Understudy .22s

[Grayfox]

With Glock's  announcement of their new .22, it got me to thinking about understudy guns. Basically, that would be guns that look and feel like full size centerfire defensive guns, but in the much cheaper and easier to shoot .22 caliber. It simply makes for more trigger time with a gun that feels like what you carry. I'm a long time fan of this concept. 

I've said many times that my S&W Model 18 is the gun that taught me to properly shoot a DA revolver. Its my favorite revolver and goes to the range more than any other gun I own. My favorite carry revolvers are also S&W K-frames. 
Some years ago I picked up a Ciener Platinum Cup .22 conversion unit for the 1911 at a great price. I became so fond of it that I built up a bare frame to mount it on permanently. 
A year or so ago I bought a Walther PPK/S .22 and enjoy shooting it. 
Not too long ago I picked up a LNIB .22 conversion for my Sig P226. Honestly, I've gotten so that I shoot the .22 more than the 9mm. 

Anybody else have an understudy gun? How do you feel about the idea? 

[mikerjf]

I thought my 317 was going to be understudy for my 637, but:

* It has 3 more rounds, so I lose count
* It doesn't recoil
* The springs are different on 22's so it doesn't feel the same
* It's way lighter

So, altho I like it a lot, it doesn't really function as an understudy. There is probably some carryover - sight picture, same grips on both...

[k22fan]

First, read my screen name! Among other K frame .22 LRs I love .22 Combat Masterpieces and Model 18s.

In autos the best understudies replace the centerfire slide with a steel unit that does not reciprocate. That unit includes a small slide that reloads the chamber. That way the conversion unit does not change the pistols weight and balance. They also tend to be more reliable. An affordable example is my CZ .22 conversion for their models 75 and 85. The only better .22 conversion that I'm aware of is the expensive Khart (?spelling) unit for 1911s. That one is competitive against the best bullseye pistols.

I once owned a .22 LR Walther P-38. It was not a conversion. The frame was not milled to accept the centerfire locking block. Moving the weight of the steel slide and barrel was too much to ask of a .22 LR. Jamming was a problem.

[bigwheelzip]

I'm also a fan of the .22LR CZ Kadet Adapter. Fits my full frame 75 and my EDC PCR.

Sent from my Moto G (5) Plus using Tapatalk

[Jessie]

Yes, my M&P .22 compact is very similar to my M&P 9 compact.
It’s lighter, of course, but functions exactly the same so the manual of arms is identical.

[murphydog]

A .22 conversion unit is an excellent idea (I have two). The idea went backwards when ammo was 6-10 cents a round.

The Taurus TX 22 seems to have received good reviews, even from brand skeptics, so if I were in the market I would look at one of those as an understudy.

[Patrick L]

I have a K22 to go along with my 6 inch M66.

BUT, truth be told, I got the 66 about 30 years ago, the K22 about 6 or 7. The K22 is really a joy unto itself. I got it because I just wanted one all by itself. But I guess technically it could serve as an understudy to the bigger gun.

I have recently rediscovered the joys of just shooting a .22, both rifles and pistols. A dedicated .22 1911 is intriguing, as are many others.

[BB57]

I have a K-22 Outdoorsman and a Model 17-4 that are decent .22 LR understudies for my Model 14 and 6" Model 19.



Although, to be honest .38 Special is cheap to load, so there isn't much cost savings unless you're going with very low end .22 LR ammo.

My favorite .22 LR sub caliber handgun is my CZ Kadet. It's accurate, reliable and very sub caliber good practice for a CZ 75:

[BLACKHAWKNJ]

I have the Ciener units for my Browning H-P and Colt Government models, wish they made one for S&Ws. has anyone ever seen a Peters-Stahl unit ?

[rockquarry]

Most of my handguns were purchased at least twenty years ago. I've used (Colt) conversion units for years and still enjoy shooting the one I have, though technically it's not a conversion unit. I keep the unit mounted on a Colt frame all the time. However, like an old-time shooter told me once regarding .22 conversion units, "If you want a .22, get a .22." I must agree.

I have a Model 18 that will easily outshoot my Model 17.

