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    • 22 ARC Upper Assemblies PRECISION + EFFICIENCY

    The .22 ARC is designed for exceptional long-range precision and aerodynamic efficiency, launching high-BC .22 caliber bullets such as 75–90 grain projectiles at moderate velocities optimized for stability and retained energy. This combination delivers a very flat and predictable trajectory, along with significantly improved wind resistance compared to traditional .223/5.56 loads, making it highly effective on small to medium targets at extended distances well past 500 yards. When paired with the AR-15 platform, the .22 ARC offers a refined balance of manageable recoil, excellent barrel life potential, and consistent match-grade accuracy. Overall, it emphasizes controlled long-range performance and efficiency over raw velocity, making it a purpose-built cartridge for precision shooting applications. 

    AR15Elite.com builds each 22 ARC complete upper receiver to order, with thoughtful available options focusing on the needs of varmint hunters and precision shooters. Every upper is assembled in-house, checked for proper headspaced with Manson Go and No-Go gauges and tested for fitment plus function to ensure reliable operation. To match your preferences, each upper can be configured with your choice of barrel length, handguard and receiver finish, muzzle device, and adjustable gas block along with several options for bolt carrier group and charging handle.

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    Why Upgrade to a 22 ARC Upper Assembly? Precision Performance & Ballistics

    22 ARC: AR-15 Power Goes Long Range

    The 22 ARC (Advanced Rifle Cartridge) has redefined the ballistic ceiling of the AR-15 platform. By choosing a purpose-built 22 ARC Upper Assembly, you are transitioning from a standard 5.56 NATO carbine to a high-velocity, long-range precision system capable of rivaling the .22-250 Remington. Our uppers are engineered to maximize the 22 ARC’s unique geometry, utilizing a 1:7 twist rate to stabilize heavy-for-caliber, high-BC bullets that maintain supersonic speeds well beyond the 1,000-yard mark.  Our 22 ARC upper receivers utilize a 6.5 Grendel Type II bolt carrier group since the parent case of the 22 ARC is 6.5 Grendel. 

    Performance Advantage

    By integrating a purpose-built 22 ARC upper with your standard AR-15 lower, you gain a long-range precision system without the need for proprietary magazines or a new rifle platform. Whether you are dialing in at distance or engaging small game in the field, these uppers are engineered around a 1:7 twist and 6.5 Grendel Type II bolt compatibility to deliver exceptional stability, consistent accuracy, and sub-MOA potential in real-world conditions.

    Industry Experience

    All AR15Elite.com AR-15 uppers are American Made and machined by manufacturers of high quality, industry specific, mil-spec AR-15 components.  Every upper we ship is individually checked for headspace using Manson go and no-go gauges prior to shipping to ensure safety and proper function.  Pick from our 22 ARC upper assemblies selection of different length barrels and materials like 416R stainless steel to satisfy your project goals.  22 ARC is rapidly becoming a favorite caliber on the market for those seeking a leg up on 5.56/223.  Start shopping our deals now. 

    Why It Matters

    Feature Specification Why It Matters
    Cartridge 22 ARC (Hornady) Delivers bolt-gun ballistics (22-250) in a semi-auto AR-15, offering flatter trajectories and higher velocity.
    Barrel Twist 1:7 or 1:8 Twist Specifically engineered to stabilize modern, heavy, high-BC projectiles (like 62gr-88gr) for extreme long-range accuracy.
    Gas System Rifle-Length Softens the recoil impulse and slows down the action, reducing parts wear and keeping your sight picture steady.
    Bolt Face 6.5 Grendel (Type II) The 22 ARC uses a larger casing base; a Grendel Type II bolt is required for proper extraction and headspacing.
    Barrel Material 416R Stainless Steel Provides match-grade precision and superior corrosion resistance, ideal for precision varmint and target rifles.
    Handguard M-LOK Free-Float Eliminates pressure on the barrel for better harmonics and allows easy mounting of bipods, lights, or ARCA rails.
    Muzzle Thread 1/2x28 TPI The industry standard for .224 caliber bores, making it easy to swap the flash hider for a suppressor or muzzle brake.

     

    FAQ Accordion

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Yes, 100% of our uppers are fully assembled, inspected, tested for fitment and function plus professionally checked for proper headspace using Manson Go and NO-Go gauges all prior to shipping. Also, since it is NOT a firearm, it can ship directly to your home.
    Yes, 22 ARC uppers are designed to work with standard AR-15 lowers machined to milspec dimension, as long as the proper magazines and components are used.
    A standard AR-15 bolt carrier group designed for 6.5 Grendel Type II with a bolt face depth of .136" can be used.
    22 ARC uppers use standard AR-15 magazines designed for 6.5 Grendel, though performance can vary depending on the magazine type and capacity.
    The effective range of .22 ARC generally falls between about 300 and 900 yards for most practical shooting, where it offers excellent precision and wind resistance. For hunting applications, it is typically effective out to around 300–600 yards depending on conditions and bullet choice, while in a precision role it can remain supersonic and capable beyond 1,000 yards with the right setup.
    A .22 ARC upper is well suited for hunting, particularly for varmints and predators, thanks to its strong accuracy, flat trajectory, and improved wind resistance compared to .223/5.56. It delivers consistent performance at extended distances, making it effective in the 300–600 yard range when paired with the right bullet selection and shot placement.
    For a .22 ARC upper, the sweet spot is typically around 18–20 inches, which balances velocity, accuracy, and handling. This length allows the cartridge to fully take advantage of its efficient powder burn and high-BC bullets without becoming overly long or heavy, while still delivering strong performance at extended ranges.
    Yes, .22 ARC has slightly more recoil than 5.56/.223, but it’s still very mild and easy to manage. The increase comes from its heavier bullets and different case design, yet in an AR-15 platform it remains soft-shooting enough for quick follow-up shots and extended range sessions without fatigue.
    Yes, the .22 ARC is specifically designed for long-range shooting. It uses high-BC .22 caliber bullets that retain velocity well and resist wind drift, allowing it to stay supersonic at extended distances and deliver consistent accuracy far beyond what 5.56/.223 typically achieves in the AR-15 platform.
    We generally ship out orders in 1 to 3 business days(not calendar days) depending on order volume with seasonal holidays usually shipping in 2-5 business days. We email your tracking information to you as soon as your order ships.
    Our pricing is extremely competitive relative to the quality of product, hands-on expertise and service that our valued customers receive. Other choices have absentee owners or inexperienced, parts pushers who lack genuine hands-on experience in the AR industry. Couple this with fluffy margins due to unnecessary, high over-head costs and inflated marketing budgets that they expect you, the consumer, to absorb and help pay for. Keep more of your hard-earned money in your pocket where it belongs and shop with AR15Elite.com