Rock Island XTM-22 

The Armscor/Rock Island Armory M1911-A1 XT 22 series of semi-automatics includes four models. All share numerous characteristics. There are 14+1 capacity .22 Magnum (.22 MRF), while one is a .22/.45 ACP combo with a 10+1 capacity using the .22 drop-in barrel and 8+1 capacity with the included .45 drop-in barrel.

The standard XT 22 Magnum model has a Parkerized matte black finish for tough durability. It is beautifully built and an excellent value. It features a delayed blowback slide, full-length guide rod, integral feed ramp, adjustable trigger, and a skeletonized loop hammer. There is a beavertail grip safety. All primary controls other than that are on the left side. This includes the thumb safety, slide catch,h and magazine release. All have tactile surfaces.

The slide is cut down to an open face design that reveals most of the barrel. Armscor calls this “trimmed shoulders.” So naturally, it has no front serrations and tightly packed vertical serrations on the back.

The six-groove bull barrel is 5.0” long with a 1 to 16” RH twist. Length is 8.5”, height is 5.5”, width is 1.3”, and unloaded weight is 2.5 pounds.

The XT 22 has an all-black dovetail front sight. In the back is a non-adjustable, all-black, dovetail snag-free rear sight that sits behind a short ramp.

The XT also has a steel MR3 triple ported combat trigger with a factory-set 4 to 6 pound trigger pull that tends toward the upper end of that range. Moving back, the gun has an elegantly upturned beavertail and a simple loop hammer.

The grip has attractive matte black rubber double-diamond arrowhead checkered grips with the Rock Island Armory logo.

Rock Island Armory XTM-22 (.22 WMR Pistol)

 General Information

• Manufacturer: Rock Island Armory (Armscor)
• Model: XTM-22 (also referred to as XT-22 Magnum)
• Type: Semi-automatic pistol
• Platform: 1911-style handgun
• Caliber: .22 Winchester Magnum Rimfire (.22 WMR)

 Operating System

• Action: Delayed blowback (modified 1911 system)
• Trigger: Single-action (1911-style)
• Trigger pull: ~4 lb 6 oz (crisp, short reset)

👉 Unlike traditional 1911 pistols, it does NOT use a tilting barrel—instead,d it uses a fixed barrel with a delayed blowback system.

 Dimensions & Weight

• Barrel length: ~4.75 inches
• Overall size: Full-size 1911 frame
• Weight: ~35 oz (≈2.5 lbs / 1.1 kg)

 Magazine & Capacity

• Magazine type: Double-stack steel magazine
• Capacity:
  • Standard: 14 rounds
  • Some magazines hold up to 15 rounds

👉 This is a major advantage over traditional single-stack 1911 pistols.

 Construction & Materials

• Frame: Steel
• Slide: Steel (open-top design similar to Beretta 92)
• Finish: Parkerized (matte black, corrosion-resistant)
• Barrel system:
  • Two-piece barrel (inner rifled insert + outer shroud)

 Sights

• Front sight: Fiber optic (earlier models) or low-profile fixed
• Rear sight: Dovetail-mounted notch, adjustable/drift type

 Safety Features

• Grip safety (1911-style)
• Manual thumb safety (left side)
• Half-cock notch
• Inertia firing pin
• Disconnector system

 Controls & Ergonomics

• Classic 1911 controls:
  • Slide stop
  • Magazine release
  • Thumb safety
• Skeletonized hammer and trigger
• Checkered grip panels for better control

👉 Grip is slightly larger than standard 1911 due to the double-stack magazine.

 Performance

• Velocity: ~1340–1470 fps depending on ammo
• Recoil: Very low (due to .22 WMR + steel frame)
• Accuracy:
  • ~2-inch groups at 25 yards (good for its class)

👉 Designed more for:

• Target shooting
• Training
• Small game/pest control

 Unique Characteristics

• Slide does NOT lock back after the last round
• Must use slide release to chamber (not slingshot method)
• Requires proper lubrication for reliable operation

 Pros & Cons

 Pros

• Very low recoil (easy to shoot)
• High capacity for a 1911-style pistol
• Affordable training alternative to .45 ACP
• Classic 1911 ergonomics

 Cons

• Not a traditional 1911 operating system
• The slide doesn’t lock open after the last round
• Occasional light primer strikes if not maintained properly
• Larger grip than standard 1911

Summary

The Rock Island XTM-22 is:
👉 A full-size 1911-style pistol chambered in .22 Magnum, built for low recoil, high capacity, and affordable shooting

It’s best suited for:

• Training and practice
• Recreational shooting (plinking)
• New shooters learning the 1911 platform