"Saga of a Sig: GSG 1911-22" by Nutnfancy

Not reliable in several outings, this Sig 1911-22 was sent back to Sig. Upon its return to TNP it did much better. This saga along with the results of all the outings is covered in this detailed Nutnfancy tabletop review on this 1911 .22 option. Competing against .22 1911 conversions like TacSol, Kimber, and Wilson Combat, this RTR .22 is made in Germany by GSG and marketed under the Sig name. It is functionally identical to other GSG 1911-22s. Different colors are offered. At 34 ounces, it mimics your centerfire 1911 well, with similar balance and ergos (discussed). Some low points in the design include a non-positive safety, a weird cupped beavertail, a magazine disconnect safety, proprietary slight dovetails, and of course errant reliability (until fixed). But in action we found the 1911-22 to be extremely accurate and fun. No a substitute for the real deal, the Sig .22 offers much improved economy and some practice with the 1911 form factor. Firepower is adequate at 10 rds though the Umarex produced 1911-22 beats its with 2 more rounds. Many say however this GSG 1911-22 is better built and it's removable barrel beats that gun. This limited edition FDE version also offers some 2nd Kind of Cool as well. Overall, when it's running well, this is a fun and enaging 1911 .22 that is recommended.////////////////Nutnfancy Likability Scale 8.5 out of 10 (after reliability mod)

[@WichitaFallFishKeeper]

I just bought one a month ago. I absolutely love this gun. After polishing the barrel and rails with Flitz and a dremel. It works great. Thanks Nutnfancy for this video.

[@pipozZz]

Congrats on another well done, informative and entertaining review. Your genuineness continues to come through loud and clear!

[@Stickman6O2]

Love the review Nutn! I have had my eye on one of these for a fungun and I think you just made up my mind. Keep it up. You are doing so much good for a lot of people who appreciate all your hard work. Stay happy and healthy good sir.

[@ColAngus04]

Thanks for the review man! I just won one of these in a Thanksgiving day sale at my local gun shop.Guns and Leather, Hendersonville, Tn..I picked it up on Sunday, put 300 rounds through it on Monday. Very similar results to your, except no,none,Nada,nil.failures. I was shooting Remington Golden Bullet. My gun has a tag saying it was built in April of 2012,so maybe some of your comments to Sig helped make my gun better! Thanks again, and Merry Christmas to everyone!. Yep I said Merry Christmas!

[@sevenscents1109]

I have the late model Sig 22 lr Made in Germany! I guess there is such a thing as the one in a million + The sights are not plastic! Their (Aluminum) I upgraded -before I put a round through it. "Extended stainless steel guide rod, & Beveled Aluminum Barrel alignment cap, with a slightly longer & lighter stainless steel spring", and polished the Guide ramp to a mirror finish. Also polished all the slide rails, and removed all the powder coating that got inside the main housing. Lightened up the hammer spring slightly, because mine was very stiff & hard to cock! Replaced the Diamond textured U.S. stamped Oak grips, with a wraparound style rubber finger grooved grips, also has a thumb grove for easy access to the Mag release! Anyway I started out with some German made RWS-1455 ft lbs, HV HP rd's and the gun preformed flawlessly! So I tried some various sub Sonic rd's & some HV 1200 ft lbs Federal and some CCI's & Winchester 1335 ft lb's the gun had no misses or fail to ejects at all yet! Also modified the Mags to hold 13 rd's with a shorter feed bumper & spring kit, from Nick, and yes, very accurate as most 22's are. I love this one, it's my No.(1)-22 single action pistol though its Nutnfancy! Thanks man.

[@stevetrainer7185]

+proverbs 8 .......U da man,,,, the Sig Sauer 1911-22 is my number one plinking gun,,, just love it,

[@stevetrainer7185]

+proverbs 8 .......U da man,,,, the Sig Sauer 1911-22 is my number one plinking gun,,, just love it,

[@WymoreWrangler]

I have a GSG, I've ran it for several years and run good ammo in it with no problems, very accurate hand gun... I also put thin grips on it, just like the rest of my 1911's...

