.22LR conversion vs fixed barrel accuracy

[Caliper_Mi]

I am well past due to add a .22 to my pistol collection. I have been debating between a dedicated .22 pistol and a .22 conversion kit and wondering if there is an accuracy difference between the two. How much of an advantage is the fixed barrel compared to the conversion kits?

 

[xr1200]

conversion for what exact pistol

 

[Caliper_Mi]

Probably an EAA Witness.

 

[xr1200]

When ever you put a 22lr conversion on a center fire pistol, don't expect it to shoot 2-3 inch groups at 25 yrds. With most conversions they will shoot about 4-6 inch groups at 25 yrds.

Your better off getting a dedicated 22lr target pistol for around $300, if your a good shot a ruger mark 3 or a buckmark 22 will give you 2" groups at 25 yrds.

 

[surveyor]

if on a witness, go to the cz forum and read up on them..
there are folks who have them and cz conversions..

as far as 4-6" groups at 25 yds,
the cz kadet conversion is < 2" depending on ammo
it's as good as a old high standard -1960--
of course the trigger makes the pistol..

also, generally you could buy a dedicated pistol for the cost of a conversion

 

[springwalk]

I've never understood why folks pay $300-400 or more for a 22 slide to convert their centerfire. They arent generally very accurate unless the factory matches them to the frame. Its cheaper and much more accurate to just buy a Browning Buckmark.

 

[ET]

I've never understood why folks pay $300-400 or more for a 22 slide to convert their centerfire. They arent generally very accurate unless the factory matches them to the frame. Its cheaper and much more accurate to just buy a Browning Buckmark.

I bought a Glock 21 conversion kit from Advantage Arms. It mimics the OEM setup. The accuracy of this kit is more than adequate. It allows me to practice with the gun I use every day at a very reasonable cost. By the way I did buy a Buckmark Camper as well, but it is for my wife to shoot at the range. I have to admit that the Buckmark is a tack driver. I like taking it as well as the conversion kit to the range.

 

[waterhouse]

I've never understood why folks pay $300-400 or more for a 22 slide to convert their centerfire. They arent generally very accurate unless the factory matches them to the frame. Its cheaper and much more accurate to just buy a Browning Buckmark.

My Marvel 1911 conversion is super accurate and allows me to practice with my 1911 trigger and controls. It is at least as accurate as my Buckmarks, which I also like.

Only real bet is to see what accuracy others are getting with the conversion you want, and compare it to accuracy that Buckmarks and Ruger MK II/III are getting, which is generally pretty good.

 

[GCBurner]

I bought a Glock 21 conversion kit from Advantage Arms. It mimics the OEM setup. The accuracy of this kit is more than adequate. It allows me to practice with the gun I use every day at a very reasonable cost. By the way I did buy a Buckmark Camper as well, but it is for my wife to shoot at the range. I have to admit that the Buckmark is a tack driver. I like taking it as well as the conversion kit to the range.

I got the Advantage Arms .22 conversion for my Glock 30 .45, and it's surprisingly accurate. It has adjustable sights, too, which the Glock lacks.
I got a fixed sight Ceiner .22 conversion for my 1911A1, and it groups 2"-3" at 25 yards, which is good enough for practice.
Each conversion was about $250, which I didn't find unreasonable to get a practice gun shooting inexpensive .22s that handles EXACTLY like the .45 as far as sighting and trigger pull.

 

[doc540]

Why buy a conversion kit?

Well, one reason is to be able to shoot one's match gun with inexpensive .22 ammo.

I know for a fact the Marvel conversion kit and 1,000 rounds of ammo down range has helped improve my accuracy with the 9mm Commander.

 

[CeeZar]

I have a kadet kit for my CZ PCR and the accuracy is excellent.

 

[MrLars]

They also assist people in locations that limit the number of guns they can purchase.

 

[russ45]

My Tactical Solutions 2211 conversion is just as accurate and reliable as any dedicated pistol, and better than most. I think you are way out in front with a conversion unit over a dedicated 22 pistol that has a different grip frame and trigger. I found a spare 1911 receiver for my unit and now have a dedicated 22 that is a conversion. There are bad conversions that are ammo picky and not real reliable, so pay good money and get a good all-steel one. 1911 is a good platform and I've seen some pretty good CZ units as well.

 

[springwalk]

I just think its not a good substitution to practicing for the original centerfire set-up and assuming it will make you a better shooter practicing with a 22 conversion. Most of the conversion units are very specific in what ammo you can use and very few if any will function properly with the most accurate ammo which is standard velocity. Most need a diet of high velocity bulk pack. I do see a few out there that offer a threaded barrel so maybe those are set up for subsonic quality ammo. I dunno, it seems more of a novelty than anything else, but if you like it and have the money then go for it. For me I think its a sound practice to use the weapon in its original configuration and master it as is. I'll admit though if the conversions were more around $200 and not double that I'd consider it.

 

[BCRider]

Given what the conversions cost I chose to just buy separate guns.

The argument for a conversion that fits onto the match gun is appropriate but only if the match gun is the only one that you'll ever shoot. I shoot so many different guns that there was no significance to go with the conversion kit route.

I also like being able to shoot a magazine of .22 and without breaking my flow during practice pick up a center fire and shoot it with the .22 drills still fresh in my mind. Even the half minute needed to swap top ends would break that flow too much for my tastes.

 

[TonyT]

If you are lloking at a conversion unit for a 1911 type pistol then the Marvel Unit#1 which is loocked tight to the frame will provide bullseye level accuracy out to 50 yards.

 

[dakota1911]

I have several for the 1911 platform and they are all fairly good, but the expensive Marvel is the only one I would think would compete as a target pistol, but then look at its cost also.

 

[Buckeye]

Sig has their conversion kit for 220 and 226 for sale for 249. I just ordered one. We will see. I figure it will be cheaper for practice than the 220.