Smith & Wesson Forum

Go Back   Smith & Wesson Forum > General Topics > Firearms & Knives: Other Brands & General Gun Topics
o

Notices

Firearms & Knives: Other Brands & General Gun Topics Post Your General Gun Topics and Non-S&W Gun and Blade Topics Here


Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 03-09-2017, 04:27 PM
BLACKHAWKNJ BLACKHAWKNJ is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Oct 2006
Posts: 5,762
Likes: 1,224
Liked 5,805 Times in 2,355 Posts
Default 22 Conversion Units

I recently broke a long shooting drought (how time flies when you are having fun!) by firing my Browning High Power-my first handgun-and my Colt Mark IV-with my Ciener Conversion Units. IIRC there was a Peters-Stahl unit made for the S&W M39 frames (never seen one) and the 22 conversion unit for the P-38 doesn't fit the steel frames. There is the Kadet unit for the full size CZs, there is one in my future.
I am a firm believer in conversion units, you learn to shoot with the 22, when you make the transition to centerfire the feel of the gun is totally familiar.
You have to find out what ammunition they like of course. With mine, I get 100% reliability with Remingtons, with W-W and CCI,NO. On the other hand at my last range session with the Mark IV groups "seemed" to be tightening up with the Remingtons, the I fired 5 Federals. Several failures to eject and go into battery-and I got a group I could cover with a quarter.
Reply With Quote
The Following 4 Users Like Post:
  #2  
Old 03-09-2017, 05:02 PM
AJ's Avatar
AJ AJ is offline
Member
22 Conversion Units 22 Conversion Units 22 Conversion Units 22 Conversion Units  
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: East of Stick Marsh, Fla.
Posts: 9,404
Likes: 4,871
Liked 20,873 Times in 6,323 Posts
Default

I have a Colt Conversion Unit and would not trade it for anything.
__________________
USMC 69-93 Combat Pistol Inst.
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #3  
Old 03-09-2017, 05:26 PM
DWalt's Avatar
DWalt DWalt is offline
Member
22 Conversion Units 22 Conversion Units 22 Conversion Units 22 Conversion Units 22 Conversion Units  
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: South Texas & San Antonio
Posts: 33,483
Likes: 236
Liked 28,948 Times in 14,015 Posts
Default

I have an EAA conversion kit for the M1911. It works OK, but is finicky about ammunition.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 03-09-2017, 06:07 PM
billwill's Avatar
billwill billwill is offline
Member
22 Conversion Units 22 Conversion Units 22 Conversion Units 22 Conversion Units 22 Conversion Units  
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Mid NC
Posts: 3,599
Likes: 4,874
Liked 5,727 Times in 2,130 Posts
Default

They are really great for most pistols. Slap a 22 conversion unit on a Glock 26 and it feels like one of those airsoft blue BB guns, except it is accurate as heck. Shoots anything you load up.

Cheap fun for sure.

Last edited by billwill; 03-10-2017 at 12:02 PM.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 03-09-2017, 06:55 PM
Lee's Landing Billy Lee's Landing Billy is offline
Banned
22 Conversion Units 22 Conversion Units 22 Conversion Units 22 Conversion Units 22 Conversion Units  
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: Battery Oaks Range, S.C.
Posts: 1,847
Likes: 5,663
Liked 3,574 Times in 1,163 Posts
Default

I have one for a BHP and a Marvel conversion for a 1911. They are just as you say..wonderful. Over the last 30 years I have bought and sold a dozen Glocks because I could not whip that spongy trigger. I finally bought an Advantage Arms conversion for the 21 and one for a 17 and set to work. To quote Curly Bill,,Well, looks like we win! Now I have Glocks everywhere, by beds, in Jeeps, trucks, pockets, pocketbooks. Lots of Glocks. They are like foreign made motorcycles, they get the job done but you don't want your pals to see you with one.
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #6  
Old 03-09-2017, 08:23 PM
ColbyBruce ColbyBruce is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Atlanta, GA
Posts: 7,854
Likes: 3,767
Liked 11,624 Times in 3,642 Posts
Default

A few years ago I bought a Advantage Arms conversion kit for the Glock 26/27/33. It would not function reliably on either of my Glock 26's or my son's Glock 33; regardless of the ammo we used. It ran like a Singer sewing machine on a neighbor's Glock 27 with the recommended ammo. I sold the kit on a Glock forum, with full disclosure.


