Why do 22 conversion kits for pistols cost as much as 22 pistols? A conversion kit is not a firearm, so there is a lot less government regulations to follow, less paperwork and licensing, so production costs should be cheaper. A kit also can be sold online, and doesn't need to go through a special network of ATF licensed dealers, so distribution costs should be cheaper. With lower production and distribution costs, they should be able to sell them to the customer cheaper.
Second question. Since conversion kits are not firearms, are there any special regulations controlling import? Maybe I should start a side businesses.
Unless you're trying to avoid filling out 4473 forms, go ahead and buy a whole pistol and save a few bucks in the process. I did something similar when I bought my M&P 15-22 instead of an 22 upper. Why pay more for less? 