[@joebobbyrobot]

ive had a few issues with mine but they were ammo related. Funny thing is that the "Sig" model is exactly the same as the GSG model, just different colors.

[@krtc76]

Great video..... Got mine a year ago.... Flawless with bulk ammo for a .22 - here is what I did.... Broke it down and sanded all the paint off anything that had metal to metal contact... Polished same areas, then lubed. Done. And don't let your finger hit that slide when firing. Also removed magazine disconnect. Great trainer, cheap to shoot. Fun. Great companion to my full size Rock Island. Two 1911's for 800 bucks. Can't beat that.

[@srvanddt1]

Mine ran fine out of the box with Federal bulk BUT before I even shot mine, I disassembled the slide and lubed the guides. I then cycled the slide by hand on the gun putting medium pressure on it. I did this for about 500 cycles. Cleaned it up and put it back together with no issues. Slide is a lot smoother now.

[@nathanielmisouri]

Run this in North Ontario, through 4 seasons NEVER any problems (beyond acceptable for bulk ammo) always bulk ammo, federal, winchester and blazer HP included started to run poor after about 1,500 rnds - not bad at all lol. Uhhh coating/paint whatever comes off quick with active holster use... find it shoots a little low at close yardage I think you can see that in the 5yrd drills too... spot on around 15-20. Notably, for high holds the grip safety can be a pain, a practiced firm grip out of the holster has been the best solution... Don't expect a high-end piece and you'll have a great time /$. Use to shoot a walther p22 it loved crap ammo too uhhh imo had better ergonomics also. Would like to have one again however couldn't say which I prefer over all.

[@bradwelch7524]

Thank you for your passion, honesty, and dedication. I just widh I found your channel years ago.

[@MrXd45c]

I have had a GSG 1911 22 for well over a year. We have put close to 4k rounds through it, most of those being Federal bulk 36 grain Hollow point copper coated and to date ZERO malfunctions. I have 3 mags total and boy are they expensive. My wife likes this pistol the most of all my guns :)

[@propdoctor21564]

Good video... I've had a GSG-1911-22 for almost a year now and have had very good service from it... I filed off the top edge of the beavertail and also the square edge of the left safety lever which irritated my thumb... I've got the muzzle adaptor installed and am waiting for my suppressor permit to come back from the ATF.

[@AKarnold1010]

I havent heard that jam at the beginning of one of your videos for a while. Brings back memories

[@jameschrisdavis]

Thanks for the awesome video, as usual. You can never have enough 22 pistols!!!

[@CheesewellFNP]

I agree with buying the entire .22 gun rather than a conversion kit, basically about the same price, but with more reliability.. great video Nuttin, I value your input.

[@delmlund]

Own a Sig 1911-22BL. Purchased Aug 2011. Have sent ~20,000 rounds out of it, still shooting straight and smooth. Had the original recoil spring guide snap at around 7-8k rounds. However a 5 minute call to sig and they had one in the mail (a improved model) with new spring as well. Arrived in just couple days. They say they recommend only ~2000 rounds for the recoil spring, so just to use there service they've sent me a couple, all free, only take a couple minute phone call(no questions asked).

[@Pahomestead]

just bought 10 for my high school team. Thanks nunfancy. your my teams hero.

[@stang_tarheel]

I bought the black version some time back and had to send it to Sig for repair twice (failure to feed, failure to extract, grip safety nonfunctional). The second time, they actually replaced the pistol, and while I was irritated enough with it by now that I didn't want to drive to my FFL to have the new one transferred, I am glad I did. Now it runs flawlessly, and it is a great suppressor host for my SilencerCo Sparrow. I just wish that they had gotten it right the first time. And BTW, the orange +4 magazine follower is only about $5, and you can pair this with a replacement baseplate for reliable 15+1 capacity.

[@tiggerr42431]

I broke it in using CCI ammo and carry it mowing and its one of my favorite plinking guns at the range for fun target shooting. It fits my fobus and it just feels good shooting with a 22 LR that is easy to target shoot for the cost. I just like it and loved the US handle.