A year ago I bought another AA kit, this one for a Glock 29/30. It ran fine with the suggested ammo. So well, in fact, I bought a Glock 30sf frame and put the gun together as a dedicated .22 pistol. I love this thing, honestly.

Last edited by ColbyBruce; 03-09-2017 at 08:29 PM.
Reply With Quote
The Following 3 Users Like Post:
  #7  
Old 03-09-2017, 08:27 PM
rockquarry rockquarry is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Aug 2005
Posts: 7,553
Likes: 4
Liked 8,885 Times in 4,121 Posts
Default

I've used Colt conversion units for a long time, still have one on a dedicated frame. However, as a long-time shooter told me years ago: if you want a .22, get a .22. I must agree that's pretty good advice.
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 03-09-2017, 09:12 PM
DWalt's Avatar
DWalt DWalt is offline
Member
22 Conversion Units 22 Conversion Units 22 Conversion Units 22 Conversion Units 22 Conversion Units  
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: South Texas & San Antonio
Posts: 33,483
Likes: 236
Liked 28,948 Times in 14,015 Posts
Default

The cost of many .22 conversion units is high enough that you could probably buy a good .22 pistol, either new or used, more cheaply which will shoot better. As I said, I have an EAA .22 conversion kit, but very seldom use it, as my Hi-Standard shoots much better. To me, a .22 conversion is nothing more than mechanical novelty.

Last edited by DWalt; 03-09-2017 at 09:13 PM.
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 03-09-2017, 09:41 PM
AJ's Avatar
AJ AJ is offline
Member
22 Conversion Units 22 Conversion Units 22 Conversion Units 22 Conversion Units  
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: East of Stick Marsh, Fla.
Posts: 9,404
Likes: 4,871
Liked 20,873 Times in 6,323 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by DWalt View Post
The cost of many .22 conversion units is high enough that you could probably buy a good .22 pistol, either new or used, more cheaply which will shoot better. As I said, I have an EAA .22 conversion kit, but very seldom use it, as my Hi-Standard shoots much better. To me, a .22 conversion is nothing more than mechanical novelty.
The main reason I have my Colt Conversion Unit is that it came with my Series 70 Gold Cup. Like the conversion unit a lot, it gives me the feel of the Gold Cup. The Colt Conversion Units are built to simulate the felt recoil of a .45 ACP gun. However, I have to agree DWalt as far as buy a good .22 pistol if you want a good shooter.
__________________
USMC 69-93 Combat Pistol Inst.
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #10  
Old 03-09-2017, 09:52 PM
armenius armenius is offline
US Veteran
22 Conversion Units 22 Conversion Units 22 Conversion Units 22 Conversion Units 22 Conversion Units  
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Low Country SC
Posts: 845
Likes: 2,521
Liked 1,443 Times in 426 Posts
Default

Years ago bought a Colt Conversion unit I love to shoot. Rapid fire,multiple targets and no bending over to pick up brass.
A few years ago I got a Ciener conversion whose function is nowhere near the Colt.Also a Ciener Glock unit which is kind of " iffy".
Can't beat .22 for fun.
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #11  
Old 03-09-2017, 10:08 PM
Bat Guano Bat Guano is offline
Member
22 Conversion Units 22 Conversion Units 22 Conversion Units  
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: Wyoming
Posts: 3,260
Likes: 1,224
Liked 2,526 Times in 1,043 Posts
Default

Have used a Colt unit for many years. Their "floating chambers" can be finicky. Some ammo will lock them up in less than a box of firing. Best I have found for it is Federal American Eagle 36 gr. HVHP; with that I have zero problems. Still, I clean it up about every 300 or so rounds.

I've used a M18 Smith as an understudy for about 40 years now. And sometimes I think about an AA for the Glock.

