redlightrich
New member
I purchased a 1991 at my LGS ( I could not take it at that point due to permit timing) and the next day, changed my mind. The LGS would only allow ( and begrudgingly so) a credit to another firearm.
Being this is a very small store, with limited selection, I took a Kimber Custom II.
After using it a few times, I was not very impressed, and I felt that my Ruger Talo 1911 was built using better materials. Don't get me wrong, the Kimber goes bang every time as a 45, so it really is subtleties that didn't allow me to warm up to it.
Anyway, I thought I would use the Kimber frame to create a target 22 pistol. I have already had experience with Kimbers 22 conversion kit, and felt it was a quality item. The only downside to the kit is the last round does not hold open, so I count.
I wanted to change the grips, so I first went to Kimber and bought their red, white and blue grips, which arrived as turquoise pink and off white ( with the center logo having ragged edges) so I sent that back to Kimber ( who recognize that this is an issue with this item).
So along I go, with my very expensive 22 pistol, but at least I like it when I use it. I also have the ability to go back to .45 at any time. This is very helpful in NJ where obtaining a pistol is not as quick as some other states.
Anyway, I have been drooling over the Cabot "American Joe" for some time. I will say, that without having fired it,but handling it extensively, it does feel like a top quality item. Even if I could afford it, I would have a hard time justifying the price tag. You can buy 6 or 7 very nice firearms ( probably more) for the 7500 dollar price tag. Gosh, the tax alone will buy you a decent firearm!!!
So off I go, having been exposed to the Cabot, and I look at their site. Lo and behold, I find that I can afford, and justify the purchase of the grips of the American Joe.
I took the Kimber credit ( for my returned Kimber grips) , added about 60 dollars, and here is my Kimber Custom II, converted to a 22lr, with American Joe grips. I find the pistol to be just about right now. Yes, it is an expensive way to get a 22lr pistol, but finally, after my tinkering, fitting of the original slide lock and safety, I have a pistol that functions well, feels good in my hand, and is accurate and reliable.
There is no moral to my story, except I guess I should be more careful with my purchases. Luckily I have a love for 22lr, so converting is not a problem for me. I also feel that I took a gun that would probably sit in my safe, and made it a gun that I often take with me when I go shooting.
Being this is a very small store, with limited selection, I took a Kimber Custom II.
After using it a few times, I was not very impressed, and I felt that my Ruger Talo 1911 was built using better materials. Don't get me wrong, the Kimber goes bang every time as a 45, so it really is subtleties that didn't allow me to warm up to it.
Anyway, I thought I would use the Kimber frame to create a target 22 pistol. I have already had experience with Kimbers 22 conversion kit, and felt it was a quality item. The only downside to the kit is the last round does not hold open, so I count.
I wanted to change the grips, so I first went to Kimber and bought their red, white and blue grips, which arrived as turquoise pink and off white ( with the center logo having ragged edges) so I sent that back to Kimber ( who recognize that this is an issue with this item).
So along I go, with my very expensive 22 pistol, but at least I like it when I use it. I also have the ability to go back to .45 at any time. This is very helpful in NJ where obtaining a pistol is not as quick as some other states.
Anyway, I have been drooling over the Cabot "American Joe" for some time. I will say, that without having fired it,but handling it extensively, it does feel like a top quality item. Even if I could afford it, I would have a hard time justifying the price tag. You can buy 6 or 7 very nice firearms ( probably more) for the 7500 dollar price tag. Gosh, the tax alone will buy you a decent firearm!!!
So off I go, having been exposed to the Cabot, and I look at their site. Lo and behold, I find that I can afford, and justify the purchase of the grips of the American Joe.
I took the Kimber credit ( for my returned Kimber grips) , added about 60 dollars, and here is my Kimber Custom II, converted to a 22lr, with American Joe grips. I find the pistol to be just about right now. Yes, it is an expensive way to get a 22lr pistol, but finally, after my tinkering, fitting of the original slide lock and safety, I have a pistol that functions well, feels good in my hand, and is accurate and reliable.
There is no moral to my story, except I guess I should be more careful with my purchases. Luckily I have a love for 22lr, so converting is not a problem for me. I also feel that I took a gun that would probably sit in my safe, and made it a gun that I often take with me when I go shooting.
