Details of the Marvel Precision conversion kit for 1911 and 2011 pistols

The tested rimfire conversion kits from above: the Marvel Precision (r.) kit offers the option of mounting a red dot sight as well as a high-quality micrometer sight. With the CZ Kadet, the user has to make do with a height-adjustable rear sight.

The brainchild of Bob Marvel (Bob Marvel Custom Guns), the Marvel Precision conversion kit for 1911 or 2011 pistols is available for guns with a classic slim single-stack frame or with a voluminous “high capacity” double-stack frame, and is now manufactured by the US company Frerking Custom Works (FCW). It is known for its high quality, functional reliability and precision. With the large number of 1911/2011 manufacturers, there are tolerances in production, which means that minor adjustments may be necessary when fitting the lower frame and the Marvel upper. In the case of our STP Sentry, however, after a quick look at the operating and assembly instructions, we were able to start “plug & play” straight away. Marvel offers two versions of the conversion kit, made from a high-quality 7075 aluminium alloy or from heavy steel respectively, with the latter weighing around 115 to 140 grams more depending on the version. The aluminum version has a steel insert in the area of ​​the breech face and the firing pin channel behind it, which certainly contributes to its durability. Both the aluminum and the steel version of the Marvel upper are fitted with a 5.25″ (132 mm) long barrel featuring a conventional rifling, with a neat recessed crown muzzle. The barrel protruding from the slide is also available with a ½”x28 muzzle thread for an additional charge.

This photo provides an in-depth look at the Marvel Precision conversion kit, including the basic gun and cartridges.

In addition to the deeply recessed micrometer rear sight and target front sight, it is also possible to mount a red dot on the Picatinny/Weaver rail. Since the aluminum mounting rail is securely connected to the barrel and frame via the slide stop lever, there is no need to worry about reliable operation with a red dot sight: it is completely isolated from the gun’s kinematics. The Marvel conversion kit leaves a clean impression in terms of workmanship and finish. We only have one small point of criticism: the magazines do not have a load assist button that can be pulled down from the outside with the thumb. This makes inserting the ten rimfire cartridges into the polymer magazines  a little fiddly. Marvel does offer a small loading aid as an accessory, which is inserted on the magazine front and pushes the already loaded cartridges downwards. The manufacturer promises 5-shot groups of less than 25 mm at 50 m, and each conversion kit also comes with a corresponding test group target as proof of this guarantee. The price for the kit with “Combo Rib” (adjustable sights plus scope mount rib) is $585 (MSRP in the US). If you want the steel kit, you have to spend around $780. An additional magazine costs around 40 bucks. 

Both the CZ Kadet and Marvel Precision uppers in .22 Long Rifle have been on the market for decades, but have undergone minor detail changes over the years.