Estimated reading time: 12 minutes
First debuted at SHOT Show 2023, Vudoo Gun Works has delivered their Target 22LR 1911 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.
Table of contents
Target 22LR Specifications:
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
Out of the Box
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’s 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.
Barrel
The Target 22LR couldn’t 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’t 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.
Compensator On The Target 22LR
While some may perceive adding a compensator to a 22LR as unnecessary, there’s 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.
Slide
A major factor contributing to the Target 22LR’s 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.
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’ve 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.
Sights
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.
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.
Target 22LR Frame
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.
Controls
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.
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.
Target 22LR Trigger
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.
READ MORE: Hammerli’s Force B1 Is A Straight-Pull with Two Guns In One — SHOT Show 2024
Target 22LR Precision
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 Ammuntiontogo.com. 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!
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—equivalent to a sub-1-inch group at 50 yards in terms of MOA, validating Vudoo Gun Works’ 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.
Due to this precision, I had no problem stretching this pistol out and even consistently hitting a TA Targets steel silhouette at 150 yards one-handed. For those who don’t believe me, I posted a video below:
Performance of the Target 22LR
Throughout my testing, I was able to put multiple boxes of ammunition through this pistol of 7 varying types. Most ammunition worked all right, however 40gr Federal AutoMatch was the only type that just would not work. This ammo literally jammed with every single shot. Remington box ammo jammed occasionally, while Aguilla Super Extra 40gr and Norma 40gr Tac-22 worked quite well along with other hotter loads. However, speaking to Vudoo Gun Works, they mentioned that using a different recoil spring which was included could have solved this issue.
One downside to this pistol is that fixing jams is not quick or easy. A simple tap and rack will not fix jams with this gun. When I had a malfunction I had to lock the slide to the rear and push the magazine out by sticking my finger through the ejection port. This is because the back of the round would still be in the magazine while the front was above the chamber keeping the magazine from freely falling. While premium ammunition ran great, jams are inevitable, and fixing them isn’t as quick with this pistol as it is with some others.
Otherwise, the Target 22LR ran great! Between the compensator, heavy Mobius frame, and slide design, this pistol shoots extremely soft and flat. The ability to have a fixed red dot that is not reciprocating with the slide provides for a less disturbed sight picture that would give an advantage in competitions. The 10-round magazines both fed without issues, and most ammunition tested worked well. This is probably the easiest pistol to shoot that I have ever tried. Staying on target when shooting quickly was easy, and the great trigger and precise barrel allowed for me to consistently get hits out to 150 yards. I had a blast putting this pistol through its paces.
Vudoo Gun Works Target 22LR Summary
The Vudoo Gun Works Target 22LR emerges as a versatile choice, seamlessly serving both as an exceptional training tool and a top-tier competition setup. Priced at $650, the conversion kit is adaptable to a 1911 frame. It is also available as a complete pistol built on the specialized Vudoo Gun Works Mobius frame, starting at $2,395. Noteworthy features include its optic-ready configuration, non-reciprocating top Picatinny rail, and its flat-shooting capabilities are enhanced by an effective compensator. The Target 22LR caters to the needs of those training or competitive shooting, with options to suit different preferences and budgets.
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Looks very nice. Nelson Customs (AZ) has sold a very similar 22LR “upper” option for a standard 1911 for years. Several configurations available and VERY accurate. It is licenced by Bob Marvel, originator of the design many years ago.
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