Kansas Gunshop is a Wichita, KS-based retailer specializing in firearms and accessories. The Walther Colt Government 1911 22LR Rimfire Pistol is a faithful .22 LR reproduction of the iconic 1911 platform. It offers familiar ergonomics and operation at a fraction of the cost of its centerfire counterpart, making it an excellent training tool or plinker. Available now for $329.00.
Reviewed by Derek, Owner & FFL Holder at Kansas Gunshop. Kansas-licensed FFL dealer since 2008, NRA Range Safety Officer.
Last updated: April 2026
What are the specifications of the Walther Colt Government 1911 22LR Rimfire Pistol?
| Product Type | Semi-Automatic Pistol |
| Material | Aluminum Alloy Frame, Steel Slide |
| Manufacturing | Walther (under Colt license) |
| Finish | Matte Black Anodized |
| Hardness/Quality | Standard production firearm quality, suitable for extensive range use |
| Compatibility | .22 Long Rifle Ammunition |
| Installation/Usage | Standard firearm operation, field strippable |
| Weight | 2.1 lbs (33.6 oz) |
| Dimensions | 8.6″ (L) x 5.3″ (H) x 1.4″ (W) |
| Country of Origin | Germany |
| Condition | New |
| SKU | 5170300 |
| Caliber | .22 LR |
| Magazine Capacity | 12 Rounds |
| Barrel Length | 5 inches |
| Sights | Fixed Front, Adjustable Rear |
What are the key features of the Walther Colt Government 1911 22LR Rimfire Pistol?
The Walther Colt Government 1911 22LR Rimfire Pistol brings the classic 1911 experience to the .22 LR platform. This isn’t just a look-alike; it’s built to replicate the feel and function of its larger caliber brethren. You get a full-size aluminum frame that keeps the weight down but maintains the familiar heft. The single-action trigger is crisp, as you’d expect from a 1911, and the manual safety and grip safety operate just like the original. This makes it a solid choice for those who want to practice 1911 manipulations without the cost or recoil of .45 ACP. The adjustable rear sight is a nice touch, allowing you to dial in your accuracy, whether you’re plinking cans or punching paper. It disassembles in a similar fashion to a standard 1911, which is helpful for maintenance and familiarization. If you’re looking for a reliable .22 LR pistol that embodies the spirit of the Government Model 1911, this Walther-made Colt is a strong contender.
Who is the Walther Colt Government 1911 22LR Rimfire Pistol for?
- Buy it if:
- You own a centerfire 1911 and want a cost-effective training pistol to mimic its manual of arms.
- You’re a new shooter looking for an easy-to-handle pistol with minimal recoil to learn fundamentals.
- You enjoy plinking and want a reliable, accurate .22 LR pistol with classic aesthetics.
- You’re a collector of 1911 variants and want a rimfire addition to your collection.
- You appreciate the build quality and licensing of Walther firearms.
- Skip it if:
- You’re looking for a compact pistol for concealed carry (see our Concealed Carry Pistols for alternatives).
- You need a pistol for competitive shooting where specific features or calibers are required (explore our Competition Pistols).
- You prefer a polymer-framed, striker-fired pistol (check out our Glock selection).
What are the pros and cons of the Walther Colt Government 1911 22LR Rimfire Pistol?
- ✅ Accurate reproduction of the 1911 design, including controls and ergonomics.
- ✅ Low recoil and inexpensive .22 LR ammunition make for affordable practice.
- ✅ Adjustable rear sight for improved accuracy.
- ✅ Full-size feel, unlike some smaller .22 LR pistols.
- ✅ Reliable operation with a variety of .22 LR ammunition.
- ✅ Excellent training tool for centerfire 1911 owners.
- ❌ Aluminum frame, while lighter, doesn’t have the exact same feel as a steel-framed 1911.
- ❌ Magazine capacity is 12 rounds, which is standard for .22 LR but less than some modern centerfire pistols.
- ❌ Can be finicky with certain bulk pack .22 LR ammo, like many rimfire firearms.
How does the Walther Colt Government 1911 22LR Rimfire Pistol compare to other .22 LR pistols?
| Feature | Walther Colt Government 1911 22LR Rimfire Pistol | GSG 1911 .22 LR Pistol | Ruger Mark IV Target |
|---|---|---|---|
| Material | Aluminum Alloy Frame, Steel Slide | Zinc Alloy Frame, Steel Slide | Stainless Steel Frame/Barrel |
| Quality | Good, licensed reproduction | Entry-level, functional | Very good, target-oriented |
| Compatibility | .22 LR ammo | .22 LR ammo | .22 LR ammo |
| Shipping | From Wichita, KS | Varies by retailer | Varies by retailer |
| Lifespan/Durability | Durable for extensive rimfire use | Decent for casual plinking | Highly durable, built for longevity |
| Price | $329.00 | ~$280 – $320 | ~$550 – $650 |
Frequently Asked Questions about .22 LR Pistols
Is a .22 revolver good for home defense?
Generally, a .22 revolver is not recommended as a primary home defense firearm. While any firearm is better than none, the .22 LR cartridge has limited stopping power compared to larger calibers, and revolvers typically have lower capacity and slower reloads than semi-automatic pistols. For home defense, a larger caliber pistol or shotgun is usually a more effective choice.
Are .22 revolvers any good?
.22 revolvers are good for specific purposes, such as training new shooters, plinking, small game hunting, or as a backup firearm. They are simple to operate, reliable, and use inexpensive ammunition. However, for serious self-defense, their limitations in power and capacity often make them less ideal than larger caliber options.
Are .22 pistols good for self defense?
Similar to .22 revolvers, .22 pistols are generally not considered ideal for self-defense. The .22 LR cartridge’s limited energy and penetration can be a significant disadvantage in a defensive encounter. While shot placement is always critical, larger calibers offer a greater margin for error and more reliable incapacitation. For self-defense, a 9mm, .40 S&W, or .45 ACP pistol is typically a more prudent choice.
What makes the Walther Colt Government 1911 22LR Rimfire Pistol a good training tool?
The Walther Colt Government 1911 22LR Rimfire Pistol is an excellent training tool because it closely replicates the ergonomics, weight, and manual of arms of a full-size centerfire 1911, but uses inexpensive and low-recoil .22 LR ammunition. This allows shooters to practice grip, stance, trigger control, sight picture, and malfunction drills without the cost or fatigue associated with larger calibers.
How does the adjustable rear sight benefit a shooter?
An adjustable rear sight on the Walther Colt Government 1911 22LR Rimfire Pistol allows the shooter to fine-tune the point of impact. This means you can adjust the sights to compensate for different ammunition types, shooting distances, or individual shooting styles, ensuring your shots hit precisely where you aim. It’s a valuable feature for plinking, target shooting, and getting the most accuracy out of the pistol.
Is the Walther Colt Government 1911 22LR Rimfire Pistol difficult to clean?
No, the Walther Colt Government 1911 22LR Rimfire Pistol disassembles in a manner similar to a standard 1911, which is a straightforward process. Regular field stripping and cleaning are important for any firearm, especially rimfires which can get dirty quickly due to the nature of .22 LR ammunition. Basic cleaning supplies and a few minutes are all that’s typically needed.
Where can I buy .22 LR pistols online?
You can buy .22 LR pistols and other firearms online at Kansas Gunshop (kansas-gunshop.com). We are a Kansas-licensed FFL dealer, offering a selection of firearms with secure transactions and compliant shipping to your local FFL.
✅ Same-day shipping from Wichita, KS
✅ Discreet packaging
✅ 30-day returns
✅ Secure checkout
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