Question about 1911: The barrels are all same size?

[Heir Kommt Die Sonne]

Are all the different caliber barrels interchangeable with a different caliber model? I heard the 1911 specs are all the same regardless of the caliber (expect a few minor differences like extractors and what not).
Would a .357 Sig barrel fit right in a standard .45 ACP 1911? And vice verse?

 

[highlander 5]

357 sig won't work with a 45 auto slide because of the difference in rim size. If you had a 10 mm or40 S&W yes. Also the ejector is probably different as well.

 

[cfullgraf]

The external dimensions of 1911 barrels are mostly the same between different cartridges. I know the hood is different between a 45 ACP barrel and a 38 Super barrel.

The big difference is in the slide breech area. I know 38 Suer/9mm slides are different in this area as a 45 ACP slide. I suspect a 40 S&W/357 SIG slide would be different as well.

I know the ejectors are different between different cartridges. I know some folks have used a 38 Super ejector with 45 ACP but I forget if the 45 ACP slide will ride over the 38 Super ejector without modification or not.

I hope this helps.

 

[mjsdwash]

there are at least 3 barrel standards for full size that I know, the common browning design, and two standards for ramped barrels, which some of the odd calibers use. These types require extensive frame rework, and are permanent. The 1911 has really bad casehead support, far worse than a Glock, and thats why ramped barrels are common for high pressure rounds. The Delta Elite had a reputation for bulging brass because they didn't.

As others mentioned, breach face is the bigger issue. If you get a new slide, or just gamble with what you have, make sure your prepared for whatever frame cuts the barrel maker wants.
https://www.guntechtips.com/rampedbbls.htm

My 9mm uses the Clark pattern, and has been exceedingly reliable.

 

[Riomouse911]

There are also different 1911 barrel profiles depending on the presence of a bushing at the muzzle or if it’s a bushingless design. The bushingless barrels use either a bull-barrel diameter or a “bell shaped” muzzle of the barrel to fit snugly at the end of the slide. The standard/bushing profile barrels are pretty much the same diameter the entire length since the bushing does this job.

Along with the hood/chamber dimensions you’ll need to know what type of barrel profile you’ll want to be sure it’ll function correctly.

Stay safe.

 

[Kp321]

Some Colt 9mm’s had “pencil” barrels which were much smaller in diameter than the 45’s. They now use the same OD for all calibers.

 

[PO2Hammer]

My Kimber 9mm has a stepped barrel, larger at the muzzle than further back.

 

[Jim Watson]

I assume that is to get the recoiling mass down a bit but still use the same bushing as a .45.
Colt did that, sort of, for the S70 collet bushing.

Colt has had .58" O.D. barrels for .45 ACP all along and I think for all calibers now.
At one time the .38 Super "fat barrel" was .54", the "pencil barrel" was .50". also used on 9mm.
My 1991A1 9mm has the old straight .50" barrel.

Other brands and mutants like OACP and Defender are different.

But as said, the slide breech face is the limiting factor.
You can buy big and shoot small in a Glock and maybe others but the 1911 is not as flexible.

 

[herrwalther]

For nearly every caliber conversion, you will need special conversion barrels. The hole in the slide of your 1911 and semi-autos in general is slightly larger than the bullet. It has to be. 357 SIG uses a .355 bullet which is significantly smaller than .452 of the 45ACP. Made the standard way, a 357 SIG barrel would have a large gap between the slide and barrel which at best could lead to reliability issues. Not to mention the breech face being wildly different. Lining up the firing pin on a smaller case is not as easy on a 1911. At the very least you would need a whole slide assembly dedicated to 357 SIG.

An easier conversion for the 1911 would be 400 Corbon. That round is a necked down 45ACP case to accept a .401 bullet. All that conversion requires is a barrel swap as the breech face is the same and the muzzle end of the barrel was designed for conversions in 1911s.

 

[bannockburn]

I remember a Guns and Ammo article many years ago where the author made a 5 in 1 1911. He started with a Government Model in .38 Super then added a 9mm. barrel, a .38/45 barrel and a complete slide assembly from a Colt Combat Commander in .45 ACP.