1911 Parts Interchangeability...

[letusbuyyourcar]

I recently scored an RIA 1911 full size in 9mm. It looks like a phosphate type finish which is fine. I want to change out the controls and a few other pieces for some color contrast. By that I mean I want to go with stainless parts as in ambi safety,beaver tail ,slide release and maybe mag button and barrel bushing. Oh and Allen head grip screws.
Question here would be is there any difference in the 45acp parts and 9mm. I don't THINK there is but I've never owned a 9mm (wrong caliber) 1911 before. I ask this because a while back I owned an ATI Commander size 1911 and ordered the grip screws for it and they were wrong. Turned out I needed the bushings that went with them.

 

[GFB]

There are differences between some manufacturers as well as different chamberings in general. Only things I changed on a 9mm 1911 was guide rod, plug, and recoil spring, which was a different model than the one I put in a 45. Oh and the grips for a RIA or old STI are a different cut too from most. Find a site that lets you specify your make/model. Wilson Combat or Midwest Gunworks are good options. Could try Cylinder and Slide also.

I think the resident gunsmiths are Greg Vess and Cmshoot. They can make some recommendations maybe.

 

[letusbuyyourcar]

There are differences between some manufacturers as well as different chamberings in general. Only things I changed on a 9mm 1911 was guide rod, plug, and recoil spring, which was a different model than the one I put in a 45. Oh and the grips for a RIA or old STI are a different cut too from most. Find a site that lets you specify your make/model. Wilson Combat or Midwest Gunworks are good options. Could try Cylinder and Slide also.

I think the resident gunsmiths are Greg Vess and Cmshoot. They can make some recommendations maybe.

My current RIA 1911 came with a set of Magpul grips that I really dig. So I will most likely stick with them unless I find a deal on some nice wood grips.
I was mainly concerned about the ambi safety and beaver tail grip safety fitting correctly.

 

[basstracker89]

I wouldn't say wrong cal. I do tend to stick with original manufacturer and cal. though. I agree with the above, CM and Vess

 

[GFB]

My current RIA 1911 came with a set of Magpul grips that I really dig. So I will most likely stick with them unless I find a deal on some nice wood grips.
I was mainly concerned about the ambi safety and beaver tail grip safety fitting correctly.

I have found replacing safeties to require hand fitting. Seems like basic filing but I suck and just kept the original.

 

[CQB27]

1911 parts should work with your gun, caliber doesn’t matter, though some fitting may be required. 9mm ejectors are different that 45 ejectors, but beyond that I’m not sure much else differs as far as hard parts go between a 9mm and 45acp frame and slide.

Both the ambi safety and grip safety will require fitting. The frame radius on 1911 lowers differ quite a bit and to get a good grip safety fit can require a jig and a lot of work filing and sanding. Thumb safeties almost always require fitting.

 

[Gingerbeard Man]

Only issue I ever ran into was shopping for a threaded barrel. 1911's have a ramped or non-ramped barrel. Most of the time needing hand fitting.

 

[T-Roy]

Man, good luck. I want to change the sights on my para p14 and with all the 1911 variants and brand specific parts I can't even decide if sights for a para cut slide will fit a para. I know I COULD get the micrometer out and compare to specs, but that sounds like it would take effort.

 

[GFB]

Man, good luck. I want to change the sights on my para p14 and with all the 1911 variants and brand specific parts I can't even decide if sights for a para cut slide will fit a para. I know I COULD get the micrometer out and compare to specs, but that sounds like it would take effort.

Novak will install sights even if they have to recut the dovetail if needed. Call them and see what they say.

 

[Spas-12 Owner]

Norinco 1911 has a unique grip safety, installing beavertail requires a smith

No, like most have already said, 1911 require hand fitting parts, especially fire control parts if aftermarket.

That goes for Norinco and RIA, plus all others.

OP, you just want to make sure you order for the correct frame ( single or double stack) and safety generation ( Ser 70 or 80).

Most manufacturers when ordering will give you a caliber selection, it is safe to assume if no caliber selection, then caliber doesn't matter.