First Timer, .22 Kit or Pistol?

[mmattockx]

the 22/45 will obviously weigh less, but in terms of the grip and the controls, basic feel, it'll be th esame.

Well, I have a worked over NP-29 and a 22/45 and they really don't feel the same at all. The 22/45 grip is significantly thinner than 1911, the 22/45 is noticeably top heavy due to the frame being polymer and most of the weight sitting in the receiver and barrel, the trigger is not at all comparable in motion or feel (probably because the 1911 trigger moves straight back and the 22/45 trigger pivots), the safety on the 22/45 is not very easy to operate due to the sliding button design (even if it is located in the same spot as the 1911), mag changes are much harder on the 22/45, and probably more details I am forgetting.

Don't let any of this sound like I am dumping on the 22/45, it is a great pistol and I love mine. It is just not a very exact substitute for a 1911. The new 22/45 model with the removeable grip panels should be a significant improvement, because the grip feel should be much closer to a 1911 than mine with its molded in grips.

If you want a rimfire pistol that is a decent trainer for a 1911, I would say that the new GSG 1911 .22 model would be a much better choice than the 22/45 at about the same price point.

Mark

 

[Socrates]

For what it's worth...I just bought both the CZ Shadow and the CZ Kadet this afternoon.

I guess I just like the idea of having two dedicated pistols for a slight premium in price...but less hassle than a conversion kit...even though they are different pistols. But they do feel very close in my hand.

 

[sinokid]

I've tried (as in fired them on a range, not just held them in my hand) and/or owned the Browning Buck, Ruger III, S&W 22A, S&W 422, Berretta Neos, CZ Kadet, Sig Mosquito in .22, and Sigs, CZs, Berretta's, S&W's and yes a Norinco 1911 in centrefire.

What I now own:
Browning Buck -- IMHO the best value .22 for $319 with the Browning name and most of the quality
Browning Challenger I (minty) -- mainly a safe queen
Contender - in both .22 and .357 Rem Max; the accuracy specialist
Sig P226 in 9mm - outstanding workhorse
CZ in .40 S&W

What I concluded:
Changing configuration at the range is a total pain-in-ass but if you're only going to get one handgun, IMO get a Sig P226 in 9mm with the .22 conversion kit, or a CZ 9mm with the kit.
MUCH BETTER is to get two semis, and buy what feels good to you not necessarily what's popular and certainly not just what looks good. In my case, my everyday guns are a Browning Buck and a Sig P226, because they feel good to ME and I feel confident shooting them, i.e. I KNOW they work for ME.

But first try, beg, borrow until you've really compared. Many buyers don't and regret it later

 

[Snake88]

I once thought that same as the original poster....

I saw a buckmark camper on sale at my local shop and decided to pick it up. This way I was able to have one buckmark with a red-dot and another with Fiber Optic sights for the front sight.

I think it turned out to be a really good decision. Good situation too if I am introducing someone new to shooting.

I thought about getting a centerfire pistol, but I put the brakes on that, as I am having too much fun with both buckmarks and I do not have to worry about reloading at this time.

Start with a quality 22 and you will never out grow it. You will find yourself coming back to it every once in a while which is never a bad thing.

Cheers

Snake88

 

[Cammy7s]

2 pistols are always more fun than one!

 

[BCRider]

Magazines for both are a little bit of a pain as well. They have a little thumb tab on the side to push the follower down to load the rounds, which sounds great, but after loading that magazine 5 or 10 times, your thumb will start getting really sore. That tab is stiff and unergonomic.....

While I agree that the thumb gets a bit sore if you're shooting them a lot it sure is faster and easier to load. I've got one .22 that is a great shooting gun but the magazines are a PITA to load because there is no thumb button and loading the .22's in the same manner as the bigger center fire cartridges is like trying to put a mechanical swiss watch together without tweezers or other micro tools. Give me the thumb button on the follower to let me pull it down so I can just dump 'em in two at at time any day of the week. I'll live with the indent in my thumb....

the 22/45 will obviously weigh less, but in terms of the grip and the controls, basic feel, it'll be th esame.

I've held a 22/45 and didn't like the massive top heavy feel. Yes the actual 1911 is slightly (just slightly) heavier but the Ruger 22/45 FEELS heavier because of the top heavy bias. YMMV and I don't want to anger the legions of Ruger owners with my blasphemy any more but there it is...

 

[Clancy0]

Thanks again for all the replies guys, I really appreciate it!

I procrastinated for a couple of weeks, but yesterday I bought a used Ruger MkIII in stainless. Best part was, when I got home my wife was all like "well, where is it, I want to see it!" She doesn't have any interest in shooting my rifles I was pretty surprised that she was so interested in a pistol. When I told her that I had to wait for an ATT she said "That's dumb." Yes, honey, yes it is.