Magazines

Magazines are an important choice in .22lr because it's not just about reliability, but also what LRBHO features they come with. For the "Our picks" section, we're only going to cover the magazines that support LRBHO. The classic magazines like BDM and the CMMG V1s are reliable, but the functionality just isn't there to put them in the running for top spot.

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For LRBHO (last-round-hold-open: same as a standard AR) you need a magazine that has a follower that sticks out of the back so that it can hit the bolt catch after the last round is fired. For this, you have a couple of options:

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Our #1 Pick

‍Kriss DMK22 - https://www.22pewpew.com/magazines/kriss-dmk22
The 25rd DMK22s are the best solution out of the box. The spring tension is strong, they look good, it consistently catches the bolt. Overall, 10/10 no notes.

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‍Our #2 Pick‍

CMMG V2 - https://www.22pewpew.com/magazines/cmmg-gen
For LRBHO, the downside of this it that it has a weak stock spring. It will still feed properly, but it won’t have enough tension to consistently engage a bolt catch for last round hold open.
BoreBuddy sells aftermarket springs that can fix this issue: https://borebuddy.com/product/15-22-and-gen2-cmmg-mag-springs-pack-of-3/

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Our #3 Pick

S&W 15-22 - https://www.22pewpew.com/magazines/s-w-15-22
Classically this has been the best option. Apparently lately they have been having some quality control issues though with loose feed lips.

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While you're shopping for mags, planning what you'll use as a bolt catch is an important consideration. Here's a quick breakdown of the options:

Bolt catch options You have 3 main options for catches.
Catch22 V1 - Good for dedicated .22 builds
Catch22 V2 - Good for non-dedicated builds / swapping between calibers
BetterMag - Good for non-dedicated builds / swapping between calibers

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How do these all work with .22 bolt catches
CMMG V2 - Only works with the Catch22 (either version)
Kriss DMK22 - Only works with the Catch22 (either version)
S&W 15-22 - Works with the Bettermag out of the box. Works with the Catch22s with a shim (see pewpew link above for more info on them)