1911 22lr conversion?? Marvel, Nighthawk

[NewGuy1911]

RunDMLee,

Keep us posted. In depth review? Where did you find it and how long of a wait? Pictures

[RunDMLee]

I took some pictures and posted them on my facebook account. You can see the pics here:
Pictures
I ordered the conversion kit directly from Nighthawk Custom. After placing the order, I called to ask how long. They said they were out of stock, but were expecting a shipment in a few weeks. That was three weeks ago. So pretty much only took about 2.5 weeks from time I ordered and when I got it.
When I first considered getting a 1911 .22LR, I considered both a Kimber and GSG 1911. I didn't like that the Kimber's didn't lock back on last shot. My friend's GSG 1911 is pretty good, but the trigger, while okay, can't compare to my nicer 1911's. Then one day at the range I saw someone with the Bob Marvel/Advantage Arms Custom Pro. It look good and was functioning flawlessly.
So, while researching about it, I found MarvelPrecision Units. I heard good things about them. But then Bob Marvel, who no longer is with MarvelPrecision had his Custom Pro. I believe that Advantage Arms makes them. On Bob's webpage, he mentioned working on a newer design, the Custon Pro II. I believe that now Nighthawk is making them. I found the following review for it:
Handguns Magazine Review

This youtube video helped me as well: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XxMLQxkDG7A

So, that's why I decided on Nighthawk's. I'm sure they're all decent, but I'm happy with Nighthawk's so far. With the conversion kit mated to my Kimber Supermatch II, that had action/trigger job done by Clark Custom, it's much much nicer than my friends GSG 1911.

I hope this helps...

[brassburnz]

I have a Marvel Unit 1, Colt .22 Conversion, Day 30X, and Advantage Arms Target .22 Conversion.

Colt and AA lock the slide on an empty mag. Marvel and Day 30X do not lock the slide on an empty mag.

Marvel Unit 1, Day 30X, and Advantage Arms Target lock the barrel to the frame with a two-piece slide lock. The Marvel and Advantage Arms use a threaded rod. The Day 30X uses a press fit. The Colt barrel is not locked to the frame and uses a one-piece slide stop, although it is specifically designed to lock the slide back on an empty mag.

For action pistol practice, the Colt would emulate the action of a centerfire pistol the closest. Similar weight and greater felt recoil. Also, the entire slide including the sights reciprocate on the slide allowing you to practice sight acquisition.

The Advantage Arms Standard Model would be next because the entire slide reciprocates and the slide locks back on an empty mag. The AA Target Model would be a close 3rd because the slide locks on an empty mag, but only the rear section of the slide reciprocates while the front portion of the slide and the sights are locked to the frame.

Although the Marvel Unit 1 and the Day 30X are the most accurate of the bunch, because they don't lock the slide on an empty mag.

The Nighthawk Custom Bob Marvel conversion would have the same features of the AA Target Model, but hopefully with the added accuracy of the Marvel Unit 1. I haven't had the chance to shoot one, so I'm not sure.

Only the Colt gives you the heft of a steel slide. I believe the Kart Conversion also has a steel slide.

[freonr22]

The kimber mags break very easy and are not robust. The aluminum slide on the kimber was able to be lapped very easy due to soft aluminum. Would not buy again. I know you weren't asking about this one, but offered anyways.