The popularity of Eugene Stoner's ArmaLite rifle seems to grow by leaps and bounds each year. Indeed, this design holds the current record for the longest-serving infantry rifle in U.S. history. It is accurate, reliable, tough, lightweight and effective. Another attraction to the rifle is its supply of aftermarket parts and accessories that allow owners to personalize their guns just so.

However, owners of these rifles are also discovering that lots of practice with .223 Rem. ammunition can be expensive. Enter Chiappa Firearms with its new M four-22 carbine, which mimics the appearance, feel and function of a standard AR carbine but fires much cheaper .22 Long Rifle ammunition. Chiappa is an Italian-based company known for its reproduction firearms and the innovative Rhino revolver.

The M four-22's upper and lower receivers are made of high-strength polymer with a matte-black finish and built to mimic the M4's dimensions. The polymer construction contributes to the rifle's feathery 4 pound, 7 ounce-overall weight. The lower receiver does not accept an AR buffer and its pins are compatible solely with Chiappa's dedicated .22 Long Rifle upper receiver.

To maximize the rifle's utility as a training tool for AR practice, Chiappa recreated all of the familiar controls; however, some are non-functional. The forward assist does not touch the bolt. The bolt stop lever is a non-moving solid part of the lower receiver, and its bayonet lug is not compatible with any bayonet. The cuts on the steel flash hider are incomplete, leaving it solid and non-functional. It is attached with a set screw, and there are no threads on the barrel or flash-hider.

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