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  • Dawico

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    Oct 15, 2009
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    My local gun store had a 22TCM/ 9mm Rock Island combo for a good price so I picked it up. While I am not a 1911 fanboi I do appreciate their merits even though I talk down on them quite a bit.

    RIA has really upped their game in the affordable 1911 market so I figured for the price it was worth a shot to get a 1911 back in the safe after a long hiatus.

    The 22TCM has been around for years and doesn't seem to be going anywhere for the foreseeable future. Some of this can be attributed to the very low recoil of the round and the fact that these pistols usually come with parts to shoot 9mm also. Essentially two guns for the price of one. They share a magazine as well so a barrel and recoil spring swap and you are ready to go.

    The 22TCM boasts 2,000 fps with 39-40 grain bullets which puts it right inline with the 22 Magnum and the FN 5.7 round. I will discuss reloading the TCM which is where it really walks away from these two.

    I think the introduction of the Ruger 5.7 will help renew interest in this round as another option in the centerfire 22 catagory. Who knows though, it may hurt it as the 22TCM doesn't see much advertisement.

    A picture comparison of the 22lr, 22TCM, 5.7, 9mm, and the 5.56x45.

    You can see why the TCM and 9mm are compatible in a combination platform. The 22TCM is actually a cut down 223 case though, not a necked down 9mm.
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    Dawico

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    Shooting the 22TCM.

    I was surprised how little muzzle flip the TCM had. I figured the steel slide would rock upwards more but it really didn't. This is a very light shooting round from the 1911 platform.

    The weather wasn't the best for a real accuracy test but the RIA still did pretty well. It was 45° and raining.

    Offhand unsupporter shooting produced a 4" or so group and supported shooting didn't really bring it down much. This was me placing my arms on a wet bench so that didn't help. The other issue is the front sight is solid black and I have never done well with a black sight against a black target. Replacing or painting it will be done soon.

    The pistol is brand new so I expected some issues even though the owner's manual didn't give a specific break in period or round count.

    50 rounds of factory 22TCM went off without a hitch. No issues at all. They do produce quite the fireball too. Easy to see in the overcast conditions.

    I then swapped the barrel and recoil spring to the 9mm. I also got out my Glock 17 for a little comparison. Obviously the grip angle, trigger feel, and overall shooting were different but not enough to have any difficulty switching back and forth. I was testing a 30 round ETS magazine in the Glock so the overall weight wasn't that much different.

    Recoil for both was about the same and well within the realm of normal 9mm shooting.

    Both pistols produced about the same size groups at 15 yards. The Glock does have some advantages though to be honest. It has better sights, it is my preferred handgun, and the Rock Island has the aforementioned black on black disadvantage.

    I was shooting my handloads in both guns so keep that in mind. I shot about 100 rounds through each gun.

    The Glock had one failure to fire but a second hit sent it off. Maybe an improperly seated primer?

    The Rock Island had two failures to go into battery, about 70 rounds into the session. A little tap on the back of the slide and it was good to go. Maybe a break in issue or tighter chamber not liking my completed rounds?

    I didn't have any factory ammo to test but will next time.

    Slides locked back on empty magazines for both so I don't believe the power of the rounds played a part.

    Either way both were enjoyable to shoot.
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    Dawico

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    So here's where the 22TCM really is going to shine. Reloading.

    ASW carries all the componants for reloading the 22TCM.

    https://www.ammosupplywarehouse.com/west/index.php?main_page=index

    100 projectiles for $7 or 1,000 for $60. Projectile selection is limited but for this price why even look elsewhere?

    100 primed cases for $17 or 1,000 for $160.

    Dies are readily available for normal prices and these aren't meant for a crimp so the reloading process is simple and standard.

    Reloading data is hard to come by but the factory has released a 10gr maximum charge using H110 or W296.

    Yes, one pound of powder will load about 700 rounds.

    The advantage over reloading the 5.7 is these cases don't have that laquer on them that needs to be preserved plus no crimped in primers to deal with. Figure in the price difference of componants and it's a simple decision to me.

    Factory ammo for the TCM is cheaper than ammo for the 5.7 too.
     

    Dawico

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    Long story short, if you are looking for a low recoil option in centerfire ammo shooting take a look at the 22TCM. This would be a great option for new shooters stepping into the full sized handgun arena.