[@randylovin]

@ 21:48-50ish, part #17 in the diagram will break after a few thousand rounds, on the GSG version. My friend and I were shooting his and the guidrod broke and shot out the front of the pistol into the range. He replaced it with a steel version that someone fabricates for this gun. It's been great ever since. Also beware of wear on the slide at the slidestop detent, the alloy slide is soft and the slidestop is a harder metal. we found that slingshotting the slide decreased the rate of wear.

[@travismcguire3790]

I believe the plastic sights have something to do with reducing mass of the slide as people report these are more finicky after adding steel sights

[@user-dv8ge8hf1o]

I picked up a Ciener .22 conversion kit for my 1911 when Brownells was clearing them out some years ago for about $200. Needed a bit of tweaking but it has run just fine on most ammo. Works on both my Para and SA. 14rds in the magazine.

[@Rangepurebh]

I love watching Nutnfancy while I do my homework!!!!!!!!!!!

[@Peter556NATO]

Just came back from the gun store and you'd be proud Nut'n. I got a box of .22lr and my dad almost got a Glock, but they didn't have the model he wanted.

[@InsipidRoustabout]

Just wanted to applaud Nutnfancy's continued argument for .22 trainers. Who knows how many rounds he's thrown, yet he still loves the 22!

[@Kitckentable]

Thanks for the review Nutn, keep pissing off the haters. why do people dislike videos, if you don't like it don't watch it, Duh.

[@bellofello1]

Great review as always nutn. A friend of mine has a GSG and he loves it. He was also experiencing some cold weather issues. But after it had some rounds through it, and was lubed with some Canadian winter friendly lube, it has run much better.

[@Gmaker202]

Excellent review. I own this pistol and I did notice some premature wear on the slide stop notch. MAKE SURE YOU OIL IT THERE. The slide release is steel and it's extra hard on the aluminum slide

[@justgonnastay]

Here's something I found interesting about SIG Sauer P226s: If you can find a P226 Classic 22, it's a full-on P226 frame with a factory .22 slide, for ~$550. Then you can buy their Caliber X-Change kit and turn it into a 9mm, .40 or .357 SIG for ~$300. So it's ~$850 for essentially two guns. Buying it as a centerfire first, then converting it to a .22 will cost you at least $1000 for the exact same equipment. Hmm... The catch is trying to find a Classic 22.

[@dschaos488]

My next gun was going to be a 22 mk3 hunter, but now I might consider a 1911-22. Thanks for another great review

[@dimestoreharry3344]

Yeah, I was going to order from CW, then I came across ZR Tactical Solutions who have the same GSG upgrade for slightly less. Really tightened up groups alot..Quality kit.

[@Jmpaolic24]

Always love it when you review guns I own. OTB mine ran without a hickup, loves CCI Blazer. About 2,000 rounds though it at this point and my biggest complaint is the wear on the finish...because it looks so darn cool. Paid 400.00, agree..it is fun to shoot!!

[@tristantrb]

Love your detailed pistol reviews. Please keep reviewing pistols, TNP reviews are the best.

[@joebobbyrobot]

Also i swapped out the recoil spring for a heaver one, that seems to take care of a lot of the issues with these guns. look into CW Accessories, small place out of Ohio that makes a lot of stuff for these things. Another note is lapping the gun in, my dad polished the rails that the slide rides on and it makes for a much smoother action.

[@xCyberbulletx]

Looks like you have a lot of experience. The production value of your videos is amazing. Oh wait you dont have any videos posted. Dude this channel is amazing because it is NOT scripted. You can not get data "for free" in this quality and quantity ANYWHERE! And dude please try to remember the name of the channel is "Nutnfancy". Not Actualdouchbag.

[@shcmoly]

Nutnfancy in HD - excellent !!!

[@Krzrk1man]

Thanks for the video! I was looking for a review on this pistol and now here it is.

[@dontcare187]

I have the GSG 1911-22 version. And I love mine, its currently my favorite gun to shoot. Mine even eats the federal bulk, after I did a initial break in of 500 rds of cci mini-mags.

