My son and I recently went together and bought a Ciener Platinum Cup and both feel it was money well spent. We mounted it on a Series 80 Gold Cup frame and it just goes on and on. I keep meaning to try it on another frame, but just haven't been able to obtain the necessary round tuit.
When brand new, this unit didn't like Winchester Wildcat .22 LR, whi was on special at a K-Mart nearby. Barrell leaded rapidly and severely, half the bullets keyholed, and accuracy went to he!!. Cleaned it up throughly, started using Remington Thunderbolt and Federal Gold hollow points, and all was well.
It is far more accurate than either Colt Conversion Kit I've owned over the years. Haven't done any formal accuracy tests but there seems to be no problem in keeping groups under two inches at 20 yards. This is pretty fair shooting with my rapidly aging eyes, seated on the grass and resting on a cardboard box. With a proper bench rest and chair, I'd bet groups will improve. It already shoots minute-of-
skunk-head.
I'm not firmly convinced the Platinum Cup is worth the extra fifty bucks. I believe the adjustable sight is a Millet brand. It is easy to use. I adjusted it once, to hit point of air with Remington ammo at 25 yards. I could have done as well, thought not as quickly, with drift punch and files. Fixed sights are usually more accurate. Really, we thought we were getting the fixed-sight version. My son handled locating the unit on the net, from a sporting goods dealer somewhere out of state. They said they had just one left, and sent it promptly, at a bargain price, about twenty bucks below list retail. Actually, it was about SEVENTY dollars below list for the Platinum Cup. Sorry, we've already checked to see if they might have another kit or two stuck back.
For as much fun as we've had, I think $200 fixed/ $250 adjustable is a good price. Midway beats list a little, and pays shipping. I second the suggestion to get at least one extra magazine. I got two.
Sorry, I have no experience with other conversion units for the .45 pistol.
As to wear, I must disagree about not being concerned. I believe you really DO need good lubrication between steel and other metals. Once the slick anodizing wears off aluminum or zinc, the softer metal picks us dust, sand, and so forth and behaves as an abrasive. Drop by he hardware store and ask a knowledgeable person about aluminum oxide finishing papers and cloth.
Hope you enjoy your converstion unit as much as we have this one.
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