What is the difference between normal browning 1911 22 A1 compact and CA version

[rgc588]

Hi,

I was looking at the browning 1911 22 A1 compact on website.
But, haven't get chance to look at the real gun. I can't find online what is the difference between the regular version vs. the CA compliant version.

Does the CA version come with features like mag disconnect like the others? If so, I would rather go with a off roster one.

[TKM]

Try before you buy.

Too small for me to actually fire.

[rgc588]

Is it similar size to a p365?

[Imageview]

I think a bit smaller; although I?ve owned both it wasn?t at the same time so I?ve never directly compared them. The grip is maybe a bit longer, but skinnier (at least that?s my impression from having shot both a fair amount). It?s pretty tiny, but proportioned like a 1911.

There are a number of non CA versions that have features that would in my opinion improve the pistol. But what?s on the roster is a base model, and you can?t get parts like the newer better slide (mostly around sights) as they won?t sell them independently.

My copy was super reliable. Trigger was decent, definitely not bad but not a good 1911 trigger. The pistol overall had almost 0 weight, felt almost toylike it was so light. This made aiming well hard. Its sights were a crime against god and man, I painted the front blade gold and that helped a tiny bit. But seriously difficult to get a good sight picture. Between sights and the weight the only more difficult pistol I?ve ever shot was a 38 derringer with equally bad sights and a 18+ lb trigger. I think the derringer weighed more, or at least it felt like it did.

If you?re wanting a pocketable 22 pistol and don?t care about the 1911 form factor the beretta 21a is a joy. Absolute stellar pistol to shoot, fantastic sights, sa/da so the trigger is different but it?s a pretty good sa/da trigger, and it feels solid in the hand. Its only downside for me was it is ammo picky, and it wouldn?t shoot the ammo I wanted to. Because it doesn?t have an extractor, clearing ammo that doesn?t extract itself is annoying to say the least.

If you can put up with the sights and weight, and want a pocketable 1911 style pistol in 22, the browning is a good gun in my experience. It ate everything I threw at it, and I was shooting it with some terrible 22 ammo. I just couldn?t get over its flaws.

[gunnlover]

I have the original compact version, unfired in a case. If you have small hands you will like it. I got original Browning rubber, wood, and pearl" grips. Still love to break it out Ana stare at it once or twice a year. It's the only 22lr that feels like a "jewel" in the hand.

[G-forceJunkie]

I don't know what the other states get, but the CA ones do have a mag disconnect...that is easy to remove if you desire.

[skydive121]

Try before you buy.



Too small for me to actually fire.

Same here... very small gun.

Bought online before handing. It is almost too small for an adult hand.

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[Quiet]

I don't know what the other states get, but the CA ones do have a mag disconnect...that is easy to remove if you desire.

The magazine disconnect mechanism is a standard feature on all Browning 1911-22 and 1911-380 pistols.

[GeorgeMG]

It's a cool gun, but, the sights are ****ing awful. And, there are no aftermarket solutions for that, unfortunately.

[G-forceJunkie]

I agree. The models available in other states have much better sights. I did open the rear notch of mine and it helps but I'm about to toss it in the mill and cut a front dovetail and install proper sites. You can also buy the commander style hammer and beavertail saftey from Browning that will drop into the California models.

It's a cool gun, but, the sights are ****ing awful. And, there are no aftermarket solutions for that, unfortunately.