Well, I said I wasn't going to be buying any guns for a while and I am as good as my word. But I did just buy a Kimber .22 Conversion Kit for my CDP .45. It arrived yesterday from Midway.
Of course, even though it was getting dark when I opened the package I had to go out and try it out. I was expecting to have to sort out some ammo problems (especially with Federal HPs as I had been told), but the first five magazines through it functioned flawlessly. As an added bonus the adjusties were almost dead on. Within the first two mags I could tell that it was going to be an accurate piece.
Today I shot it a little more. Adjusted the sights a bit, too. I haven't done any systematic testing yet, but did unload a mag on the 7" diameter end of a piece of firewood in the woodpile. Surprised myself with a 3" six shot group two-handed at a paced 32 yards. Three of them could be covered with a dime. I can live with that. Looks like the thing might be even more accurate than my Ruger Gov't Model.
It's a straight blowback action, in an aluminum slide, which makes the whole loaded rig weigh 25-ounces, quite a bit less than the CDP with the .45 slide and barrel. The lighter weight encourages sloppy holding and today I got the first FTFs as a result of a light hold. Now I know better. Changing over from one slide to another is an easy 15-second job.
I had originally thought I would get one of the 4" Ruger 22/45s with adjustable sights as a 1911 practice gun. But then I handled one and didn't like it. It didn't feel like a 1911 to me, and the one I handled also had a poor trigger. My Kimber lets off at 3.6# (with a Wilson Bulletproof sear spring) and I figured why compromise. Besides, I got out cheaper with the Kit than I would have with the 22/45.
I didn't get it for this purpose, but what a great trail-gun it would make, with one slide on the frame and the other in your backpack.
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5 comments:
I've been considering purchasing one of these conversion kits. It does look like fun - you're tempting me!
'Twould look a treat on top of my Commander frame.
I've been considering a .22 pistol... being without for some years.
This would make a good solution, and excellent training aid as well.
Thank you for the review.
I like Kimbers. I have a Custom II. Now you can shoot yours without getting a mortgage to pay for ammo.
Sweet
I have thought about getting one of these for my Kimber as well. Do you have to change the sights and resight back for .45?
I once had a little smith .22 mod 17 subby that was fantastic. I miss it bad and really want another.Your idea makes sense if you don't have to mess with the sights much.
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