Author Topic: 1911 conversion kit ? (Read 2185 times)

lonewolf5348 · « **on:** March 17, 2013, 03:12:18 AM »

I like to ask any one here run a conversion kit on there 1911 frame with success
I have been shooting with a 22 auto a speed match with a S@W model 41 which is a lender to me only because I do not own a 22 cal. pistol in a auto that holds 10 rounds.I hate to go out a buy a new gun just for the sole purpose of the speed match.I been reading a few reviews on conversion kits some say they work others say it can be frustration at times.I been eying up the Kimber with target sights,but before I make the purchase I thought I see what other shooters have any comments on the conversion kits.I read on one forum use the Ciener Platinum Cup Rim fire Conversion Kit and he state it will run hand in hand with the ruger mark II

Flint · « **Reply #1 on:** March 17, 2013, 08:02:36 AM »

I have a Kimber conversion, it fits my Colts with no problems, feeds, fires etc. There are a few other brands, but I haven't tried them. Looking for one for my Browning HP.

Bigeasy · « **Reply #2 on:** March 17, 2013, 11:11:59 AM »

Lonewolf

I had an older Kimber conversion kit for my 1911 - VERY accurate, but never 100% reliable with any ammo I tried. Last year, on a whim, I sent it back to Kimber with a note describing my issues. Bear in mind this was an older kit, and I was not the original buyer. About 2 weeks later, a brand new one showed up at my door, without even so much as a note of explanation attached, just a new catalog. With the exception of some cheap Remington Thunderbolt ammo, this new conversion kit has been 100% reliable with anything I have tried yet, and just as accurate as the old one.

Just a thought, if you like 1911's and for not much more money, you can buy one of the GSG .22 1911's. I have one, and they are very nice - same gun SIG sells under their name. Not quite as accurate as the Kimber kit, but nice...

Larry

lonewolf5348 · « **Reply #3 on:** March 17, 2013, 12:04:22 PM »

Sound good to me the kimber may be a go:I really don't need another gun and if I decide to sell the kimber kit no FFl is required
I seen Cabelas have them for 325.00 I may waite until they run a sale and order one from them ,cabelas has a no question retun policy

Savage · « **Reply #4 on:** March 18, 2013, 12:55:11 AM »

I have had good success with a Ceiner unit for the 1911. I bought half a dozen or so magazines and have used it for NRA Falling Plates and Steel Challenge. It's reliable, and reasonably accurate with the Federal Bulk ammo. I have a dedicated lower for it, but have used it on a Kimber and Taurus lower as well. The Kimber conversion is much nicer I'm sure. Don't think you'll be disappointed with one.
Savage

wolverine_1 · « **Reply #5 on:** March 18, 2013, 04:06:38 AM »

Can't address other brands, but the Colt conversion on my Colt 1911 isn't any more accurate than the 1911, or any more reliable. May be the base pistol is the problem, so you might look at/check the base pistol before you get a conversion unit.

Flint · « **Reply #6 on:** March 18, 2013, 07:25:48 AM »

I was thinking of getting a Ciener unit for my Browning HP. I've heard he's a pill to talk to, but the products are good.

Flint · « **Reply #7 on:** March 18, 2013, 07:30:17 AM »

The problem with the Colt unit, which I had some many years ago in the 60 and 70's is the floating chamber that leads up and freezes fairly quickly. The solid barrels of the Kimber and Ceiner are better in that respect. The Colt Ace floating chamber was supposed to imitate the 45 ACP recoil for training, but I never felt it performed that way.

reliquary · « **Reply #8 on:** March 18, 2013, 01:43:22 PM »

I bought a Ciener kit for my Commander several years ago and haven't had any problems with it, except that it won't function reliably with standard velocity ammo. Accuracy is about the same as with the base gun.

cjensen · « **Reply #9 on:** March 19, 2013, 05:05:06 AM »

Anyone considering ordering a kit FROM Ciener may want to do a bit of research.
I have a two ciener kits for the 1911, one in blue and the other is an NRA silver. Also have the Ciener AR-15 conversion. I bought one 1911 and the AR-15 kit from
Midway. The silver NRA 1911 I bought at a gun show. The AR-15 kit would not feed and or eject worth beans until one day it started running and now it won't quit. The 1911 kits run great. Midway has dropped Ciener from their product line. I could not get myself to send Aurther any cash directly, for any reason.

Bigeasy · « **Reply #10 on:** March 19, 2013, 07:22:24 PM »

Anyone considering purchasing a Ceiner kit might want to check on the currant status of his operation. I know last year he was arrested, I believe for illegal business activities of some sort.

Larry

Blackhawk44 · « **Reply #11 on:** March 20, 2013, 10:44:26 AM »

Marvel is the standard by which all others are judged.

Victor3 · « **Reply #12 on:** March 21, 2013, 10:39:57 PM »

I had a Ciener for a few years. Perfectly machined and finished. Fit my Argentine Colt perfectly and functioned flawlessly using CCI mini mags.

That said, I probably only put a few thousand rounds through it in the time I had it. It wasn't as accurate as my least accurate dedicated 22 auto pistol, so I had no use for it. A Beretta 21A I had at the time would outshoot it.

