1911 9mm - can you swap out the barrel?

[Tman]

I'm strongly considering a 1911 in 9mm, but I also like variety, too. So, I was wondering if it's possible to convert it to a 38super or 9x?? with just a barrel swap, or do you need to do extra work. I happen to prefer the 1911 platform (small hands, single action). I'm probably going with the STI trojan (was drooling over the STI Rangemaster but I haven't won the lottery yet). Thanks for any advice

 

[Preacherman]

You'd probably need to change magazines as well. I used a Star Model 9 in the South African Defence Force, and while these were chambered in 9mm. Parabellum, the magazines appeared to be designed for a longer cartridge, probably 9mm. Largo. As a result, the shorter 9mm. Parabellum cartridges would often nose-dive into the feed-ramp, with predictable results. If you had dedicated 9mm. Parabellum magazines, and then ones for .38 Super or 9x23, that would probably work.

I think the recoil spring would also need attention - the recoil impulse from the "long 9's" is rather higher than from the Parabellum.

 

[Tman]

Thanks Preacherman. I did go out and order the STI Trojan 9mm. Asked the guy about swapping out the barrrel with a 38 super barrel, he told me it couldn't be done???? Oh well. Maybe I'll ask again when I get the gun in (gonna take about 6 weeks).

 

[goon]

Yep. You would need a stronger recoil spring, and you may need different mags also.
My brother has a really nice Springfield 9mm that I have been trying to get off of him.
He won't sell.
If he ever does, I think I will do the conversion.

I don't know why you wouldn't be able to switch out the barrel on an STI. They are more than less a 1911 hybrid, aren't they?
Are you sure the guy knew what he is talking about.
I have heard alot of misinformation in gunshops.

 

[Longbow]

I use .38 super mags (Metalform and Wilson) in my home built 9mm 1911, w/o any problem. All you need is a barell change. You can also chamber it in 9x21, 9x23, 9mm TJ, 9mm Largo, .357 sig, .40 cal and 10mm. The last three will require a different extractor as the tension and extractor groove will not be the same as with the 9mm variaties (case rim is thicker).

 

[Tman]

I did talk to the salesman

Didn't talk directly to the gunsmith/owner, just the salesman. I'd be more interested in just a barrel swap/recoil spring, and shooting 38 super/9x23 would seem like fun. However, if it involved anything more than a swap of those two parts, then I can easily live with 9x19. I'm probably going to ask to speak to the owner the next time I talk to them (thinking about adding more stuff to the Trojan, fiberoptic front sight, magwell). When will this madness end?