Advice neeed: Dedicated .22lr or conversion kit?

[dc7rr1]

I want to get a .22 pistol for general plinking and teaching my family to shot. I'm trying to decide between getting a dedicated pistol like a MKIII or just getting a conversion kit for one of my handguns. If I decide on the conversion kit, which would be better? Sig P226 conversion or 1911 conversion?

Any pros and cons on either option would be appreciated.

[jimmythebrain]

get a conversion kit for the 1911, provided your family has large enough hands for the 1911.

no DROS, no roster, no extra database entry. these conversion kits are usually cheaper than a new pistol. plus you get to practice with the same grip, trigger pull etc. muscle memory

the recoil will be different between the parent centerfire gun and the 22 conversion. however the recoil with a 22 pistol will be less than the centerfire gun as well.

i have several 22 pistols and these are less picky with ammo, however once you get the conversion up and running well, the conversion will work as well as a stand alone 22 pistol.

I have a kimber 22 1911 conversion and a tactical solutions 1911 conversion. the kimber is cheaper and a little more accurate. good luck.

[smittty]

I have conversion kits for both and both are excellent. I prefer them to dedicated pistols and with so few left on the roster I think you're better off getting the kits.

Get a kit for the gun you like better then after a while get the kit for the other gun. Of the two I use my 1911 kit more.

[digdug74]

I went the dedicated .22lr route -- S&W M&P .22. Great training pistol and fun to shoot as well.

Really debated on getting a conversion kit instead for either one of my Glocks or perhaps my old Kimber Classic Custom 1911 but ultimately when I realized a "good" conversion kit was going to be almost the same price as a complete .22, it just made more sense to get a complete gun.

[Pally]

I went the dedicated .22lr route -- S&W M&P .22. Great training pistol and fun to shoot as well.

Really debated on getting a conversion kit instead for either one of my Glocks or perhaps my old Kimber Classic Custom 1911 but ultimately when I realized a "good" conversion kit was going to be almost the same price as a complete .22, it just made more sense to get a complete gun.

I did the same. Purchased a dedicated 22lr for friends, noobies, etc...in the end it was quicker and cost effective to get a Sig Mosquito.

[maylebox]

I have a Kadet Kit for my CZs and love it. That said, my answer to your question would be to buy a separate 22 caliber gun. No gun collection is complete without a good 22 caliber pistol. It will continue to get plenty of use after your family members have their safety and skills training and move up to centerfire pistols.

[nikki#2]

I went the dedicated .22lr route -- S&W M&P .22. Great training pistol and fun to shoot as well.

Really debated on getting a conversion kit instead for either one of my Glocks...

Can't speak to 1911 or Sig p226 conversion kits, but between these two, the M&P wins 'hands-down'. It eats everything reliably.

The Advantage Arms Glock conversion kit (AA also make a 1911 conversion kit) needs to be run clean and wet and is ammo picky...
AA recommends only CCI Minimags and Remington GB's.

+1 for the dedicated M&P22... However, it's not on roster.

[CK_32]

Give the Buckmark a look as well. Has a ton of features and is a good pistol.

[shooting4life]

Get dedicated, they are more reliable by far, mags are cheaper etc.

I would skip the polymer 22 mini pistols and get either a Ruger mk3 or Buckmark.

[Munky]

Get dedicated, they are more reliable by far, mags are cheaper etc.

I would skip the polymer 22 mini pistols and get either a Ruger mk3 or Buckmark.

+1 dedicated ftw

[5ZS]

Dedicated or conversion consider one with a top rail. It just you an option once day for a red dot or scope.

[Jet Setter]

Better off with a dedicated .22 - especially for the money you pay for a conversion kit. M&P22 is a solid start.

[bsg]

i prefer dedicated. on the flip side, i would very much like an early Sig P210 w/.22 conversion kit.

[Trgt]

For family use, dedicated is nice, and with dedicated usually smaller mags. For you, if you will be practicing / training holster draw, the slide conversion is nice then same holster / mag carrier, etc, as long as no issues with frame. CZ has fantastic conversion, but it won't run as well if you start lightening springs / trigger on your centerfire.

[SkyHawk]

I have been seeing a lot of good deals on dedicated 1911 .22s, under $200 and Sig (GSG) 1911s for $250 - but none of them on the roster!! And a lot of good poly 22s as well, but not on roster. Stupid roster !!!