Is there someway to shoot a 1911 .22 to practice with instead of 45acp?

[Brenainn]

Hey folks -

Maybe you all can help me out a little. I am getting into competition shooting (USPSA). As expensive as it is becoming to shoot, obviously it’s going to cost me a lot, but practicing is where I’ll be spending the most in ammo.

Basically I am trying to find a tricky way around the expense of practicing.

Normally I shoot a 1911 in 45acp. In competition. I’d like to find something that will allow me to still have the 1911 body style to duplicate actual comp. shooting, but somehow shoot .22 cal. Instead of 45s.

Since I want to eventually have a 9mm 1911 as well, would it be better for me to get one, and convert it over to a .22 for practice shooting?

Does this seem like the most economical way to do this? (Keeping in mind that I also want to own a 1911 in 9mm). If so, does anyone know where I can start to look for good deals/combos, etc?

I’d like to not spend more than $500 dollars, but that may not be possible. I don’t know. This is where I can get some ideas, suggestions, examples, etc. from you guys.

Are there any other ways to do something like I am talking about?

Any help would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!

 

[Ske1etor]

http://www.22lrconversions.com/1911-pg.htm

and

http://www.marvelprecision.com/unit2.htm

I was thinking of getting one of these kits until I ran across the Ruger MKIII 22/45.

Edit... I edited the second link. I had it sending you to marvels match conversion. I changed it to send you to their "Practical" unit.

I have read that the Marvel units work a bit better than the Ciener kits but that is just what I have read on the internet. I couldn't tell you my own personal opinion. Maybe some of our other members here can chime in.

 

[Plumber576]

http://www.tacticalsol.com/store/pc/viewPrd.asp?idcategory=15&idproduct=760

 

[owlhoot]

I've had a Colt .22 conversion unit for my .45 for many years and it functions beautifully. It even has a "floating" chamber than provides a little recoil. Not as much recoil as I get from a .45, but enough to make me think I am shooting a real gun.

The down side is that these units are out of production, and a bit pricey used. There are three or four other companies that make a conversion kit, Kimber, Ceiner, Marvel, and a couple of others, but I can't tell you a thing about these units. I have heard they work well but I don't think they have the floating chamber.

The price for one of these units is well within your stated budget.

It takes about two minutes to put one of these units on your .45 (without tools) and another two minutes to remove.

 

[GunDoctor]

Kimber also makes a conversion.

 

[Mandirigma]

Just putting it out there, saw a STI/Marvel conversion unit at www.stiguns.com

 

[loop]

Buy a BB gun. They're a lot cheaper.

 

[Carl N. Brown]

When it's possible to find a Ruger .22/45 at about the price if a .22 conversion kit, it is logical to have two guns. My son has a .45 Auto and a Ruger .22/45, seems to work for him. I have eyed a .22 conversion kit for my 1911 though ( I like gadgets).

 

[Vern Humphrey]

I have both the Ciener and the Colt Service Ace conversion (with the floating chamber). I don't recommend the Ciener for serious shooting.

 

[hecate]

I bought a Marvel for my Government-size 1911 a while back that's already paid for itself in ammo savings. It came with a 50-yard test target off a Ransom rest that measures 0.67 inch. Way more accurate than I am.

 

[SaxonPig]

There are several conversion units that are made or have been made over the years. I don't think any are terribly accurate and none really duplicate the recoil of the 45 no matter what they claim.

But they are fun to shoot. I built a gun with a Colt unit and an alloy frame years ago but it never functioned 100% (never could get the slide to lock after the last shot) and I sold it. Bought another Colt unit and recently I put it on a Charles Daly complete lower I got off an auction site for $160. This gun functions perfectly, much better than it ever did on any Colt frame (the slide even locks). Go figure.

Since it's a combination of Daly and Colt I call it a Dolt.

 

[Vern Humphrey]

My M1927 Argentine wears my Colt Service Ace kit -- not nearly as accurate as I would like, but a great substitute for .45 in action pistol shooting practice.

 

[res1b3uq]

Conversions

The concensus seems to be that the Marvel is the best of the conversions that are still made. I have never even seen one myself, I have an old Jarvis dedicated to a Rock Island frame that is very accurate with target grade ammo, but it will not cycle with the target ammo.Works fine with High velocity, but not as accurate.

 

[jlbraun]

Ciener has been going downhill in terms of service. I've heard of six month wait times with no communication.

 

[Navy joe]

My recommendation is a Marvel Unit 1. The practical model (Unit II) will fit all your holsters and such but is not as accurate. I've had a Unit 1 for 5-6 years and have used it to death, so much so that Marvel had to replace it, which they did. Good customer service. I like it better than say a 22/45 because you get to practice with the exact grip and trigger pull as your .45.