1911 build

[planetmobius]

I currently have a Colt 80 Series slide and 38 Super barrel that I picked up from a friend. Currently looking for a frame to go with it. Can a 45 caliber frame be fitted to the slide. What do I need to look for. My first build.

 

[horsemen61]

Ttrl

 

[Kp321]

The feed ramp is different on 45 and 38/9mm frames. If you find a 45 frame cheap enough, EGW makes an insert that can be used to convert a frame to 38/9mm but the installation is not cheap. Either that or go to a ramped barrel.

 

[Jim Watson]

Sometimes a .45 frame will work with .38s, sometimes it won't.

If you are looking for a frame for a .38, look for a .38 frame and don't improvise.

 

[mxbob]

If the slide is a 45 it wont work with the 38 super. Different breech size.
Bob Ray

 

[planetmobius]

This is all very useful, thanks. The slide is definitely for a 38. Would a 9mm frame work well?

 

[weaselfire]

This is all very useful, thanks. The slide is definitely for a 38. Would a 9mm frame work well?

Yep. That's what you need.

Jeff

 

[Coyote3855]

Ttrl

You've posted this acronym in at least two threads. What does it mean? Generally, if people have nothing positive or constructive to add to the discussion, they just don't post.

 

[horsemen61]

Coyote it stands for "Tag to read later" I like reading the threads and I can't always remember if I have subscribed to a thread I like any other way so for me it works. If I don't have anything to add BUT LIKE THE THREAD IN HOPES OF LEARNING MORE ABOUT SAID THREAD SUBJECT I DO THIS

 

[FROGO207]

Horseman I was also curious after seeing it a couple other times FWIW. I know that we live in a time when EVERYTHING is abbreviated but if there had been "Tag TRL" or just plain Tag or TTRL I would have been with you.

 

[horsemen61]

Frog I hear you on that but usually I'm taking quick peaks at work or when I'm busy so I just put Ttrl to be quick lol

 

[jmorris]

If you have the frame machined for ramped barrels and get an SVI slide you could make it swap from 45, 40 and 9mm. All with the same slide and frame.

 

[Coyote3855]

Thanks for the clarification of TTRL. I ran across another one, TL; DR, which is Too Long; Didn't Read.

 

[Jeffse]

I have spare slides for my .45s in 9mm/Super and they all work fine. Use Super mags for both of carts and they feed fine. Never needed an insert.

If you have a .45 pistol, you need a 9mm slide (FP/extractor), 9mm barrel and 9mm recoil spring. Add a .38 Super barrel (9mm slide works fine). Use .38 Super mags. My guns all work fine with either cartridge.

 

[BBBBill]

Colt spec Gov't sized (5") guns will require a different ejector for the 9mm/38S/40S&W/10mm calibers as the slide's ejector slot and the ejector are different from the 45ACP versions.

 

[jmorris]

Using the SVI slide I change out the mags, breech face, ejector, extractor and barrel when changing calibers.