1911 9mm to 38 super

[cyclopsshooter]

I know you can change a 38 super 1911 to a 9mm and am pretty sure it can go the other way but thought Id ask.
Is there any reason you cant buy a 9mm 1911 and throw in a storm lake 38 super barrel?

 

[Rock185]

Shouldn't be a problem, IMHO. I am not a gunsmith/Guru/expert, but I have been around 1911 type guns a fair amount over the past 40+ years. As long as you have a super barrel that fits properly and a Super magazine, the only thing I can think might be an issue is the ejector. Some 9mms have REAL long ejectors. This may prevent a loaded super round from being ejected if you need to clear the weapon with a loaded round in the chamber. I just used the shorter .38 Super ejector in my '70 Series Colt I had set up for both 9mm and 38 Super. The super case rim is slightly larger in diameter, but usually not enough to cause any problem at all. Some manufacturers now days use a .40 cal. breech face for .40/10mm and anything smaller anyway. My kimber .38 Super and Kimber 9mms were all that way. All 100% reliable. With Colts manufactured in the last several years, the only mechanical difference between the Super .38 and the 9mm is the magazine and the barrel. I have a new Colt .38 Super that I'm going to set up to use both calibers. The only changes I intend to make to use 9mm, are a 9mm barrel and magazine. ymmv

 

[RSVP2RIP]

You may have to adjust the tension on the extractor as the 9mm has a smaller rim. It is possible to get the extractor just right to work with both but it's not ideal.

 

[Walkalong]

From everything I have read here in the past it may work with no tweaks and you may have to adjust things a hair. Only way to find out is to do it. I would not let that scare you from trying it. I am planning on the same thing for a Super I have, heck, maybe both of them.

 

[BullfrogKen]

Is there any reason you cant buy a 9mm 1911 and throw in a storm lake 38 super barrel?

Generally you can. It depends. Sometimes the barrel will just drop in, sometimes it needs to be fit. Depends on the gun's tolerances and the part you're buying.


Sometimes the ejector in a 9mm is a bit long for 38 Super. And sometimes the extractor needs to be adjusted a bit for the semi-rimmed case. If you run 38 SuperComp, you should be able to avoid the extractor issue entirely.