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AR15.COM
8/2/2006 8:38:43 PM EDT
I posted this in the GD, but then realized that I might get a better response/advice over here, so here it is -

So, the only thing that has smitten me more than BRD is the 1911 disease. I have 4 great 1911's and about a year ago thought it would be a good idea to buy the .22 conversion by Kimber (the whole cheaper ammo with the 1911 feel thing). I bought it and enjoy shooting it, but I hate having to swap the slide out, and 3 of my 1911's now have magwells, so the 22 mags won't fit, making the conversion only useful on one gun. Long story short, I don't shoot it nearly as much as I want to.

Here is my idea - buy a 1911 frame and the "guts" for the frame and make a dedicated 1911 22. Is this going to be a PITA? I'm guessing I can get all of the parts needed for about $350-400.

What do you all think?

CB
8/3/2006 11:49:59 AM EDT
[#1]
1911's, unlike AR15s and Glocks, can't be simply built by dropping the parts into the frame (or receiver).  There can be quite a bit of fitting involved, especially in the fire-control parts and safeties.  This can be helped by buying pre-fit parts (for example, the Cylinder and Slide pre-fit hammer, sear, disconnector, and leaf spring), but they are not 100% guaranteed to work, especially if you are using a cheap frame with out of spec holes for the hammer pin, sear pin, and disconnector.

IMO, you're better off in money and time spent to use a complete frame and put a .22 top end on it.

I faced somewhat the same decision as you.  Bought a Marvel .22 top end and put it on one of the 1911s that I don't use much for other things.  Works great.
8/3/2006 6:42:07 PM EDT
[#2]
we did the same thing, but only used a 9mm colt upper somone was selling on Ebay for a low price. Used an essex frame. Its no match grade trigger but better than a lot of the ones I see coming out of some factories.