In order to participate in the GunBroker Member forums, you must be logged in with your GunBroker.com account. Click the sign-in button at the top right of the forums page to get connected.

Colt 38 super to 9mm

jwilson09jwilson09 Member Posts: 5 ✭✭
edited July 2002 in Ask the Experts
I own a old Colt 1911a1 in 38 Super and I'm interested in changing to 9mm, can this gun be converted to 9mm by just changing the barrel and mag or is it more complicated than that? I interested in hearing from someone who has tried this and what results they had.

Thanks
· Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Comments

  • MIKE WISKEYMIKE WISKEY Member Posts: 10,036 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    THERE ISN'T MUCH DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE 9 MM AND .38 SUPER HEAD DIA. THE EJECTOR FOR THE SUPER SHOULD WORK WITH THE 9MM AND SO SHOULD THE EXTRACTOR, YOU MIGH NEED TO CHANGE THE RECOIL SPRING AND MAGAZINE. I USED TO MAKE UP 4 CAL. KITS FOR THE 1911 (.38 SPEC., 9 MM, .38 SUP. AND .45 ACP) ALL ON ONE RECEIVER ( FOUR BARRELS, THREE SLIDES, AND ONE RECEIVER).
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • leeblackmanleeblackman Member Posts: 5,303 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    If its a Colt, you could probably get an even trade in at a gunshow on a good 9mm. Instead of defaceing that poor Colt.

    Is it a 1991A1, or a Government model? Or is it an original 1911A1 in a .38super?

    If I'm wrong please correct me, I won't be offended.

    The sound of a 12 gauge pump clears a house fatser than Rosie O eats a Big Mac !
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • He DogHe Dog Member Posts: 51,593 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    I agree with Saxon the .38 super is a superior round, much undervalued, but making a comeback so a better variety of ammo will be available. Stick with it or buy the 9mm and sell me the .38 super.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • RocklobsterRocklobster Member Posts: 7,060 ✭
    edited November -1
    Same slide, same extractor. Colt book says same recoil spring- 14 lbs.- you might have to experiment with it. You might have to experiment with the ejector, as has been said. You'll have to adjust the extractor's tension some. Different barrel, different magazine.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • RocklobsterRocklobster Member Posts: 7,060 ✭
    edited November -1
    BTW- pretty cheap, pretty easy.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • RocklobsterRocklobster Member Posts: 7,060 ✭
    edited November -1
    Another BTW- the ejector is held to the frame by a 1/16" pin. Drift it out, drift it in, with a punch.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • jwilson09jwilson09 Member Posts: 5 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    You guys all make good points, This Colt that I have was made in 1955 and is all original, a great shooter as is so I really didn't want to change anything that couldn't be changed back. I've been offered a great deal on a large amount of new S&B 9mm ammo, and I have heard that this conversion can work. I just thought it would be nice to have a pistol that could fire two calibers.

    Thanks
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • leeblackmanleeblackman Member Posts: 5,303 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    AAAAAAAAAAHHHHH.....NO.....Don't mess with it. Gun abuse, gun abuse!!! I can't believe your wanting to cut up that original 1911A1 in .38super.


    What side of the gun is the horse on? Whats the serial # prefix? And what overall condition is it in?

    If I'm wrong please correct me, I won't be offended.

    The sound of a 12 gauge pump clears a house fatser than Rosie O eats a Big Mac !
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
Sign In or Register to comment.