First Impressions of Advantage Arms 1911C Conversion Caliber
The Advantage Arms 1911C Conversion Caliber kit promises to transform your full-size 1911 into a .22 LR plinker, offering a cost-effective way to enjoy your favorite platform without breaking the bank on ammunition. This concept immediately appealed to me, as I enjoy the 1911 platform immensely, but .45 ACP and even 9mm can be expensive to shoot regularly. The promise of a quick, 30-second installation and last-round hold open were also significant draws.
I was looking for an affordable way to train more frequently with my 1911, without the high cost of centerfire ammunition. Finding a reliable conversion kit seemed like the perfect solution.
Upon unboxing, the Advantage Arms kit appeared well-made, with a solid-feeling slide and a nicely finished magazine. The black anodized aluminum and black oxide steel parts looked durable and professionally done.
I considered the GSG 1911-22 and the Kimber Rimfire Target conversion kit before choosing the Advantage Arms 1911C Conversion Caliber. I chose Advantage Arms due to the last-round hold open feature and the reputation for reliable function with a wide variety of 1911 frames.
I was cautiously optimistic. The kit looked good, but the true test would be its performance on the range.
Real-World Testing: Putting Advantage Arms 1911C Conversion Caliber to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Advantage Arms 1911C Conversion Caliber kit at my local outdoor shooting range. The weather was mild and sunny, providing ideal conditions for testing. Installation was surprisingly simple; it truly took less than a minute to swap out my .45 ACP slide for the Advantage Arms .22 LR conversion.
The first magazine was a mixed bag. I experienced a couple of failures to feed, but after the initial break-in period (about 50 rounds), the kit ran much smoother. I shot a variety of .22 LR ammunition, including CCI Mini-Mags, Federal Automatch, and Remington Golden Bullets.
The Advantage Arms 1911C Conversion Caliber ran best with the CCI Mini-Mags, exhibiting virtually no malfunctions.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several range sessions and hundreds of rounds fired, the Advantage Arms 1911C Conversion Caliber has proven to be quite reliable. It’s not flawless; it still prefers high-velocity ammunition and occasional hiccups can occur. However, with proper lubrication and quality ammo, it performs admirably.
The finish has held up well with only minor wear marks on the slide rails. Cleaning is simple. A quick wipe down of the slide and barrel after each range session keeps everything running smoothly.
Compared to other .22 LR pistols I’ve owned, the Advantage Arms 1911C Conversion Caliber offers a unique benefit: it allows me to train with the familiar ergonomics and trigger of my 1911. This has improved my trigger control and overall shooting skills, far exceeding the performance of standalone .22LR pistols I have owned.
Breaking Down the Features of Advantage Arms 1911C Conversion Caliber
Specifications
Caliber: .22 Long Rifle. This allows for cheap practice using an existing platform.
Magazine Capacity: 10 Rounds. A decent capacity for a .22 LR pistol magazine.
Materials: 7075-T6 Aluminum (slide) and 4140 Steel (barrel). These materials ensure durability and longevity.
Finish: Anodized Aluminum (Mil-A-8625, matte black) and Black Oxide Steel. The coatings add to the kit’s corrosion resistance.
Sights: Adjustable Champion Sights. Adjustable sights make it easy to dial in accuracy with different ammunition types.
Compatibility: Designed to fit any full-size 1911-A1 frame made to U.S. government mil-specs. This ensures it will work on a wide variety of 1911 platforms.
Last Round Lock Open: Yes. This feature is unique to Advantage Arms and allows for more realistic training drills.
Performance & Functionality
The Advantage Arms 1911C Conversion Caliber kit performs its intended job well, transforming a standard 1911 into a .22 LR trainer. Accuracy is acceptable for a conversion kit, easily hitting center mass at 15-20 yards. The last-round hold open is a significant advantage, allowing for more realistic reloading drills.
The kit’s primary weakness is its ammunition sensitivity. It prefers high-velocity .22 LR, and some bulk ammunition may cause malfunctions. Despite this, the Advantage Arms 1911C Conversion Caliber kit exceeded my expectations by delivering reliable, accurate, and cost-effective training.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is impressive, with the aluminum slide feeling solid and well-finished. The weight is slightly lighter than a standard 1911 slide, but the difference is hardly noticeable. The ergonomic features of your 1911 are preserved, allowing you to train with a familiar grip and trigger.
There is a slight learning curve associated with finding the ammunition your specific 1911/conversion kit combination likes best, but overall, the Advantage Arms 1911C Conversion Caliber is easy to use. Installation and removal are simple and straightforward.
Durability & Maintenance
The Advantage Arms 1911C Conversion Caliber appears to be quite durable. After hundreds of rounds, there are no signs of cracking or significant wear. Regular cleaning and lubrication are essential for maintaining reliable function.
The kit is relatively simple to disassemble for cleaning, and replacement parts are readily available from Advantage Arms.
Accessories and Customization Options
The kit comes with one 10-round magazine. Additional magazines can be purchased separately. The Advantage Arms 1911C Conversion Caliber utilizes standard 1911 sights, allowing for easy upgrades to aftermarket options.
There are no other readily apparent customization options, but the ability to use aftermarket sights is a major plus.
Pros and Cons of Advantage Arms 1911C Conversion Caliber
Pros
- Affordable .22 LR Training: Allows you to train with your 1911 platform without the high cost of centerfire ammunition.
- Last Round Lock Open: Unique and desirable feature for realistic training.
- Easy Installation: Installs in under a minute with no modifications to your 1911.
- Adjustable Sights: Makes zeroing with different ammo a breeze.
- Durable Construction: Quality materials and finish ensure long life.
Cons
- Ammunition Sensitivity: Prefers high-velocity .22 LR; may experience malfunctions with bulk ammo.
- Only One Magazine Included: An additional magazine would be a welcome addition to the kit.
Who Should Buy Advantage Arms 1911C Conversion Caliber?
The Advantage Arms 1911C Conversion Caliber is perfect for 1911 enthusiasts who want to practice more frequently and affordably. It’s also a great option for those who want to introduce new shooters to the 1911 platform with the mild recoil of .22 LR. This kit is also beneficial for competitive shooters wanting to hone their skills without the expense of centerfire ammunition.
Those who should skip this product are individuals who primarily shoot bulk .22 LR ammunition and are unwilling to experiment with different brands to find what works best. If flawless reliability with all types of ammunition is a must-have, then this conversion kit might not be the best choice.
A must-have accessory is an additional magazine. Having at least two magazines makes range sessions more efficient.
Conclusion on Advantage Arms 1911C Conversion Caliber
The Advantage Arms 1911C Conversion Caliber is a worthwhile investment for 1911 owners looking to reduce their ammunition costs and train more effectively. Despite its ammunition sensitivity, the kit’s advantages, such as easy installation, last-round hold open, and durable construction, outweigh its drawbacks. The manufacturer, Advantage Arms, has created a solid product.
The price is justified by the amount of money you’ll save on ammunition over time. The ability to train with the familiar ergonomics of your 1911 is invaluable.
I would personally recommend the Advantage Arms 1911C Conversion Caliber to anyone looking for an affordable and effective .22 LR conversion for their 1911. Buy one today and start saving money on ammunition while improving your shooting skills!