P226 .22 Conversion Kit

[Doublehelix]

Picked up a used .22 conversion kit for my SIG P226 Legion SAO today. Bought it on a whim from a local shooter. Wasn't really in the market for one, but got it for a great price, and it looks brand new.

For those that have .22 conversion kits for their larger caliber pistols, do you ever shoot the .22 rounds? Honestly, the 9mm rounds have very little recoil anyway, and price-wise, I am not sure I would be saving that much over my handloads for the 9mm.

This was sort of one of these impulse buys that I am not sure I will shoot a lot, but once I saw it offered for sale, I almost *had* to buy it!!!

My wife does like shooting my .22 better than any of my "big guns" however, so I am sure she will get a kick out of it.

 

[glc24]

I don't know if a 40 S&W qualifies as a larger caliber pistol. I do in fact put my Advantage Arms 22 conversion on my Gen 4 G 23 a lot. I really like shooting it as a 22. The Glock doesn't mind being a 22 either! Same here with the wife.

 

[Doublehelix]

I don't know if a 40 S&W qualifies as a larger caliber pistol. I do in fact put my Advantage Arms 22 conversion on my Gen 4 G 23 a lot. I really like shooting it as a 22. The Glock doesn't mind being a 22 either! Same here with the wife.

Thanks, I meant "larger" as in "larger than a .22". A .40 qualifies for sure! That is interesting that you say you use yours a lot. Is it to save money, or is it just more fun to plink with, or something else altogether?

Thanks again.

 

[cc-hangfire]

I bring out the .22lr conversions for range fun with friends and for new shooters especially. I’ve got the SIG 226 conversion you mention, and the SIG P250. We’ll shoot those along with some other .22’s, then end the session with the SIG’s back in their 9mm configurations. New shooters graduate to the “real” handguns after learning basic handling & shooting skills in .22lr.

 

[glc24]

Thanks, I meant "larger" as in "larger than a .22". A .40 qualifies for sure! That is interesting that you say you use yours a lot. Is it to save money, or is it just more fun to plink with, or something else altogether?

Thanks again.

It's a lot of fun for sure. As cc posted, it's fun for everyone! I don't own any 22 pistols. The only 22 rifle I have is my Mossberg 42M (c). I read about the conversion kits and took a chance. IMO, for me anyway, money well spent. It's the only way I can get my wife to shoot my Glock too. So far anyway.
As for saving money, not so much, as 22 ammo is relatively cheap to buy. I don't buy factory 40 or 45 ammo. I reload all my ammo for that.

 

[9mmepiphany]

For those that have .22 conversion kits for their larger caliber pistols, do you ever shoot the .22 rounds?

All the time.

I have the SIG .22lr conversion for my SIG 226ST and I've also used it on a regular alloy framed 226.

I used it quite a bit when working with clients who might be a little noise or muzzle flip shy when we first start out. It also makes it easier to see when they are slapping the trigger due to anticipating sight alignment and when teaching to prep the trigger during the "Push out." It was also very helpful when transitioning from resetting the trigger in series to resetting in parallel...what is nice is that you are learning with the same trigger feel

I have used it when shooting in a Steel Challenge match and Rimfire 2 gun matches

Two things to be aware of:
1. SIG recommends, for reliable function, that you feed it CCI MiniMags...mine has been flawless feeding these for several thousand rounds
2. Unless you get an aftermarket follower, the conversion kit will not lock back on the last round...I usually count my shots and not snap the firing pin on an empty chamber

 

[OARNGESI]

22 is really underrated by most and extremely fun. You already bought the kit and it’s used so try it and it’s not worth it sell it and recoup your money

 

[Old Dog]

All the time.

I have the SIG .22lr conversion for my SIG 226ST and I've also used it on a regular alloy framed 226.

I used it quite a bit when working with clients who might be a little noise or muzzle flip shy when we first start out. It also makes it easier to see when they are slapping the trigger due to anticipating sight alignment and when teaching to prep the trigger during the "Push out." It was also very helpful when transitioning from resetting the trigger in series to resetting in parallel...what is nice is that you are learning with the same trigger feel

I have used it when shooting in a Steel Challenge match and Rimfire 2 gun matches

Two things to be aware of:
1. SIG recommends, for reliable function, that you feed it CCI MiniMags...mine has been flawless feeding these for several thousand rounds
2. Unless you get an aftermarket follower, the conversion kit will not lock back on the last round...I usually count my shots and not snap the firing pin on an empty chamber

So you answered my question. I'd been wondering, since I have a few SIGs and I'm working with one of my kids and her friend on pistol shooting if this would be a good option. I recently saw one of the SIG-branded conversions for the 226 and passed on it, not having had good experiences (reliability) with other conversion kits (ah, yeah, 1911s). As Mini-Mags are my normal go-to .22 rounds, it's good to hear that the reliability has been excellent. Thanks.

 

[bannockburn]

I have always liked the added versatility that .22 conversions offer for larger caliber guns. I currently have a TacSol .22 conversion on an Essex 1911 frame and a CZ Kadet for my P01. It's also nice to be able to have first time shooters shoot .22s out of a full size gun just to get them accustomed to how they work without the increased recoil of the full size cartridge that they use.

 

[highlander 5]

I've kits for my 92fs,CZ75 and 45 acp 1911 and have a blast with them.
They have worked with target and high velocity ammo from various mfg and all the slide locks back on the last round. The Beretta and CZ are factory kits the 45 is Advantage Arms.

 

[PO2Hammer]

I had the Sig 22 conversion for a P220. It had a strong preference for hot ammo, Stingers shot especially well.
I've had quite a few conversions over the years and really enjoyed them. When I don't feel like cranking on the press I shoot 22. (as a handloader I feel like a sinner buying factory centerfire ammo)

The Beretta 92 conversion by Ceiner was my favorite, but that was a long time ago.

I have my buddy's Springer GI 1911 and Kimber conversion on long term loan. It's hard to find a balance of springs that let it cycle anything but high velocity ammo, but accuracy is good.

The Kadet conversion for the CZ75 was the most disappointing. It was well built, all steel, the bore looked great, very reliable, but I never got any decent accuracy from it. The gun without the conversion was much more accurate.

 

[bannockburn]

PO2Hammer

I had the same problem with my first .22 conversion unit, a Colt Ace, for the 1911. My Colt Government with the conversion assembly worked okay but accuracy with just about any kind of .22 ammo wasn't there.