Converting .40 1911 to 10mm

IM_Lugger

IM_Lugger

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If I’ll get a .40 1911 would it just be a simple barrel swap to convert it to a 10mm? Would the .40 magazine fit a 10mm round or would I need 10mm magazine?

btw what would be the best place to get a 10mm barrel?
 
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some single stack .40 mags have spacers in the back to make up for the lenght difference between the 2. If you have a .40 you can just swap out the barrel, but if you buy a 10MM you can run .40 in it if the extractor is setup properly, since the rounds head space of the front of the case. Para and STI/SVI double stack mags do not have any spacers in them so they can run both rounds with no mods.
 
For the most part, it's as simple as you suggest. Single stack 1911 mags are specific to caliber, but you can likely get away with using .40 in the 10mm.

As for a barrel, if you want to shop local, talk to Gunnar. If he can't help, get thyself an IIC and call Brownells.
 
Go easy if it is a Colt you are thinking of converting, I can't say about other makes, but I had 2 Colts factory chambered in 10mm and both developed cracks in the frames.
Something you may want to think about rather than going with a new barrel is get a chamber reamer and lengthen the 40 S&W chamber to 10mm.
The mags are interchangeable, at least the Colt mags are. I now have a factory 40S&W by Colt, no problems with it yet.
KK
 
RE: Barrel.

We always have stock of short chambered 40 cal STI barrels. All it takes for them to be 10mm is to have the reaming completed (which has to be done for 40 anyway) Any one of the gunsmiths can get it for you from us or you can order it direct.
 
IM_Lugger said:
did you change the recoil springs? I know I'd need get a stiffer springs for a 10mm...
Click to expand...

After my 1st Delta developed cracks I upgraded the springs and used a 1 pc guide rod and buffers, to no avail, #2 cracked in the same places.
I am toying with the notion of buying a Detonics Scoremaster in 10mm. I like the caliber.
KK
 
My Colt Delta hasn't cracked yet but it always feels like the 10 mm cartridge is just a bit too much for it to handle.

Now the Glock has handled everything I've stuffed into it like a pro. Feels like a 38 Spl. to shoot but it sure takes the pins down nice.
 
I have a 10mm Delta Elite and it's the modified frame Colt just cut the top of the slide stop hole on the frame where they usually cracked. No more problem and I have been feeding it some pretty stiff loads, I do have a 22lbs spring and a full lenght rod.
 
I'm assuming the frame cracks you mention are at the junction where the dust cover turns into the frame rails, or on the left side frame rail where the slide stop hole has been milled. These are normal, if disturbing, with 1911's run to high pressure and slide speed. Colt began milling out the slide stop hole straight up to eliminate the cracking in that area. As for cracking at the dust cover, all you can do is try to balance your spring weight to the load being used, and possibly use a shock buffer.

I do not recommend trying to shoot .40 in a 10mm barrel, except in a S&W 610. While the extractor may hold the case firmly to the breach face, there is a greater possiblity that the case will have too much play during ignition, and batter the breach face.
 
I have a pair of Colt Delta's,one blued model since 1988,and a bright stainless since 1990 in which I've swapped out the original recoil springs and followers for the Wilson Combat one piece guide rods and shock buffs. The shock buffs are replaced every 1000 rounds and I've fed them a steady diet of 170 gr. L.S.W.C. at around 1000 f.p.s. which intentionally duplicates a 40 SW load very nicely and definitely reduces the battering a slide takes from the heavier bullets and loads.Both guns have had around 5000 rounds out of them with no frame or slide failures. The stainless model was very early on modified by means of "Accurailing" where the factory slide to frame fit is now accomplished with 1/16 drill rod in place of the slide rails now giving a precise fit.This modification was done by a "Robby Krieger" out of Detroit and I've never been sorry I did it as there's little slop.A match grade barrel would now finish the job as a hunting gun for wild boar if I swap out for a 24 lb. spring and 200 gr. XTP's. This is a real FUN gun.
 
A friend has a Dan Wesson 10mm and he has no complaints. Based on his experiences I would take a long look at one. Regards, Richard :D
DW 10mm:
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http://www.cz-usa.com/product_detail.php?id=80
 
knockknock said:
After my 1st Delta developed cracks I upgraded the springs and used a 1 pc guide rod and buffers, to no avail, #2 cracked in the same places.KK
Click to expand...
Early production Deltas were infamous for doing that. Apparently, the crack is self-limiting and does not affect durability. The later "improved" Deltas had a cut-out in the area where the crack used to develop.
 
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