Yesterday I was ready to drive to Cabela's to buy one of their Smith & Wesson 22A ($199) as a cheap 22 plinker for the range (I did not own any rimfire pistols).
I stopped by few gun shops literally on the way and I learned about the Chiappa 1911-22 (never heard of that pistol before).
Few stores had them (but not Cabela's) and thet told me that people were really happy with it with accuracy and reliability.
It felt "good" in my hands, almost like a "real" 1911. I was kind of hooked.
After shopping around (I canceled the plan to drive to Cabela's) I was able to get one for $245 out of the door.
The price seemed right, considering that the SIG Mosquito, with only a 3.9" barrel and made of what I feel like cheap plastic, comes at more than $350 around here.
The only immediate downside was the uneven finishing (you can see from the pics) where the "bluing" (if we can call it that) is sort of "splattered" around....not very pleasant but, hey, it's a cheap pistol......other details seemd good, plastic case, cleaning rod and a comprehensive, well written manual.
I still haven't tried at the range, the reviews I read online (for example www.gunblast.com) are extremely good.
Here are the 2 big negatives.....
1) Once I got back home I learned on THR (one of the best quick source of information or course!!) and somewhere else (including the company's own web site) about the infamous "Chiappalloy"......basically the pistol is made with a fancied-up zinc alloy, like the dreaded SNS firearms or the Hi-Point....and I have to tell you...the Hi-Point powder finishing looks better...at least it's even....
I learned that the "Chiappalloy" has not been able to pass some states SNS tests (melting point I believe).
So I have some reservations about the durability of this pistol.....and I'm worried it may get scratched up easily.....you may say "It's only $245 after all, who cares if it last only few years".....I realize that but I hate the idea of owning a cheap zinc made pistol......I like inexpensive quality firearms and I really can't stand pot metal, sounds like "toy pistol" to my ears...Maybe I'm exaggerating and for a 22 it's just fine.....what's your opinion??
However, there is some iron in the alloy....I did test it with a magnet.
2) Customer Service......I been burned with EAA in the past so I'm particular sensitive to that.....and I learned of quite few non returned customer calls from Chiappa CS.
Where I bought this pistol, they had the S&W 22A......the finishing is better, is backed by one of the largest firearm manufacturer in the world, it comes with 2 magazines, adjustable sights and accessory rail.....it is made of alluminum and steel.
Do not get me wrong, I like the idea of a 22 Pistol resembling a real combat/service hadgun (the reason I got this Chiappa 1911-22 in the first place) and I realize that the 22A is your typical target rimfire......I'm in love with the CZ Cadet but I think that asking $600 for a non professional target grade 22 LR pistol is insane.
I just have this nagging feeling that the 22A would have served me better as 22 plinker, more durable, with better finishing and backed by a big company.
What do you think?? I worry too much?? What the more experienced have to say?? I need suggestions to clear my mind!!
This is my Chiappa 1911-22
I stopped by few gun shops literally on the way and I learned about the Chiappa 1911-22 (never heard of that pistol before).
Few stores had them (but not Cabela's) and thet told me that people were really happy with it with accuracy and reliability.
It felt "good" in my hands, almost like a "real" 1911. I was kind of hooked.
After shopping around (I canceled the plan to drive to Cabela's) I was able to get one for $245 out of the door.
The price seemed right, considering that the SIG Mosquito, with only a 3.9" barrel and made of what I feel like cheap plastic, comes at more than $350 around here.
The only immediate downside was the uneven finishing (you can see from the pics) where the "bluing" (if we can call it that) is sort of "splattered" around....not very pleasant but, hey, it's a cheap pistol......other details seemd good, plastic case, cleaning rod and a comprehensive, well written manual.
I still haven't tried at the range, the reviews I read online (for example www.gunblast.com) are extremely good.
Here are the 2 big negatives.....
1) Once I got back home I learned on THR (one of the best quick source of information or course!!) and somewhere else (including the company's own web site) about the infamous "Chiappalloy"......basically the pistol is made with a fancied-up zinc alloy, like the dreaded SNS firearms or the Hi-Point....and I have to tell you...the Hi-Point powder finishing looks better...at least it's even....
I learned that the "Chiappalloy" has not been able to pass some states SNS tests (melting point I believe).
So I have some reservations about the durability of this pistol.....and I'm worried it may get scratched up easily.....you may say "It's only $245 after all, who cares if it last only few years".....I realize that but I hate the idea of owning a cheap zinc made pistol......I like inexpensive quality firearms and I really can't stand pot metal, sounds like "toy pistol" to my ears...Maybe I'm exaggerating and for a 22 it's just fine.....what's your opinion??
However, there is some iron in the alloy....I did test it with a magnet.
2) Customer Service......I been burned with EAA in the past so I'm particular sensitive to that.....and I learned of quite few non returned customer calls from Chiappa CS.
Where I bought this pistol, they had the S&W 22A......the finishing is better, is backed by one of the largest firearm manufacturer in the world, it comes with 2 magazines, adjustable sights and accessory rail.....it is made of alluminum and steel.
Do not get me wrong, I like the idea of a 22 Pistol resembling a real combat/service hadgun (the reason I got this Chiappa 1911-22 in the first place) and I realize that the 22A is your typical target rimfire......I'm in love with the CZ Cadet but I think that asking $600 for a non professional target grade 22 LR pistol is insane.
I just have this nagging feeling that the 22A would have served me better as 22 plinker, more durable, with better finishing and backed by a big company.
What do you think?? I worry too much?? What the more experienced have to say?? I need suggestions to clear my mind!!
This is my Chiappa 1911-22
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