.22 LR conversion for 1911

HeavyT

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Hey all, I'm thinking about grabbing a conversion kit to shoot .22 on my standard 1911. Anyone have advice on brands(s), worth getting?, who stocks?
Thanks!
 
I recently took delivery of my Advantage Arms kit from Irunguns. Mine is the standard model with a full-size slide comparable in appearance to a regular 1911. It required that the mainspring (aka hammer spring) be changed out for a reduced one to function, but it seems to run well now.

The other version is the target model, which has a different slide and the sights attached directly to the barrel, such that the sights do not reciprocate with the slide.
 
Get a Browning 1911-22, the scaled down sights will improve your full size 1911 shooting just because the sights are smaller.
The Browning is also a very relable gun which may or may not be true for a conversion kit.

 
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Musings on .22lr conversion kits for the 1911......

Have owned a Colt .22 conversion unit for many, many years. Great item, very accurate and reliable, if it's kept clean. The little floating chamber is prone to becoming gummed up with the waxy residue typical from most .22 lr loads. Once it's gummed up shooting is over until it's clean again. Not sure about other maker [Kimber etc] .22lr conversion kits].

About 5 yrs ago now I bought a GSG 1911 .22lr pistol & never really looked back. Very impressed with them for what they are. In fact, so impressed, I've since purchased a second. Another sidebar is I've found the GSG .22lr magazines can be used with my Colt .22 conversion unit. They function flawlessly. Very handy to know as real Colt .22lr conversion magazines are quite scarce & usually very expensive when found. [Again, not sure about using GSG .22lr mags in other .22 lr conversion kits for the 1911].

I've also owned a Browning 1911 .22lr.... the scaled down version of a full sized 1911. I'll echo what was said above "Nice gun but way too small". I no longer own mine for that exact reason.

That's my .05 in a nutshell. ;)

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Have owned a Colt .22 conversion unit for many, many years. Great item, very accurate and reliable, if it's kept clean. The little floating chamber is prone to becoming gummed up with the waxy residue typical from most .22 lr loads. Once it's gummed up shooting is over until it's clean again. Not sure about other maker [Kimber etc] .22lr conversion kits].

About 5 yrs ago now I bought a GSG 1911 .22lr pistol & never really looked back. Very impressed with them for what they are. In fact, so impressed, I've since purchased a second. Another sidebar is I've found the GSG .22lr magazines can be used with my Colt .22 conversion unit. They function flawlessly. Very handy to know as real Colt .22lr conversion magazines are quite scarce & usually very expensive when found. [Again, not sure about using GSG .22lr mags in other .22 lr conversion kits for the 1911].

I've also owned a Browning 1911 .22lr.... the scaled down version of a full sized 1911. I'll echo what was said above "Nice gun but way too small". I no longer own mine for that exact reason.

Exactly my sentiments. For the price it is better to buy a GSG 1911 rather than buy a conversion kit which may or may not be trouble free. The GSG is exactly the same size and weight as a Government 1911.
 
I have had a "marvel" (iirc) conversion kit (from Freedom ventures). I bought it before re GSG pistols hit the scene.

It works very well, fits all 1911s I've tried it on; Chinese, American, etc. commander or govt lengths. but mags are expensive.

I would have to give the nod to the GSG, as most retailers are selling the entire pistol for what I paid for a top end conversion!
 
I have had a "marvel" (iirc) conversion kit (from Freedom ventures). I bought it before re GSG pistols hit the scene.

It works very well, fits all 1911s I've tried it on; Chinese, American, etc. commander or govt lengths. but mags are expensive.

I would have to give the nod to the GSG, as most retailers are selling the entire pistol for what I paid for a top end conversion!

These are the Advantage Arms target model with an STI logo on them. Magazines are available from Police Ordnance or Irunguns.
 
Does the GSG conversion kit work on a Norinco Commander frame?

The front dust cover on a 'commander' frame is 3/4" shorter than a standard "Government" length frame. So, there will be that 'gap' if you try to mount a .22 conversion unit meant for a full size 1911/1911A1 frame on it. It may 'work' but I'd guess you might run the risk of the recoil spring binding or other malfunction.

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NAA.
 
I know most 22 conversions (Kimber) have a guide rod, so binding should not be an issue. as for the gap, the line up is unnoticed as on my Para elite commander lower. see pic below;

 
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