Does anybody on this forum have experience with the Chiappa .22 1911 model? I'm seeking firsthand accounts of their quality, performance, and reliability.
I once pondered a .22 conversion kit for my 1911 and decided that it just wasn't worth the cost. These Chiappa cheapies may fill the bill, if they are fun to shoot and will last. Any feedback?
Chiappa 1911-22
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smltooner
- VGOF Platinum Supporter
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- Joined: Thu, 15 Apr 2010 00:53:38
- Location: Smith Mtn Lake, VA
Re: Chiappa 1911-22
I have had one for about 2 months.
Shot about 700 rds through it.
Fun to shoot, feels like a 1911. Much cheaper to shoot than my 9mm.
Fairly accurate. Easy to break down and clean. Must be cleaned about every 100 rds. That might improve with better ammo. I'm using cheap stuff.
Main problem is the magazine. Holds 10, but does not feed properly with more than 6 bullets in mag.
Shot about 700 rds through it.
Fun to shoot, feels like a 1911. Much cheaper to shoot than my 9mm.
Fairly accurate. Easy to break down and clean. Must be cleaned about every 100 rds. That might improve with better ammo. I'm using cheap stuff.
Main problem is the magazine. Holds 10, but does not feed properly with more than 6 bullets in mag.
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Re: Chiappa 1911-22
I just bought the Puma 1911-22. Don't know why, but the Puma was $50.00 less than the Chiappa 1911-22 in the same gunshop. Anyway, I wanted to comment on the customer service from the Chiappa office in Dayton, OH. I ordered 4 extra magazines for $19.95 each plus $5.00 for S&H. I called their sales department on 12/01/2010, yesterday, and the mags were on my doorstep (in Kentucky) today, Thursday, 12/02/2010. I haven't shot the pistol yet but hope to this weekend. I've disassembled it and lubed it with TW25 and it feels pretty good. I'll post the results of my range experience.
Re: Chiappa 1911-22
Interesting. Isn't the Puma the exact same pistol? 
I'll be interested to see how the Chiappas hold up, especially the plastic magazines. The 1911-22 I handled seemed inferior in quality to my old Gamo air pistol.
Plastic magazines, pot metal, and all... there is still something about it that I find appealing. I can't wait to find the first GSG or Umarex "1911" 22s to hit Virginia to compare.
I'll be interested to see how the Chiappas hold up, especially the plastic magazines. The 1911-22 I handled seemed inferior in quality to my old Gamo air pistol.
Plastic magazines, pot metal, and all... there is still something about it that I find appealing. I can't wait to find the first GSG or Umarex "1911" 22s to hit Virginia to compare.
Re: Chiappa 1911-22
When I compared the two in the store they looked the same. The store's website has them listed.ainokea wrote:Interesting. Isn't the Puma the exact same pistol?
I'll be interested to see how the Chiappas hold up, especially the plastic magazines. The 1911-22 I handled seemed inferior in quality to my old Gamo air pistol.
Plastic magazines, pot metal, and all... there is still something about it that I find appealing. I can't wait to find the first GSG or Umarex "1911" 22s to hit Virginia to compare.
www.budsgunshop.com
Re: Chiappa 1911-22
Well, I'm back from the range. The pistol functioned"OK" for a brand new firearm. The magazines, even though plastic, are solid and fed well. They remind me of the magazines that came with my SIG Trailside target pistol.
Now, let's talk about accuracy....this pistol put rounds all over the place! What I forgot to notice is that the barrel is fixed and the slide wiggles. DUH! Since the sights are attached to the slide they wiggle too. My first handguns were SIG's so I'm spoiled....I thought every handgun slide was well fitted to the frame.
Since I'm too ashamed to admit that I made an unwise purchase I'm going to try to learn how to make an inexpensive firearm behave better. Ya' know, silk purse/sow's ear, etc.
Wish me luck
Now, let's talk about accuracy....this pistol put rounds all over the place! What I forgot to notice is that the barrel is fixed and the slide wiggles. DUH! Since the sights are attached to the slide they wiggle too. My first handguns were SIG's so I'm spoiled....I thought every handgun slide was well fitted to the frame.
Since I'm too ashamed to admit that I made an unwise purchase I'm going to try to learn how to make an inexpensive firearm behave better. Ya' know, silk purse/sow's ear, etc.
Wish me luck
Re: Chiappa 1911-22
Well dang. Not the review I had hoped to hear, but not unexpected. I don't even think I thought twice about the slide. Anybody spot any GSGs or Umarexes in the wilds of VA? I might save up for a conversion kit after all.
Re: Chiappa 1911-22
I think this GSG 1911 will be my next purchase. I used the GunBroker FFL search and found a guy in Caroline Co. who can get them for $310 + tax. Green Top quoted over $350+tax. I don't think a lot of shops carry them, but you should be able to find someone who can order one. I was going to wait until I could find one at a show to pick up and evaluate, but I've read enough good online reviews about the GSG that I don't think i'll wait....ainokea wrote:Well dang. Not the review I had hoped to hear, but not unexpected. I don't even think I thought twice about the slide. Anybody spot any GSGs or Umarexes in the wilds of VA? I might save up for a conversion kit after all.
Re: Chiappa 1911-22
Answer: I have the 1911-22. 
It's fun.
However, comma, if they were available when I bout the Chiappa, I would have gone the GSG instead. The Chiappa is fun, but it's from a firm that focuses mostly on REPRODUCTIONS. I think the GSG would have been a better investment.
That does not mean I will be throwing the 1911-22 away. But it DOES mean it'll be a while before I get another .22 1911.
Not a sermon, just a thought.
Note: if you want to put a few rounds through it,
let me know..I'm a member at Sharpshooters and would be willing to let you try it.
It's fun.However, comma, if they were available when I bout the Chiappa, I would have gone the GSG instead. The Chiappa is fun, but it's from a firm that focuses mostly on REPRODUCTIONS. I think the GSG would have been a better investment.
That does not mean I will be throwing the 1911-22 away. But it DOES mean it'll be a while before I get another .22 1911.
Not a sermon, just a thought.
Note: if you want to put a few rounds through it,
let me know..I'm a member at Sharpshooters and would be willing to let you try it.The day they outlaw firearms is the day I become a criminal.