22 conversion frame sources

Hi guys

I’m new here but this screen name is in use on many other gun forums for awhile. It’s been about 25 years since I was initially introduced to bullseye at rbgc in atlanta and I’m thinking about going to my second match

I don’t have a proper 22. I am not the typical gun guy who loves toy collecting and changing. I’m drawn to a model 41 as that’s what was most familiar when learning but the practicality of a 1911 conversion and few drawbacks in intriguing. 

I’ve got a single 1911. A 25 year old RRA carry  model. I think this will serve me fine apart from needing some different sights. 

For folks without a parts drawer or a cash drawer, would it be more cost effective to convert a built up frame or loom for a deal on a Springfield, kimber, etc?

What are your thoughts on the model 41 vs 1911 style?

Either will work and good used 41s show up here regularly.  Conversions also, but most seem to be $400 or more… for the same money, there are some very good Ruger MK2/3/4 that may be had.  They won’t be much to look at…but it’ll be a decent 22.  Your existing 45 might need a new barrel at some point and maybe a bullseye trigger job, but that’s about it.

Sounds like you are effectively a complete novice as far as Bullseye is concerned. Also sounds like you are probably in your 50's or older.

So. Even though you may well want to move back to iron sights at some point in order to pursue EIC Distinguished badges. With older eyes a red dot will make your learning and improvement curve much easier and quicker.

The fact is that if you don't learn the fundamentals well and shoot a 22 well, you will never do better with a 45 or whatever.

So, get a 22 that is reliable and economic, fit a tube style red dot. Get some coaching (or at least watch some relevant YouTube videos) and buy a case of inexpensive 22 ammo.

My advice would be to buy a Ruger 22/45 Mark IV, a trigger kit (or send it to a specialist), a Ruger rail, and a 1" Ultradot. Plus a case of CCI SV or Aguila Super Extra SV.

Used model 41's can be a heap of trouble and are generally not cheap. Not a good choice. IMHO.

41's can generally be good guns, however they have a reputation of alibi's due to improper care. They are finicky on ammo choice. I like mine and it is problem free with the correct ammo. 

As far as building up a 22 conversion, buying a lower that was built for them would be the simplest. If I recall Rock River had some at Perry. Personally I have one of my conversions on a RO others on frames I built up specifically. If you are unfamiliar with the 1911 platform the built up from scratch method would be a bit of a challenge but not impossible by any means. In general though, unless you find one being sold as a complete gun, the 22 conversion route is not an out of the box ready to go solution.

Personally, I like just about all the bullseye/target 22s. I "primarily" shoot a conversion, though I shoot other stuff (41, Ruger,  Buck Mark, ect.). The Ruger, Buck Mark, and Smith Victory pistols will all shoot just as well as the higher end stuff, they just lack the refinement.

Just be careful not to chase equipment perfection with out realizing that the biggest part of this game is the shooter. Any of the above options can be modified and tweaked to no end.

The conversions (all of them) and the 41's can finicky until you figure them out. I currently have a  marvel, nelson, and two 41's. They all have their quirks, but once you get them running, they all run very well.

I have short, fat fingers and for me the 1911 is better as I can put short triggers in them.  In my more advanced, years, I'm coming back around to enjoy shooting more rimfires, not just trying to compete with them. 

If you're interested in a 41, I have two for sale for a retiring friend.  I can vouch for both of them with regard to function and accuracy.

10sandxs - are they listed here?

There are a couple things there (Forum Classified) that you may be interested in.

1911 frame and parts
https://www.bullseyeforum.net/t22150-wts-caspian-1911-frame-and-parts

41's 
https://www.bullseyeforum.net/t22102-fs-smith-and-wesson-m41s-retirement-sale

Robpiat wrote:10sandxs - are they listed here?

Yup, folks beat me to it...

I am sure that the 41's via 10sandxs will be fine.

If you do want to pursue the conversion route, go to GunBroker and do a search for TISAS 1911 45ACP. I recently bought two complete 1911 lowers that way and am mounting FCW Marvel uppers. In your case it might be best to buy a complete TISAS 1911 45 (for less than ($400). Let someone do a Bullseye trigger job, then use it with a conversion. When you are ready for 45 get someone to fit a rail on the 45 upper, red dot, tighten barrel. Overall, that is an economical way to get both a Bullseye capable 22 and a 45 for probably less than $1,000 in total

TISAS are made in Turkey. Said to be a forged frame. Cerakote or similar, not blued, but finish looks decent. They shoot surprisingly well straight out of the box. Marvel uppers fitted fine and they shoot good. I have not yet sent mine out for trigger work.

Since I am new it won't let me post a link - Can some of you marvel aficionados take a look at Ebay item 385688109128 and provide your insights?

I have never seen a marvel conversion with a torx screw under the extractor... it looks like they bolted some piece of stock inside the slide for some unknown reason... I'd be leery... (and not just because I have two model 41's for sale)

Nice catch! Exactly why I posted to pick up on odd stuff.

I am currently running two Nelson conversions on dedicated Caspian/Foster frames. Unlike building a center fire pistol on a Caspian frame, the Nelsons fit perfectly with no rail work needed.

Robpiat wrote:Since I am new it won't let me post a link - Can some of you marvel aficionados take a look at Ebay item 385688109128 and provide your insights?

This Marvel must be from before Travis bought the firm since it doesn't have his logo.  My Marvel from 2001 had a "B" prefix while this one has an "F".  I don't know what year of production that means but I do know they were no longer providing a accuracy test button for a while.
I can't recall ever seeing that screw under the extractor but wonder if it might have something to do with extractor removal.  Curious!

Mike

I'm thinking that someone dorked up the threads for the screw that secures the breech block into the slide, and the screw through the slide was the "fix".

DA/SA wrote:I'm thinking that someone dorked up the threads for the screw that secures the breech block into the slide, and the screw through the slide was the "fix".

Seller replied and said it had something to do with an optic mount at some point. I don’t need another project so I’m gonna just continue to keep an eye out.

Robpiat wrote:

DA/SA wrote:I'm thinking that someone dorked up the threads for the screw that secures the breech block into the slide, and the screw through the slide was the "fix".

Seller replied and said it had something to do with an optic mount at some point. I don’t need another project so I’m gonna just continue to keep an eye out.

Single screw optic mount... on the slide... Riiiggghhhttttt