Warning

 

Close
Confirm Action

Are you sure you wish to do this?

Cancel Confirm
AR15.COM
10/28/2007 8:12:44 AM EDT
I own a smith and wesson 1911 in of course .45acp. I was wondering if it was possible to modify it to shoot the .38 super round and if so be able to go back and fourth between the 2 calibers?
10/28/2007 9:07:59 AM EDT
[#1]
Yes, you can do that.

IMHOP it is better just to have a second pistol in 38 super.

Parts and GS fees can run close to over what a new 1911 in 38super would cost.
10/28/2007 10:21:37 AM EDT
[#2]
You'd be better off buying a gun chambered for it. You'd need an entire new top end, new ejector, ramped barrel cut, etc.
10/28/2007 1:19:30 PM EDT
[#3]
I agree, buy another pistol. I converted a springfield WWII model to 9mm parabellum. I sold the slide and barrel to get some of the money back.  Your going to have to replace ejector and I wouldn't go 38 super without a ramped barrel. More money!!!!! to get frame cut and barrel fitted.
10/28/2007 9:19:16 PM EDT
[#4]
i live in nj and hate the wait...
10/29/2007 2:56:18 AM EDT
[#5]
Wait would be longer having a gunsmith do all the changes.
10/29/2007 12:56:53 PM EDT
[#6]

Quoted:
I agree, buy another pistol. I converted a springfield WWII model to 9mm parabellum. I sold the slide and barrel to get some of the money back.  Your going to have to replace ejector and I wouldn't go 38 super without a ramped barrel. More money!!!!! to get frame cut and barrel fitted.


Agree 100% on the ramped barrel.  .38 = "38 Stupid" without a ramped barrel because the un-ramped barrel has NO chamber support at all.
10/29/2007 2:22:59 PM EDT
[#7]
yea, I just finished converting a commander to 9mm ramped. After you buy a barrel, 150.00-200 dollars, you have to get the frame cut and the barrel installed. your talking about 400  bucks at least to get everything done.
10/29/2007 4:13:14 PM EDT
[#8]
What cal was the commander before?
10/29/2007 5:23:29 PM EDT
[#9]
briefly was a 45acp
10/29/2007 5:41:43 PM EDT
[#10]
You change over the slide as well?
10/30/2007 7:07:34 AM EDT
[#11]
Guys I was just asking if it was possible ...Dont get in a huge arguement..If I new I wouldnt ask..Now if I do the conversion to .38 super i can no longer shoot .45 acp right?
10/30/2007 8:02:25 AM EDT
[#12]
you coul re install all the old parts and should be good to go.

If you have a ramped barrel then you will be 100%good to go.

Idid this went from 9mm to 45 acp  and 45acp to 9mm all the tim untill I had the GS pin my ejector in place for 9mm. Now the pistols stays at 9mm, but I still have most of the parts to switch back.
10/30/2007 8:33:12 AM EDT
[#13]

Quoted:
Guys I was just asking if it was possible ...Dont get in a huge arguement..If I new I wouldnt ask..Now if I do the conversion to .38 super i can no longer shoot .45 acp right?


OK - argument mode: <OFF>

Need:

-.38 Super slide & all top-end parts including:  

-.38 barrel (I suggest ramped - which requires frame mods & new .45 barrel)

-.38 extractor, FP, FP stop, etc.

Lower end: just an ejector (does not need to be pinned) and mags; you might want a 38 slide stop of you want it to lock open.

Let us know if you do & please post pics.

Regards, CBR
10/30/2007 6:11:22 PM EDT
[#14]
You change over the slide as well?

absolutely!!!!!!!!
10/30/2007 6:12:01 PM EDT
[#15]

Quoted:
You change over the slide as well?

absolutely!!!!!!!!
10/31/2007 5:50:29 AM EDT
[#16]
O.K thanks i will be doing this in the near future just havented decided 10mm or .38super... 10mm Would be a fun cannon I think and I think i'd get alot of wows but the .38 super I dont know much about athoer then grandpa thought it was the greatest thing since sliced bread..lol..Thanks guys.. Anymore opinions?
10/31/2007 11:10:18 AM EDT
[#17]

Quoted:
Anymore opinions?


Yeah, why not 9mm?  .38 super will be expensive to shoot unless you reload, and even then, brass is relatively expensive.

Given that USPSA shooters are making major power factor (125 gr bullet going 1350 FPS) in the 9x19mm case, I'd say you don't give up a whole lot.

Practically, 9mm makes a lot more sense.  

Now if you just want .38 super because you want it, that's another thing, and I understand.
11/1/2007 12:51:32 PM EDT
[#18]
Watch out.
Not all slides have the ejector slot in the same spot.
You may need to file/mill the ejector to fit the different slides.
The 9mm/.38 Super ejectors tend to extend a little more towards the middle of the frame from the mounting holes.

I have done it a couple times over the years, and still have a switch top (,45 ACP & .38 Super Comp) ramped barrels.
If you do the work yourself it might be cost effective.

If you have to pay for it the top end, fitting, and fiddling will cost about what another gun does.
11/2/2007 4:19:39 PM EDT
[#19]
Do you mean you used the existing slide ...I was going too buy a new slide and barrel..
11/2/2007 6:17:21 PM EDT
[#20]
You can buy a new Rock Isand Armory 38 Super, not have to disturb your S&W 1911, save a bunch of headaches & have yourself one hell of a 38 Super. All for near the same money than the conversion.
11/3/2007 6:28:40 AM EDT
[#21]

Quoted:
You can buy a new Rock Isand Armory 38 Super, not have to disturb your S&W 1911, save a bunch of headaches & have yourself one hell of a 38 Super. All for near the same money than the conversion.


Less money than the conversion.
11/3/2007 6:34:06 AM EDT
[#22]
Then you have two 1911's. This is how it begins. Don't ask me how I know.
11/3/2007 10:59:07 PM EDT
[#23]
Too bad you didn't have a 9mm 1911...
11/4/2007 5:28:14 AM EDT
[#24]

Quoted:
Then you have two 1911's. This is how it begins. Don't ask me how I know.


It's okay, buddy. There's worse sicknesses to have.
11/4/2007 9:02:39 AM EDT
[#25]
Don't patronize me.