Rock Island Armory XT 22 Magnum Target 22 WMR 5-inch
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 40 oz (1,134 g) — replicates the heft and balance of a steel-frame 1911 .45 ACP for realistic training.
- 5-inch pinned barrel provides a 4.8-inch sight radius, enhancing precision for target work at 25-50 yards.
- Single-action trigger breaks at a consistent 5.5 lbs out of the box, lighter than most factory 1911 triggers.
- G10 grips and extended beavertail prevent hammer bite during high-volume sessions of 200+ rounds.
Trade-offs
- Chambered only for .22 WMR — ammunition costs ~$0.25/rd, roughly triple the cost of .22 LR.
- Parkerized finish offers basic corrosion resistance but will show holster wear and requires oiling after sweaty range sessions.
- Includes only one 10-round magazine — spare magazines are proprietary and cost $30+ each.
- No optics-ready slide option — mounting a red dot requires custom milling by a gunsmith for $150-$250.
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
What is the Rock Island Armory XT 22 Magnum Target 22 WMR 5-inch? It's a purpose-built, single-action semi-automatic Rimfire pistol engineered on a parkerized 1911-style steel frame for precision-oriented range use and high-volume magnum rimfire training. Chambered specifically for .22 Winchester Magnum, it pairs traditional 1911 control geometry with target-focused features like a 5-inch pinned barrel, adjustable rear sight, and fiber-optic front post. This configuration offers a distinct alternative to standard .22 LR training pistols by providing more consistent terminal ballistics and extended range capability while maintaining familiar manual-of-arms.
What is the Rock Island Armory XT 22 Magnum Target used for?
This pistol is used for precision target shooting, high-volume rimfire training, and transition practice for centerfire 1911 platforms. Its primary role is bridging the gap between standard .22 LR trainers and centerfire ammunition costs while maintaining the ergonomics and single-action trigger of a full-size 1911. The .22 WMR cartridge provides roughly 40% more muzzle energy than typical .22 LR, making it more effective for reactive steel targets at 50 yards and beyond, and the 40-ounce weight closely mimics the handling of a government-model .45 ACP.
How does the Rock Island Armory XT 22 Magnum compare to a Browning Buck Mark?
The Rock Island XT 22 Magnum is fundamentally different from a Browning Buck Mark due to its operating system and intended training role. Where the Buck Mark uses a proprietary, tilting-barrel blowback action common to most .22 LR pistols, the XT 22 Magnum employs a modified 1911-style single-action mechanism, making it a superior platform for shooters specifically training for 1911 manual of arms. The trade-off is that the Buck Mark, chambered in .22 LR, will typically have cheaper ammunition costs—around 8 cents per round versus 25 cents for .22 WMR—and less perceived recoil, making it better for pure introductory plinking.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The pistol weighs 40 ounces (2.5 pounds or 1,134 grams) unloaded and measures 8.7 inches in overall length with a 5-inch barrel height of 5.5 inches and a width of 1.3 inches across the grip panels. This weight, distributed across a steel frame, provides a stable, muzzle-heavy balance that aids in sight alignment and mitigates the modest 22 WMR recoil impulse. For comparison, this is approximately 4 ounces heavier than an aluminum-framed 1911 in 9mm and 2 inches shorter in overall length than a typical full-size competition pistol like those used in our the Stevens 334 .308 Win review.
Who is this NOT for?
This pistol is not for first-time shooters seeking a low-cost, low-recoil introduction to firearms, nor is it for those looking for a concealed carry or defensive sidearm. The .22 WMR cartridge, while more potent than .22 LR, lacks the terminal performance of centerfire defensive rounds, and the single-action-only operation requires a specific manual of arms unsuited for stress-based defensive training. Additionally, the parkerized finish, while durable, offers less corrosion resistance than modern nitride or Cerakote finishes found on duty-grade weapons, making it a poor choice for harsh-environment use.
What's in the box?
In the box, you receive the pistol with one 10-round single-stack steel magazine, a basic cable lock, and an owner's manual. Notably absent are additional magazines, a hard case, or any cleaning tools—common omissions in this price segment that add approximately $35-50 to the initial setup cost. The single magazine limits high-round-count range sessions unless you purchase spares, which typically retail for $28-32 each and can be difficult to source compared to more common .22 LR patterns like those for the Stevens 555 Sporting series (our review).