You just can't go wrong with a good .22.
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 03-09-2017, 10:34 PM
Jebus35745's Avatar
Jebus35745 Jebus35745 is offline
Member
22 Conversion Units 22 Conversion Units 22 Conversion Units 22 Conversion Units 22 Conversion Units  
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: Independence, OH, USA
Posts: 6,911
Likes: 28,791
Liked 7,158 Times in 2,579 Posts
Default

Been watching the CZ Kadet on GB. The Kadet is all steel and has a last shot hold open and is accurate. If I had CZ 75, I would be all over this conversion. Larry
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 03-09-2017, 10:36 PM
Tyrod Tyrod is offline
Member
22 Conversion Units 22 Conversion Units 22 Conversion Units 22 Conversion Units 22 Conversion Units  
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: Sunny Central Florida
Posts: 1,232
Likes: 334
Liked 993 Times in 378 Posts
Default

I have factory 22 conversion units for Sig 226, Beretta 92 and CZ 75. I don't use them for myself but for training folks in type firearms. It works really well. Train 'em for a session or 2 with 22s. Then swap over to 9mm. There are issues, but slight and easily overlooked.
__________________
NRA Benefactor
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 03-09-2017, 10:52 PM
ColbyBruce ColbyBruce is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Atlanta, GA
Posts: 7,854
Likes: 3,767
Liked 11,624 Times in 3,642 Posts
Default

I think I have about $350.00 in this pistol. I couldn't think of a .22 pistol I would of rather bought.


This Charter Arms Off-Duty .22 LR set me back $150.00 last spring. It was money well spent too, for a fishing gun.

Last edited by ColbyBruce; 03-09-2017 at 10:56 PM.
Reply With Quote
The Following 2 Users Like Post:
  #15  
Old 03-09-2017, 11:03 PM
skeetshooter's Avatar
skeetshooter skeetshooter is offline
Member
22 Conversion Units 22 Conversion Units 22 Conversion Units 22 Conversion Units 22 Conversion Units  
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Northern Illinois
Posts: 883
Likes: 958
Liked 431 Times in 185 Posts
Default

My CZ75 BD with the Kadet conversion is perhaps not quite as accurate as a few of my .22 Target pistols,,,but is darn close. I luv it.
__________________
NOT SO FAST,, NOT-- SO-- FAST
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #16  
Old 03-10-2017, 12:15 AM
Grayfox's Avatar
Grayfox Grayfox is offline
US Veteran
22 Conversion Units 22 Conversion Units 22 Conversion Units  
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Bartlett, Tennessee
Posts: 7,604
Likes: 2,924
Liked 18,639 Times in 4,777 Posts
Default

Close to 20 years ago, long before the many .22 knockoffs of today, I picked up a Ciener Platinum Cup unit for the 1911 dirt cheap on close out. I liked it so much that I built up a frame to mount it on permanently. Still have it too.
Reply With Quote
The Following 2 Users Like Post:
  #17  
Old 03-10-2017, 12:47 AM
robvious robvious is offline
Member
22 Conversion Units  
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Eastern Nebraska
Posts: 3,857
Likes: 10,175
Liked 8,256 Times in 2,854 Posts
Default

I have 5 conversions for 1911's full and commander size and my Taurus 99... multiple Ceiners, Marvel, Sig Sauer... like them all... the Marvel is amazingly accurate... the others are for fun... all started 25 years ago so my late father and I could shoot bowling pins in both 45 and 22... I have liked the concept ever since... and it is great when I teach new shooters the basics...
Reply With Quote
  #18  
Old 03-10-2017, 02:35 AM
Big Cholla Big Cholla is offline
Member
22 Conversion Units 22 Conversion Units 22 Conversion Units 22 Conversion Units 22 Conversion Units  
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Las Vegas, NV
Posts: 3,428
Likes: 5,932
Liked 5,259 Times in 1,732 Posts
Default

My Ceiners have all proved to be very accurate and reliable with a little fitting to the Colt frames they are matched. I also have a EAA conversion to the full sized Tanfoglio Witness . It too is accurate and reliable.

