Posted: 6/9/2011 3:59:03 PM EDT
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1911 experts,
I was able to get my hands on a used Springfield Operator. I've always loved the full-rail design, but I already have a 1911 in 45 ACP, and I don't need two. As such, I'd like to get this one converted to a 9mm. I understand I'll need a new slide, barrel, and a various other small parts. What I'd like to know from you are recommendations on 1911 'smiths who would help me fit the gun. I'm looking for a 'smith with reasonable rates, and a reasonable lead time. I'd want the slide and bull barrel fitted, the frame cut for a ramped chamber, some reliability tuning, and complete refinishing. This is my first serious 1911 modification project, so if I've overlooked anything obvious please let me know. For example, I'm assuming I can replace the ejector, but I don't really know. Any sources who can offer me these services and some price estimates would be greatly appreciated Thank you for your time. |
You will need a lot of parts. A new upper and an ejector are the main things. I think that is everything that is caliber specific. Most of the well known smiths have pretty decent lead times. The Springfield Custom Shop might be helpful since they are the only place that has new full rail Operators. On a related note you can still buy a custom full rail for about $3k.  You can probably get it in 9.That said, I really do implore you to find a different gun and leave the Operator alone. They are awesome and unless you can get another slide, I don't think it will quite be the same. I have seen 9mm Operators before so maybe you can find one of those. Besides, what's wrong with more than one .45?  |
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You can probably get it in 9. Yes, you can get one in 9mm from the Custom Shop. But, they aren't cheap. I got this about 2 years ago.... I have the only one I've ever seen in 9mm (with the full rail). There may be, and likely is, other 9mm ones. But in all the years I've been on the net and on a couple of dozen gun forums, I've never seen another one in 9mm with the full rail. I have seen a 9mm clone of the railed Professional, though. But the rail was just the 3/4 rail 
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Thanks guys. I guess I have some thinking to do. My original plan was to get a Caspian slide without the front radius cuts so it matched the look of an Operator slide.
As a second option, would it be less of a tragedy of I sold the Operator as-is, and then bought an RIA 2011 Tactical? This is also a full-rail pistol, but I'd still want to convert it to 9mm. That's a beautiful pistol Shipwreck, and my inspiration for getting my own 9mm Operator. Thanks for sharing. |
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Gee - that's pretty much the whole gun, no?  I'm not sure I agree that I need a new frame. I believe it depends on whether or not I can change the ejector. These are the questions I'd like to discuss with a gunsmith, unless someone happens to know . . . can I replace the ejector on an RIA frame? (I'm leaning RIA now) |
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That's a beautiful pistol Shipwreck, and my inspiration for getting my own 9mm Operator. Thanks for sharing. Thanks... Someone stated a few months ago that they ordered one just like mine - so, we'll see if it pops up on the 1911 forums one day... If you figure something out, post a photo! |