and smoother cycling for your AR-22 build. The Moriarti name is building a reputation for value, so I was eager to see if this lived up to the hype.
I’ve been looking to introduce my kids to shooting in a more accessible, less intimidating way, and a .22LR AR-15 seemed perfect. The lower recoil and cheaper ammo of the .22LR make it ideal for training and plinking. I also wanted a dedicated .22LR upper receiver, rather than using conversion kits that can sometimes be finicky with reliability.
Upon unboxing, the Moriarti AR-22 components felt solid and well-made. The pencil barrel lived up to its name – noticeably lighter than the standard AR barrel I’m used to. The NiB coating on the BCG gave it a slick, premium feel. I have used CMMG .22LR conversion kits and dedicated uppers in the past, as well as a Taccom .22LR dedicated barrel. I chose the Moriarti because it was a complete package at a compelling price point, and I wanted to try a Moriarti product.
My initial impression was positive; it seemed like a well-thought-out package and I was excited to test it out. I was slightly surprised by the lightweight feel of the barrel, but also intrigued to see how it would impact accuracy.
Real-World Testing: Putting Moriarti AR-22 22LR 16in Pencil Profile Barrel With Dedicated Nib Bcg to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Moriarti AR-22 at my local outdoor range, mounting it on a standard AR-15 lower receiver. The range had clear skies and a slight breeze, providing good testing conditions. I ran several different brands of .22LR ammo through it, including CCI Mini-Mags, Federal AutoMatch, and Remington Golden Bullet.
The Moriarti AR-22 ran reliably with the CCI Mini-Mags right out of the box. There were a few initial hiccups with the Federal and Remington ammo, but after a quick cleaning and lubrication, it cycled smoothly with all three brands. The lightweight pencil barrel was noticeable, making the rifle feel incredibly balanced and easy to handle, even for my kids. I did experience a few failures to extract in the first 50 rounds; however, this disappeared as the system broke in.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several range trips spanning a couple of months, the Moriarti AR-22 has proven to be a reliable and enjoyable plinking companion. The durability has been excellent with no signs of any meaningful wear and tear on either the barrel or the BCG. Cleaning is a breeze due to the NiB coating on the BCG, which wipes clean much easier than standard phosphate coatings.
Compared to my previous experience with .22LR conversion kits, the Moriarti AR-22 has been significantly more reliable. The dedicated barrel and BCG clearly make a difference in the consistency of cycling and extraction. It outperforms the conversion kits I have used in the past by a considerable margin.
Breaking Down the Features of Moriarti AR-22 22LR 16in Pencil Profile Barrel With Dedicated Nib Bcg
Specifications
- The Moriarti AR-22 boasts a 16-inch pencil profile barrel, chambered in .22LR. This length strikes a good balance between maneuverability and accuracy for various shooting applications.
- The barrel is crafted from 4150 CMV (Chrome Moly Vanadium) steel, a durable material known for its heat resistance and longevity. The selection of 4150 CMV ensures it can withstand extended firing sessions.
- The Moriarti AR-22 has a 1-16 twist rate, optimized for stabilizing .22LR projectiles. This twist rate is crucial for achieving consistent accuracy with .22LR ammunition.
- The Moriarti AR-22 features 1/2×28 threads per inch, which is standard for .22LR barrels, allowing easy attachment of muzzle devices. This feature allows for customization with suppressors and other accessories.
- The included BCG features a slick and durable Nickel Boron (NiB) coating. This coating reduces friction and simplifies cleaning.
Performance & Functionality
The Moriarti AR-22 excels in its primary job: providing reliable and accurate .22LR shooting in an AR-15 platform. Accuracy is more than adequate for plinking and target practice, easily achieving tight groupings at 50 yards with decent ammo. Its reliability is excellent, with minimal malfunctions after the initial break-in period.