All the time I instructed, I advised my students to get a conversion unit for their self defense handgun if it was available. And, I told them to practice at least 50% with the 22 LR unit. It is a quick way to lean the basics of fast and accurate handgun shooting for self defense.
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #19  
Old 03-10-2017, 09:59 AM
BB57's Avatar
BB57 BB57 is offline
Member
22 Conversion Units 22 Conversion Units 22 Conversion Units 22 Conversion Units 22 Conversion Units  
Join Date: Feb 2015
Location: NC
Posts: 4,710
Likes: 3,527
Liked 12,557 Times in 3,342 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Big Cholla View Post
/...All the time I instructed, I advised my students to get a conversion unit for their self defense handgun if it was available. And, I told them to practice at least 50% with the 22 LR unit. It is a quick way to lean the basics of fast and accurate handgun shooting for self defense.
It's a good way for a student to also discover if they are flinching due to the higher recoil of the center fire round, and if so to eliminate the flinch.

----

I have a Kimber .22 LR conversion kit on a dedicated 1911 frame as well as a Kadet conversion for my CZ 75.

I also have a Model 17-4 which mirrors my K frame revolvers, as well as a PP in .22LR that provides sub caliber practice for my PP series pistols in .380 ACP.

I'd love to find a Ceiner conversion for my BHP, but I haven't seen one in over a decade and he's not much fun to deal with directly.

Last edited by BB57; 03-10-2017 at 10:01 AM.
Reply With Quote
  #20  
Old 03-10-2017, 10:12 AM
petepeterson's Avatar
petepeterson petepeterson is offline
Member
22 Conversion Units 22 Conversion Units 22 Conversion Units 22 Conversion Units 22 Conversion Units  
Join Date: Dec 2012
Posts: 3,023
Likes: 6,228
Liked 4,828 Times in 1,867 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Big Cholla View Post
My Ceiners have all proved to be very accurate and reliable with a little fitting to the Colt frames they are matched.
I've been fortunate with my Ceiner as well. I have a little trouble with lead bullets, but if I stay with plated, I'm in good shape.

It pretty much stays put on a 1991A1 frame, and is probably a bit more accurate than the original pistol- may have a little to do with the operator, though.
__________________
Because of the metric system?
Reply With Quote
  #21  
Old 03-10-2017, 10:25 AM
Big Cholla Big Cholla is offline
Member
22 Conversion Units 22 Conversion Units 22 Conversion Units 22 Conversion Units 22 Conversion Units  
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Las Vegas, NV
Posts: 3,428
Likes: 5,932
Liked 5,259 Times in 1,732 Posts
Default That's The Truth!

Quote:
Originally Posted by BB57 View Post
It's a good way for a student to also discover if they are flinching due to the higher recoil of the center fire round, and if so to eliminate the flinch.

I'd love to find a Ceiner conversion for my BHP, but I haven't seen one in over a decade and he's not much fun to deal with directly.
Isn't that the truth! I met him at a SHOT Show several years ago and tried to have a positive constructive talk about conversion units in general. I don't think I have ever met a man that more difficult to talk with in my life. IMHO, if you look in the dictionary for the definition of "man with attitude", his picture is right there. The conversation ended when I said, "I would like to contribute what I have experienced with three of your units. He immediately assumed that I was going to complain and tell him what was wrong with his production. I wasn't. I was going to compliment him on what superb units I thought they were." But, no before I could get anything out he said an expletive and stalked off in a hurry." I thought to myself, "Well, if that doesn't beat all!"
Reply With Quote
  #22  
Old 03-10-2017, 12:08 PM
billwill's Avatar
billwill billwill is offline
Member
22 Conversion Units 22 Conversion Units 22 Conversion Units 22 Conversion Units 22 Conversion Units  
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Mid NC
Posts: 3,599
Likes: 4,874
Liked 5,727 Times in 2,130 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Big Cholla View Post
Isn't that the truth! I met him at a SHOT Show several years ago and tried to have a positive constructive talk about conversion units in general. I don't think I have ever met a man that more difficult to talk with in my life. IMHO, if you look in the dictionary for the definition of "man with attitude", his picture is right there. The conversation ended when I said, "I would like to contribute what I have experienced with three of your units. He immediately assumed that I was going to complain and tell him what was wrong with his production. I wasn't. I was going to compliment him on what superb units I thought they were." But, no before I could get anything out he said an expletive and stalked off in a hurry." I thought to myself, "Well, if that doesn't beat all!"
I've heard the same comments from many sources. One guy said the phone experience with him was very brief and one sided. Guess he didn't know about customer service
Reply With Quote
  #23  
Old 03-10-2017, 12:11 PM
steamloco76's Avatar
steamloco76 steamloco76 is offline
Member
22 Conversion Units 22 Conversion Units 22 Conversion Units 22 Conversion Units 22 Conversion Units  
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Western Pennsylvania
Posts: 3,676
Likes: 1,769
Liked 3,702 Times in 1,242 Posts
Default

