1911 Conversion, or just buy a rimfire?

[BAE984]

So, I've been thinking about getting a .22 conversion (mavel, advantage arms) for my 1911 for cheaper practice, but in the same price range, I could also just get a new or slightly used ruger 22/45, S&W rimfire, etc. What do you think?

I'd get the same grip, trigger, etc with a conversion, but the Ruger 22/45 advertises the same controls and grip as a 1911. I'm sure the balance won't be the same, but an aluminum slide 1911 conversion is gonna mess up the balance, too.

 

[Black Majik]

Marvel .22 Conversion Kit!

Get the kit, 1911 controls, 1911 trigger, 1911 goodness, .22 fun!

GET THE KIT!

 

[BAE984]

Well, quick followup. I just found this review: http://www.sightm1911.com/lib/review/2245_p512.htm

Does anyone know if a 22/45 would be less finicky about ammo than conversions seem to be?

 

[rchernandez]

Shooting Bullseye, my vote goes to the Marvel Conversion kit. It's the most accurate kit that is currently in production. Kart conversions were reportedly quite accurate but I've been waiting for a used one to show up for sale...still waiting.

Having the same trigger as your "larger" 1911 makes for good practice.

 

[Zach S]

I'd get the conversion and put it on a dedicated frame.

 

[Majic]

Get a dedicated .22lr handgun. Generally they are more accurate than conversion kits.

 

[Chipperman]

Depends on your goals.

Do you want to get more trigger time with your CCW for less money and less recoil?
OR
Do you want to shoot bullseye competitions, or simply as accurately as possible with a .22?

 

[BAE984]

Both.

The original plan was cheaper CCW practice (I really prefer the recoil, but recoil costs). The problem is the only company that has last round lockback is Advantage, and their conversion isn't known for super accuracy...I'd like to know if I'm pulling rounds off, or if the gun is, and I really would like to have last round holdopen. I've emailed them about their target version, but have recieved no reply about expected release date. Also, it seems conversion tend to be finicky, and I like using cheapo federal bulk packs (that's what my Marlin shoots best).

The 22/45 is really looking good to me because of the similar controls, accuracy, and price. Also, if I've read the review correctly, the 22/45 would probably be closer the the weight of a 1911 than a 1911 w/ aluminum slide.

 

[Primersinmyshoe]

I have the Marvel #1, and love it. It is accurate and allows me to use one of my tuned 1911's for a base. Since I only load 5 rounds at a time the not locking back on the last round doesn't matter, as I can count to 5.

 

[jmorris]

The Colt ACE conversion has a steel slide so; it will slide lock after the last round. It’s floating chamber enhances the recoil (even with CCI stingers it’s still not a 45, 9mm maybe). I bought one off of Guns America a while back, looked as new and cost $350. Accuracy is better than the 45 top it replaces. I have heard of people having problems keeping the floating chamber clean; however, I have had no such problem.

 

[screwman]

I have a newer Kimber conversion. Run it on my TLEII. Real finicky about ammo. I've found the Wally World Federal bulk pack will run as good as Win. super x, which still isn't that good. It doesn't lock open on empty because the slide is aluninum and the slide stop will destroy it. Advantage is supposed to have a target model, " coming soon". Well if it's not in the near future I'll buy a dedicated 22. Buy the way, I looked into Kimber's 22 1911. It doesn't lock on empty either.


Mike

 

[albanian]

The .22lr pistol like the Ruger MKII is going to be at least as accurate as any kit. It is also going to have cheaper mags. It will probably cost the same or less than the Kit and will be worth more if you decide to sell it.

All that being said, I would get the kit! There is something about the kits that is more than the sum of the parts. It is more fun to shoot a Beretta 92fs with a .22lr kit than to shoot a Neos. It is more fun to shoot a 1911 with a kit than to shoot a Ruger 22/45. Not only is it more fun, it also is a more reaslistic trainer. 90% of what you want to train on is trigger and sights. If your kit has similar sights to the centerfire gun you are shooting, you have a better trainer than you could ever get anywhere else.

 

[bumm]

Another vote for a conversion kit. I have a Marvel type 2 unit, and really like it. I also have several nice .22 pistols, but the Marvel just gives me more experience shooting my .45. It IS a bit finicky about ammo... Cheap bulk Federals won't work at all, cheap bulk Remingtons work well enough, with maybe a couple failures to feed out of 100 shots. I haven't tried more expensive ammo because I got it to be CHEAP. Anyway, the reliability's good enough for practice.
Marty

 

[palerider1]

i would get a ruger 22/45

 

[wally]

My 22/45 are (I've a 22/45 and a 22/45 MkIII) not finicky Shoots All the cheap stuff -- Federal Champion, Remignton Thunderbolt, & Federal and Remington Bulk Pak just fine.

I don't see the point of a .22 that requires ammo which approaches 9mm in cost unless you plan on bullseye competition. Price extra mags and consider that most conversions don't lock the slide back on the last shot before you decide.

I love the 1911 trigger, but I can buy a Ruger for the cost of the conversions so I always decide I'd rather have another gun.

--wally.