My Walther PPK/S .22 ... for me, and maybe only for me, this has been a difficult gun to master. I'm not sure why. Perhaps I just need more practice. Reliable and functions well as long as high velocity ammo is used. One exception to that has been CCI standard velocity.

[arjay]

I have a 5 screw understudy for my model 15-3. Makes a nice combo

[Fishinfool]

Got a couple pairs that would fit I that category. A model 18-3 that pairs with my 4 inch centerfire guns, a Colt M-4 in .22lr that does likewise with my 5.56's, and a GSG .22 1911 (shown below) that maintains the feel of my .45's. The Kimber .22 conversion kit (shown below) also does the same, and is a little more accurate, when I want to go thru the effort of changing slides.

Larry

[ContinentalOp]

I don't have one, but I do like the idea. At one time I looked into getting a 43C to go with my 642, but at the time they were hard to find and considerably more expensive than 642s, so I never got one. I don't know if that's changed.

I had also heard about a pellet conversion for .38 Special J-frame snubs that sounded interesting, but I never really looked into it.

[BAM-BAM]

Lets see..........


S&W;
Model 18 K-frame and a
4" round butt 617 to go with my 4" round butt 686

Ceiner High Power .22 upper
CZ Kadet
Beretta 92..... .22 conversion kit.

For the High Power and Beretta..... actually put together small "range bags" that hold;
the frame with one upper mounted,
2nd barrel and slide,
three .22 and three 9mm magazines along with
100rds of .22lr and 50 rds of 9mm hollow points.

The kadet is a complete gun that goes with my CZ75B

Kind of "go-bags".... for weekends at the cabin..... or the SHTF.


Edit: Almost forgot ...........and
a S&W 15/22 as an understudy to 5.56 ARs
Ruger 10/22 as trainer for my Mini-14
Two CZ 452FS's (.22lr and .22mag) as a rimfire version to my 527FS in .223/5.56

Per George Carlin...........I really do have too much "stuff"

[Faulkner]

I use Ruger 22/45's as training platforms for new users in preparation for both M1911's and Glocks. I find they are close enough as understudy guns.

[Univibe]

Colt 6920, and its understudy, the 15-22.

[loc n load]

Yes, sure do have “under study” guns. I think it is an excellent idea.
A model 18 and 17 purchased in the 70’s to cover my larger caliber Smith revolvers.
A Ruger Single Six to cover my larger caliber SA’s.
A 22rf barrel for my T/C contender.
A Colt Ace purchased in the 70’s to cover my 1911’s.
A conversion unit 22rf for my Glocks.
A dedicated AR with a Cmmg 22rf upper.
A Ruger precision in 22rf to cover several Ruger precision rifles I own.
And a bunch of Ruger 22 autos in various configurations.
I have used all of these to train with, shooting tens of thousands of 22’s over the years. I also use them to indoctrinate new shooters as well.
I applaud Glock for introducing the G44 and will own one when they become available.

[Rayfan87]

There is a segment of the handgun industry for these types of guns, the most common name I've heard is "tactical trainer." S&W has the MP22, Walther has a couple models in .22lr, ATI/GSG makes 1911s, now Glock, plus all the conversion kits. Aside from the getting to practice with the same size gun in a cheaper ammo, .22's are just plain fun to shoot.

[Buford57]

One of my best purchases was a .45 Witness with an included .22 LR conversion upper. I like to run 2 or 3 boxes of .22s through it and then a couple magazines of .45s each practice sessions.

[tops]

I have a M34, M17 and M18 to use for most of my practice. It's a bunch cheaper than shooting my J, K, and N frames with big bullets.
Trigger pull and sight picture is all I'm working on and a .22 does that just as good as big bullets. Plus no reloading. Larry

[eveled]

I always called them Father/Son sets. S&W 617/627.

[eveled]

317 for my other J frame snubs.

[eveled]

Some lever action .22’s for 30/30 and .357 versions.

[eveled]

Single sixes and Bearcat to go with my blackhawks.

[eveled]

Conversion kits are fun

[eveled]

This one is a stretch.

Luger with a Ruger.

[eveled]

Six shot .22 SP101 and .357 GP100