Ruger 22/45 or GSG 1911 in .22lr?

[BigFatGuy]

"The Sickness" set in faster then I expected. Our .45 1911 came home a couple days ago, we were in turner's today starting a DROS on a Ruger 10/22. My wife looks at me and says "you know, a .22 pistol would let us practice more cheaply..."

So, would you get the 22/45 or the GSG 1911? I've read the GSG has several plastic parts, while the Ruger appears to be all metal based. I've had some good times shooting a Ruger Mark II (maybe a Mark III?), so I'm leaning that way, but I'm open to advice.

One specific question: how does the trigger on the 22/45 compare to a SA-only trigger? I know the kick won't be nearly the same, but it would be nice if the trigger pull was at least in the same ballpark...

[hyperion.excal]

rugers are ugly but they work and they are not picky about ammo. go with ruger if you want a quality 22 that will shoot just about anything. if you want less quality but better looks then go with the gsg. I say less quality for gsg because there are many complains about too many plastic parts breaking. but the gsg will give you the option of customizing it to your likings with tons of aftermarket parts to choose from.

[triplestack3]

The 22/45 is much more accurate than the GSG and you can adjust for windage and elevation more precisely. The 22/45 also eats just about any kind of ammo you put in it.

If you want something with the same dimensions and control layout as any other 1911, get the GSG. It's fun if you want to plink around and looks cool.

[Asher L]

So, would you get the 22/45 or the GSG 1911? I've read the GSG has several plastic parts, while the Ruger appears to be all metal based. I've had some good times shooting a Ruger Mark II (maybe a Mark III?), so I'm leaning that way, but I'm open to advice.

The Mark III and the 22/45 are very similar: the difference is the grip angle and the frame (metal for the Mark III, plastic for the 22/45).

One specific question: how does the trigger on the 22/45 compare to a SA-only trigger? I know the kick won't be nearly the same, but it would be nice if the trigger pull was at least in the same ballpark...

The 22/45 is SA-only. As for the feel: the Ruger trigger isn't very heavy, but it isn't anything like a 1911 trigger.

[cal3gunner]

...

[AbrahamBurden]

Neither. Get a .22 conversion for the 1911. Marvel or Tactical Solutions, I hear, a pretty good.

[Old4eyes]

The only reason to get a GSG is if you want a very close feel of a 1911 in a cheaper package. While the 22/45 has a grip angle that is close to that of a 1911, the controls and trigger are not the same. In that respect, the GSG wins out. As far as reliability and accuracy, the 22/45 would win hands down.

When I go to the range, a 22 pistol is always one of the guns. If I am not shooting a 1911 that day, it will be one of my Ruger Mark III's. If I am shooting a 1911 that day, it will be my GSG.

You can add an adjustable rear sight to the GSG, but you have to do fitting since the dovetail cuts are not standard. I got the GSG as a convenience factor over a Kimber/Marvel upper.

If I had only one .22, it would be the Ruger.

[Hispanic_Hercules]

I was planning on buying a Ruger Mark III, but after shooting by buddies Browning urx model the other day, I am sold as soon as I get some more cash. The gun is beautiful and well built, shoots smooth and it ate up everything we fed it from CCI blazer, American eagle, Federal 555, federal match. The grip felt great and the placement for everything is comparable to the 1911 configuration and feel. The only thing is now I cant decide if I want the URX, Contour or the actual 1911 model.

[morrcarr67]

Browning 1911-22.

[BigFatGuy]

Browning 1911-22.

I thought about it, but it's "scaled down" from a full size gun, and to me that defeats the purpose.

[mlevans66]

11/45 base is for the 1911 shooters. It's like that so a person can get used to using a 1911 and still shoot 22. Now the GSG is noce but the Ruger will last and the after market part and plenty. The Ruger will not steer ya wrong, maine!

[HighLander51]

The Ruger 22/45 is the most reliable and accurate .22LR's out of the box. I ran mine in Steel Challenge for several years, about 25,000 rounds, with nothing more than cleaning with a bore snake and a little WD-40. Don't take it apart with the 2 piece take down pin.

[Capt Jack]

I had the same dilemma and ended up buying the GSG 1911, which I do not regret. It is probably not going to last as long as a Ruger nor is it as accurate as they are, but it is undeniably cool as a 1911 (and cheap to shoot!).

Now, after having shot my friend's excellent MKIII Hunter, I am getting a Ruger after all, so the correct Calguns answer to your question is...

Get Both!

[Ubermcoupe]

The GSG is pretty neat (I love plinking with mine) but if you are getting a .22 to practice target shooting and accuracy get the Ruger.

[morrcarr67]

I thought about it, but it's "scaled down" from a full size gun, and to me that defeats the purpose.

Why?

You can still practice with a less costly round. It has all the same ergonomics of a 1911. And, because it's scaled to the .22lr you will get more felt recoil. Making it feel as if you're shooting a larger caliber.

The more felt recoil should help when going back to the full size 1911 in .45ACP. ie, You will be more comfortable shooting something with a little kick.