I did a search and couldn't find much on them here. Who has one, and how do you like them?
I am thinking of buying one simply because of cost and availibility of ammo these days. I could shoot my 1911 more.

I have been shooting a Kimber .22 top on a Kimber frame. Not a target gun but very reliable and great fun. It is an aluminum slide.

Just depends on what you're going to do with it - for bullseye work, choose a Marvel. Not many others will come close.

A Marvel likely won't fit in your 1911 holster, so if you're practicing for IPSC, try one of the Ciener or almost-Cieners.

Then again, a Ruger costs the same or LESS than most of these kits and is as accurate as any - which is why I shoot one in bullseye matches instead of buying a Marvel!

Mark

Whats an almost ciener?

Most of the "Non-Marvel" kits are Ciener under another name.

There were others like Kart, Pachmayr, Hoenig and one German maker that were also very good.

and steel unit by Jarvis ??

quote:

almost ciener

I had a Kart brand short govt length slide instead of the longer target version....it was made great and fit perfectly ....BUT ..it did require shooting and breaking in the unit and it was paticular about brand-and bullet shape/weight for complete fuction reliability....I had a Colt conversion years ago with the floating chamber or something and it was very difficult to get to fuction regularly......the New kimber factory fitted combos that are in use by shooting friends seem to work well ....but they still want their brand of ammo and fuction better after a few thousand rounds of ammo....according to their owners......hth...good luck and good shooting!!

most of the ace conversions don't work very well, only one that i know of that does is made by a guy in florida (i think that's where he's from)

Was just talkin' with a buddy last nite. He bought a Ciener, said point of impact was 10-12" above point of aim with the sights that come with the conversion, and they aren't adjustable.

I think the Ciener is the one made in Florida. Not sure. I was leaning towards one of them for either my Glock or 1911, I could just shoot one of them more and cheaper. Or I could just spend $200 on more .45acp!

But I have read a few negative comments on Ciener.

Look into it. Ciener is supposed to have NO customer support, and not a very good product, which is weird, since Marvel used to be his.

I've researched them a bit, and, the accurate Marvel #1 is 400 dollars.

If I'm going to spend that kind of money on a 22lr, well, I'll buy a 1911 in 9mm...

Yes, Jonathan is well known for his personality, especially in Class III circles.

GS, where did you hear that Marvel was once part of Ciener's operation? Unless I'm wrong, Al Marvel has run that for eons. His #1 is a top-notch bullseye rig, indeed. It's perfect for a wadgun or Ballgun shooter who already has a tuned .45 to put it on and it's about half the price of buying a Smith 41 for the game!

There's another outfit or two that make them that are neither Marvel or Ciener, so choices abound. Just matters what you want to do with it.

Mark

Mark:

I thought Ciener split off Marvel, and setup his own company.
I'd heard it was his patent, but, I could be wrong, and, hope I am.

Bottom line:
Marvel great marks
Ciener none.

Kudu,

Another quality one is Peters-Stahl. They're somewhat rare, but I've heard they're fine conversion kits, but as pricey used as a new Marvel.

Has anyone tried one of these?
Advantage Arms

I have lusted for the target conversion for several years now. Almost like a S&W 41!

A 22LR Conversion Kit for a 1911 is a great idea.

Over the years I have had a coule of the Colt ACE units, back when they were the only ones avialable.

But the best [non Bullseye Competition type] that I have used is the Wilson Combat.

Worth every penny.

Does Wilson make their own or is it made by Ciener? With some of the bad reviews about Ciener I think I would try the Advantge Arms.

kudu

Not sure who makes the Wilson unit, it could be Ciener, it does look like it.

Mine works good, but does not give match grade accuracy.

We have used them in the past - for the 1911 - and sadly all 3 broke. I must admit, though, that they were used to shoot cases and cases of ammo.
And in every case, the piece that has the ramp to feed the round into the barrel broke off.

On the Kimber, we have the target model, and I am not happy with it at all. It will eject high velocity rounds, but jams with target ammo.

I am very disappointed with it, especially as their 22 rifles are exceptionaly good.

That is very good information Saeed. I still haven't purchased one, I love to shoot my 1911's, and was thinking of a less expensive way to shoot them. But for the money, I think I will just shoot my .22 handguns and maybe get set up to reload my .45acp.