{"id":1567,"date":"2024-02-20T22:32:07","date_gmt":"2024-02-20T22:32:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/nationalgunowner.org\/index.php\/2024\/02\/20\/vudoo-gun-works-target-22lr-1911-full-review\/"},"modified":"2024-02-20T22:32:08","modified_gmt":"2024-02-20T22:32:08","slug":"vudoo-gun-works-target-22lr-1911-full-review","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/nationalgunowner.org\/index.php\/2024\/02\/20\/vudoo-gun-works-target-22lr-1911-full-review\/","title":{"rendered":"Vudoo Gun Works Target 22LR 1911: Full Review"},"content":{"rendered":"
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<\/svg><\/span>Estimated reading time: <\/span>12<\/span> minutes<\/span><\/p>\n

First debuted at SHOT Show 2023, Vudoo Gun Works<\/a> has delivered their Target 22LR 1911<\/a> pistol. This precision-machined and competition-ready firearm is designed with the utmost accuracy in mind. Vudoo Gun Works guarantees that the Target 22LR will shoot sub-1-inch groups at 50 yards when paired with match ammunition. Equipped with an optic-ready slide, effective compensator, and light recoiling system, the Target 22LR stands prepared to compete.<\/p>\n

Target 22LR Specifications:<\/h2>\n

Action: Classic Semi Auto 1911
Caliber: .22lr
Barrel: Stainless Steel Match
Sights: BoMar Style Adjustable
Trigger: Custom One Piece Stainless
Finish: Stainless, Black Melonite, Two Tone
Grips: VZ Rosewood, VZ Dirty Olive, VZ Black Slants, VZ Hyena
Magazine: 2 Polymer 10rnd Magazines<\/p>\n

Out of the Box<\/h2>\n

From the factory, the Vudoo Gun Works Target 22LR is ready to rock and roll. It comes with BoMar-style adjustable sights, slide-mounted optic-ready Picatinny rail, two magazines, and has an optional compensator that can be included as an upgrade. It also comes with a recoil spring kit, an owner\u2019s manual, a gun lock, and a hard carrying case. While the Target 22LR can be bought as a conversion and mounted to any 1911 frame, the Vudoo Gun Works Mobious 1911 frame is excellent and available as a complete pistol configuration. The full configuration starts at a whopping $2,395, but the slide conversion kit can be purchased for $650 which can be mounted to 9mm or 45ACP 1911 frames.<\/p>\n

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Vudoo Gun Works Target 22LR with all included contents<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Barrel<\/h2>\n

The Target 22LR couldn\u2019t be a target gun without a great barrel. For this reason, Vudoo Gun Works machines this match-grade barrel from stainless steel. They claim that if the barrel doesn\u2019t shoot sub-inch groups from 50 yards with match-grade ammo, it will never leave the factory. You can purchase it with or without threads. However, even the non-threaded version still is drilled and tapped, enabling the mounting of a compensator. Throughout my testing, I received great groups, but I will talk more in-depth about this later.<\/p>\n

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Non-threaded barrel featuring a drilled and tapped spot to securely mount a compensator<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Compensator On The Target 22LR<\/h2>\n

While some may perceive adding a compensator to a 22LR as unnecessary, there\u2019s no denying the recoil-reducing benefits it provides. Although shooting without the upgraded compensator is straightforward and quick, incorporating it transforms the Target 22LR into a remarkably stable and flat-shooting firearm. The minimal movement of the pistol during firing enables faster and more precise follow-up shots.<\/p>\n

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Large compensator with two ports<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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The Vudoo Gun Works Target 22LR compensator performs its designed function by redirecting gases<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Slide<\/h2>\n

A major factor contributing to the Target 22LR\u2019s minimal recoil is its unique slide design. In contrast to traditional pistols where the entire slide reciprocates during firing, this pistol features only the lower section in motion. This reduction in mass movement, coupled with a lower center of gravity, ensures a flat-shooting experience.<\/p>\n

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The top of the slide remains stationary while the bottom section reciprocates<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Additionally, this design offers a significant advantage in terms of optic stability. With the optic mounted to a stationary Picatinny rail, it remains perfectly clear throughout the firing process. While I\u2019ve trained to shoot well with a red dot on a reciprocating slide, this setup allows for enhanced visibility and quicker shooting. Moreover, it proves gentle on red dots, resulting in reduced wear and tear.<\/p>\n

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Slide lock for the Target 22LR slide<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Sights<\/h2>\n

