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.22 conversion for .45, or new gun?

rameleni1rameleni1 Member Posts: 998 ✭✭✭✭
edited July 2002 in Ask the Experts
I have a Norinco .45. It shoots very well, and I have no problems with it. The ammo is very expensive. I was thinking of buying a conversion kit for it, or buying a .22 auto handgun. I like to shoot a lot, and was looking for a cheaper alterative. I have seen Colt conversion kits for 400-800$. I have also seen other conversion kits for 199.99+. My thinking is if the conversion kit works flawlessly, why buy a new handgun for 3-400$?. I usually get screwed when I buy firearms. I will find it cheaper, or a better model for less, after I buy what I want. Any help on a good .22 auto handgun, or conversion kit, would be great. I really like the Colt Woodsman, my Father owned one. They are very expensive, and I'm not sure on part availability. The Norinco was bought for 350.00. Where I live thats very cheap for a .45 auto. I was also thinking of getting a 9mm, and keeping the .45 as it is. 9mm ammo is cheap. I plan to use the handgun for plinking mostly.

Rameleni1
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Comments

  • NighthawkNighthawk Member Posts: 12,022 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    I have heard alot of negative feed back on those 22 conversion kits.

    Rugster
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  • UnbatolocoUnbatoloco Member Posts: 110 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    We have a member of our pistol club who purchased a Norinco 45 that cost him new Aust$350.00 .He decided he wanted a 22 conversion for it and purchased a kit for Aust$600.00 .What a wally. He could have purchased a new Norinco 22 for Aust$350.00 ! i do not know the prices of kits in the US but my feelings would be that it would be cheaper to buy a new gun rather than a conversion kit. The only exception would possibly be if you have spent a lot of money on tricking up the original Norinco 45 and these parts could be used in the conversion.
    Just my thoughts.

    24 HOURS IN A DAY ,24 CANS OF BEER IN A CASE !!COINCIDENCE??
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  • airborneairborne Member Posts: 1,728 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    I'm sure there are members that will disagree with me, but I have yet to find a .22 conversion kit that has performed without some type of difficulty or aggravation. They just are not worth the ammo cost savings.

    B - BreatheR - RelaxA - AimS - SightS - Squeeze
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  • 101AIRBORNE101AIRBORNE Member Posts: 1,252 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    I have an original Colt conversion kit that I sometimes mount on my 1911A1. Has the floating chamber. Never had a problem with it. Colt conversions I have seen priced around $400. but there are other manufacturers. I, quite honestly, would not spend the money on a conversion kit, plus I do not know if they will fit the Norinco. I also have a Colt Match Target that is more accurate than I will ever be. I suggest buying another arm in .22. Purchase a Woodsman. It is an excellent pistol and will probably never give you a parts problem.
    An alternate would be a Browing Challenger. They are dirt cheap and excellent guns. 101
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  • mballaimballai Member Posts: 1,280 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Buy a Ruger II perhaps the 22/45 model. I think the conversions are a great idea, but they are a mixed bag.

    Three Precious Metals: Gold, silver and lead
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  • pickenuppickenup Member Posts: 22,844 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Buy a second firearm. Ruger & Browning as well as others, make reliable, affordable 22 plinkers. I use the Ruger Mark II, never had a problem with it.

    If I knew then, what I know now.
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  • leeblackmanleeblackman Member Posts: 5,303 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    Why would you want to convert it to a .22lr.... Just start handloading, then you can shoot four times as much for the same amount of money.

    If you want a 22, buy a ruger 22/45 or something.

    Just my opinion.

    If I'm wrong please correct me, I won't be offended.

    The sound of a 12 gauge pump clears a house fatser than Rosie O eats a Big Mac !
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  • gundummygundummy Member Posts: 254 ✭
    edited November -1
    I WOULD GET ANOTHER GUN IN 22LR LIKE THE PREVIOUSLY MENTIONED RUGER MARK II. I HAVE A COUPLE OF THEM AND THEY CAN'T BE BEAT FOR UNDER $300. I JUST BOUGHT A WALTHER P22 AND THAT TOO IS FUN AT THE RANGE.
    SMALL GRIPS, BUT IT'S ONLY A 22, SO NO BIG DEAL. THE GUYS AT THE RANGE HAVE 22 CONVERSIONS, BUT NONE WORKED WITHOUT PROBLEMS. GD
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  • MIKE WISKEYMIKE WISKEY Member Posts: 10,036 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    IF YOU WANT TO TRY A CONVERSION KIT GO TO CDNNINVESTMENTS.COM. EAA 1911 CONV. KIT $139.99 FOR FIXED SIGHT, $169.99 FOR ADJ. SIGHTS. I HAVE ONE THAT WORKS WELL ONE ONE 1911 CLONE AND NEEDED JUST A LITTLE FITTING TO WORK ON MY GOLD CUP. VERY ACCURATE TOO (CONSIDERING THE PRICE)
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  • rhmc24rhmc24 Member Posts: 1,984 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    I think converting the 1911 to .22 is trying to put 6 pounds into a 5 pound bag. I have a Service Ace in new condition and had a Colt conversion kit that I tried to use on my 1918 1911. I don't think I ever got two mags full shooting without some kind of malfunction, same result on both. I didn't try a lot of different kinds of ammo, maybe three. I have had the Colt .22 (Model CC5140) a Colt Challenger (Woodsman variant) an old 1930s period Walther (pre Olympic) with no malfunctions I can recall. Buy yourself a new Colt .22 or Ruger.
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