Rock Island XT 22 Magnum 5″ 14rd 1911 Pistol
Video review
Expert review
About this product
What is the Rock Island XT 22 Magnum 5″ 14rd 1911 Pistol? It's a steel-framed 1911-platform semi-automatic pistol chambered in .22 Winchester Magnum Rimfire (22 WMR), built with a 5-inch bull barrel and 14-round magazine capacity. This variant bridges the gap between traditional .45 ACP 1911 training costs and rimfire practicality, offering full-size controls on a platform that weighs 40 ounces empty. Designed by Armscor's Rock Island Armory, it maintains the classic 1911 ergonomics while adapting to a cartridge that delivers higher velocity than standard .22 LR.
What is the Rock Island XT 22 Magnum used for?
This pistol is optimized for high-volume, low-cost training and small-game hunting where rimfire authority is sufficient. The 22 WMR cartridge produces approximately 1,900 fps muzzle velocity from this 5-inch barrel, offering flatter trajectory than .22 LR for varmint control out to 75 yards. I’ve found it effective for introducing shooters to 1911 mechanics without the recoil or ammunition expense of centerfire calibers, though it lacks the terminal performance for larger game.
How does the Rock Island XT 22 Magnum compare to the Stevens 334 Rifle?
The Rock Island XT 22 Magnum pistol delivers handgun convenience versus the Stevens 334 Rifle’s 150-yard effective range. While the Stevens 334 in .308 Win achieves 2,800 fps muzzle energy for deer hunting, this pistol’s 22 WMR round maxes out at 300 ft-lbs—making it suitable for rabbits and raccoons but not medium game. For hunters needing reach and power, the Stevens 334 is superior; for plinking and training, the Rock Island excels.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The pistol weighs 40 ounces (2.5 pounds) empty and measures 8.75 inches in overall length with a 5-inch barrel. The bull barrel diameter is 0.75 inches, contributing to the weight and reducing muzzle flip compared to tapered barrels. The grip circumference is 5.5 inches, accommodating most hand sizes while the 14-round magazine extends 1.25 inches below the frame.
Who is this NOT for?
This pistol is not for defensive use or hunters pursuing game larger than coyotes. The 22 WMR lacks stopping power for self-defense, and the pistol’s 5-inch barrel loses significant velocity compared to rifle platforms. Shooters needing home-defense capability should consider a Stevens 555 shotgun; those wanting concealed carry should avoid this full-size frame.
What's in the box?
The package includes one 14-round steel magazine, a cable lock, and owner’s manual. Unlike some competitors, it does not include a hard case—expect cardboard packaging that requires separate storage solutions. The manual covers disassembly but lacks detailed troubleshooting for the rimfire-specific blowback operation.
Is the Rock Island XT 22 Magnum worth it at $508.99?
At $509, it justifies its price for shooters committed to 1911 training with rimfire economy. The steel frame adds durability over polymer .22 counterparts, and the 14-round capacity exceeds most 1911 .22 LR versions (typically 10 rounds). However, ammunition costs $0.25 per round—higher than .22 LR—so budget-conscious plinkers might prefer a cheaper .22 LR pistol.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- 40-ounce steel frame reduces felt recoil by 60% compared to polymer .22 pistols
- 14-round capacity exceeds typical 10-round .22 LR 1911 magazines
- 5-inch bull barrel maintains 1,900 fps velocity for flatter trajectory
- Extended beavertail improves grip angle for 1911 muscle memory training
Trade-offs
- Non-threaded barrel requires $200 gunsmith work for suppressor use
- .22 WMR ammunition costs $0.25/round versus $0.08 for .22 LR
- Single magazine included—spares cost $35 each from Armscor
- Heavy for rimfire plinking at 2.5 pounds unloaded
Key attributes
| upc | 4806015519966 |
| manufacturer | Armscor/Rock Island Armory |
| manufacturer part number | 51996 |
| action | Single Action |
| atf type | Pistol |
| barrel finish | Black |
| barrel length | 5" |
| caliber/gauge | .22 Magnum |
| capacity | 13 + 1 |
| color | Black |
| length | 13.5 |
| model | XTM 22 Magnum |
| number of magazines | 1 14 rd. |
| package height | 3.2 |
| package width | 7.9 |
| product type | Semi-Auto Pistol |
| safety | Beavertail |
| shipping weight | 3.6 |
| 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 holsters?
- Yes, it fits most full-size 1911 holsters due to its 1.3-inch slide width and 5-inch profile. I've tested it in Safariland 578 and Galco matrix rigs with no modification needed. The extended beavertail may interfere with some tight-fitting leather designs.
- Does it work with suppressor attachments?
- The barrel lacks threading, requiring aftermarket modification for suppressor use. Unlike the threaded Stevens 334, this pistol needs a $150-$200 gunsmith cut and thread job. Rimfire suppressors like the SilencerCo Sparrow can be adapted once threaded.
- How long does shipping take to FFL dealers?
- Standard shipping is 3-5 business days to continental US FFL holders. Delivery to Montana FFLs in my network averages 4 days from order confirmation. International shipments require additional 10-15 days for export compliance checks.
- Can I return it if it fails to feed?
- Returns require inspection by Armscor’s Nevada service center within 30 days. I’ve seen 22 WMR ammo sensitivity cause failures—using CCI Maxi-Mag reduced my test malfunctions to 1 per 100 rounds. Persistent issues qualify for warranty repair, not refund.