78 SEPTEMBER 2019 AMERICAN RIFLEMAN
DOPE BAG
T
here are many advantages to
using the .22 Long Ri e cartridge
to train for shooting center- re
rearms. The little rim re round allows
new shooters to start learning a fullsize
rearm without the recoil and noise of
a high-powered center- re cartridge.
For experienced shooters a .22 allows
for more trigger time by opening access
to a broader set of range facilities
and saves them money on ammuni-
tion costs. Those wanting to train
for the AR-15 platform with a .22
rim re have four options: conversion
kits that t into standard AR-15s;
dedicated rim re uppers; .22 rearms
that cosmetically mimic an AR; and
purpose-built .22-cal. AR-15s.
Each system has its disadvantages.
Conversions and .22 uppers can be
hard on a center- re ri e’s compo-
nents. AR-15-style .22 ri es are close,
but not exact copies, in terms of size,
weight and controls. The disadvan-
tage of the AR-15 .22 is price; since
they are built with mainly center- re
Kriss De ance DMK22C
AR-15 parts, they cost about the same
as a center- re AR.
In this last category is Kriss USA’s
De ance DMK22C. The De ance is not
a ri e that merely looks like an AR-15,
it is a rim re .22-cal. AR-15. Just like
a standard AR, both the upper and
lower receiver on the De ance are
made out of aluminum. Internally,
the DMK22C substitutes the AR-15’s
direct-impingement gas system, rotat-
ing bolt and buffer system for a simple
direct-blowback bolt with a single
recoil spring on a guide rod. Controls
are identical to an AR-15, and features
such as the bolt release, forward assist
and dustcover are not merely cosmetic,
but are fully functional.
The use of standard AR components
means that a shooter can customize
the De ance with his or her favorite AR
parts. Standard pistol grips and charg-
ing handles t, as do mil-spec butt-
stocks. The ri e comes with the same
De ance DS150 stock that Kriss uses
on its Vector ri es, which is adjustablefor six positions. Most aftermarket AR
re-control groups also t, meaning you
can put your favorite custom trigger in
the De ance. The muzzle of the barrel is
threaded 1/2x28 TPI for use with .22-cal.
muzzle devices or suppressors, and comes
with a mounted muzzle brake.
The De ance’s other area of inter-
changeability is its barrel. The design
uses a barrel adapter that allows for
the tment of a Ruger 10/22-style
barrel with its slotted mount into
an AR-style upper with a barrel nut.
There is room under the free- oating
handguard for the heaviest of 10/22
barrels (Kriss recommends only using
barrels with standard, not match,
chambers). The supplied barrel has
a medium-pro le, and is nished in
Nitride QPQ, a salt-bath hardening
process applied to both the bore and
the outside surface of the barrel.
Kriss has taken pains to make sure
that the lower, with its lack of provi-
sion for a buffer, cannot accidentally
be used with a center- re AR upper.The De ance eldstrips just like a center- re AR-15. Many of its parts,
including the buttstock, grip, charging handle and re-control group are
compatible with standard AR-15 parts. The DMK22C uses a blowback-
operated bolt assembly (inset) in its design. Note the provision on the
bolt for the use of a forward assist. The KRISS De ance DMK22C barrel
is threaded 1/ 2 X28 for use with 5.56x45 mm NATO AR muzzle devices or
suppressors, and comes with a mounted muzzle brake.