The GSG 1911-22 (Same as the SIG branded 1911-22) is an inexpensive 22LR pistol that mimicks the size, dimensions, and is even compatible with some 1911 parts. They’re about $450 in Canada but I picked mine up for $300 used. You can find GSG 1911-22 parts at Brownells.
GSG 1911-22 Specs
- Extended beaver tail safety grip
- Same look and feel of the M1911 parts
- Single action
- Many parts are M1911 parts
- Calibre: 22lr
- Mag cap: 10rds
- Barrel: 127mm
- Overall length: 218mm
- Fixed 3 dot sights
- Weight: 975g
What’s this gun good at?
The GSG 1911-22 fits into 1911 holsters and the mags fit into 1911 mag pouches so in my opinion, the clearest place to use it is as a 22LR action shooting pistol. Shooters who normally run a standard size 1911 in 45 or 9mm can swap this pistol onto their belt and run rimfire steel challenge or do action shooting practice on the cheap.
As such, this is also a decent starter pistol for youth getting into action shooting. Holsters and mag pouches to fit it are everywhere and you can upgrade the youth to a 9mm or 45acp 1911 when they’re ready and they’ll already be familiar with the feel and controls.
What’s this gun bad at?
Out of the box reliability from new can be bad on some pistols. There’s just not a lot of recoil power from 22LR and the 1911 frame to slide fit can be a challenge. GSG uses a lightweight slide to get it to reciprocate but any resistance on those rails can cause failures.
As such, the gun needs the following to run reliably:
- High velocity 22LR ammo (CCI minimags, etc)
- Cleaned fairly regularly
- Oiled
- Sometimes there’s a bit of overspray paint in the rails that needs to be removed
- You may need to run a thousand rounds through it to work it in
For just a range plinker, I think you’d be better served with a Ruger Mk III or IV. They’d be more reliable.
Aftermarket
Sights: I opted to swap my sights for some from Dawson Precision. Fibre front, black rear sights, as all things should be. Not a fan of the 3 dot sights it comes with.
Tandemkross offers an enhancement kit that replaces the guide rod, bushing, spring, and adds in a heavy buffer.
CWAccessories has some hilariously gamer options if you wanna go fast with your GSG 1911-22. *update: looks like they just do custom builds now?
And then. . .well, it takes a lot of 1911 parts so the world is your oyster. Slap on a bushing muzzle brake if you want.
Conclusion
While I really enjoy shooting my GSG 1911-22, the people who shoot it most are my sons. They shoot it in 3 gun, rimfire raceguns style shoots, and that kind of thing. It competes with the Glock 44 in those areas and while I think the Glock is better, it also costs quite a bit more.
So as a relatively inexpensive 22LR trainer or youth competition gun, it’s alright.