.22 conversions

[mattw]

First off, it is good to be back to THR even if only on a limited basis for now (damned hurricanes...).

To the point: I need advice and suggestions on .22 LR conversions for a 1911, specifically a mid-90's production Springfield Armory 1911-A1.

What i'm looking for is a complete upper assy. to drop on with no fitting.

Are there any units that are known to have fitting problems with SAs?
Which is the most reliable?
Ciener seems to be the most userfriendly if it fits your frame, is that true? Will it fit a SA frame?

Basically what i'm looking to do is have fun while cheaply practicing trigger control and sight alignment. How much work would it be to get Noval LoMounts on a Ciener

I think kimber also has a .22 conversion but i haven't found much to read about it.

The Marvel conversion looks nice also. Ciener or Marvel or Kimber right? Did I miss something? I'd like to hear some of your experiences with either.

 

[Rangegod]

I liked my Marvel so much I built a lower for it.

Not only unbelievably accurate but not ammo sensitive like some of my top end 22’s have been. In fact its favorite load is the Fed 550 bulk pack stuff from Wal-Mart that simply chokes the S&W 41.

JAC

 

[Stinkyshoe]

I second the marvel. It is very accurate.

 

[mattw]

from what i've seen on the marvel website that looks like the "unit 1." What about "unit 2?" i think the difference is that the unit 1 has a fixed barrel where the unit 2 works off the browning-style link and pin

is one better than the other? I think i would rather get the non-fixed barrel version, just to stay as close to .45 style operation as possible.

 

[JoeHatley]

I've had this Ciener top end on a dedicated alloy frame for over 10 years.



Makes for a very fun shooter!!

The Marvel kit is made just down the road from where I'm at right now, and lots of local folks really like them. But... both the Marvel and Ciener kits have one minor shortfall (IMO). They don't have a last shot slide hold open capability.

You may want to check out www.advantagearms.com or www.jarvis-custom.com before writing a check.

Good Luck...

Joe

 

[mattw]

thanks for the suggestions, joe

i read a review of the marvel and ciener in gun-tests and they noted that the slide does not lock open after the last round. something i'll just have to live with.

 

[Canuck-IL]

At least in Bullseye circles, the Marvel is considered heads and shoulders above the Ciener...accuracy and reliability, especially in feeding

I *think* the Kimber IS a re-branded Ciener.

/B

 

[TonyT]

I ahve tried several units. My asseesment is as follows:
Ceiner/Kimber - a plinker
Marvel - superb accuracy, slide does not stay open after last round
Jarvis - quite accurate, fixed sights are dead on, only functions with HV ammo
Colt - plinker and relaibility problems caused by need to clean floating chamber.
Hope this helps.
Tony

 

[Jim Watson]

I think Kimber is making their own now.

I shoot a Colt Ace - had a floating chamber conversion once but got tired of changing the bits around - and it is really pretty reliable. It is not as accurate as the better aluminum conversions but it feels like the gun I use it to warm up for.