I had a Kimber 1911 .22 Conversion unit for about a year. Two issues made me sell it. First, of the four 1911's I owned at the time, Springfield Armory, Smith & Wesson, Metro Arms and Iver Johnson, the slide fit only the Metro Arms. Worse yet, the only, and I do mean only ammunition which would function reliably was CCI Mini Mag 40 grain. Even Min-Mag 36 grain would choke the unit two or three times per magazine. The same morons who designed the Sig Mosquito must have worked with Kimber on this kit! Mini-Mags only for that gun too.
__________________
Virtue,Liberty & Independence
Reply With Quote
  #24  
Old 03-10-2017, 12:24 PM
BAM-BAM BAM-BAM is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: A Burb of the Burgh
Posts: 14,748
Likes: 1,614
Liked 19,850 Times in 8,772 Posts
Default

Have a Ceiner kit for a Browning HP and a Beretta kit for the 92.

Got some small soft Bulldog gun cases and made up "grab and go bags" with the frame; both 9mm and .22 uppers and 3/4 mags in each caliber ....... plus some ammo (50/ 9mm and 100/.22lr). Great for trips to the cabin or road trips.

Both work well ...... .22 accuracy is OK..... but that could be me and old eyes.......should take them out more.

Last edited by BAM-BAM; 03-10-2017 at 12:26 PM.
Reply With Quote
  #25  
Old 03-13-2017, 01:27 AM
retiredbadge8091's Avatar
retiredbadge8091 retiredbadge8091 is offline
Member
22 Conversion Units 22 Conversion Units 22 Conversion Units 22 Conversion Units 22 Conversion Units  
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: Utah
Posts: 1,310
Likes: 2,916
Liked 3,099 Times in 859 Posts
Default

I too have an Advantage Arms conversion kit sitting atop a GLOCK M17 frame dedicated to that purpose. I enjoy shooting it and like it for what it is.

I like reaching into my gun safe and pulling out a .22 Caliber GLOCK. I honestly don't know why GLOCK hasn't put a similar .22 pistol out themselves.

Besides the full size pistols, imagine a M43 size handgun designed to shoot .22 LR ammo. What a great plinker or kit gun that would make.
__________________
Join the NRA today

Last edited by retiredbadge8091; 03-13-2017 at 01:35 AM.
Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
Forum Jump

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
The story of the Colt Conversion Units... PALADIN85020 Firearms & Knives: Other Brands & General Gun Topics 32 04-17-2016 11:43 AM
.22LR conversion units for ARs - Are they any good? Double-O-Dave The Lounge 28 06-06-2014 07:19 PM
.22 conversion units for M&P pistols joepic Smith & Wesson - The Wish List 4 01-18-2011 10:31 AM
WTS: Two 1911 Advantage Arms 22 Conversion Units - SPF Whit Accessories/Misc - For Sale or Trade 0 07-09-2010 10:03 PM

Powered by vBadvanced CMPS v3.2.3
smith-wessonforum.com tested by Norton Internet Security smith-wessonforum.com tested by McAfee Internet Security

All times are GMT -4. The time now is 04:21 AM.


Smith-WessonForum.com is not affiliated with Smith & Wesson Holding Corporation (NASDAQ Global Select: SWHC)