[@MrXd45c]

I forgot to mention. There are TWO versions of this gun. The one I have all parts are metal and unbreakable. The other version was packaged with a fake suppressor for the longest time and many of the parts are plastic and breakable. If you have the plastic pieces version you can call GSG and get ALL new parts for free. You can also get free upgraded parts like the slide release lever. No charge at all. What an excellent company

[@AKjakomatic]

Another great table top, well done.

[@KillerSpud]

I should append my previous post. Out of the box my GSG ran like crap. It wouldn't make it through a magazine without a jam. After some research I took some 800 grit sand paper to the rails and pickup lug to clean the paint out of them. Now it runs flawlessly, I haevn't had a jam in at least a thousand rounds.

[@nutnfancy]

I asked Nutn about this and he said that he would polish the slide rails and polish the feed ramps. He also wanted to know why you weren't sending it back to Sig, even if it was just for the fact that Sig needs to know there are problems. Hope that helps. -- Veri

[@trixp5]

I never do this, but dude it's "more fun" not "funner"(you've been using this non-word a lot lately). ;) Love the vids brother, it makes my days at work funner!!! ;)- VIVA LA TNP!!!

[@nictaylor00]

I've done one on the Chiappa M9 22 but I just ran into an issue with it over the weekend. Seems the chamber has swelled or something and the cases are expanding way too much and blowing out the side. Sent fragments in my face. Will be contacting Chiappa in the morning.

[@trottheblackdog]

I refer to the thumb safety, a uniquely important control on a 1911. Southpaws have long ago learned to operate the mag release with our trigger finger or middle finger, as Colonel Jeff instructed. Only with a safety on both sides can a 1911 be truly usable by both hands.

[@0150r]

Dealing with ATI warranty of the GSG 1911-22 is frustrating. My gun came to me (brand new) without an extractor spring in early June 2014. It's now the middle of October 2014 and they haven't shipped me the part. They said the part is on order....I can't find a place to buy the part either.

[@ShootingUtah]

They do make an aluminum base plate for the GSG's. I can't remember the name of the company but NicTaylor00 has a KZbin channel and has a video on them. I think they make extensions for those who have put a mag well on there 1911-22's.

[@EquiptheDetonator]

You can still flick it down from the left side using the left thumb. It's uncomfortable, and takes longer, and it changes your grip slightly when taking it off safe, but it's still doable. It's by no means gamebreaking in that you can't use a 1911 left-handed without accommodations for lefties. Ambi safeties would be nice for that reason, but it's just that, nice, not required. If you want to argue about any other external safety (not 1911, or SAO), leave the safety off and keep it in DA.

[@Lonewulfz]

Thanks for the review! I'm going with the mark 3 hunter.

[@ZombieFlanders4073]

My GSG (same gun) is pretty much 100 percent reliable. The gun is compatible with most standard 1911 parts so right out of the box I replaced the main spring housing with a flat one to eliminate the magazine safety (I also added some other cosmetic parts). I also polished the frame and slide rails with a little metal polish to make the action smooth and in the last federal bulk pack I only had one hangup, which was after I had about 300 rounds through it in one session. I would recommend...

[@nutnfancy]

Just order it from the store and we'll ship it to wherever. Thanks! Doodle

[@pontiacmaniac2]

It's pretty common for people to refer to a 1911 as THE 45, as in many peoples minds, it is the quintessential 45 acp cambered hand gun.

[@Martin201158]

Thank you for your videos and all great work.

[@hammerdown9]

I had the ATI-GSG 1911-22 and it was a sweet looking gun, but my slide-stop notch got beat up due to the cheap slide material. Thankfully Davidson's took the gun back. This gun would be sweet if they beefed up the materials.

[@APRigs]

So glad your back man

[@TheRealNakedSavage]

great vid nutn, i want one of these and regret not picking it up last time i seen this same model.... looks sooooo sick

[@highlandbutch]

i'm looking at one of these just to have some cheap fun with and the plus is it will fit holster i already have for my sig 1911 5" stainless which i really like. thanks for the review

[@quietwyatt2004]

I have the Colt Rail Gun model in FDE. I got it almost 2 years ago for $289. I got lucky, mine eats everything I have fed it (approx. 600 rounds) with the occasional dud but no different than my Ruger 10/22. The slide is made out of a lite-softer metal so I do not use the slide-release after reload. Most places are asking $449 for these now.