When it comes to iron sights, the Target 22LR utilizes BoMar-style sights. They are fully adjustable for windage and elevation, with factory dialed-in settings. While I am a huge fan of a blacked-out rear sight, I prefer a red fiber-optic front sight. The front sight is also blacked out which makes it slightly harder to find when shooting. However, this pistol I believe was designed to be used in conjunction with a red dot so the types of irons used matter even less.<\/p>\n

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Blacked-out anti-glare iron sights<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

For 95% of my testing, I used a Vortex Defender CCW with great success. One interesting thing about this slide is the rear portion of the Picatinny rail. It is very thin and can flex when pushed on. For this reason, I would recommend mounting any red dots further forward than standard to sit on the thicker section of the rail.<\/p>\n

\"Very<\/picture>
Very thin section of the top Picatinny rail towards the rear, the stiffer section is in line and forward of the trigger<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Target 22LR Frame<\/h2>\n

When purchased as a complete pistol, the Target 22LR comes with the Vudoo Gun Works Mobius frame. While this is where the bulk of the cost comes from, this frame has been completely re-engineered from the ground up to provide internal machining capabilities that are held to a very tight tolerance. The ergonomics of the grip fit my hands perfectly, and the texturing at the front and rear of the grip is aggressive for a secure grip. The beavertail allows for a high and tight grip while remaining comfortable. Various grip panel options, ranging from aluminum to carbon fiber, are available, with the tested model boasting excellent tactical VZ grips. The frames come in both slim and Picatinny-equipped versions, offering flexibility for different preferences. While I advocate for every pistol having a provision for mounting a weapon light, the availability of options is good nonetheless.<\/p>\n

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Vudoo Gun Works Mobius frame<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Controls<\/h2>\n

The controls for the Target 22LR are quite familiar. Utilizing a 1911 frame nothing really changes for this pistol except for how to rack the slide. The safety is not ambidextrous but as a right-handed shooter, I appreciate it not getting in the way on the left-hand side. I also appreciate the size of the safety and its ability to be used as a thumb rest or gas pedal for more controlled shooting.<\/p>\n

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Vudoo Gun Works Mobius frame<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

My main complaint about this pistol is the location of the external slide stop. Where nearly all pistol slides just utilize a cutout in the slide, Vudoo Gun Works fastens a tab on the outside of the slide to provide a larger contact surface for the slide stop to catch. As someone who shoots with a high and tight grip, I found this tab hitting my thumbs and forcing me to change my grip.<\/p>\n

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Slide stop hitting my thumb<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Target 22LR Trigger<\/h2>\n

The trigger is one of the most interactive parts of a firearm, so having a clean interface is imperative. I found the Target 22LR to have a remarkable trigger. The take-up is clean, and when pulling past the wall, the trigger break is crisp with no creep. Another thing that I like is that after the shot, there is minimal movement required to reset the trigger. Once it is reset, the trigger is already right back on the wall ready for the next shot. Using a pull gauge, I measured the trigger weight to break consistently right at 3.5 lbs.<\/p>\n

READ MORE: Hammerli\u2019s Force B1 Is A Straight-Pull with Two Guns In One \u2014 SHOT Show 2024<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

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Vudoo Gun Works has multiple trigger options available for their Mobius frame<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Target 22LR Precision<\/h2>\n

Throughout this review, I was able to put multiple boxes of different types of ammunition through the Target 22LR. Most of the ammunition used was supplied by\u00a0Ammuntiontogo.com<\/a>. They are the official ammo sponsor for this pistol review and offer a wide selection of competitively priced ammunition. They have quick shipping, an easy-to-use online website, and competitive prices. Go check them out!\u00a0<\/p>\n

Now how precise is the Vudoo Gun Works Target 22LR?! Aiming to find out for myself, I set up a target and shot 5-round groups from 10 yards with 7 different types of ammunition. All ammunition grouped well with the average spread being about .25 inches. Some groups even surpassed this, measuring just under 0.20 inches\u2014equivalent to a sub-1-inch group at 50 yards in terms of MOA, validating Vudoo Gun Works\u2019 claim of sub-inch accuracy at 50 yards. I did not dare try shooting groups at 50 yards with a pistol, but the results from 10 yards were very impressive.<\/p>\n

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Each box of ammunition placed next to the 5-round group I got shooting from 10 yards. Top and bottom middle groups have a piece of mud I used as a reference point, those are not holes.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Due to this precision, I had no problem stretching this pistol out and even consistently hitting a TA Targets<\/a> steel silhouette at 150 yards one-handed. For those who don\u2019t believe me, I posted a video below:<\/p>\n