I've been thinking about getting a .22 pistol or a .22 conversion kit for one of my guns to help me train.

is this a good idea?

which path should I take - new gun in .22 or get a conversion kit for either my SA 1911 Mil-Spec or my CZ P-01?

I've been thinking about getting a .22 pistol or a .22 conversion kit for one of my guns to help me train.

is this a good idea?

which path should I take - new gun in .22 or get a conversion kit for either my SA 1911 Mil-Spec or my CZ P-01?

HAve used some of the older .22 conversion, and they worked well once broken in....most of the reports on the current conversions have been good. Find no fault with using them for lower cost/low recoil training.

But I'd steer you to a whole new, good quaility, .22 handgun; everyone needs a good .22 so may as well get a good solid one that will last thoughout your life.

I agree with Ribbonestone. get a good .22lr. pistol or revolver. There are a lot of good models out there to choose from. I have a Ruger Single Six revolver that is a .22lr/.22mag conversion and a S&W .22 semi auto Circa early 1990's. Both are excellent guns. I'm sure others on the board that can come up with some of their favorites .22lr guns for you to check out. if getting a brand new one is a little expensive check out some good used ones also.

As the other folks said get a good quality revolver or pistol for a training arm. I probably shoot more 22 lr ammo than anything else. It' keeps you sharp and with no recoil and very little expense and excellent accuracy makes an excellent training and practice round.

Try to get the same type of action gun you shoot. For me that means a double action revolver and a bolt action rifle.

I'd agree with Faucett about getting the same type of firearm to practice with, but I'd add that I think heft is important as well. I bought a Taurus tracker 970 .22 LR which at 46.6 oz. falls between my GP-100s and my RedHawks in weight. Having the same heft and overall feel has helped a lot. My fifty yard revolver accuracy has improved a great deal after practicing a bunch with the 970.

I'm a firm believer in the .22. I have several guns and kits. They include a kit for my AR-14, 1911, and 92 Beretta. I also have a 513T Remington that crosses over real good for my Match 700 Remington .223, a Model 18 S&W .22 and .357 Model 19, and 9422 Winchester and 30-30 94. The .22 lets you shoot a lot without spending a lot of money. With any "practice" you need to work on the basics-sight picture, breath and trigger control, and follow through. A .22 allows you to work on these without the noise and muzzle blast that accompanies center fire weapons. But you do need to use hearing and eye protection. A ggod set of ear plugs or muffs will make a lot of differance. As for follow through, I like to be able to see the front sight move up AND back down. This means that I kept my eyes open until the bullet left the barrel. But keep it fun. Targets that move such as spinners or falling plates, or targets that "explode" such as cookies, candy suckers, or clay targets, help to keep it interesting. If I had to "hit the bushes" for a long time and could only carry one gun and ammo I think it would be a .22.

IMO that would be the Ruger 512(or similar) Maybe the 22/45 series if you carry a 1911.

The 5 1/2 bbl is perfect. The whole system is great for teaching sight picture,and all the safety stuff.

Take a look at 'em. ---pruhdlr

Excellent training because you can shoot a lot for not too much. Yes, buy a good arm that has a comfortable grips and good sights and has the action you prefer. You will no doubt plink some, but take the time to practice good technique as well.

While a seperate 22 is a good idea, I think the kit is the way to go for a match gun. You have the same exact grip and trigger pull. In revolvers, I was looking at a 22 lr Taurus Tracker with a 6 1/2 barrel and a 44 mag Tracker is the same barrel length. Would make a nice set. I wish they made the 22 in 4 inch. They do have a smaller frame 22 in 4 inch that would be ok.