.22 conversion kits.

***okie*** · 06-13-2011, 12:34

I have a Kimber .22 conversion kit, and from a simplistic point of view it appears to be the best of all the conversion kits. I was thinking about getting either a Marvel or an Advantage Arms unit because they lock back after the last shot. There aren't any really good videos I could find, but it appears the Kimber is the only one that needs no special tools to install. The Marvel unit has it's own slide stop which is a two piece and once the slide is on you have a special wrench you turn on the guide rod I believe. The Advantage Arms kit also requires a special tool to install. With the Kimber kit you use the slide stop from your pistol and there are no special tools needed. I like things simple, so I believe I will stick with the Kimber and live with it not locking back

CMG · 06-13-2011, 12:42

okie,

I've been happy with my Kimber kits, but the easiest way to enjoy them is to give them their own frame!

Kimber Rimfire Target .17 on a Colt XSE frame

Kimber Rimfire Target .22 on a Taurus PT1911 frame

knedrgr · 06-13-2011, 13:47

that slide is MIM.

skipsan · 06-13-2011, 14:06

Just a comment on the Marvel kit. Mine is a Marvel design (has a Bob Marvel roll-mark), apparently made by Advantage Arms, has a US Palm logo on the slide, and is sold as a complete pistol on a Caspian frame by Scottsdale Gun Club with a SGC serial number.

All of that BS aside, it does take a "special" tool to torque up the guide rod, but it's a simple allen socket, and not very "special" given that the cleaning interval is measured in thousands of rounds. Not proud of that, just being honest. The guide rod does require blue Loctite to stay tight, or the darn pistol will dissassemble itself without much warning. Again, not a big deal, but a consideration. Mags are cheap--$25 from Advantage--and once the quirks of the thing are figured out, a nice piece of equipment, the only drawback being the aluminum Marvel design on the aluminum Caspian frame make for a very light pistol, and not very representative of a 1911.

doc540 · 06-13-2011, 15:07

special tools??

Marvel Commander conversion kit serial number CA0001 C

Lock down the quide rod and forget about it

prefers CCI Stingers

***okie*** · 06-13-2011, 16:16

Quote:

Originally Posted by doc540

special tools??

Marvel Commander conversion kit serial number CA0001 C

Lock down the quide rod and forget about it

prefers CCI Stingers

The video I saw you had to tighten down the guide rod with a hex wrench

Also it says in the product info there is a take down tool.

doc540 · 06-13-2011, 19:14

Quote:

Originally Posted by okie

The video I saw you had to tighten down the guide rod with a hex wrench

Also it says in the product info there is a take down tool.

Yep. A little hex. Nothing special.

Here's a pic of the whole kit:

Slide lock pin is just like a standard 1911.

I had them send me a red, fiber optic like I use on the 9mm.

And it's ammo picky: CCI Stingers run like a Deere.

Quack · 06-13-2011, 20:56

Wilson/Marvel kit here.
Had a Kimber and it wouldn't make it on my TRP (only 1911 I had at the time)
Had a Wilson/Ciener and it was very picky on ammo, and still didn't run 100%.
The Ciener (as well as the Kimber) doesn't work with 9mm frames (without filing down the ejector) or ramped barrel frames.
The Marvel design works with both. I like the fixed barrel design, which is why the guide rod needs to be screwed down for assembly.

FLIPPER 348 · 06-13-2011, 21:12

my Kimber conversion happily eats all but the cheapest bulk ammo

doc540 · 06-13-2011, 21:13

Quote:

Originally Posted by FLIPPER 348

my Kimber conversion happily eats all but the cheapest bulk ammo

cheap fun, ain't it?

***okie*** · 06-14-2011, 06:57

I think I will stick with my Kimber, even if it don't lock back on last round. I like the idea of not having any special tools to assemble/disassemble your pistol

FLIPPER 348 · 06-14-2011, 07:11

Okie, the way we Kimber conversion guys get around the slide not locking back when we run the course is to load a Stinger into the mag as the 2nd round. When the recoil of the Stinger is felt you know there is one in the chamber and the mag is empty. ...mag swap and rock on!

***okie*** · 06-14-2011, 07:15

Quote:

Originally Posted by FLIPPER 348

Okie, the way we Kimber conversion guys get around the slide not locking back when we run the course is to load a Stinger into the mag as the 2nd round. When the recoil of the Stinger is felt you know there is one in the chamber and the mag is empty. ...mag swap and rock on!

That's a good idea, my friend

FLIPPER 348 · 06-14-2011, 07:22

its a take-off of an old trick from the Army days of loading a tracer as the 2nd round in the M16 mag

Either way, write a check to the grumpy old guy at Cliner and get yourself some non-plastic 15 round magus for your Kimber. ...they will eventually show up!!