Picture this next excersise in futility.

[NMGonzo]

My long project is a .460 rowland for my stainless springer

BUT ... as I was holstering today, I realize that It would be convenient to have a 3 inch or so slide and barrel to slap on the full size frame.

Tank Commander style.

Can it be done without getting silly?

 

[Fishslayer]

Are you talking about a 3" in .460 Rowland?

I'd LOVE to try it out!

Wonder what kind of recoil spring that would require...

 

[NMGonzo]

No ... i want the 3 inch for the .45

One lower, multiple upper depending how i feel that day.

 

[45Fan]

I cannot positively say that it is impossible, but the shorter slide 1911 has a different frame. Not just the grip is different, though I cannot give the specifics of the two, I do know that the rest of the frame also has different measurements as well.

 

[Drail]

Plan on buying a lot of recoil springs because it will eat them like candy. It will really need a shock buff and there is no room for one in a 3 in. Personally I wouldn't bother. It will beat the gun and follow up shots will be very difficult. The flash will blind everybody within about 30 feet of the gun.

 

[Skylerbone]

Can it be done without getting silly?

In short, no. The slide's spring tunnel is shorter and its rear face sets further back. The rails are also shortened as is the dust cover. You'd need a FLGR to retain the spring on the 5" if you cut the dust cover which will expose the recoil spring at the bottom, if not you'll have about .6" of dust cover sitting forward of the slide while in battery. I don't know how much stroke is lost but a commander slide on a Govt. frame will be .25" loss of rearward travel. Both slides would also require fitting to the frame rails likely making both a less than ideal fit. Finally, you'll have to consider the ejector and whether or not an extended would work for both uppers.

Essentially you'll end up with (if it works) two horrible looking pistols, both likely compromised in function rather than the full size/compact duo you're hoping for. After parts, finishing and professional help you would likely be money, time and headaches ahead to buy a second pistol. For .45 ACP I'd recommend a Colt or Kimber.