1911, to 9mm?

[dealwithit]

Hey, I have a 1911 in .45, and am looking at another. I'm wondering if wanting to convert one to 9mm is it just getting 9mm barrel and mags or is there alot more involved in making a successful swap over? Would springs and an extractor be required as well? Thanks

 

[heavenIsAlie]

you need a whole new top end

 

[tjhaile]

The 9mm ejector is also different from a .45 one.

 

[The Breeze]

Depending on the brand/make, generally .45 1911 barrels are non-ramped while 9mm 1911 barrels are ramped. That would preclude the swapping of top ends.

 

[yohann160]

There was a lovely Colt Series 80 Mk.IV in 9mm on the EE, besides the two that I recently bought.

 

[Kindly Old Coach]

Apart from a complete new top end, ejector, and magazines, 9mm and .45 ACP frame feedramp geometries are different. The only trouble-free way to do a 9mm/.45 switch-top 1911 is to mill the frame for ramped barrels of both calibers.

 

[dealwithit]

Ok gotcha, not worth the hassle, I'll just keep an eye out for one in 9mm. I did remember seeing a 9mm frame when stripping someone else's 1911 and noticed it wasn't polished like mine was. That makes perfect sense now.

 

[heavenIsAlie]

Depending on the brand/make, generally .45 1911 barrels are non-ramped while 9mm 1911 barrels are ramped. That would preclude the swapping of top ends.

spartans and other armscor 9mm 1911s are not ramped, so its not that hard to get a non ramped top end. (are norincos ramped? i have no idea)

 

[The Breeze]

spartans and other armscore 9mm 1911s are not ramped, so its not that hard to get a non ramped top end. (are norincos ramped? i have no idea)

Re-read my post; I said "generally", not always. And read KOC's post above (post #6)

 

[heavenIsAlie]

Re-read my post; I said "generally", not always. And read KOC's post above (post #6)

i know you said generally, i was pointing the OP in the direction of a non ramped top end if he was so interested. geeze

 

[Halger280HVMag]

With respect.

That has not been my experience.

Here is one of my convertibles.
The feed-ramp angle is not changed, only smoothing of existing surfaces.
It works fine in this pistol,with all calibers tried so far.
Including .38 Special Full Wad-cutter, and .22 LR.
http://www.canadiangunnutz.com/forum/showthread.php?p=2758006&highlight=norkenstein#post2758006

Apart from a complete new top end, ejector, and magazines, 9mm and .45 ACP frame feedramp geometries are different. The only trouble-free way to do a 9mm/.45 switch-top 1911 is to mill the frame for ramped barrels of both calibers.

 

[ted_dent]

Just buy a 9mm SAM 1911 pistol from Wolverine. They only run about $500-$600 and are getting very good good reviews as to fit, finish & function.

 

[dealwithit]

Yah Im not interested in all that work, that why I sold my gsg kit and just bought full gsg gun.

 

[Cocked&Locked]

While there are ramped 9mm guns, the colts where not ramped, nor I believe are kimbers, springfields or the norcs.

The only major issue becomes the ejector that is in the frame. In 45 it sits much lower and will not engage a 9mm round (the smaller diameter will run right over top of it without touching)

Some 40 cal 1911's can switch back and forth to 9 without needing a new ejector mounted, but it's hit and miss.

Also, if you have the original style 1911 extractor, on a 45 it will be farther off center from the firing pin, so it may (or may not) reliably grab a smaller rim diameter.

Buy a seperate gun in 9mm, or 38 super and you can swap barrels and mags back and forth with no issues. its probably not worth the problems to swap a frame between the two.