9mm barrels?

steve2267 · 09-10-2003, 05:14 PM

Assuming the frame has not been cut for fully supported barrels, can one switch a standard government model M1911A1 whether it be Colt, Springfield, Kimber etc from .45ACP to 9mm just by switching the barrel and using 9mm magazines?

Or are there feed ramp issues or other problems? What about the extractor?

Thanks.

Stephen A. Camp · 09-10-2003, 06:21 PM

Hello. No, I fear that won't work. The breechface is too wide. I'm sure that others here can give more specifics, but I don't believe it will work.

Best.

kindlyoldcoach · 09-10-2003, 06:35 PM

As Mister Camp says, the breechface is too wide. In addition, the ejector would have to be lengthened, the .45's firing pin's tip may be too wide for good strikes on small pistol primers, the feedramp will likely have the wrong geometry, and yes, the extractors are caliber-specific, as you surmised.

Then there's the recoil spring...

My opinion: It's FAR easier and more practical to buy two complete pistols.

Bill Riehl · 09-13-2003, 03:28 PM

I dont think the size of the breechface will by itself preclude that conversion. The problem as I see it lies with the extractor and ejector (in the typical 1911, related). The breechface dimensions shouldnt pose any trouble in the conversion (see the undervalued Springfield Omega/Peters Stahl pistols).

09-10-2003, 05:14 PM	#1
steve2267 Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Colorado Posts: 51	9mm barrels? Assuming the frame has not been cut for fully supported barrels, can one switch a standard government model M1911A1 whether it be Colt, Springfield, Kimber etc from .45ACP to 9mm just by switching the barrel and using 9mm magazines? Or are there feed ramp issues or other problems? What about the extractor? Thanks.

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09-10-2003, 06:21 PM	#2
Stephen A. Camp Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Southwest Posts: 2,371	Hello. No, I fear that won't work. The breechface is too wide. I'm sure that others here can give more specifics, but I don't believe it will work. Best.

09-10-2003, 06:35 PM	#3
kindlyoldcoach Member Join Date: Feb 2002 Posts: 91	As Mister Camp says, the breechface is too wide. In addition, the ejector would have to be lengthened, the .45's firing pin's tip may be too wide for good strikes on small pistol primers, the feedramp will likely have the wrong geometry, and yes, the extractors are caliber-specific, as you surmised. Then there's the recoil spring... My opinion: It's FAR easier and more practical to buy two complete pistols.

09-13-2003, 03:28 PM	#4
Bill Riehl Member Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Dayton, Ohio Posts: 87	I dont think the size of the breechface will by itself preclude that conversion. The problem as I see it lies with the extractor and ejector (in the typical 1911, related). The breechface dimensions shouldnt pose any trouble in the conversion (see the undervalued Springfield Omega/Peters Stahl pistols).