Hello folks. I'm a new member from Kentucky and I felt that I had to write about my first trip to the range with my new Browning 1911 22 . I looked at the reviews on so many 1911 22 pistols, but when I picked up various guns they felt inferior. I thought maybe I was too critical and was maybe comparing the pistols to my very well-made 1911 45 autos. Keeping that in mind, I continued to search and didn't like what I read or felt when I picked one up but that all changed when I was handed a Browning 1911 22 A1. The 85% size comparison to the full size 1911 did not bother me. The smaller pistol just felt right, and so well built, that I purchased it and took it home. I sat down and read the Owners Manual (I normally don't do that) and uncovered lots of good stuff on initial cleaning, ammo requirements, the safeties, and maintenance. Well, I performed the initial cleaning and then took the 1911 22 to the range. I shot 30 rounds of CCI Mini Mag HP, 40 rounds of Remington Golden Bullet RN, and 100 rounds of Winchester M-22 RN. There were no gun or ammo issues. For reliability, the pistol was perfect for the ammo used. I would of shot more but got tired of reloading the magazine. The accuracy was very good. I shot at a 8 1/2" x 11" target with a 3" bullseye at 7 and 10 yards. Although, the suspended targets were slightly swaying back and forth, I landed around 70% in the bullseye. Between, the target swaying, the small black sights on the black bullseye, and some possible inconsistent hits with 22LR, I feel starting out at 70% was ok but requires some more familiarity of the gun (plus using stationary targets). While shooting, I never thought of the gun's 85% size. It felt comfortable and aimed nicely with very little recoil. With the slight recoil, the 15 oz weight, and how easy sliding rack, would make it a great gun for a female, teaching a child, or an individual with some hand pain/strength, issues. Cleaning the gun was as easy as any other 1911. They're basically the same. Overall, I love the little 1911 22 A1 and it is a keeper. Good job Browning. My negatives: - I don't like the magazine safety (although the hammer can be released without the magazine by pushing the magazine release button). - (With my pistol) to insert a magazine, I have to depress the mag release button. (That sucks) - The plastic Recoil Spring Guide. I have real concerns about its durability. I know lots of Guides have failed but I hope a 3rd party manufacturer produces a metal replacement someday. - Finally, come on man, (1) magazine? Really? Keep the lock and give me an extra magazine. I spend more time reloading than shooting. And no, I'm not ready to spend $30.00 (or more) to get an extra mag. Not after what I paid for the gun. I feel the gun's worth the price but they could provide some extra mags. One mag is pretty much the trend these days with new gun manufacturers. (Wonder why Glock, provides 2 (G 42) or 3 (G34) mags with new guns?) Anyway, it's a great gun that even John Moses would love.
Very nice sir... Thanks for the honest review of your new firearm...( I'm with ya on the xtra mag too !! ) Enjoy the forum...
I agree 100% with the one magazine statement. I mean, Really Browning!? One magazine!? C'mon. I don't have to press the release to insert a mag but I do have to give it a bit of a shove before it locks up. Time will tell if that situation improves. I can add that I've put about 100 rounds through mine so far with no issues at all. All of it was Federal standard velocity ammo. My wife loves it, too.