TIPPMANN ARMS M4-22 MICRO ELITE

Most .22 ARs are polymer costumes. The Micro Elite is aluminum top and bottom, with a nickel-plated bolt, a real forward assist, and controls that run exactly like the AR you already own — so trigger time here actually counts for something. The 4150 steel barrel comes threaded 1/2×28 for a can, the full-length rail and flip-up sights cover you either way, and it takes most standard AR parts when the upgrade itch hits. Twenty-five rounds on tap, and an afternoon of trigger time costs about what lunch does.

Real AR manners, rimfire ammo bill.