[@booktaker]

I bought mine 18 months ago and it ran 95% on CCI Hi Velocity and would only run 45% on bulk pack (cheap) hollow point ammo of any kind. Then I was told to try CCI Blazer ammo that is just as cheap as any bulk pack .22 ammo. Since then it has ran 100%. I recommend CCI Blazer ammo for this firearm.

[@bb818usa]

Hey Nutn.......I have a Sig 1911 22 and luv it....accurate and fun gun to shoot.....thanks again for another great review/vid....

[@nictaylor00]

I know about the ciener. Just figured you might know know about the Chiappa since his video is a whole gun too. Thanks for watching!

[@ethr95awd]

Thank you for the 720p!!!! More please.

[@alexdanderroquemore]

Yet another great video. Great job!

[@GRMGR1]

I've been wanting one of those for a long time now. This vid resparked my interest.

[@Twistnthewind]

Do yourself a favor and purchase the upgrade from CW industries. Full length metal guide rod,better springs, and a plug system to eliminate the need for an allen wrench for takedown. Tears down just like all 1911s after the upgrade. Like you said the holdback on the slide is easily defeated. How tos all over you tube. Mine is very, very ammo picky. A polishing of the slide rails takes care of this for the most part, but sometimes still picky.

[@wtsimpson7]

A friend of mine has one and it key-holed badly at any distance and had FTFs with any ammo. He sent it back to SIG and I think they fixed it for him. Good customer service apparently at SIG, but they seem to put their reputation on the line more often nowadays.

[@DatNinjaPat]

i borrowed a friend's before for a range day. it was picky with ammo . it kept stove topping with superx rounds, and it did ok with federals.

[@LordTeaOfBiscuits]

heh, if you assume your average video length is 13mins (its probly higher tho) and every view is a complete view, thats means your fans have spent 24716639.7833 hours watching your vids, i mean seriously, nearly 25 million hours :O thats incredible :)

[@fighting17chicago]

Another Gun video! How lucky are we!

[@Justin.Franks]

Regarding the ambidextrous safety -- I'm a lefty and don't mind a standard single-sided 1911 safety at all. Being the minority (about 1 in 7), lefties live in a right-handed world and generally are good at using things designed for the majority. With a standard 1911 and its single-sided safety, I can easily engage or disengage it using my trigger finger as fast as I can with my thumb on a 1911 with an ambidextrous safety.

[@rsll510]

I would love to have a .45 style .22, but money is super tight so I will have to stick with my Buckmark. Another great review Nutn! I hope you had a nice thanksgiving with the family!

[@JM-nh8yp]

Just ordered one for $229, plus there is a $30 rebate now, so its $199. Wanted one for a long time, so had to get it at that price. That tells you what the mark up is in a lot of the stores that jack the price way up.

[@ninjagames]

Adam R Wow I have just had to drop £450 for one in the UK and that comes with a stupid 12" Barrel and a stick coming of the the back to make it UK legal. I abide by the law bud I sure hate it.

[@nictaylor00]

Greetings from Texas! Unfortunately they can not be shipped outside the US since it would violate some international arms laws. Hopefully GSG will come out with some soon.

[@richw1907]

I too bought one in winter of 10/11 and it totaly sucked, sent it back to Sig two times, first time came back, the smith was a snoty ass and didnt fix it second time Sig replaced berrel and tweeked it a bit now it runs fine, took 6 mounths, I got a M&P 22 that is 100% out of box, good vid thanks

[@southofamerica]

Thanks Nutn! I love your vids. Keep on enjoying life brother!

[@ArmedVegan]

Definitely would like to see a comparison with the Colt 22. The 2nd type of cool of the 1911 22's are too much not to pick one up. Thanks for sharing!

[@pontiacmaniac2]

I've had pretty good luck with my Chiappa as well. It's been a fun gun to tinker on, I'm planning a DuraCoat job pretty soon. It would be nice to swap parts like on the GSG, but you can still change out the grips with minor sanding. I also found a lightweight polymer mag funnel and it fit perfectly. It's one of my cheapest guns, but it's also one of my favorites.

