1911 .38 super to .45 ACP conversion

[Armed 24/7]

I have a Colt 1911 series 80 in .38 Super (100 years of service, if it matters). I would like to shoot .45 acp on the same frame. Can I just buy a slide, recoil spring, magazine, and barrel and install it? does it matter if the slide is a Series 70?

 

[tipoc]

oops!

 

[tipoc]

If the frame is a series 70 then you will need the same for the slide. In addition to what you name you would also need a ejector fit (the ejector is fit to the frame). The items would need to be fit by someone experienced in working on the gun.

The ejector on the 45 and the 38 Super are slightly different and the difference will effect functioning. The Super uses the same ejector as the 9mm and the 9x23 Winchester as I recall. It is more common to see conversions from one of these latter than from 38 Super to 45.

http://www.1911forum.com/forums/

tipoc

 

[Loosedhorse]

The slide stop is different for the .45. You might need machining of the ramp, too, as the .45 round is going to hit lower on the frame than the .38.

 

[bannockburn]

I'm pretty sure as both tipoc and Loosedhorse already mentioned that the position of certain components on the two frames differ enough as to preclude such a conversion. The only reverse conversion (.45 to .38 Super), that I can recall was done with a Colt Combat Commander as the position of the ejector was such that it would accomodate a .38 Super slide. I don't know if this was a one-off kind of situation; like the fit of that particular Commander frame varied enough to allow the other caliber slide to work on it.

Your .38 Super frame and slide will easily accept 9mm. Parabellum ammunition with a new barrel assembly and magazine; depending on the loads being used a new recoil spring may be in order too.

 

[MICHAEL T]

convert it to 9mm a whole lot less trouble

 

[Onmilo]

Converting to 9mm is indeed much simpler a process as all you need is a fitted barrel and magazines for 9mm.
The slide, firing pin port size and breechface are the same for 9mm, 9X23, and .38 Super.

You can have a gunsmith familiar with the 1911 open up the feed ramp, replace the ejector and fit a slide and barrel assembly but the cost will be as much or more than just finding and buying a used Series 80 Colt .45 on the used gun market.