Larry L · « **Reply #13 on:** March 23, 2013, 06:08:38 PM »

I have an older Ciener that is maybe a 1980's model, something like that. It shoots okay and is reliable Accuracy is fair at best. I also have the Smith & Wesson made Kimber Target. With the correct ammo it will shoot near one hole groups at 25 yds if you can and half inch groups at 50 yds are fairly easy. Most of the ammo I run thru it for matches is sub sonic and it shoots better than most match ammo. The latest buy was Aguila SubSonic with a 40gr bullet. So far, no issues. FWIW, most of my matches I use the frame from a Kimber Grand Raptor that I've had some work done on. As a 45, it shoots better than most 45's.

FWIW, I looked at the 1911 look a like 22 rimfires. I was looking at the Walther/Colt Target model with adjustable sights and couldn't find one. A friend finally ended up with one. I'm glad I couldn't find one. My 10" Ruger MkII Target is far more accurate and has a far better trigger. The Kimber conversion will out shoot the Ruger any day, I get to shoot the trigger on the 45 and that means one less trigger I to have to learn.

lonewolf5348 · « **Reply #14 on:** March 27, 2013, 01:49:04 PM »

My kimber conversion kit came to day and it was a snap to change over the new slide to the SA 1911 frame,I did have a small problem the thumb safety a little hard to engage but after a few drops of Teflon the safety went up and works.I did disassemble the barrel and ran the slide on the frame also using Teflon oil and after a few hundred runs it seem to slide runs like glass :I only had two small spots on the 22 slide seem the black color came off.
I will see how she runs on Friday

greywolf444 · « **Reply #15 on:** March 27, 2013, 05:57:14 PM »

I have the Cierner unit for my 1911's. Fits all my frames and shoots very well. Much more friendly to shoot than my Argentine Ace. No floating chamber to clean up. Accuracy is good enough to squirrel hunt (and I have). Magazines work perfectly. Cierner may be crabby to deal with but he sure makes a good product. I'm glad I bought one. Best 1911 accessory that I have.

lonewolf5348 · « **Reply #16 on:** March 28, 2013, 01:13:25 PM »

Well tomorrow will be the first test run on the conversion kit,I did notice the breech face is recess so like Kimber states Dry Firing will not hurt the gun.

lonewolf5348 · « **Reply #17 on:** March 29, 2013, 08:18:50 AM »

range report
100 rounds not a He-cup
I shot CCI Troy 36 gr. min-mag first 5 shots at 12 yards under a 1/2" two hand hold up-supported
The next 10 rounds did adjust the sights :The rest were shot at 15 yards just one hole groups if I did my part.
I would say will it stand toe to toe with the Browning Buck Mark EASY
The model 41 S@W close I have not gotten back to 20 yards yet other then that more then happy with the Kimber Conversion unit.

Bigeasy · « **Reply #18 on:** March 29, 2013, 09:12:56 AM »

Good to see it works well for you. An excellent way to get 1911 trigger time without the expense of .45 ammo.

Larry

lonewolf5348 · « **Reply #19 on:** April 03, 2013, 11:50:15 AM »

I did a IDPA 22 Rimfire match to day the gun ran excellent seem to shoot better then my aim to day,I for some strange reason had the clock on my mind instead of my sights on target seem I was pushing the shots.I have now a total of 500 rounds threw it NOT A HE CUP

lonewolf5348 · « **Reply #20 on:** April 09, 2013, 07:57:23 AM »

Here another up date on the kimber unit I seem to have a total of 600 rounds threw the kit NOT A HE-CUP
I will say 15 yards two hand hold unsupported 1 1/2" groups I don't think that all that bad.I did try about 5 different types of ammo seem federal shoots the best :group down to a 1"

lonewolf5348 · « **Reply #21 on:** June 08, 2013, 02:20:44 PM »

I been pretty happy with the conversion unit on the SA1911 so far at 15 yards two hand hold un-supported my group run around 1" to 1 1/2"
I did change the sear spring for a lighter trigger pull for the 22 unit only to 2lbs and drop the hammer spring to 18 lbs.
I did find the only Ammo that gave me problems is Aquila 40 LRN FPS 1040
I most of the time run 1250 FPS or better if I can find them.
The gun really likes the Federal 525 bulk ammo but still no were to be found.
I did pick up some federal 40 gr.LRN HV ammo and I will say the worst group the gun has ever shot.
I been running CCi tactical,Troy's @ stingers and no problems
I stop the other day at Dick's and to my surprise they only had CCI standard FPS 1070 target Pistol ammo on hand 1 Brick per customer $40.00.
I ran it yesterday to my surprise 100 round not one problem with standard CCi ammo.
I did the last upgrade and drop the hammer spring to 17 lbs will see how she runs as far if I get any light primer strikes.

lonewolf5348 · « **Reply #22 on:** June 20, 2013, 02:58:03 AM »

Kimber conversion update:I did find a ammo the gun will shoot outstanding 15 yards 5 shots unsupported 1/2"
The 2 types of ammo are the CCI Target standard FPS 1070
SK standard plus a little messy to load the mag: I think they use a little to muck lube.
I also drop the Hammer spring to 17 lbs no mis-fires no stove pipes or fail to feed with 1070 FPS