1911 slide/barrel interchange

[TRX]

I have a mongrel 1911 I want to do something different to. I want to do one of the bottlenecks like a .38/45 Clerke or .38 Casull.

The articles I've read said the first step is to re-ream the chamber of a .38 Super barrel. So I looked for a cheap barrel to experiment on. Sarco has Super barrels for $45, which is fine... except they caution the Super (or 9mm) barrels won't fit .45 slides.

Is that true? Just some Sarco thing? Or does building a Clerke involve using a Super slide as well as the barrel?

[I can make the reamer, and I've done wildcats before, but the 1911 is new to me]

 

[BBBBill]

First thing is that I must tell you that those $45 Roto barrels are very iffy. But I think you realize that, so as long as you are experimenting only, have at it.
As for the slide, the info is correct except in your case. Since you are looking at a bottleneck cartridge based on a necked down 45ACP case, the 45 slide is the one you must have. The caution you mention is because the cartridge case head must fit/match the breach face.

 

[TRX]

Ah! Thanks!

 

[TRX]

While we're on the subject, I'm wondering about the feed ramp on the frame. When playing with a bottleneck like the .38/45 or .38 Casull, is it okay to use a .45 frame or should I start with a .38 Super or 9mm frame?

I've found bupkis on the 'net on the Clerke and little more on the Casull. It looks like a 9mm ramp would be better at guiding the cartridge into the chamber, but I'm sure the Clerkes worked with the .45 ramp since the barrels were sold as conversion kits for .45s.

I might be over-thinking this, but since I have to buy a frame anyway...

 

[rcmodel]

The whole object of the original bottleneck .38/45 was to be able to use a .45 pistol in NRA centerfire bullseye matches with just a barrel & recoil spring swap.

Only later was the high-performance potential & hot loads realized.

So yes, a .45 frame, slide, and magazine is what you would use.

rc