Browning 1911 A1 .22 Vs. GSG full size 1911 .22

[YouAreInOilCountry]

I shot both the Browning 1911 A1 .22 Black Label and full frame GSG 1911 .22 from a distance of about 12 yards. To my surprise, I found the smaller framed Browning more accurate. I attributed the high Browning shots to the smaller frame. I do not know why the GSG repeatedly shot low right, although sure, it could have been me. However, the results repeated over several targets. The target picture has the Browning target on the left, GSG on the right.

I understand that the Browning is a no nonsense 1911. The Browning sights are part of the polymer slide as one piece. I would really appreciate painted dot sights, or at least indents where I could apply paint. The sight picture on the Browning is awful, especially given how small the frame and slide are. In contrast, the sights on the GSG are excellent, and adjustable. (Maybe I should adjust the sights

A friend remarked that the Browning 1911 A1 .22 might make a perfect side arm for a trapper, given its small frame and being so light. I can't argue that it would be a much better choice than the GSG. That said, the light .22 calibre would be an awful light choice, out on a remote trap line. Both the Browning and GSG make fun 1911 target guns. The GSG would make a far better practise gun, as it has a full frame, and might be of use as a cheap calibre to practise draw and firing.

Honestly, I lost all interest in firing .45ACP or 9mm. The pair of .22's I own pass the time, when I'm volunteering as range safety officer for my clubs indoor range, and no other shooters are present. My true love is trap shooting.

 

[LouF]

I've heard some bad things about the GSG (frames cracking) from other shooters at my range.Whether they are true I don't know.I do know that my Buck Mark is a very accurate,fun to shoot,easy to clean (once you know where everything goes) .22 that most newbie's gravitate to at first range sessions.It's got to the point where I have to buy my wife a pink one just so I can get mine back!Once the powder shortage is over I'll do more center fire shooting.But right now .22 ammo is plentiful around here and was and still is FUN!

 

[YouAreInOilCountry]

Better results today. The Browning Black Label has such a small frame, it required a posture adjustment... I leaned a bit more forward and got my head down & in line with the sights, with noticeably improved results. Obviously, eye in line with sights, everything else equal, should produce good results.

Given the upgraded commander hammer, slide release, safety, etc... Browning really ignored the most important feature, the sights. If the had simply put standard three dots on the sights on the gun, I would have been happy. The sights are part of the slide, all one piece, which is fine.... but it is the most important, yet completely ignored part of the gun.

SO, to sign off.... I like the Browning A1 Black Label, it is compact and fun to shoot... and might serve a purpose for a trapper, given how light and low profile it is. For its size though, it is good enough to show general tendencies and shooter mistakes.

I would choose the GSG 1911 .22 over the Browning A1 because it, the GSG, is a full frame 1911. The GSG would be a decent gun to practise draws and shooting. To the point about possible GSG frame cracking, I can't imagine that being a problem unless you mishandled it badly (ie. dropped it repeatedly).

If your intent is accuracy, plinking on the range precisely at targets in tight groups, then forget this gun, and go get something large framed from the Buck Mark series by Browning, preferably something from the available 7.5 inch barrel length choices.

 

[Red Flyer]

Thanks for taking the time to do this comparo.

I'm doing some looking at .22 pistols and really like the GSG, as I just can't get past the "Luger-like" looks of the Buckmark and Ruger.

Best,

RF

 

[HappySoA]

I've heard some bad things about the GSG (frames cracking) from other shooters at my range.Whether they are true I don't know.I do know that my Buck Mark is a very accurate,fun to shoot,easy to clean (once you know where everything goes) .22 that most newbie's gravitate to at first range sessions.It's got to the point where I have to buy my wife a pink one just so I can get mine back!Once the powder shortage is over I'll do more center fire shooting.But right now .22 ammo is plentiful around here and was and still is FUN!

You sure that's a GSG they were shooting? I've had a Stainless GSG for a little while now and it runs smooth as all get up. Love the little bugger. Besides, the guys at Blue Line Solutions warranty every GSG in Canada, from what I've been told.