Browning 1911-22 Compact Range Report and Sights Question

**Shane Tuttle** · May 19, 2013, 10:41 PM

I recently snagged up one of these from a fellow member here. Been wanting one for some time. Wanted to have a 1911 platform in a .22lr to teach new shooters various platforms without the cost and recoil of center-fire ammo.

The fit/finish is your typical Browning quality. I'm happy with the gun overall. Expected accuracy. Fun to shoot. Not one single hiccup after putting various brands of ammo through it. This includes the crappy Remington Thunderbolt. Two "gripes" I have: It is tiny. Small even for my medium sized hands. It took some getting used to on finding a happy medium on copying hand placement on a full size with it. Understanding there are conversion kits out there for full size 1911s, I'm a big opponent of them to use on my guns. Also, the size helps some people to ease in to the mechanics of shooting first.

The other gripe is I don't like the sights. The front isn't dovetailed so I'm guessing any upgrades will be few and far between. Anyone have suggestions? I think my best option is to get some flourescent paint of my choosing and call it good.

Pilot · May 20, 2013, 10:10 AM

I think these are great platforms to teach women, and kids to shoot, along with the Ruger SR22 which is also small. I have large hands, with long fingers, and I too thought it was small, but I still may pick one up for my wife. The other negative is the high price, so I may go with an SR22 for her instead, unless I find a deal on a used one.

Thanks for the report. I have read a lot of good things about the pistol, and glad it is made here in the U.S.

TwentyToo · May 21, 2013, 11:22 AM

My Browning 1911-22 A1 (4.25" barrel - "full size") is my favorite 22 LR plinker of a cache of 22 pistols. I usually choose it over my single sixes, Walther, Mark IIIs, SR-22, etc.

It's a smaller gun, but I enjoy that aspect for a 22.

I'd have to agree about the sights: they aren't ideal and do have a low cross-section.

This gun also has a slide made of aircraft aluminum as opposed to the pot metal in nearly all other 1911-22s, making it arguably much more durable. Another aspect I appreciate.

ballardw · May 24, 2013, 01:23 AM

I haven't had the opportunity to fire the Browning the 1911-22 but handling one the grip really reminded me of a Colt Government Model .380 with a longer barrel.

DaleA · May 24, 2013, 02:16 AM

Shane -

Quote:

Understanding there are conversion kits out there for full size 1911s, I'm a big opponent of them to use on my guns.

Just curious, how come?

I have a Colt .22 conversion unit that I'll be charitable and just say that it is 'problematic' but I've known a couple target shooters that used other conversion units successfully.

May 19, 2013, 10:41 PM	#1
Shane Tuttle Staff Join Date: November 28, 2005 Location: Montana Posts: 9,455	Browning 1911-22 Compact Range Report and Sights Question I recently snagged up one of these from a fellow member here. Been wanting one for some time. Wanted to have a 1911 platform in a .22lr to teach new shooters various platforms without the cost and recoil of center-fire ammo. The fit/finish is your typical Browning quality. I'm happy with the gun overall. Expected accuracy. Fun to shoot. Not one single hiccup after putting various brands of ammo through it. This includes the crappy Remington Thunderbolt. Two "gripes" I have: It is tiny. Small even for my medium sized hands. It took some getting used to on finding a happy medium on copying hand placement on a full size with it. Understanding there are conversion kits out there for full size 1911s, I'm a big opponent of them to use on my guns. Also, the size helps some people to ease in to the mechanics of shooting first. The other gripe is I don't like the sights. The front isn't dovetailed so I'm guessing any upgrades will be few and far between. Anyone have suggestions? I think my best option is to get some flourescent paint of my choosing and call it good. __________________ If it were up to me, the word "got" would be deleted from the English language. Posting and YOU: http://www.albinoblacksheep.com/flash/posting

May 21, 2013, 11:22 AM	#3
TwentyToo Member Join Date: November 15, 2012 Posts: 41	Browning 1911-22 Compact Range Report and Sights Question My Browning 1911-22 A1 (4.25" barrel - "full size") is my favorite 22 LR plinker of a cache of 22 pistols. I usually choose it over my single sixes, Walther, Mark IIIs, SR-22, etc. It's a smaller gun, but I enjoy that aspect for a 22. I'd have to agree about the sights: they aren't ideal and do have a low cross-section. This gun also has a slide made of aircraft aluminum as opposed to the pot metal in nearly all other 1911-22s, making it arguably much more durable. Another aspect I appreciate.

May 24, 2013, 01:23 AM	#4
ballardw Senior Member Join Date: September 19, 2008 Posts: 1,475	I haven't had the opportunity to fire the Browning the 1911-22 but handling one the grip really reminded me of a Colt Government Model .380 with a longer barrel. __________________ -+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+ All data is flawed, some just less so.

May 20, 2013, 10:10 AM	#2
Pilot Senior Member Join Date: December 21, 2000 Posts: 4,193	I think these are great platforms to teach women, and kids to shoot, along with the Ruger SR22 which is also small. I have large hands, with long fingers, and I too thought it was small, but I still may pick one up for my wife. The other negative is the high price, so I may go with an SR22 for her instead, unless I find a deal on a used one. Thanks for the report. I have read a lot of good things about the pistol, and glad it is made here in the U.S.