School me on 1911-22's

[cmichini]

Hey Calgunners;

I am looking to add to my stable - right now considering a new 22 auto pistol.

My primary 22 range gun is a Ruger MkII 525 bull barrel. I've had it for years and 10s of thousands of rounds. I love it, but wouldn't mind getting something with a more convenient mag release. Plus, it's always fun to get a new toy.

I've been considering a Mk III, but also eyeing the various 1911-22 models out there (Colt/Umarex, Sig, etc) and wanted to see what people's experiences have been with the 1911-22 type models.

Keys (at least to me):
Reliability
Accuracy (any with adj. sights)
Availability/price of additional magazines, etc.

Thanks for any input, feedback or thoughts.

Cheers

[ronrichards64]

I have the Colt Ace ,Bought new in 1978, Floating chamber to give it a little recoil . nice pistol but costly. shot it a lot over the years . To me my Browning Buckmark + has a nice grip . It feels full sized.

[Kaendar]

Im waiting my 10 days for a GSG 1911. Its beautiful.

[santamonica9]

gsg 1911 is the same gun as the sig 1911 (.22lr's) - same mag, same frame, same everything except one says GSG on the side the other SIG - ive shot both and they do work but their both to new to establish the long term results

the mark series by Ruger is AWSOME - the 22/45 has the same feel of a 1911 grip angle and Id do the Volquerston trigger kit upgrade and get rid of the mag disconnect. make sure you get the one with the removable grips its worth the extra 50 if you want to change the grips later

the browning 1911 is a bit smaller and I have heard good things about it but I have not seen one in person yet.

another solution: kimber .22lr conversion for 5" 1911 -> works ok iv heard

do some more research on your own, worth renting at oaktree,LAX,etc. just remember the 22lr is a dirty round and needs to be cleaned to work properly. I always take a boresnake and some CLP with me to the range. Good luck and stay safe!

[usmcchet9296]

Ive had a Kimber 1911 Rimfire for about 6 years now and it runs flawless. Yes you have to clean it and it is ammo finicky but its a lazer and outshoots most of my other guns. Its expensive but worth it.


Kimber (4) by usmcchet92_96, on Flickr

[Tripeaks69]

I have a Colt 22LR Conversion Upper with floating chamber, feel a little recoils which you dont feel on other 1911. Field strip just like a real 1911. I put this on RA 1911 Government receiver. Shoot good, no failures and im happy.

I shoot my friend's kimber, too light, feels like a plastic pistol and jams a lot


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[BEE]

Just shot my new GSG 1911 today. I only ran 150rds of CCI Blazers flawlessly without any problems and seemed to be amazing accurate. Though I just loaded 5 rounds at a time to avoid any feeding issues. I am very happy with it

[CSACANNONEER]

Get a regular 1911 in .45acp and a conversion kit. I hadn't shot my Kimber Classic in years until I got a Kimber .22lr conversion kit for it. Now, it's one of my favorite plinkers.

[cmichini]

Good info, folks. Thanks.

Thought about the conversion kit for a regular 45 frame. I'll give that some more consideration.

I've heard good things about the GSG/Sig, too. Hearing good things about those so far from other sources, too.

Are mags for those pretty available? As being able to get ammo into its belly is also something I make sure I consider.

Seems like mags for the new Colt's (Umarex, not Ace) are rarer than a politician with a brain.

[deviljon]

I'm in the same position as you op. I did some research and decided on a GSG 1911. Haven't bought it yet but I've been watching the marketplace for one.

[VegasND]

I have a GSG 1911. Replaced the mainspring housing with a flat one and did away with the magazine disconnect then put a 1911 bushing on the barrel. Also replaced the cheap plastic grips with smooth wood. I hate the rear sight but haven't found a good replacement yet -- if you know of one please tell me where to find it.

The plastic floorplates on the mags fail but a phone call got me replacements. I'll probably go with the 15 round kits and aluminum base pad:

http://www.cwaccessories.com/Other-Upgrades.html

I have had no trouble with the guide rod but I'll replace it if I feel the need to.

I have ~4000 rounds through mine so far and only the problems with the mag.

[JNunez23]

Make sure to use ROUNDNOSE ammo, not hollow. Tend to snag on the feed ramp on a GSG from my personal experience.

It will eat anything CCI.

[pennys dad]

I have the Kimber kit, GSG 1911 and several other conversions (Glock, CZ). I also own Buckmarks and Rugers.

If I had to rate just for 1911:
Kimber
.
.
GSG

But, for the sake of clarity, I have come to prefer the weight associated with a conversion kit model.

Keys (at least to me):
Reliability: Kimber over GSG - I found GSG liked HV ammo and the Kimber likes all ammo
Accuracy (any with adj. sights): Kimber without a fail will print excellent groups
Availability/price of additional magazines, etc: Toss Up on availability and cost. I like having a dedicated version so it cost more.
My newest kit will be a Kimber kit on an RIA lower

My opionions

[Ubermcoupe]

Here’s my take on the GSG 1911-22/Sig 1911-22:

http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/showthread.php?t=467299

No experience with the GSG “conversion” although I would assume it’s similar to a GSG 1911-22.

I also own the Colt/Umarex. Trigger sucks & it gets REAL dirty but does breakdown very similar to a real 1911 with LRBHO, its heavy like a real steel pistol and the magazines (if you’re able) go up to 12. Some of the parts can be exchanged for real 1911 parts, like the MSH, grips, etc. Downside is the fixed barrel - once you secure the threaded barrel in place, you can’t get it out, and if the thread cap is not secure, then you’ve walked into AW territory.

I’ve shot the Kimber conversion, even considered it before I bought the GSG. I didn’t like the plastic magazines and the lack of a last round hold open, however you can usually find a used conversion at a pretty decent price.

Browning mini 1911 -22 - I’ve heard huge positives about this. Exactly like a 1911 except 85% or something like that. Perfect for the shooter with smaller hands (or new shooters) and on the roster. Downside: Mad expensive and the magazines are hard to find ... AND expensive. I’d get one if I had the extra $

Colt “Ace”/“Service model Ace” conversions - The best option for plinking and wanting a REAL 1911 feel, IMO. Accuracy is probably best left for plinking though. The conversions can be pricey though, but they can also be found at a steal if you’re lucky.
The Colt Ace/Service Model Ace pistols are off roster, and ususally $$$$$. Not really priced for “plinking” being that they have the pony stamped into ‘em.

“Wilson Combat”/Marvel 1911 conversion - Best for accuracy IMO out of the 1911 shaped .22s. Shoots nice, but the slide operates like the buckmark and its $$$. Just not my cup of tea.

IMO, since you have a MK2, and you only want the mag release, find an MK3. They are uber accurate, you’ve got the accessories since you have an MK2, and they are decently priced.
If you must have a “1911 looking” .22, weigh the pros & cons of the options available to you and try and shoot a buddy’s or a neighbor’s if they have one.

Let us know how you go OP.

[IPSICK]

...the mark series by Ruger is AWSOME - the 22/45 has the same feel of a 1911 grip angle and Id do the Volquerston trigger kit upgrade and get rid of the mag disconnect. make sure you get the one with the removable grips its worth the extra 50 if you want to change the grips later...

^This! It's a ***** to do yourself but totally worth it and the best option other than the Marvel conversion.