    Ammo is readily available as well as reloading componants.

    A full sized 1911 as well as Glock conversion kits are available.

    ARs and a bolt action rifle for this round are also available.

    My Rock Island only came with one magazine but spares are available.

    If you have been thinking about a 22 centerfire handgun my opinion is to go for the 22TCM. You won't be disappointed.
     

    TxStetson

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    I got invited to go jackrabbit hunting in Notrees with a couple fellers a few years back, and one of them carried a 22 TCM rifle and pistol that used the same mags, the other had a TC Encore in 5.7 and I was using a Marlin 22 Mag. It was immediately obvious I was greatly outgunned. Both of those rounds dwarfed my 22 mag as far as distance and damage to target was concerned. When comparing jackrabbit carcasses, the 22 mag caused a good amount of damage if I was close enough, but the 5.7 would cause considerably more damage at longer distances. The 22 TCM would cause even more damage at even longer distances. I watched the 22 TCM take out a very large bird at 130 yards and leave nothing more than a cloud of feathers and a nasty pair of wings behind.
     
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    ZX9RCAM

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    In reference to seeing black sights against a black background, I have the same problem.

    I turn targets around, place several 1" orange dots, and it's much easier.
     

    benenglish

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    Glock conversion kits are available
    I hadn't heard of those so I did a little research. It's too bad they aren't more affordable. Instead of being just a barrel swap, there's a whole slide that comes in the kit.

    Still, I'm intrigued. I can definitely see a use for it as a way to introduce students to blast and flash without introducing recoil. IMO, new shooters profit greatly by understanding the difference between those things.
     

    robertc1024

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    I hadn't heard of those so I did a little research. It's too bad they aren't more affordable. Instead of being just a barrel swap, there's a whole slide that comes in the kit.

    Still, I'm intrigued. I can definitely see a use for it as a way to introduce students to blast and flash without introducing recoil. IMO, new shooters profit greatly by understanding the difference between those things.
    The TCM will definitely introduce them to blast and flash. A comfy round to shoot though.
     

    Younggun

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    From what I recall, the .22 TCM uses double stack .38 Super magazines. Not as common as others, but should be easy enough to find.




    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
     

    candcallen

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    Shooting the 22TCM.

    I was surprised how little muzzle flip the TCM had. I figured the steel slide would rock upwards more but it really didn't. This is a very light shooting round from the 1911 platform.

    The weather wasn't the best for a real accuracy test but the RIA still did pretty well. It was 45° and raining.

    Offhand unsupporter shooting produced a 4" or so group and supported shooting didn't really bring it down much. This was me placing my arms on a wet bench so that didn't help. The other issue is the front sight is solid black and I have never done well with a black sight against a black target. Replacing or painting it will be done soon.

    The pistol is brand new so I expected some issues even though the owner's manual didn't give a specific break in period or round count.

    50 rounds of factory 22TCM went off without a hitch. No issues at all. They do produce quite the fireball too. Easy to see in the overcast conditions.

    I then swapped the barrel and recoil spring to the 9mm. I also got out my Glock 17 for a little comparison. Obviously the grip angle, trigger feel, and overall shooting were different but not enough to have any difficulty switching back and forth. I was testing a 30 round ETS magazine in the Glock so the overall weight wasn't that much different.

    Recoil for both was about the same and well within the realm of normal 9mm shooting.

    Both pistols produced about the same size groups at 15 yards. The Glock does have some advantages though to be honest. It has better sights, it is my preferred handgun, and the Rock Island has the aforementioned black on black disadvantage.

    I was shooting my handloads in both guns so keep that in mind. I shot about 100 rounds through each gun.

    The Glock had one failure to fire but a second hit sent it off. Maybe an improperly seated primer?

    The Rock Island had two failures to go into battery, about 70 rounds into the session. A little tap on the back of the slide and it was good to go. Maybe a break in issue or tighter chamber not liking my completed rounds?

    I didn't have any factory ammo to test but will next time.

    Slides locked back on empty magazines for both so I don't believe the power of the rounds played a part.

    Either way both were enjoyable to shoot. View attachment 198077 View attachment 198078 View attachment 198079

    Just for information.

    You cant accuracy test in the rain. Rain drops will deflect bullets. So dont think that's the result of just wet tables.

    I would love to see you try it again though.

    Thanks for the info.
     
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