The world of semi-automatic .22 Magnum pistols has been pretty darn small. In fact, the release of this XT 22 Magnum from RIA effectively doubles one’s realistic options. In the Rock Island’s case, it’s a real steel, 1911-style pistol with a delayed blowback action and a 14+1 capacity . . .
Chris and I were impressed with the trigger on this floor model. It broke cleanly and crisply at a hair over 4 lbs.
With a kind of barrel-within-a-barrel design, the inner portion containing the chamber and actual, threaded barrel moves rearwards a short distance prior to stopping. This creates a delay before the extractor begins pulling the round out of the chamber, allowing the pressure to drop first.
A set screw under the barrel allows the end user to fine tune the tension on that delay system. Shooting weak ammo? Loosen the tension. Extra power hunting stuff? Tighten it up a bit. RIA says they’ve been extremely pleased with the reliability provided by this system.
With full production models hitting shelves now, TTAG will get our hands on a review sample ASAP.