.22's in 2011

[sprice]

Well I bought a 1911 in .45 but I find myself needing a .22 to complement it, because of current ammo prices.

So what's a good .22lr handgun that is reliable, durable, and most importantly will help me feel like I'm shooting my 1911? (safety and grip angle- muscle memory stuff)

This will be mostly a target pistol, I have a dan wesson pm-7 so whatever is set up closest to that would be great. Target sights, lightweight, and cheap magazines are all a plus. I will also take it backpacking.

 

[Shear_stress]

This will be mostly a target pistol, I have a dan wesson pm-7 so whatever is set up closest to that would be great.

Sounds like a good .22 conversion kit is what you need.

 

[Tomcat47]

+ 10 Conversion kit!

Im getting one of those myself... look for threads here at THR on conversion kits.

Some brands are Ciener, and Marvel, Kimber makes them too.

Make sure it is compatible with your gun!

 

[DanTheFarmer]

Hi All,

I have a Ruger 22/45 that fits the bill. If you read the Ruger literature it claims to work well as a cheaper trainer for a 1911 because the controls are in the same positions and the grip angle is the same.

I've found the results to be mixed. The Good News - My 22/45 is a great pistol. It is reliable, accurate, fun to shoot, and all the good things you could want in a 22lr.
The Bad News - For me, the experience of shooting any 22lr is so different from shooting any 45 ACP that I don't think it functions very well as a trainer.

Check out the Ruger and see if you think it will work for you. I think it is fine all on its own but for me it doesn't work too well as a trainer (through no fault of its own).

Good Luck!

Dan

 

[CZ57]

Conversion kit or the new Browning downsized 1911. I hear their release is imminent.

 

[J Lambs]

Picked this up a few weeks ago. Sounds perfect for your needs.

 

[sprice]

Are there any good conversion kits with bolt hold open? What about browning buckmarks?

 

[tpelle]

I have a Ciener conversion that I sometimes shoot on my Colt Series 80 pistol. Works fine as long as you download the magazine by one round.

 

[Zach S]

I have a Ciener conversion on a dedicated AMT Hardballer frame. Works great all the time, as long as I load the mags with Federal bulk or CCIs.

Advantage Arms and Tactical Solutions offer conversions with BHO. I think the long discontinued, now rare, and therefore appropriately priced Colt .22 conversion had BHO as well.

Edit: The only thing I regret about my .22 conversion is the fixed sights. While I was shopping for one, it seems like they were all backordered, so I got the first one available, a fixed sight Ciener. I wish I'd held out for adjustable sights.

 

[harmon rabb]

I have a Ruger 22/45 that fits the bill. If you read the Ruger literature it claims to work well as a cheaper trainer for a 1911 because the controls are in the same positions and the grip angle is the same.

I have a 22/45, and trainer my ass. The trigger and the major difference in recoil are so different that I find my 22/45 pretty useless as a trainer for anything but how to shoot a 22/45. Don't get me wrong, it's a great gun, and mine will eat any crap brick ammo without issue (which is a tall order for a 22 semi-auto)... but I do not agree that it will in any way make you a better 1911 shooter.

 

[TonyT]

If you want trigger time with your 1911 then the conversion kit is a good idea. Otherwise a dedicated 22 is probably the better choice. I have several 22 conversion units for my 1911's as well as a S&W Model 41.

 

[Strahley]

Browning Buck Mark or Ruger 22/45