Converting M1911 .45 to .38 Super Question

[jjohnson]

Hi, Gents!

Quick question for you - I saw a deal on a .38 Super barrel for a M1911, and had to wonder - what all else do I need (like a mag of course) to convert a .45? Do I need a slide? Or do I modify the slide with a new extractor?

Just wondering if I need a bigger pile of parts here... for a project.

Thanks!

 

[jfh]

I am no longer up-to-date on these things, but...

1. The extractor is certainly an issue, but the real headache is

2. The ejector. In standard 1911 design, that is pinned to the frame--and the height of a .45 ACP exjector is not compatible with the 38-9mm cartridge. It's also an issue for 10mm conversions from .45 ACP, but apparently not from the .38-9mm setup. Then there is the whole problem of ejector tuning as well.

Try posting this over in "gunsmithing" and doing a search there; you are probably more likely to get a knowledgable answer, and I'll bet it's already been discussed in depth.

I have a SA Omega, which has a Peters Stahl top end--which does allow multiple calibers. However, it is a non-standard slide and required a non-standard ramp modification to the frame.

Jim H.

 

[Chipperman]

Isn't the .38 Super case too long to eject out of a standard .45 ACP port?

 

[Jim Watson]

You must have a
Barrel- must have the right caliber, obviously... I hope.
Slide - the breechface must match the casehead diameter.
Extractor - hook must match the casehead.
Firing pin - smaller for .38
Recoil spring - lighter for .38
Ejector - must match casehead. Normally pinned or glued to frame, aggravating to change out. I have heard people to say that they just set it in place and let the slide retain it.
Magazine(s) - caliber specific.
Slide stop - .38 is a little longer to engage the narrower follower. .45s part MIGHT work.

You might could use the .45s bushing, and the plug and recoil spring guide are the same.

I have read of troubles with bigger .45 frame ramp not matching up with .38 barrel ramp, but I know of guns where it worked ok.

 

[Hoppy590]

i have a similar question. what about back stepping this. going from 38 super to .45. complete slide/ barrel set ups. just the same frame. would a .45 upper work with a 38 super lower?

 

[ugaarguy]

Much depends on whether the has a ramped frame (most .45s) or a frame cut for ramped barrels (most others). Jim Watson has detailed other necessities. I believe I've read that Jim Garthwaite has done some of these rather wide ranging multi caliber setups. it's definetly a job for a seasoned 1911 smith. I'd contact Bullfrog Ken, Old Fuff, and 1911 Tuner on THR, and Jim Garthwaite or Jim Stroh amongst other top pistolsmiths for more info.

 

[Jim Watson]

Hoppy,

Yes, it is possible. A guy here spoiled at least one, maybe two nice guns by putting a Systema upper on a Colt Super receiver.

 

[Logan5]

Reading your original post, what you need is an OEM 9mm Government Model. It's a tremendous pain in the ass if you start with a .45, and really just not worth it. With a stock 9mm Commander, GM, etc, you can swap, probably with a little pistolsmithing, but forget it with a .45 base. It's not worth doing. The money to annoyance ratio makes it a silly idea.
For under $1000, you can have a .38 Super Automatic Government Model hot from the Colt factory in your hand, shipped overnight. I just bought one, and it is hot. You can probably do better than that on a NIB XSE Commander in .38 Super. The solution to this particular problem really is to buy more Colts. Your special lady isn't going to believe it, but really, that's where you are... It's time to buy more pistols.

 

[bannockburn]

Logan5 is right, although I'm not so sure about selling the idea to your special lady. But definitely go with the 9mm model for a conversion. I use to do this with Commander sized guns and it worked great. All you need is a complete barrel assembly and a magazine. Adjustable sights on the slide would help, but are not a necessary requirement. Plus if you use the Government model, you can set that one up for a .22 conversion assembly, as well. A lot of versatility for the money.

 

[Jim Watson]

Yes, but a "deal" on a .38 barrel is what got the OP all fired up on the notion of a conversion. He would soon start to whine about the price of .38 Super ammunition and then want a 9mm barrel. It is not an economical project no matter how you look at it.