Browning 1911-22

by
posted on December 2, 2013
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
2011122182019-w7609tar-2215lead_m.jpg

Smaller incarnations of full-size guns aren’t necessarily a recent phenomenon-nor are full-size models that have been chambered in substantially smaller calibers. Rimfire versions of service revolvers and semi-automatics have always been popular for training and plinking purposes, and conversion kits have made it easy for target shooters to turn select models into .22 caliber pistols with relative ease. Browning took the concept to a different level, though, with the release of its miniaturized 1911-22.

Approximately 85 percent the size of a standard M1911A1, the .22 Long Rifle blowback 1911-22 emulates the lines of its parent model. Made entirely in the United States, the little pistol’s slide and frame are constructed from aircraft-grade T6 aluminum alloy, which is both durable and keeps the gun’s weight down to an even one pound. For added strength and proper function, the slide is fitted with a steel block that encloses the firing pin and extractor.

Because the gun is a blowback, the barrel is rigidly secured to the frame by a slide stop pin-but, aside from that and the obligatory changes to the magazine, the 1911-22 incorporates nearly all of the features of the famous .45 ACP original, including the 17.5-degree grip angle.

Technical Specifications:

Caliber: .22 Long Rifle
Action Type:
single-action, blowback-operated semi-automatic pistol
Barrel:
4¼" steel, button-rifled, target-crowned
Magazine:
detachable, 10-round-capacity box
Sights:
fixed-blade front, drift-adjustable square-notch rear
Trigger: single-action, 4-lb., 12-oz. pull
Stocks:
checkered polymer
Overall Length:
7 1⁄16"
Weight:
16 ozs.
MSRP:
$600

Latest

Taurus Expedition Rifleman Review 1
Taurus Expedition Rifleman Review 1

Rifleman Review: Taurus Expedition

Taurus entered the bolt-action rifle market with its Expedition, a Remington 700-pattern design that's built to be versatile and affordable.

New For 2025: Charter Arms Pathfinder II

Charter Arms updated one of the oldest models in its lineup with the new Pathfinder II, which features a lightweight 7075 aluminum frame, making it more well-balanced and easier to carry.

Review: Kimber 2K11

The 2011-style pistol was designed to address the capacity limitations of the single-stack M1911 platform, and Kimber's approach to the concept is its 2K11, a competition-ready offering with several notable features.

Favorite Firearms: A High-Flying Hi-Standard “A-D”

Manufactured in New Haven, Conn., in late 1940, this Hi-Standard pistol was shipped as a Model “A,” but a heavier Model “D” barrel was installed later to replace the original, light barrel, leading one American Rifleman reader to call it a Model “A-D.”

Ruger Helps Families In Need Through The Kids & Clays Foundation

In the effort to help tens of thousands of critically ill children and their families across the nation through local Ronald McDonald Houses, Ruger is among some of the industry’s foremost Platinum-level sponsors of The Kids & Clays Foundation.

Unlocking The Future: Smith & Wesson's "No Lock" Revolvers

The future is shaping up to be a good one for fans of Smith & Wesson revolvers. The iconic American company had released 14 new models thus far in 2025 at the time this was written mid-year. And, with one exception, they have all shared a common feature—no internal lock.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.