1911 22 conversions...which one?

[Stinkyshoe]

I have seen a number of different makes of these 22 conversions. There is the Italian made Ceiner and many other cheaper versions and then there is the Marvel 1911 conversion. Really what I am wondering is how I should know which one to get in the future. The Marvels seem to be the most impressive because they are each include with a 5 shot group about the size of a quarter from 50 yards. How can a guy be sure that this slide assembly will fit the frame properly? Does anyone know the dimensions the rails have to be in order to properly fit a 22 conversion? Do you have to relap the 22 slide to fit the frame?

I would appreciate any stories, advice and thoughts on which model to select and how to know if it fits right.
Thanks
Ss

 

[Preacherman]

I would strongly advise AGAINST the Ciener, not because of the unit's quality, but because of absolutely lousy customer service and a very prickly, confrontational attitude that many have reported as being common in encounters with the owner. If you do a search here, or on other forums, you'll find plenty of comments about this.

 

[Stinkyshoe]

I am sorry...I will search now

 

[larryw]

I have a Marvel and really (RELLY!!!) like it.

 

[10-Ring]

I have tried a couple...a Ceiner & a EAA conversion. HATED the EAA because it seemed to be very finicky. Much prefered the Ceiner...more accurate & more reliable. Plus, I liked the metal mags.

 

[Stinkyshoe]

Larry
Hey you did a great job reviewing the Marvel(I think it was your post). I really appreciate it!
Do you know...is there a big difference between the $300 model and the $360 model? Do you think it is silly to dump $360 in a 22lr conversion,where you could likely buy a whole new 22lr for less?

 

[10-Ring]

Is the difference in price the difference in sights (adjustable or fixed)? One or Two mags? Accessories?
The price is fair if you consider you can put in ALOT of added trigger time on your actual self defense gun & get more acquainted w/ the trigger & grip

 

[larryw]

Thanks SS. Manual of arms and muscle memory are the biggerst advantage of the conversions. They're a great tool to work in the grip, trigger and sights of your "big" gun, without the recoil or noise. Or cost if you don't reload (as I reload, 22 ammo costs about the same as my 45 homebrews ).

I also have a Ruger Slabside that I use for the leagues I compete in, and its a great gun. But I find the manual of arms is too different from my 45s, and any improvement I make shooting the Ruger doesn't necessarily transfer to my other guns. Key point is the manual of arms is exactly the same.

One difference between the 22 and 45 1911 is weight: the slide assembly of the conversion is aluminum and may be noticed. Kinda like the difference between the gun with a full mag and a half-full mag.

Lets also not forget to mention one other factor: the 22 1911 is a FUN gun to shoot

So, to turn your question around: I think any 1911 owner considering a 22 gun should buy a (Marvel) conversion first. (And I think any Glock owner considering a 22 should buy a 1911 and Marvel converstion <dons flamesuit>). After that, you have my blessing add different 22s to the collection.

Also, I don't know the difference between the two versions of the Marvel kits. I do know the Marvel folks are happy to answer any questions.

One followup to my range report, the takedown tool that was missing in my kit arrived in the mail as I expected.

 

[Sven]

Re: Why not just buy another gun entirely/

I'd rather train on the same platform/trigger as my 1911, is why.

 

[Ant Mod]

Do you know...is there a big difference between the $300 model and the $360 model? Do you think it is silly to dump $360 in a 22lr conversion,where you could likely buy a whole new 22lr for less?

From what I have heard, the difference is in the accuracy. One model gaurantees bullseye accuracy while the other does not, it is merely capable of it. Something like that, I just know it has do with the accuracy.

After reading the two descriptions on Marvels website I am sure this is it. Read them closely and you will see what I mean. I would say that if you are just plinking I would go with the Unit 2, but if you are going to be in bullseye comps or bowling pins shooots then go with the unit 1. Other than that the unit 1 is unnecesary.

 

[VaughnT]

I talked with Wilson about their conversion as I really liked their aluminum billet magazines. Seems like a very good idea so I could practice reload drills. Unfortunately, they made a very, very poor impression on me with their response to my email questions. To top is off, I've heard too many people state that Wilson units are just Ceiner units with a Wilson rollmark.

Ceiner was considered but there were too many complaints about customer service to make me happy. Like with wilson, I don't like dealing with arrogant jerks. If I owned a Glock, there's no one else to turn to. I don't own a Glock.

Marvel has a great website and stands firmly behind their reputation. Everyone raves about their customer service and overall quality. I've never heard anything close to a bad word about them. My only hesitation is in regards to the magazines they use. I really like the idea of a solid aluminum magazine and haven't heard anything about how they make theirs.

Kimber offers a conversion or a complete 1911 .22 pistol. They use plastic mags. Word is/was that their conversion slide was, again, just a Ceiner with another rollmark.

I'm going to contact Marvel ( www.marvelprecision.com ) and see what they say. Their Unit 2 is a practical conversion unit for IDPA/Defensive drills for a very low price. If their mags are quality, it's a done deal. I can't believe I would be dissatisfied with their product after all the good I've heard.

 

[Standing Wolf]

One of the fellows I shoot with has a Marvel top on a model 1911 frame. I'd been thinking about buying one until I realized what a jammomatic his is.

 

[rick_reno]

22 conversions

Marvel makes a great product. Their customer support sucks. I was having grip problems with my Pardini and wanted something to shoot so I ordered a Marvel. I got mine and they'd locktighted the screws holding the sight ramp on so tight I couldn't get one out. I called them, they asked me if I had an easy-out and a drill, I told them I didn't and since I hadn't gotten to shoot it I'd feel better if they'd fix it. No problem, should take a day. I - overjoyed - sent my conversion back priority mail. A week went by, I called. "He at the range".
Another week goes by. I call. "He's not in, but I'm sure we have it here somewhere". Another week goes by "We're getting to it". At the end of 4 weeks I got my "1 day" repair back. It was fixed.
There are much worse horror stories - if you get one and the mags don't feed you're looking at a repair nightmare. My advice would be buy another one. You can find some of these stories on their board they maintain on the Marvel website.
On the positive side - they do shoot as advertised and work well, unlike the Ceiner. The other positive thing is they're easy to sell - I sold mine.

 

[larryw]

Interesting, I have about 1500 rounds through mine with two or three jams, only one I can't attribute to an ammo problem. Also, I haven't cleaned mine since new, I'm wondering when this thing will stop running.

Mags are from the Colt Ace: all steel manufactured by Colt for their 22 which was based on the 1911. I'd say they're solid.

 

[bompa]

I have a Ciener kit and it works quite well..Must admit that it took a bit of effort to get there but it was worth it.. Important thing was that too much tension on the disconector by the sear spring will cause the slide to not make a complete cycle and the hammer is not being held by the sear and a new round is not loaded..
As far as accuracy is conserned I must admit it is no target pistol but it is capable of a ragged hole at 50feet from a rest and that is with Fed. bulk pack from Wally World.. Optima,Jpoint type sights work real well on this unit..
This handgun gets more range time than the old High Standard.. No trip to the range is complete without it..
Does it sound like I am pleased with the Ciener kit ?? YES I am...