22 ARC Complete Upper Receivers
AR15Parts.com offers one of the widest selections of 22 ARC complete upper receivers available online. Every 22 ARC upper we sell is built to order using precision barrels from Wilson Combat, Ballistic Advantage, and Satern — assembled, headspaced, and function-checked in-house before it ships to your door. The .22 ARC (Advanced Rifle Cartridge) was developed by Hornady as a long-range precision cartridge purpose-built for the AR-15 platform. Based on a necked-down 6mm ARC case, the 22 ARC pushes lightweight, high-BC .22-caliber projectiles to extreme velocities while generating recoil comparable to 5.56 NATO. The result is a cartridge that reaches out past 800 yards with authority while remaining pleasant to shoot all day. Whether you're building a precision gas gun for competition, a long-range varmint rig, or simply want the flattest-shooting AR-15 upper available, the 22 ARC upper receiver delivers ballistics that rival bolt-action cartridges in a semi-auto package. Configure yours with your choice of barrel length, handguard, muzzle device, optic, BCG, and charging handle.
Why Shooters Choose AR15Parts.com for 22 ARC Uppers
Every 22 ARC upper we sell is assembled in our shop using components from manufacturers shooters already trust. We headspace every barrel, verify gas system function, and inspect each build before it leaves — so your upper is ready to perform out of the box. Our 22 ARC barrel options include Wilson Combat, Ballistic Advantage, and Satern — names known for consistent bore quality and match-grade accuracy. Each upper is configurable to your exact specifications: choose your barrel length, handguard style and length, muzzle device, and optional add-ons including BCG and charging handle. No FFL is required — uppers ship directly to your door.
How to Choose the Right 22 ARC Upper
Barrel Length & Gas System
The 22 ARC performs best in longer barrels that allow full velocity potential. An 18" barrel is the minimum recommended length for consistent ballistic performance, while 20" and 22" barrels extract additional velocity that extends effective range. All 22 ARC uppers from AR15Parts.com use a rifle-length gas system, which provides lower bolt carrier velocity, reduced felt recoil, and longer part life. For most shooters, a 20" barrel offers the best balance of velocity, accuracy, and handling.
Complete Upper vs. Barreled Upper
Our complete 22 ARC uppers ship with a bolt carrier group and charging handle installed — ready to drop onto your AR-15 lower and shoot. Barreled uppers include the assembled upper receiver, barrel, gas system, handguard, and muzzle device without BCG or charging handle, ideal for shooters who already own these parts. If this is your first 22 ARC build, we recommend a complete upper to ensure all components are matched and tested together.
Key Specifications
Muzzle Velocity: \~2,825 fps with 75gr Hornady ELD Match Effective Range: 800+ yards Barrel Twist: 1:7 Recoil: Very light, comparable to 5.56 NATO Platform: Standard AR-15 lower receiver Parent Case: Necked-down 6mm ARC
22 ARC Upper Compatibility
The 22 ARC uses a standard AR-15 bolt carrier with a 6.5 Grendel bolt face — the same bolt used in 6mm ARC and 6.5 Grendel uppers. If you already own a 6.5 Grendel BCG, it will work with your 22 ARC upper. Magazines are shared with the 6.5 Grendel platform. Any quality 6.5 Grendel magazine will feed 22 ARC reliably. The upper drops onto any standard mil-spec AR-15 lower receiver with no modification required. Suppressor compatibility is excellent. The 22 ARC's moderate case capacity and light recoil make it a natural candidate for suppressed shooting. Any .22-caliber or 5.56mm suppressor rated for the cartridge will work.
Best Uses for 22 ARC Uppers
The 22 ARC excels at long-range precision shooting where its flat trajectory and high ballistic coefficient shine. Competition PRS and NRL22 shooters are adopting the cartridge for its ability to buck wind at extended range while generating minimal recoil — allowing faster follow-up shots and better target tracking through the scope. For hunters, the 22 ARC is devastating on varmints and effective on medium game out to 500+ yards. Coyote, prairie dog, and groundhog hunters benefit from the cartridge's flat trajectory and explosive terminal performance with lightweight, frangible bullets. The cartridge also makes an excellent general-purpose precision AR-15 upper for shooters who want to reach beyond the practical limits of 5.56 NATO without stepping up to a heavier, more expensive AR-10 platform.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is included in a complete 22 ARC upper from AR15Parts.com?
Our complete 22 ARC uppers include the upper receiver, barrel, gas block, gas tube, handguard, and muzzle device — fully assembled and headspaced. Bolt carrier group and charging handle are available as add-ons during configuration, or you can order a barreled upper without them if you already own compatible parts.
Do I need an FFL to buy a 22 ARC upper?
No. AR-15 upper receivers are not classified as firearms under federal law and ship directly to your door. Only the serialized lower receiver requires an FFL transfer, so you can order your 22 ARC upper today with no paperwork or waiting period.
Will a 22 ARC upper fit my AR-15 lower?
Yes. Our 22 ARC uppers fit any standard mil-spec AR-15 lower receiver. Simply attach the upper to your existing lower with the takedown pins and you are ready to shoot.
What BCG does a 22 ARC upper use?
The 22 ARC uses a standard AR-15 bolt carrier with a 6.5 Grendel bolt face. If you already own a 6.5 Grendel or 6mm ARC BCG, it will work with your 22 ARC upper.
What magazine does the 22 ARC use?
The 22 ARC feeds from standard 6.5 Grendel magazines. Any quality 6.5 Grendel magazine will work reliably with 22 ARC ammunition.
What is the effective range of a 22 ARC upper?
The 22 ARC is effective to 800+ yards in capable hands. The cartridge maintains supersonic velocity well beyond that distance thanks to its high-BC .22-caliber projectiles and efficient case design.
How long does it take to ship a 22 ARC upper?
Most in-stock configurations ship within 3-5 business days. Custom builds with specific barrel or handguard combinations may take 2-3 weeks. We email tracking information as soon as your order ships, and orders over $99 ship free.
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