COLT AR-15 22 conversion?

[zywina]

I picked up an 22lr conversion kit from a friend, just because it looked like it was made so well, just wondering if anyone can tell me any info. on this particular set?

Markings on the bolt are (CONV. KIT: M261)
(SN 126-)

It came with 3 10 shot 22lr magazines that insert into the regular AR Style 223 magazine, also came with an extra extractor. I paid $250 for this set, did I do OK? Was told it was a Colt factory adapter set? Thanks in advance for any offered help, Dale in Canada!

[JudgeColt]

The M261 conversion unit was produced for the military. I do not know who made it, but I do not believe it was Colt. You can buy a clone of the M261 (in stainless even!) for substantially less, but I think a true military M261 unit with three magazine inserts is worth what you paid.

The premiere AR-15/M16 rimfire conversion unit is the Air Force unit, which has a rifled barrel insert and locks open on the last shot.

[AirCommando]

Does it look like this? I got the one in the package with my R6600K, the plain mag I don't know about either. Looks identical to the mag in the package without the markings. The package is unopened, so I haven't checked for markings on the unit.

[JudgeColt]

The commercially-sold "Sporter Rifle Conversion Kit" is not the same conversion unit as the military M261. Recall that zywina mentions that the M261 magazines are inserts that go into regular centerfire magazines. Brownells used to sell the magazine inserts, but I have not checked lately.

It is odd that the unpackaged magazine does not have the same markings as the magazine still in the packaging.

[AirCommando]

Yes it is. That's why I contributed to the thread. Wonder what it is?

Was told it was a Colt factory adapter set? Thanks in advance for any offered help, Dale in Canada

So I guess there is a difference between a conversion and an adapter.

[JudgeColt]

I suspect the reason the unpackaged magazine has no markings is because it was produced by the company that made the magazines for Colt, with the intent that the unmarked magazines be sold as extras to owners of the Colt kits.

One sees this same issue with the aftermarket magazines for the Service Model Ace, which are marked "COLT .22 LR" or something similar, but lack the Rampant Colt trademark. Those magazines are made by the same manufacturer as the Colt-trademarked magazines, but are not stamped with the trademark for the aftermarket.

I did not see the semantics "adaptor versus conversion" issue anywhere here. Where did that issue arise?

[AirCommando]

Well, the OP said he picked up a 22 conversion kit and was was told he had a factory adapter set, and my factory kit says it is a conversion kit, so I guess it's not the same thing is all.
Didn't mean to hijack the thread, just thought I would try and contribute.

But thank you for telling me about the unmarked mag, that information is helpful, at least to me.

[Dug147]

If COLT makes one I would like to look into the possibility of getting one. Can anyone enlighten me on this.
Not trying to hi-jack just looking for information.
Thanks.

[JudgeColt]

I just scanned the first post and assumed by "adaptor kit" he just meant a "conversion kit" to adapt his rifle to shoot rimfire. I did not take the reference to be of significance nomenclature-wise and forgot the reference was there. There has never been an "adaptor kit" made by Colt. The pictured kit was sold by Colt so it is the only "real" Colt kit. Dug147, the kits are long out of production as far as I know so if you want one, you will have to buy a used one.

[Dug147]

Thanks Judge Colt. What I suspected just wanted to be sure. Love the Colt AR15.