45/22 Conversion

[Bullard4075]

I finally bought a Kimber 22lr Conversion kit to fit on one of my Kimber 45 ACPs. What a remarkable, quality kit. Just pull the 45 slide off and slide the 22lr one on, Insert the 22 magazine and go to shooting. The groups are small game capable to ,for me, 35 yards or so. High speed ammo is recommended but with careful cleaning and oiling standard will work.

[samsi]

A buddy had a Kimber conversion years ago, it ran well. They're very similar to the Ciener units, any idea who makes them?

I've been flogging a Colt conversion unit that my granddad gave me since the 80's. Haven't used it much in recent years since it's pretty long in the tooth and accuracy is not great with the floating chamber units to begin with. I just made the leap and ordered a new setup from Nelson Custom, 5-8 week lead time so I'll be checking the mail every day like a little kid by the end of the month.

[AJMD429]

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I got one years ago (different manufacturer but for 1911's). Then found out it wouldn't work on my AMT 1911 Government 'clone'.

A couple years later I got a set of Crimson Trace laser-grips for the same gun, only to find out THEY wouldn't fit the clone either...

The problem was the difference in feed ramp on barrel vs frame, and in the grip there needed to be a space in the frame to allow for the battery protrusion, if I recall correctly.

So... I saved up and got an actual COLT 1911...

And the conversion unit does indeed work well - usually I use Stingers in it.

[joepb]

If anyone is looking for a Kimber 22 conversion let me know. I have one I never use..............Joe

[marlinman93]

I have an original 1964 dated Colt Ace conversion for my 1964 Colt .45ACP and like it a lot. It's flawless in function, and accurate. Lighter recoil than .45's and fun to shoot.

[Lastmohecken]

I have owned a couple of Ciener units for many years. They came from Wilson Combat back in the day. I don't think they make that brand anymore. Mine is very accurate and pretty reliable on one Series 70 frame, that I keep dedicated for a .22 conversion.

The first Ciener that I bought from Wilson had the lug break off after a couple of thousand rounds or so. They replaced it without issue. Then I acquired a second one, just incase I had another breakage, but so far it never has. And the second unit gives me a spare magazine. 1911 frames vary just enough that they don't always run that well, so for best results, you might need to try you particular kit on more than one frame to find the best combo, that runs really good.

If I keep mine oiled good, it's 100 precent reliable for all practical purposes, using high speed ammo. However, I am not all that confident that it would run as well with standard or subsonic ammo. But all I shoot in this gun is the cheap high-speed stuff anyway.