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A Browning 1911-22 A1 Compact 10+1 .22 LR rimfire semi-auto gives you the timeless classic looks of a genuine M1911 but chambered in .22 LR and made with the best in modern technology. This matte black M1911 starts with an 85% scale version of the full-size M1911 .45 ACP. You can get it with either a 7075 T6 alloy or polymer frame. And thanks to make the full-size 1911-22 A1. But it also offers a shorter slide/shorter barrel classification it terms compact.

To arrive at the 85% scale, Browning went through an extensive research and prototyping project to determine the optimal size and feel. They evaluated everything from a 100% scale .22 LR all the way down to a 70% scale one. But 85% felt just right. It’s quite an accomplishment as the different parts and most traits including even the 17.5% grip angle are faithfully maintained. Note: one difference is the blow-back action operation. Disassembly and reassembly will also feel familiar to anyone who has owned a .45 ACP M1911.

The base 1911-22 A1 Full Size has a 4 1/4” length barrel, 5 1/2” sight radius, overall 7 3/8” length and 15 ounce weight. In comparison, the 1911-22 A1 Compact’s barrel is 3 5/8”, sight radius is 4 7/8” and overall length is 6 3/4”. In other words, all three traits are 5/8” shorter than the full-size version. The slide is shorter too of course. Despite all this, the weight saving is only an ounce, meaning weight comes in at 14 ounces. Still, that 5/8” (8.5%) shorter difference means easier concealment and thus increased portability.

The gun has a manual thumb safety and a grip safety. The single-action trigger feels like the original M1911 triggers: crisp, clean and predictable. Each 1911-22 A1 Compact has a 10-round single-stack polymer magazine. This Browning mag was designed for reliability and low maintenance with traits such as integrated twin follower relief buttons for easier and faster loading.

The base 1911-22 A1 Compact has a matte steel barrel, A1 front and A1 rear sights, matte black alloy frame, laser etched diamond checkering on the classic double diamond Grade I wood grips, matte black alloy solid trigger and trigger guard, a tough thermoplastic ABS case and more. But that’s just a starting point. Browning offers various models / configurations / upgrades with choices such as wood grips, Picatinny rails, G10 polymer grips, threaded or unthreaded muzzles, finish colors, ambidextrous safeties, sights, hammers, triggers, etc.

These guns are made in Salt Lake City, USA where Browning makes assorted other .22 LR guns.

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