I just ordered a Kimber Raptor II. I should get it around mid November. I’m also interested in the .22 conversion kit. Anyone have any experience with it? Worth the 250-300 bucks?
I had one, it was pretty reliable as long as it was well lubed and was shooting hi-velocity rounds through it, but for some reason it just didn’t feel “right” and I sold it. Seems to be pretty popular with most owners, if you plan on shooting it a lot seems to be a good investment as .45 is retarded expensive these days. Sadly my Kimber is just a safe queen these days…
I bought one from a guy who had one for his wilson? think it was. He said it didn’t like to run very well on his, being tight. I’ve used it a good bit on my milspec operator and it runs like a champ. Been very pleased with it.
Thats why I kind of want one. I want to shoot alot. I figure I could shoot .22 most of the time, and practice .45 here and there. It looks like an easy enough changeover…
I have one on the EE. They prefer to run with CCI Mini Mags or other hot loads. I purchased it for a training gun and for my daughter to shoot with, but I never seem to shoot my Kimber any more so it’s sat in the back of the safe for some time. Change over is just a switch of the slide.
Thanks for your guys input. I’m going to pick one up when I get my Kimber. SHould be a lot of fun…
I have one and at first I was disappointed in it because it would not run with Walmart Federal bulk 22 ammo. The whole reason I bought it was to run cheap 22 ammo in it for plinking and some light training. Having to run Mini-Mags in it was defeating the purpose.
Later on I discovered the Remington bulk packs of Golden Bullets at Walmart and it runs great with those. They have a little extra power to run the slide. I also use a light oil on all the contact points and clean it about every 300 rounds. It will hang up about once every 100-150 rounds which is typical of most any 22 I have run when using bulk ammo. So far I have about 1500 rounds through it without any mechanical issues.
Accuracy is as good as most 22 autos on the market. From what I have read, the Marvel kits are more accurate.
You lost me on Marvel kits…This Kimber is my first handgun and I don’t know much about them. I look forward to taking some classes next month.
If I understand right. You can mix match kits of a different brand then your gun?
Chris, Midway has the Kimber units on sale this month.
Got a link?
Edit: I found the site. It’s only 20 dollars off. Thanks for the info though. I want to look more into the Marvel kit. There website is saying there 2nd to none. I like there cockyness…
My dad has one for his SA Loaded. Firing pin lodged where it was protruding from the bolt after less than 50 rnds. Sent it back, Kimber made the repairs and has been problem free since(no Remington). I’m guess he’s shot a couple of bricks through it.
This is the Marvel kit:
http://www.midwayusa.com/viewproduct/?productnumber=534360
Neither the Kimber or Marvel kits are setup to lock open on an empty mag.
You may want to check out the Tactical Solutions conversion as well:
http://www.tacticalsol.com/products/22-lr-conversions?page=shop.product_details&flypage=flypage.tpl&product_id=27&category_id=10
Just my .02 on the TacSol. Great running conversion kit and very very well bit. The mags are some of the best built ones I have ever seen on any gun or kit. They do say on their website that it does go to slide lock on the last round but I found this to be true only about 50% of the time. This was using it on two Colt frames and a Kimber (YMMV). Also if you are using this kit to train with and run a tight holster such as a kydex it will not fit because it does not have traditional 1911 lines and the front sight is very tall. Here is a pic of mine and you can tell the lines are very different than a ‘standard’ 1911 profile:
Come to think of it the TacSol would not fit my Safariland either. I am not trying to down TacSol, just giving some one who is considering it things to think of before a purchase. It is a very good conversion kit but it does have its drawbacks like everything else does.