1911: 45 to 38 super

[gregar]

just wondering aloud here.
How difficult is converting a 1911 in 45acp to 38super. New barrel, mags?
Any frame mods needed?
Thnks odt

 

[gyppo]

New complete slide and barrel, new ejector in frame, new mags

 

[gregar]

Slide? Oops! Getting expensive fast!
Thnks

 

[Gunfighter]

Much easier to start with a 9mm 1911 and go to 38 Super. Should be able to fit new barrel and bushing and be GTG with appropriate mags.

 

[jeep78]

New 38 Supers are still being made.

 

[gregar]

Thanks guys. Reconsidering now.
Know of a 38 super 1911 in a lightweight commander frame?

 

[gregar]

I should think some prior to typing.
So what I am considering is a LW commander 9mm. convert to 38 super??

 

[1006]

Colt made a 38 Super Light Weight Commander in the XSE series. Those are fairly recent.You might find a used one.

The thing about those lightweight 1911’s is that they do show wear and tear more quickly than a steel frame gun.

I think that the 10mm/40S&W is the easiest to convert. The case rim diameter is very close to the same as the 38Super. All you need is a barrel and mags, maybe an extractor. Now that people seem to hate the forty, you might find a deal.

As a side note about your question:
The 45ACP uses a different feed ramp angle, a ramped barrel is the easiest solution, but this requires that most 45’s be cut for the ramp—-there is no going back to 45 without a 45 ramped barrel.

Some Commanders use the same ejector and associated slide cut for the 45 and 38.

 

[gregar]

Thanks 1006. Great help

 

[1006]

You are welcome, good luck with the project