[@tttpietje560]

Wow very interresting gun. Thanks Nutn!

[@c0c0asauce]

you are so original....it defies logic...

[@spons1982]

My Sig 1911 scorpion in 45 is having similar failure to chamber problems that I saw a few times with your .22. That was after a thorough cleaning as well. Thinking it is just Sig's tight tolerances with the chamber. I intend to send it back to Sig to fix.

[@kpsgoing]

Thanks nutn always love ur reviews

[@BlackJacket705]

I have a Sig 1911-22 no issues thus far, and really like it

[@thallium200]

Sweet looking 1911. Living here in Jersey Nutn it is easier to get a conversion kit. If I want to buy a .22 pistol I have to get the same permit I need for a 9mm, .40 or .45, 357, etc... I would rather get a full size pistol with a permit here than a .22. Sad but true.

[@tomtheman91]

CW accessories seem like a good place to get nice upgrades and they have a new heavier guide rod and stronger guide rod spring which on my friends gsg shot better groups. think they have a hole plug kit for the extra screw in the side so you dont have to take it out to disassemble the gun like you spoke about.

[@1demochad1]

Love nuttin vids!!! Gettin a m&p22. I watch the gun and shooting vids several time each... keep doing a great job!!!

[@pontiacmaniac2]

My bushing recently broke, I called them and they are sending me an upgraded bushing. The bushing gave way after around 2k rds. The fit and finish is not nearly as nice as the GSG or Sig, but mine works very well. I would consider getting another one, I saw that they are coming out with an officer sized 1911 as well.

[@cadrician]

Loved it! Thanks again Nutn!

[@MrSwat55]

Great vid Nutn keep em coming!

[@stevepowers5378]

You didn't mention that it comes with three different front sights. I was curious to know if you tried all three and how you came to choose the three dot one. I really like mine. It would have been cool if you brought up that the Sig mosquito .22 is not fa full size version of its counterparts and the value of having a full size .22 to practice with. Thanks for the review on this though I appreciate it.

[@Patriotalliance]

Just picked up one of these today.

[@rubenowns]

Bought this gun today!!!! :D absolutely love it

[@Stein0mite]

Nice review Nut'n. Might pick one up this weekend based off this.

[@qwertyuiop4halo]

Woops I guess I should have watched the video first before commenting. He mentions the Colt and says PFIDude had a good experience with it. And that he would prefer it because it is 12 rounds. Maybe the Colt is in my future. I've wanted to get it to go along with my Colt M4 .22

[@posjoey]

your best bet would be to buy a center fire rifle or pistol then get a 22 upper or slide for it. some 22s are dedicated for the 22.

[@ryan33111]

Great review accept now im on the fence more than ever about buying one.

[@pontiacmaniac2]

If you are willing to do some polishing on the contact points like the slide rails, barrel and barrel bushing, it should straighten up. I have the Chiappa 1911 and it runs great, for that kind of price I don't mind doing a few fine touches.

[@mrmidnight32]

With your jams did you keep track of what ammo you were running? I'm always quick do discredit 22lr "reliability problems" because people buy crap bulk 22 and don't realize its the ammo not the gun. But no one is smart enough to figure out the common denominator is low end 22. If it runs 100% on Fed/CCI its a reliable gun.

[@macster5187]

Mine blew up on me.... slide cracked from the chamber back and blew gas, powder, and fragments back in my face... Gonna call support about it... it was a really awesome trainer for someone who has never been a good shot with a pistol though, I would recommend this even with the failure I had. I believe it was a total fluke and the only other problem I had was the finish wearing off around the grip as well.. still ran solid up till the end

[@macster5187]

Cheap Remington bulk or something similar i believe.

[@macster5187]

it was more than likely a microscopic crack along the slide. Just a defect. After a few hundred rounds and some drills and such... well... things like that can show themselves. But I think the culprit is probably the slide material they used in order to make it light enough to function with 22lr reliably.

[@smcombs100]

What sigs have you owned? Local gun store has sigs for rent and hasn't had a single jam in 20,000 rounds. I have 5000 through my 229 with 0 problems.