I have a Springfield 1911 and purchased a Kimber conversion. Like it and it's good practice for handling the .45 without flinching. Shoot enough .22 through it and you don't even notice the .45.
Completely agreed. Go to the range and shoot 100-200 rounds of .22 and then swap slides. You'll be amazed how much tighter your groups with the .45 are. I have also purchased the Kimber conversion (about 300), and it is what I would recommend. Why? Glad you asked. It allows you to keep the same feel that your current gun has since the thumb safety, grip safety, trigger, grips, mainspring, and a trigger job--if you have one--stay the same. Personally I really like that. Some people are against the conversion kits since most won't lock on empty. Honestly I like that. I use the .22 for training, which means sight picture and trigger control...and clearing malfunctions. Sometimes I purposely let the kit get really dirty so it runs poorly and I can practice clearing problems. You may want it for different reasons though, but that's my