Browning 1911-.22

[muggsy]

Here's a link to a great review of the Browning 1911-22 from the Guns America Blog.

http://www.gunsamerica.com/blog/brownings-miniature-rimfire-1911-22s-new-gun-review/

[ltxi]

I have a compact. I wouldn't buy it again.

[Longitude Zero]

Fired a friends. ltxi how come? I was not impressed as it felt like it was made out of pot metal. Also for what it is, it is WAY overpriced.

[ltxi]

Fired a friends. ltxi how come? I was not impressed as it felt like it was made out of pot metal. Also for what it is, it is WAY overpriced.

Along with a very poor trigger you pretty much nailed it LZ. Not at all what I expected from Browning.

[gb6491]

Fired a friends. ltxi how come? I was not impressed as it felt like it was made out of pot metal. Also for what it is, it is WAY overpriced.
I agree, they do have something of a "pot metal feel" and are overpriced.
That said, I knew what I was getting into when I bought mine (local shop had them in stock). I've no real regrets as it is accurate and extremely reliable. I like it better than my SIG/GSG 1911 .22 (don't dislike the GSG, but it also has a "pot metal" feel to me). I find both guns are fun plinkers, but as such, the SIG/GSG is a far better value when compared to the Browning . The Browning's price point makes it an enthusiast's gun in my mind.
Yeah, I'm a .22 enthusiast and a 1911 enthusiast (though I think the Browning would be cool in 1903 Pocket Hammer guise... and with a lower price tag;)).
Regards,
Greg

[ltxi]

No s/a with a trigger this stiff and crude is fun for me. I got bit by the 1911 nostalgia bug is what got me to buy it. I have good Ruger, Browning, and Beretta .22 semi-autos and didn't need it. My late 70's Phoenix Arms was a several times better plinker than the miniature 1911 Browning.

[gb6491]

Sorry to hear you got one with a crappy trigger:(
The fire control components are pretty much scaled down versions of their 1911 counterparts. Have you considered doing a trigger job on it or asking Browning to do so?
http://i44.tinypic.com/fpbivk.jpg
I have a Phoenix Arms HP22 myself. It's not much to look at, but runs rather well (exceptionally well considering it's cost). You should only run standard velocity ammo through it in hopes the frame doesn't develop cracks. Oh, I almost forgot the safeties are kind of cumbersome. Still, working as well as it does and at the price it does it at, the HP22 surely is a better deal as a plinker than the 1911-22. I'm not sure it's more fun.
http://i44.tinypic.com/29535af.jpg
Regards,
Greg

[CJB]

Folks, those things ARE potmetal.... well almost.

They're made in Europe by the same fine folks who make the Sig Mosquito and Walther P22

Somplace in one of my posts from a long while back, there is a warning.....

I hate to say the same thing about the Ruger SR22... high wear, high stress part, made from aluminum alloy... not a recipe for good life. Right in there in the same league as the Raven and Jennings pistols.

[b4uqzme]

Golly, youse guys are making me feel good about our choices even if they weren't intentional. Mrs b4 and I enjoy plinking: she with her Ruger Single Six 22lr/mag and me with my Ruger Mark1. I've never really felt the calling from the 22cal 1911s. Yet. I've said that before. :D

[Bawanna]

I've felt the calling but haven't gone there yet. Almost a couple times but never quite took the plunge.

[gb6491]

Folks, those things ARE potmetal.... well almost.

They're made in Europe by the same fine folks who make the Sig Mosquito and Walther P22

Somplace in one of my posts from a long while back, there is a warning.....

I hate to say the same thing about the Ruger SR22... high wear, high stress part, made from aluminum alloy... not a recipe for good life. Right in there in the same league as the Raven and Jennings pistols.
CJB,
Perhaps you are writing specifically of the GSG or Umarex's offerings.
When I think of "potmetal" firearms, it's a zinc alloy (like Umarex uses) that comes to mind.
Browning has said and still does on their website (http://www.browning.com/products/interactive/firearms/1911/)that the 1911-22's "slide and frame are precision machined from aircraft grade 7075 T6 alloy"
(they do have a poly frame version). The slides have a pinned steel breech block. The frames have a steel insert that is the ejector and part of the rails (the block has the disconnector tunnel in it as well). Most internal parts are made of steel.
Browning also states the 1911-22 is made in Salt Lake City, Utah.
Regards,
Greg

[gb6491]

Golly, youse guys are making me feel good about our choices even if they weren't intentional. Mrs b4 and I enjoy plinking: she with her Ruger Single Six 22lr/mag and me with my Ruger Mark1. I've never really felt the calling from the 22cal 1911s. Yet. I've said that before. :D
You chose wisely and those two will last you a lifetime:Amflag2:

1953 Ruger Standard
http://i29.tinypic.com/2dqojm9.jpg
1956 Single Six
http://i39.tinypic.com/mrto4h.jpg
Both still bounce cans and golf balls around:)
Regards,
Greg

[b4uqzme]

Great pics Greg. Thanks. Here's our happy couple:

[ltxi]

Sorry to hear you got one with a crappy trigger:(
The fire control components are pretty much scaled down versions of their 1911 counterparts. Have you considered doing a trigger job on it or asking Browning to do so?

Regards,
Greg

No, I haven't. I'm a pretty fair amateur 'smith and do most of my own trigger work on 1911s and all of it on my Smith revolvers. I've just had no urge/incentive to work on this gun. Kinda like working to turn a Kel-Tec into a silk purse. I realize this sounds really negative, but that be how I feel about it. Safe queen until I get around to selling it....at a loss.