Advantage Arms 1911T Conversion Caliber Review

First Impressions of Advantage Arms 1911T Conversion Caliber

The Advantage Arms 1911T Conversion Caliber kit promises to transform your trusty .45 ACP 1911 into a .22 LR plinker, offering a significant reduction in ammo costs and an enjoyable way to practice. Advantage Arms claims a simple 30-second installation and maintains the 1911’s familiar feel. I was immediately intrigued by the potential to extend the life of my 1911, especially with the rising cost of .45 ACP ammunition.

I’ve been a 1911 enthusiast for years, but the expense of feeding my .45 ACP addiction was becoming a deterrent to frequent range visits. The promise of affordable .22 LR practice with my existing frame was too good to pass up. Upon unboxing, the Advantage Arms 1911T Conversion Caliber impressed me with its solid feel and matte black finish. It appeared to be a well-machined piece, instilling confidence in its potential performance.

Compared to other .22 LR conversion kits I’ve seen, such as those from Kimber or Marvel Precision, the Advantage Arms stood out with its adjustable sights and last-round lock-open feature. These were key considerations, as I wanted a conversion that retained the functionality of a standard 1911. I chose the Advantage Arms 1911T Conversion Caliber due to its reputation for reliability and accuracy, based on online reviews and forum discussions. My initial impression was one of cautious optimism; excited to see if it lived up to the hype.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Advantage Arms 1911T Conversion Caliber to the Test

First Use Experience

I tested the Advantage Arms 1911T Conversion Caliber at my local outdoor shooting range, under clear, sunny conditions. Installation was genuinely as easy as advertised, taking less than a minute to swap out my .45 ACP slide for the conversion kit. I started with CCI Mini-Mags, as recommended by Advantage Arms, and experienced smooth feeding and ejection through the first few magazines.

The conversion performed admirably, exhibiting impressive accuracy at 25 yards. However, I did experience a few failures to extract with lower-powered .22 LR ammunition. The adjustable sights proved beneficial for fine-tuning my point of impact, and the last-round lock-open functioned flawlessly with the recommended high-velocity rounds.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of consistent use, the Advantage Arms 1911T Conversion Caliber has proven to be a reliable and cost-effective training tool. There are minimal signs of wear and tear, with the finish holding up well to repeated slide cycling. Cleaning is straightforward, requiring only basic lubrication after each range session.

I’ve found that sticking to high-velocity ammunition minimizes malfunctions. My experience with the Advantage Arms 1911T Conversion Caliber far surpasses that of a previous .22 LR conversion kit I owned, which suffered from constant feeding issues. It has become an invaluable asset for honing my 1911 skills without breaking the bank.

Breaking Down the Features of Advantage Arms 1911T Conversion Caliber

Specifications

• Caliber: .22 Long Rifle. This allows for affordable practice and training.
• Material: 7075-T6 Aluminum (slide), 4140 Steel (barrel). The aluminum slide keeps the weight down while the steel barrel ensures durability.
• Finish: Anodized matte black (aluminum), Black Oxide (steel). These finishes provide corrosion resistance and a sleek appearance.
• Magazine Capacity: 10 rounds. This capacity offers a good balance between size and firepower.
• Sights: Champion adjustable sights. These sights allow for precise zeroing and improved accuracy.
• Compatibility: Fits full-size 1911-A1 frames made to U.S. government mil-specs. This ensures broad compatibility with a wide range of 1911 frames.
• Last Round Lock Open: Yes. This feature mimics the operation of a standard 1911, enhancing training value.

Performance & Functionality

The Advantage Arms 1911T Conversion Caliber excels in its primary function: converting a .45 ACP 1911 into a reliable .22 LR platform. Accuracy is excellent, especially with high-velocity ammunition, allowing for tight groupings at typical pistol ranges. The only notable weakness is its sensitivity to ammunition; it performs best with CCI Mini-Mags or similar high-velocity rounds.

It meets expectations as a training tool, offering a near-identical shooting experience to a standard 1911 at a fraction of the cost. The last-round lock-open and adjustable sights further enhance its functionality.

Design & Ergonomics

The Advantage Arms 1911T Conversion Caliber is well-designed, closely mimicking the dimensions and feel of a standard 1911 slide. The aluminum construction keeps the weight manageable, and the matte black finish provides a comfortable grip. There is a slight learning curve in finding the optimal ammunition, but overall, it is user-friendly.

Durability & Maintenance

The materials and construction of the Advantage Arms 1911T Conversion Caliber suggest it will last for thousands of rounds with proper care. Cleaning is simple, requiring only basic lubrication after each use. The heat-treated steel barrel should withstand significant wear and tear.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Advantage Arms 1911T Conversion Caliber comes with adjustable sights and a 10-round magazine. Some models include a Picatinny rail for mounting optics, further enhancing its versatility. It is compatible with most 1911 frames, allowing for customization of grips and other frame-related accessories. The ability to add a red dot sight is a major plus for older eyes, or anyone wanting quicker target acquisition.

Pros and Cons of Advantage Arms 1911T Conversion Caliber