The Advantage Arms Glock 19 .22LR conversion kit has earned a reputation among budget-conscious shooters and training enthusiasts. But does it live up to the hype? This in-depth review will explore the kit's features, performance, reliability, and overall value, helping you decide if it's the right choice for your needs. We'll go beyond the surface-level praise and critique to provide an honest assessment based on extensive testing and real-world experience.
What's in the Box and Initial Impressions
The Advantage Arms kit typically includes the .22LR conversion slide, a .22LR magazine, and sometimes additional accessories depending on the retailer. The build quality is surprisingly good for the price point. The slide feels robust and well-machined, although it's noticeably lighter than the factory Glock 19 9mm slide. The .22LR magazine is well-constructed and feeds reliably in most cases (more on this later). First impressions are generally positive; it's a relatively straightforward setup with minimal fuss.
Installation and Ease of Use
Installation is generally considered simple. The process involves removing your Glock 19's existing slide, replacing it with the Advantage Arms .22LR slide, and inserting the provided .22LR magazine. The entire process should only take a few minutes, even for first-time users. The fit is generally snug and secure, further inspiring confidence in its design.
Performance and Reliability: The Heart of the Matter
This is where opinions diverge. While many users report satisfactory performance with minimal issues, others have experienced malfunctions, primarily related to feeding and extraction. Our testing revealed a mixed bag. The kit functioned reliably with certain types of .22LR ammunition, specifically those with a consistent and robust cartridge design. However, cheaper, less-reliable ammunition led to frequent jams. This points to a crucial aspect: ammunition selection significantly impacts the reliability of the Advantage Arms kit. Using high-quality, name-brand .22LR ammunition is strongly recommended to maximize performance and minimize frustration.
Key Performance Observations:
- Accuracy: The accuracy is surprisingly good for a .22LR conversion kit. Groups were acceptable at typical pistol ranges, making it suitable for plinking, casual shooting, and even some basic training drills.
- Feeding Issues: As mentioned, feeding problems can occur, especially with lower-quality ammunition. Proper lubrication also plays a role in minimizing malfunctions.
- Recoil: Recoil is exceptionally mild, making it ideal for new shooters or those seeking a low-recoil training option.
- Extraction/Ejection: While mostly reliable, occasional extraction issues were observed, again largely dependent on the ammunition used.
Cost and Value Proposition
The Advantage Arms Glock 19 .22LR conversion kit offers an undeniable advantage in terms of cost-effectiveness. Shooting .22LR is significantly cheaper than shooting 9mm, making it an appealing option for high-volume training. The initial investment pays for itself quickly when considering the reduced cost of ammunition. However, remember that consistent reliability might require investing in high-quality .22LR ammo, negating some of the cost savings.
Who is this Kit For?
The Advantage Arms Glock 19 .22LR conversion kit is best suited for:
- Budget-conscious shooters: Those looking to save money on ammunition costs for practice and plinking.
- New shooters: The extremely low recoil makes it an ideal training tool for those new to handguns.
- Experienced shooters: Experienced shooters can use it for additional training without the expense of 9mm ammunition.
Who Should Look Elsewhere?
This kit might not be the ideal choice for:
- Competitors: The occasional reliability issues might be unacceptable in competitive shooting scenarios.
- Those seeking absolute reliability: While generally reliable, it’s not a guaranteed jam-free experience, especially with inexpensive ammo.
- Users prioritizing pinpoint accuracy: While accurate, it won't reach the precision of a dedicated .22LR pistol.
Conclusion: A Solid Budget Option with Caveats
The Advantage Arms Glock 19 .22LR conversion kit offers an attractive value proposition for budget-minded shooters and those seeking a low-recoil training option. However, it's crucial to understand its limitations. Reliability hinges heavily on ammunition selection, and occasional malfunctions are possible. If you're looking for an inexpensive way to practice, and you're willing to invest in good quality .22LR ammunition and understand the caveats, then this kit is a worthy consideration. However, those seeking unwavering reliability and top-tier accuracy should consider a dedicated .22LR pistol instead.
