Chiappa 1911 .22 VS Kimber target 1911 .22 conversion.

[Sniper X]

I really want another .22 conversion or a 1911 in .22 for plinking and general target shooting and to rid my land of pests. I live on ten acres where you can legally shoot pests so that isn't an issue!

I see the Chiappa 1911 .22s selling for less or the same new as a used Kimber .22 conversion, so I am thinking I want to pick one up. BUT if they are junk, I don't want one!

First and please, from those who have HAD them or HAVE them, how are the Chiappa 1911 .22s for accuracy, and quality, and what do I need to know about them?

I have had a Kimber 1911 .22 conversion and know the accuracy and actually am borrowing one right now. But my buddy wants to keep it or this would not be an issue.

In my mind, 1 Chiappa would be better than a conversion so I don't have to take one of my 1911s apart to use it, it would be a separate whole gun! So I hope they are as good as a conversion on a 1911.

 

[acmax95]

My dad got one of the Chiappa's last summer and it seems to be a solid gun. I haven't shot it enough to give a review either way though. His is the base model with the small GI type sights. I think the newer ones have better sights available and also better triggers.

I also think for the price they are hard to beat. The only downside is he had a hard time getting magazines.

 

[Sniper X]

I see they come with two which is all I would want for a .22 plinker. I do want something OTHER than those GI sights.....preferable target sights or at least tactical Novak type at least!

 

[Chopdoktor]

I had the Chiappa 1911 basic model, and it was a headache. The trigger was horrible, and failures to fire, extract, and eject were present at least every couple mags. These issues only got marginally better after several hundred rounds. I sold it and got a GSG-1911 .22. It cost a bit more ($319), but the quality and value of what you get is SO much better. If I could suggest it, go with the GSG for a few more bucks. You won't regret it. Plus, between the two, the GSG feels just like a real 1911, with all the same dimensions, and crisp trigger pull and safety/controls function (4.5lb trigger, I believe). The Chiappa just isn't in the same ballpark.

Also, the GSG has nice, visible 3-dot sights (that clear a suppressor, from my experience :-] ), while the Chiappa has black, slow-to-acquire GI style sights.

 

[wally]

My Chiappa is the biggest POS I've ever purchased. What really chaps is I sent it in for warranty work at mine expense (~$60 FedEX!) and it came back if any thing, worse.

Won't do two mags without a stovepipe. Worse than even my $50 Jennings!

+1 to horrible trigger, but if that was my only complaint I'd be thrilled, now its starting to get a fair number of failures to fire -- its not the round because if I thumb cock it, they all go the second time.

Poor quality and poor customer service, stay away is my advice!

 

[EddieNFL]

Hopefully, this will be available soon.

http://www.colt22rimfire.com/index.php?page=colt-1911

Until then I continue using a Marvel conversion. Local Kimber dealer doesn't recommend their version.

 

[WC145]

The Chiappa is junk, check out the GSG 1911-22.

 

[Sniper X]

I am going to get the GSG today. I decided after reading what ws posted here, and looking at what was available used in the Chiappa's locally, that neither the used price nor the quality seemede anywhere near as good as the GSG. PLUS, the GS G has the stuff on it I want like better sights, and ambi safety and so on stock, to get that on a Chiappa, you have to buy their tactical or target model which is almost as expensive as a GSG! The GSG has a way better trigger and feels like a real 1911 (lightweight) and even LOOKS like a better quality gun.

 

[WC145]

You'll be happy with the GSG, it's a good quality gun and I understand they have good customer service, though I haven't needed to find out.

My GSG is a great trainer. Except for the mainspring housing (which I'll change eventually) it is set up the same as the Springfield I carry for work, uses the same gear, and I can shoot several hundred rounds of .22 for what it costs to shoot 50rds of .45!

 

[Sniper X]

If that arched MSH will fit a real 1911, I'll buy it when you do change it......Or I'll trade you the one I remove from one of my 1911s for it! I love those!

 

[wally]

A conversion has the advantage of giving practice with the actual trigger of your full power gun.

But based on what I see at our club, only the Marvel is worth considering.

 

[Sniper X]

I had a Kimber conversion but uh well long story on why I no longer have it! I can say, since I just picked up the GSG ten minutes ago, it HAS the same trigger as what I carry in a 1911 and feels EXACTLY like my carry 1911s. Plus, I did not buy it for that since I have shot only 1911s for thirty years I am used the tome and don't need too much remedial training. I bought it for pest eradication, and FUN!!