Converting a .45ACP to 10mm

[snipe300]

I may be showing my ignorance, but is it possible to convert a 1911 in .45ACP to 10mm? If so, what parts and mods are needed, and how much do you think it would cost?

 

[SharpsDressedMan]

You need a new slide and barrel (the breech face and extractor are set in narrower for the 10mm). Then you need a stronger spring, say 22 lbs. Next is a .38 Super/9mm ejector. To continue using the .45 slide with the new ejector, the original .45 slide CAN be milled out to accommodate the thicker .38S/9mm ejector, with a slide channel like that of the Commander models. Then, the ejector will probably have to be shortened on the "finger", to get optimal, problem free ejection. That is a lot of expense and mods, but the result is a combo gun that can be switched from .45 to 10mm, and MAY even be able to be used with an additional .38 Super barrel fitted to the 10mm slide (you still need an appropriate recoil spring for the .38 Super). Of course you need cartridge specific mags, although many people can and do use some .45 mags that work in theri 10mm's. I have such a gun, and it performs very well.

 

[Pappy109]

I may be showing my ignorance, but is it possible to convert a 1911 in .45ACP to 10mm? If so, what parts and mods are needed, and how much do you think it would cost?

10 mm is a hot .40 cal. It is possible, but very expensive. You could most likely buy 3 to 5 straight out 10 mm guns with the money you would spend building and converting a 1911.

 

[ReloaderFred]

It would be much cheaper to buy an EAA Witness. They make conversion kits that just slip right on the frame.

I have Witnesses in .22 LR, 9x19, 9x21, 9x23, 9x25 Dillon, 357 Sig, .38 Super, .40 S&W, 10mm, .41 AE and .45 acp. If I so chose, all those calibers could be fired on one frame, but I have pistols in most of those calibers and sometimes switch the top ends around.

Hope this helps.

Fred

 

[harrygunner]

It can be done. I have one. The other item to add to SharpsDressedMan's list is a new slide release.

I live behind the fruitloop curtain (California), so to get what I want, I have 1911's customized. The first guy I chose for the job sent me results that were inconsistent with someone who knew what they were doing. So, I researched the heck out of this kind of project so I could ask questions and recognize good answers before choosing someone to fix the mess the first guy made.

Several well respected people on this site and others emphasized the stress areas on a 10mm 1911 would be on the barrel lug and the slide. I had a STI slide that is well made, so I took the frame and slide to Bar-Sto. Had them make a match grade ramped barrel and fit it to the frame and slide. This Bar-Sto barrel has a solid capsule shaped lug, really strong. I'm very happy with their work and believe it will add to the gun's longevity.

After shooting hundreds of Georgia Arms and hundreds of Double Tap ammo, I've concluded .45 ACP mags work best in this gun. That could be because it is commander length and the .45 mags hold the cartridge higher.

It's expensive, but I personally believe a 10mm 1911 is an awesome combination.

 

[Grease Monkey]

It sure can, but do some research into it and get it done by someone reputable. The 1911 design can be a little fussy with "drop in" parts (in my experience, they usually aren't), and good conversions are pricey.

Personally, I like Fred's Witness suggestion.