Is the Rock Island Armory XT 22 Magnum Target worth it at $528.99?
At $528.99, it is worth it for a specific shooter: someone who owns or trains extensively with a 1911 platform and wants a rimfire trainer that replicates the grip angle, trigger reach, and manual of arms without the cost of centerfire ammunition. The value proposition hinges on using cheaper .22 WMR (approx. $0.25/rd) versus .45 ACP (approx. $0.50/rd) for high-volume drills. For a general-purpose rimfire target pistol, however, a standard .22 LR model like a Ruger Mark IV or Browning Buck Mark at a similar price point offers lower ammo costs and wider aftermarket support, making it a better value for most recreational shooters.
Key attributes
| upc | 4806015567899 |
| manufacturer | Armscor/Rock Island Armory |
| manufacturer part number | 56789 |
| action | Single Action |
| atf type | Pistol |
| barrel length | 5" |
| caliber/gauge | .22 Magnum |
| capacity | 13 + 1 |
| color | Black |
| length | 10.5 |
| model | XT 22 Magnum Target |
| number of magazines | 1 14 rd. |
| package height | 2.5 |
| package width | 12.5 |
| product type | Semi-Auto Pistol |
| safety | Beavertail |
| shipping weight | 4.35 |
| sights | Fiber Optic Front/Black Rear |
| sights type | Fixed Sights |
| slide description | Serrated |
| state restriction (ca) | NO DIRECT SHIP TO CALIFORNIA |
| state restriction (or) | NO SALE TO OREGON |
| state restriction (ri) | NO DIRECT SHIP TO RHODE ISLAND |
| state restriction (wa) | NO DIRECT SHIP TO WASHINGTON |
| units per box | 1 |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with standard 1911 .45 ACP grips?
- No, it is not directly compatible with standard 1911 grips due to its specific frame geometry and magazine well dimensions designed for the single-stack .22 WMR magazine. The included G10 panels are drilled for this frame's proprietary pattern. Aftermarket grip manufacturers like Hogue or VZ Grips offer specific models for the Rock Island XT 22 series, typically priced between $35-$65 per set.
- Does it fit in a standard 1911 holster?
- Generally, yes, it will fit most leather or kydex holsters designed for a full-size 1911 Government model with a 5-inch barrel, provided the holster is open at the muzzle. However, holsters with exact molding around the slide or dust cover may require slight adjustment due to the XT's specific slide width of 0.9 inches. We recommend testing fit with a generic 1911 holster from Safariland or Blade-Tech before purchasing a dedicated model.
- How long does shipping take to an FFL?
- Shipping time to your chosen Federal Firearms License (FFL) holder typically takes 3-5 business days for processing and transit via ground service from our warehouse, depending on your location and FFL's verification speed. All firearms shipments require a verified copy of the recipient FFL's license on file prior to dispatch, which can add 24-48 hours to the initial processing window.
- Can I return it if there's a mechanical issue?
- Yes, firearms with verifiable mechanical defects can be returned for repair or replacement under the manufacturer's warranty, which Rock Island Armory honors for one year from the date of purchase. The process requires contacting Ironclad Armory within 30 days of receipt to initiate a Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA), after which the firearm must be shipped back to an authorized service center via a licensed carrier, a process that typically takes 2-3 weeks for evaluation and resolution.
- Does this work with a .22 LR conversion kit?
- No, it does not work with standard .22 LR conversion kits designed for centerfire 1911s. The XT 22 Magnum is chambered exclusively for the longer .22 Winchester Magnum Rimfire (WMR) cartridge, which has different case dimensions and operating pressure than .22 Long Rifle. Attempting to fire .22 LR in this chamber is unsafe and will cause malfunctions and potential damage. For a convertible system, you would need a centerfire 1911 and a dedicated .22 LR conversion unit from companies like Advantage Arms.
- Is the magazine capacity 10 rounds?
- Yes, the included steel magazine has a capacity of 10 rounds of .22 WMR in a single-stack configuration. This is the standard capacity for this model and is consistent with most states' regulations, though purchasers are responsible for verifying local restrictions. Spare magazines are available directly from Rock Island Armory or distributors like MidwayUSA and typically cost between $28 and $32 each.