The system’s strength lies in its simplicity and compatibility, while a potential weakness is the inherent limitations of .22LR ammunition, which can sometimes be inconsistent. I believe it fully meets and even exceeds expectations for a .22LR AR conversion or dedicated upper at this price point.
Design & Ergonomics
The Moriarti AR-22’s pencil barrel keeps the overall weight down, making it a pleasure to handle and shoot for extended periods. The build quality is solid with the materials used feeling durable and well-machined. The rifle remains well-balanced, allowing for quick and easy target acquisition.
The system is user-friendly. There is no real learning curve, as it operates exactly like a standard AR-15, with the exception of magazine compatibility.
Durability & Maintenance
The 4150 CMV steel barrel and NiB-coated BCG are built to last, offering excellent corrosion resistance and wear protection. The Moriarti AR-22 is designed to handle a high volume of shooting without compromising performance. Maintenance is straightforward, requiring only regular cleaning and lubrication.
The NiB coating on the BCG makes cleaning particularly easy as carbon fouling wipes off effortlessly. With proper care, it should provide years of reliable service.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Moriarti AR-22 is compatible with most standard AR-15 accessories, including sights, optics, and handguards. This opens up a wide range of customization options to tailor the rifle to your specific needs and preferences.
You can easily swap out the handguard for a free-float model to improve accuracy, or add a red dot sight for faster target acquisition. The 1/2×28 threads on the barrel allow for the addition of a suppressor to reduce noise. The Moriarti AR-22 is designed to accept most aftermarket AR-15 components.
Pros and Cons of Moriarti AR-22 22LR 16in Pencil Profile Barrel With Dedicated Nib Bcg
Pros
- Reliable .22LR Cycling: The dedicated BCG ensures smoother and more dependable operation compared to conversion kits.
- Lightweight and Maneuverable: The pencil profile barrel makes the rifle incredibly easy to handle, especially for smaller shooters.
- Accurate Performance: The 1-16 twist rate and quality barrel construction deliver consistent accuracy for plinking and target practice.
- Easy Maintenance: The NiB-coated BCG simplifies cleaning and reduces friction, enhancing reliability.
- Affordable Plinking: Provides a cost-effective way to enjoy AR-15 shooting without the expense of centerfire ammunition.
Cons
- Initial Break-In Required: May experience some malfunctions during the first few hundred rounds.
- Ammunition Sensitivity: Some .22LR ammunition brands may perform better than others.
Who Should Buy Moriarti AR-22 22LR 16in Pencil Profile Barrel With Dedicated Nib Bcg?
The Moriarti AR-22 is perfect for:
- Those looking for a cost-effective and fun plinking experience.
- New shooters who want an accessible and low-recoil platform for training.
- Experienced AR-15 enthusiasts who want to enjoy .22LR shooting without sacrificing the AR platform.
- Hunters who need a lightweight and quiet rifle for small game.
Who should skip this product? Those seeking match-grade accuracy for serious competitive shooting may want to explore higher-end .22LR options.
Must-have accessories or modifications? A quality red dot sight or scope, reliable .22LR magazines (Black Dog Machine are highly recommended), and a good supply of your preferred .22LR ammunition.
Conclusion on Moriarti AR-22 22LR 16in Pencil Profile Barrel With Dedicated Nib Bcg
The Moriarti AR-22 22LR 16in Pencil Profile Barrel With Dedicated Nib Bcg is a fantastic value for anyone looking to add a reliable and fun .22LR AR-15 to their collection. The combination of a lightweight pencil barrel, dedicated NiB BCG, and affordable price makes it a compelling option. While it may require a brief break-in period, its overall performance, ease of maintenance, and compatibility with AR-15 accessories make it a winner in my book.
The price is definitely justified, especially considering the inclusion of the dedicated BCG. I would absolutely recommend the Moriarti AR-22 to anyone looking for an enjoyable and affordable .22LR AR experience. So go ahead, build that .22LR AR-15 you’ve been dreaming of, and start plinking!