Friend in Denver looking to buy a quality .22 in 1911 configuration - grip, single action, slide function... [not a kit/converter,,,]

Help will be appreciated from those who have been down this road.

Regards,

Dyson

If you can find one and afford it, a Colt Service Model Ace ...

the most common "training" 22 for 1911 style pistols are

The Ruger 22/45

GSG 1911-22.

I sure like my Colt Service Model Ace, from around 1974. It really scratched my itch for a 22 on a 45 frame. I got it almost like new and have put a bunch of ammo down it. Few jams, mostly with Winchester plated HP. Aftermarket magazines don't work very well.

Kimber makes a nice 22, they also sell conversion kits.

Kimber would be my choice

I have to respectfully disagree.

I have a 1911 and a 22/45 in the safe, and they're both great guns, but I can't honestly consider the Ruger to be a suitable training stand-in. The grip is significantly slimmer, there's no grip safety, no exposed hammer... the safety is a sliding button instead of a lever; same for the "slide" release... Yes, the controls are in a similar location, but they've a very different feel.

The only thing they really have in common is the grip angle, IMHO.

My first picks would be either a Colt Ace or Kimber Rimfire. But since neither of those were going to fit into my budget anytime soon, I settled for a Chiappa Target Model.
It`s no Kimber, and internally it`s not even a real 1911 design. But it looks, feels and shoots like a real 1911. Considering its $300 price tag it`s a decent little gun.
Like I said, it`s no Colt or Kimber, you get what you pay for, but it`s a good value for the money.
If you do get one of these, pay the extra $25 for the Target Model over the Standard model. Sights are better and the trigger is much better. Trigger pull on the standard model is awful.

Just out of curiosity:
Why no kits or conversions?
Seems, to me at least, to be the best of both worlds..... Or am I missing something (I own neither - But I do carry a .45ACP 1911).

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marvel precision kits are one of the best shooting of all of them.

I'd go with the Kimber Rimfire. If you have a 1911 now, why would you not go the conversion route? I don't recall the cost on mine, but it seems like it was less than $300 with the identical Target Sights as the Kimber Target Model 1911 it usually resides on.

The benefit is a little more than two-for-one. You are literally shooting the same gun as far as the grip, trigger, etc.

The Chiappi thingies are about the same price as a very-well built Kimber Conversion. (Actually, they are built by Ciener) Top-notch stuff.

If you don't have a 1911, I can understand the desire for avoiding a kit. In that case, I'd go with a Ruger Mk II or Mk III and get the 1911-style one. They really aren't the same, as someone pointed out, but they are great guns.

Even some of the Open shooters in our club use a Marvel conversion with a comp for practice and Steel Challenge matches. I would recommend a quality 45acp 1911 with a Marvel conversion.

Thanks for all the responses. He has some high end 45s in 1911 style - and chooses not to convert. His preference......In any event, this is for my sister to practice on.

Incidentally he has a new Chiappa [don't know which] and thinks the quality inadequate for what he has in mind. No doubt Chiappa is great for some applications.

I will pass all thoughts along and any additional are most welcome.

Best,

Dyson

As a couple of us have said, go the Kimber Rimfire route. It is the only currently manufactured .22lr 1911 that I am aware of. I was going to tell you the Chiappa was junk, but you have apparently already figured that out.

I am a firm believer in conversion units. I bought the Ciener for my Mark IV a few years ago, wish I'd gotten it 30 years ago. Down the road i will get a full CZ with their Kadet unit.

anyone have feedback on the GSG 1911? It is priced to compete with the Chiappa

How about one of these ??? Shoo
Colt Government 1911 | .22 Rimfire L.R. Pistol | Look & Feel of an 1911

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"Get Hammered By a Shooboy!!"

If you can find a Day conversion unit for the 1911 you will have the best IMO. Beautifully machined. Guaranteed x ring accuracy. Mine performed as advertised. (And fed every bran of 22 LR w/o a hiccup

This info pretty much ends the discussion as far as I am concerned.
f.t.

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South Carolina-God's country

I agree with Fat Tom, this is all you'll be needing.........Shoo

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"Get Hammered By a Shooboy!!"

Isn't that "Colt" built by Umarex, the air-soft manufacturer? I think I'd go slowly on that!

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Old paratrooper in NC

Thanks for the opinions and info you have shared. Today another option registered when looking at RIA 1911s.... One of those plus a converter would run about what a Kimber .22 would cost.

Best,

Dyson

Yep, you could go that way. I have an RIA .45 and a Metro Arms "American Classic II" .45, along with a Kimber .22 conversion I picked up for $249 with 3 mags. I've tried the conversion on the Metro but haven't tried it out yet with the RIA. Great fun, Shoo
My RIA:

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"Get Hammered By a Shooboy!!"

You can always go the route I did. Some years ago I caught a Ciener Platinum Cup unit on sale at a very good price. I like it alot and shoot it often. However, I soon tired of swapping slides back and forth. So I bought a bare frame and built it up the way I wanted it and mounted the conversion unit permanently.
Great gun and I have much less in it than the cost of a Kimber.

Just ordered a GSG tonite, will be at my FFL on Thursday. $300 otd.

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I’m your Boogie Man, uh huh.

Hey Mike, We'll be needin' a range report as soon as you get a chance to try it out, thanks, Shoo

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"Get Hammered By a Shooboy!!"

I bought a Cienier Kit in the early 90's and could not get it to run worth a darn..Even sent it back to JC and was told there was nothing wrong with it,send the frame..Told him that I had tried iy on several frames and it just wouldn't work..
Finely got it to work somewhat but not dependable..Most times the first and second rounds are single shot and then it works the rest of mag..
Replace mag and start all over again..
Have tried many different lubes . No luck..
Any help would be great...
Thanks for any help possible....