1911 Trainer

[sicks]

I am looking to get a 1911 style .22lr with the primary purpose of being the cheaper trainer for my RIA .45.

From what I can see in the search function, GSG 1911 appears to be the most popular choice. I did not see much for the Sig 1911-22 - but it is more popular via Google.

I am in no rush and can wait around for one to become available - is the GSG the way to go?

Side note: I do have a Heritage Rough Rider .22lr, which shoots great. I am looking specifically for a training mirror of my primary pistol.

[Teachu2]

Consider a Kimber .22LR conversion slide. This allows you to train with your RIA frame and trigger. Nelson and Marvel make more accurate (and expensive) versions, too.

https://americanhandgunner.com/winning-edge/22lr-conversion-units/

[sicks]

Consider a Kimber .22LR conversion slide. This allows you to train with your RIA frame and trigger. Nelson and Marvel make more accurate (and expensive) versions, too.

https://www.brownells.com/handgun-pa...prod26573.aspx

Appreciate it - I did see that option but wasnt sure about cross-platform use. Will look further into it

[Teachu2]

https://www.google.com/search?rlz=1C1CHBF_enUS915US915&biw=1536&bih=722&sxsrf=ALeKk00I-nJRdq-zFZfmkQpHKi51ySvcKQ%3A1608616771696&ei=Q4vhX8b3KezI7gLf6rLICQ&q=1911+22LR+conversion&oq=1911+22LR+conversion&gs_lcp=CgZwc3ktYWIQAzIGCAAQBxAeMgYIABAHEB4yBggAEAcQHjIGCAAQBxAeMgYIABAHEB4yBggAEAcQHjIGCAAQBxAeMgYIABAHEB4yAggAMgYIABAHEB46BAgjECc6BwgjELACECc6CAgAEAgQBxAeUIFKWPJRYOppaABwAHgAgAF3iAHkBpIBAzAuOJgBAKABAaoBB2d3cy13aXrAAQE&sclient=psy-ab&ved=0ahUKEwiGpYa69ODtAhVspFsKHV-1DJk4KBDh1QMIDQ&uact=5

Several manufacturers.

[Teachu2]

I have a Kimber that I run on a Series 70 Colt frame.

[870classic]

I too have a 1911 Series 70 style handgun, along with a Colt 22lr conversion unit. The Colt "floating chamber" design on the conversion units lead up rather quickly (after about 100 rounds) to the point where the unit would stop cycling the slide. The conversion unit would need to be disassembled and thoroughly cleaned of all the lead before the unit would cycle again. For this reason alone I would not advocate for the Colt conversion unit, but for the Kimber or other conversion units on the market with better reliability.

Best regards,
870classic.

[Mayor McRifle]

From what I can see in the search function, GSG 1911 appears to be the most popular choice. I did not see much for the Sig 1911-22 - but it is more popular via Google.

I am in no rush and can wait around for one to become available - is the GSG the way to go?

The GSG and the SIG 1911-22 are the same gun. The SIG is a rebranded GSG. And for what it’s worth, they are terrible guns. Cheap pot metal slides, loose controls, sloppy fit, horrible triggers, and ridiculously bad sights. I got one for free as part of a promotion, and I still got rid of it.

Although it’s smaller, the Browning 1911-22 is a much better gun.

[-hanko]

Mega-truth on GSG (German S*** Guns) is correct...definitely a gun built to cost and a POS.

I've own and shoot an actual .45, which defines "trainer". The conversion unit was made and fitted by Fred Kart. It's a little laser.

The Advantage kit gets generally good reviews. Avoid anything by Ciener as customer service after purchase doesn't exist.

[.sam.]

When I was shopping for conversion kit, couple things I looked for to mirror on a 1911:
-Lock back on last round.
-Similar weight (typical full size 1911 is about 39 ounces).

Ultimately ended up with a Tactical Solution .22 conversion with the top rail. I am not recommending it over the other kits, as I have never tried any other kits. Overall I am happy with it.

I see no reason why the GSG it not an okay trainer. It's not up there in quality, but has all the requirements of a 1911 trigger pull. I have the GSG-922. It works. Works better after some parts swap. If I have a choice again, I would not buy the GSG.

[ysr_racer]

Geeze, I bought a GSG on sale at Turner's for $269, and it's a blast to shoot. OP if you're in Orange County you're welcome to shoot mine.

It's not a $2000 1911, but it didn't cost $2000.

[Eat Dirt]

I have 2 different Kimber 1911 /.45
So to keep ammo cost down , I bought the Kimber .22 conversion upper kit.
It works great on both..
Still get to shoot my 1911's and hear Ping on the steel / just not as loud of a ping ......but still fun

[newbutold]

For the price the GSG 1911 shoots just fine. My wife is quite accurate with it. I still prefer to shoot .45's, not worrying about expense.

[Jimi Jah]

Love my GSG. Mucho fun, cheap to shoot. Use good lube and it won't mess up.

[Mr. Blue]

You might consider the Browning 1911-22. At 85% size its not going to be your 1:1 training gun, but for the money, I think they are much better guns than the GSG. Just a thought.

[sicks]

Thanks for the input everyone - I do lean to the conversion kit - may go with the Kimber. Dont recall seeing a Browning or GSG anywhere in LA recently, but might consider, if i make an impulse buy

Thanks for the offer too YSR - from a moto guy nonetheless!