.22LR conversion kits for 1911 practice

[Marshall John Joseph]

Check this out boys and girls.

http://www.galleryofguns.com/genie/Default.aspx?item=ATIFX45MILTC&index=1&mfg=American+Tactical+Imports&mdl=1911&cat=All&type=All&cal=45AP&fin=&sit=&pid=&inv=

Click on the link and enlarge the photo of the gun.

MJJ

[Slowhand Bob]

Something that I have recently started wondering about, trying the Ceiner conversion unit with an original Colt conversion magazine.  If it would function, one should then have the slide lock feature as well as a magazine with the same size and feel as a standard 45 mag.  I have tried many Ceiner conversion kits through the years, probably four to six were 1911s, and all worked very well.  Still not a big fan of their customer service dept though!!!   

[Lucky R. K.]

After a lot of consideration, I decided to buy a whole gun rather than a conversion for my 1911.  I wound up buying a Colt (made by Walther) for just a bit more money than a good conversion would have cost.  It feels and functions just like the real thing and is a joy to practice with.  The only problem is finding a supply of .22 ammo.

Lucky 

[1961MJS]

Hi

I have a couple of Marvel's now, the original has 33,000 through it, while the second one has 4000 through it. 

Later

[Niederlander]

I've been using a Ciener conversion on a 1918 Colt for years, and it's been excellent.  I'm told they're pretty bad as far as customer service, but I've never needed it.

[Abilene]

I recently picked up a used Kimber Pro Carry II, which I may or may not keep but bought primarily because it came with a Kimber conversion kit.  The guy I bought it from said he's shot a couple thousand rounds through the conversion.   He told me it sometimes doesn't feed the last round, which he liked for drills.  I have yet to shoot it.

[Dusty Boddams]

I bought one of the gsg 1911 along with several mags and it's reliable with ammo it likes. Originally I was just going to buy a few spare mags for my colt ace but I bought the gsg cheaper than what the spare mags for the ace would cost! Crazy......Dusty Boddams

[1961MJS]

I recently picked up a used Kimber Pro Carry II, which I may or may not keep but bought primarily because it came with a Kimber conversion kit.  The guy I bought it from said he's shot a couple thousand rounds through the conversion.   He told me it sometimes doesn't feed the last round, which he liked for drills.  I have yet to shoot it.

Hi, I fixed a couple of Ruger Mk II magazines that didn't load the last round by putting in new magazine springs.  Worked fine.

Later

[Niederlander]

Yep, worn out magazine springs are the culprit more times than most people realize.  My duty Glock started have some problems at one point, and new springs fixed them immediately.  The springs were probably ten years old and in constant use, so they didn't really owe us anything.

[Baltimore Ed]

Bought the separate parts from Numrich to build my own conversion unit forever ago. I used it to practice ipsc. Cheaper shooting than .45 ammo. Not terribly accurate but I could keep my double taps in the A zone ok. I also used it as a 3rd pistol along with a .22 vaquero for my Wild Bunch matches that I RO'ed way before WB as you know it now. Cowboy shooters who shot my match would use the ruger .22 while 1911 shooters used the conversion unit 1911. That was a fun match.

[Dusty Boddams]

Talking about conversions, I was looking for one but instead bought a gsg. Good pistol but ammo sensitive. Believe it or not was cheaper than buying a few spare mags for my colt ace!

[Reeferman]

Instead of a conversion kit I recently acquired a GSG-1911 .22 pistol.  Imported by American Tactical Imports and a great practice piece. It's listed as needing .22HV but actually shoots the cheap bulk .22 w/ no problem.  It's about the same price as a conversion kit but you get a whole new gun 

http://www.gsg-waffen.de/site/index.php?option=com_content&view=category&layout=blog&id=61&Itemid=99&lang=en

I have several 22 pistols including a GSG 1911. It has about 20,000 rounds through it. I've replaced recoil spring twice and firing pin broke around 15,0000 rounds. I tried several of my friends 1911's that had conversion kits and decided to get the GSG when it came out.
It has been a good reliable accurate pistol that will shoot about any 22 ammo.
I do recommend getting a GSG parts kit if one decides to buy it as it has everything in it if something was to break.

[PJ Hardtack]

I've got a GSG 1911 and really enjoy it. I installed the "up grade kit" with steel bushing, guide rod, etc.

It does require high speed ammo to ensure reliable operation.

I've heard of some expensive 1911 conversions that are much more problematic.

I may cut in the 1911 'dimple' as the edge of the ejection port is wearing.