Posted: 6/28/2008 7:30:30 PM EDT
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Ok, who out there makes 1911s in 9mm other than the customs and semi-customs out there? I have a Wilson CQB in .45 and may just have them build me another in 9mm, but wonder what other options are out there that might be more "off the shelf" and something I could eventually build into a full custom in time? I think I heard Springfield makes a 9mm, does anyone else? I'd also like it to be full size, not a compact of any kind. Any ideas? |
| springfield list's a loaded mdl on their website.....www.springfield-armory.com/armory.php?version=23 |
I have an earlier incarnation of that one.  |
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Through some looking last night, in a full size piece, it looks like STI and Springfield both make 9mm models. I would compare the Springfield Loaded model (with or without adjustable sights) and the STI Trojan. Both about the same price. Anyone have thoughts on either one? Looks like it would be one of these and run for a bit then slowly customize down the line, or just go with something like a Wilson, which would require a much longer wait to acquire. STI Trojan  Springfield Loaded 
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I have a 9mm Trojan. It runs great with the factory mag and mine loves the Tripp Research 10 rounders. In the first 100 rounds there were a couple of FTF's but now it runs great. I put about 1700 rounds of WWB through mine so far in about 3 months. I shoot it a lot more than my 45 cal 1911. 
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I like that one. |
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Ahh, thanks. Ok, here's another question. What does it take to convert a .45 1911 to 9mm? 9mm ones are not the easiest to find and wondered if I found a good deal on a used or even new 1911 I liked, what it would take to convert it to 9mm if I plan to do a few modifications anyway to an off the shelf unit. Would it mainly be the barrel, the bushing, the recoil spring...anything else? Would the slide need to be replaced? Just wondering if that might be a viable option. Thanks. |
Slide (Breech-face is too wide on the .45) along with internals (Firing pin, extractor, all 9mm specific) Recoil assembly (spring at a minimum) Ejector (.45 is very short, 9mm is long) Magazines obviously. Slide stop (difference in the magazine shelf location) Not really an easy switch like a .22 conversion because of the ejector issue. Also, some builders prefer 9mm to use an integrated ramp on the barrel (Wilson/Nowlin, etc type ramp)  which requires a ramp specific cut to the frame. Now, if you were going to a .45 -> 9mm swap, you can just get a 9mm barrel with the standard 1911 type ramp. |
You can pick them up on the EE here for under 1k pretty easily. I wouldn't get a Series II gun either, but that's just me. |
| I'm now thinking of trying the Fusion Firearms Scout Elite XL. Its a full size version available in 9mm or other calibers and seems to be a semi-custom type of weapon for about $1400. A lot less than a Wilson, but seems to have more features and care than something like a Kimber or Springfield. I have an email in for some more info and hope to talk with them soon. I might give them a try and take a chance. |
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I like what you did with the Colt SilverState. It looks very much like my actual Wilson CQB, tan frame, black slide and small parts. Looks great. Well, I just made the decision and ordered a 9mm scout from Bob Serva at Fusion Firearms. It seems to be a great compromise between a full on custom like a Wilson or Baer and an off the shelf weapon like a Kimber or Springfield. Its hand fitted and tested, I get to choose the small parts I want on it and get to choose the finish as well. Only thing I couldnt specify was that I would have preferred checkering on the front strap instead of the chain link they use and I would have preferred finer cocking serrations on the slide, but they keep the prices down from a full custom by having the frames and slides already in "packages" and cant really deviate from that unless you start to get into full customs again. It didnt seem worth an extra grand to get another Wilson just for checkering and finer cocking serrations. These guys are getting quite a bit of good press on some of the 1911 forums so figured I'd give it a shot and see what happens. I'll report back in 8-10 weeks when I get it and can shoot it. |