Converting 1911 from 45 to 40 parts list?

[Riven]

What all is required to convert my 45 to 40?
Just curious and wanting to compare the cost of purchasing a whole new gun vs converting my norc.

 

[Cocked&Locked]

You'd need everything above the frame, the slide is different. Some have had some luck replacing barrel and ejector, but extraction will be an issue. And to change back and forth, you'll have to change the ejector (not the extractor) and that is work bench job. Just buy a second pistol.

 

[Riven]

Thanks. Thats what i might have to do.

 

[NAA]

I had a .40 S&W barrel fit to my blued Colt Delta.

Now can take advantage of all the free once fired .40 brass that litters our local ranges when the LEO's do their qualifications.

-------------
NAA.

 

[1riot1ranger]

I can't comment directly on the .45 to .40 change, but I did convert my STI .40 to 9mm. Here are the changes that were necessary:

1) New barrel
2) New recoil spring

The ejector had to be profiled a bit, but not much. Also, there was the potential that a new bushing would be required - but in my specific case it was not (STI barrels OD on 9mm and .40 are the same). I should also note that the POI is different when I switch out barrels. This isn't a big deal as I have and adjustable rear sight.

Clarence at BCM profiled the ejector and fitted the new barrel. I'd give him a call and discuss the conversion. His advice will be more useful than mine.

 

[Hitzy]

A .40cal 1911 uses 9mm 1911 parts basically (slide/firing fin/slide stop/extractor/ejector).... Tough conversion from .45

 

[NAA]

........ I did convert my STI .40 to 9mm.........

Wonder if there's anyone on the board who's done a 9mm to .40 conversion with their 1911?

-------------
NAA.

 

[Markit]

Wonder if there's anyone on the board who's done a 9mm to .40 conversion with their 1911?

-------------
NAA.

I've converted a doublestack from 9 to 40.

Had to open up the breach face on the slide a small amount but other than a new extractor barrel and bushing and timing the barrel it was straight forward. Hardest part was getting the 9 mm mags to work.

I've heard some 9 mm slides won't need the breach face opened.

 

[Cocked&Locked]

9 to 40, or 40 to 9 work, as they use the same breachface, (major difference extractor placement) but 40 or 9 to 45, not so hot....and since it's a norc to start with, it would be just as cost effective to buy a second one, and probably work better to boot.

 

[wasrupzuk]

I might as well be the first...
Try a 400 Corbon (45 ACP necked down to use 40 bullets)
It would just be a barrel + install bits,
Or buy a new pistol.