(GunReports.com) — Three 22 LR conversions for centerfire pistos earned “buy” recommendations in the June 2010 issue of Gun Tests, says its editor, but the magazine showed a strong preference for one unit.
“One unit was by J.A. Ciener of Cape Canaveral, Florida, for the Hi-Power, and two more for the 1911. One of these was by Advantage Arms in Valencia, California. The other was by Tactical Solutions out of Boise, Idaho,” said Gun Tests editor Todd Woodard, “For a fraction of the cost of another gun, or about what you’d expect to pay for a low-priced 22 auto, you can convert your main centerfire gun to shoot inexpensive 22 LR ammo.”
In the feature, the magazine tested the three units with the same three types of ammo as in a previous test: Eley Pistol XTRA Target, Federal Classic RN, Remington Yellow Jacket, and CCI Mini Mag.
“Ray Ordorica’s team did a great job of comparing these kits,” Woodard said. “All the units worked extremely well, nearly perfectly, with one or another type of ammo. But there were some distinct problems.”
Excerpts from the Gun Tests magazine comparison:
Jonathan A. Ciener Hi-Power Plus, $249: The Ciener conversion was exceptionally well made. It would grace any Browning or other version of the Hi-Power, we thought, with its extremely nice metalwork and black finish.
Advantage Arms, Inc., 1911-22T Target Conversion Unit, $350: We chose a Fisher-Norinco 1911 45 for the test platform, and had no trouble attaching the Advantage unit to our gun. To install it we had to use the manufacturer’s slide-stop pin, and then screw the recoil rod down against the slide stop, using the wrench that came with the unit. We noted the slide seemed just a touch sticky in our tightened Fisher 1911 frame, although that frame handled the Kimber conversion perfectly.
Tactical Solutions 2211 Conversion, $460: Yep, this one is a bit on the costly side. Why? First, it’s made largely of 4140 steel. Second, the design permits unlimited dry firing. The magazines are milled from solid aluminum blocks, and they hold the slide open after the last shot. This unit will fit all full-size and Commander-length frames.
“Subscribers can learn how we scored these units by logging on to www.Gun-Tests.com,” Woodard said.
