1911 in 9 mm?

[dapster]

Does it make much sense for someone to purchase a 1911 style gun chambered in anything other than its original round, the .45 ACP? That is, would it still have its desirable attributes if parts were redimensioned for a smaller cartridge?

I'm asking because a female friend would like a 1911 for historical reasons but chambered for the 9 mm round for the lower cost of ammo when used primarily for target shooting.

 

[Crazy Fingers]

IMHO, if you're going to have a small capacity magazine, you better make each shot count. So if you're going with a caliber other than .45, I would go with something with more guts, not less. 10mm might be nice, but that kind of destroys the saving money idea.

 

[ugaarguy]

To get a 1911 that's truly resized to 9mm dimensions your only choices are the Springfield EMP and STI LS9. Standard 1911s in 9mm are also very neat guns. While not as common as their 45 ACP brethren, many folks do like 1911s in 9mm for reduced ammo cost and lower recoil. I'm in the process of acquiring a full size Colt in .38 Super with the intent of fitting a 9mm barrel for those very reasons. Moderator BullfrogKen has at least one Commander with 9x19 and 9x23 Win. barrels. You might send a PM to him, 1911Tuner, or XavierBreath for more 9mm 1911 info.

 

[j1979]

Dan wesson also makes a very nice 1911 9mm

 

[ugaarguy]

Dan wesson also makes a very nice 1911 9mm

Yes they do; as do Kimber, Springfield (standard - not EMP), STI (standard - not LS9), and a few others. The difference is that the LS9 and EMP are reduced size frame & slide guns that are physically too small to use .45 ACP.

 

[MikeKeyW]

I have a Combat Commander in 9mm and it's a very pleasant gun to shoot, almost like a 22. My understanding is the 9mm 1911 was the standard firearm for military brass.

 

[sara bellum]

of course, enjoy yourself

Since your original question related to economical target shooting...go ahead enjoy yourself. Protecting one's pocket book is always an important consideration, especially in these tough times (seems we're not better off now than we were 8 years ago). Ruger also make a .22 with 1911 style grip for practice plinking.

I do want to take this opportunity to say that the whole .45 v. 9mm talk is nonsense. The difference between .45 and 9mm is nominal. It appears from US DOJ research that such notions are purely myth: http://www.thegunzone.com/quantico-wounding.html . It seems that psychological shock is a key deterrent.

So, enjoy yourself with the 1911 in 9mm or any other caliber.

 

[makarovnik]

It makes sense. Higher capacity in a reliable and familiar platform with lots of aftermarket part available. Ammo is also cheap and +P rounds approach .45acp power levels. That said, how about a 1911 in .38 super. You get the best of both worlds except ammo cost more than 9mm. Capacity, platform, penetration, accuracy, what more could you ask for?

 

[sara bellum]

.38 super

Yes, .38 super! I had forgotten that caliber. Don't know about the price for that ammo, but it sure must be fun to shoot.

 

[Kind of Blued]

Go for it! If it's gonna be a range gun, capacity isn't a big deal.

An all steel 1911 is so controllable that a 9mm version could only be more fun I imagine.

My first stop would probably be to take a look at Springfield's full-sized 9mm. All steel, target sights, stainless, great reputation. Looks like a winner.

 

[wardog]

I want a STI Trojan 6.0. Long slide 1911 in 9mm would be fun to plink with.

 

[robctwo]

This is a Les Baer PII in 9mm. I put the slim Esmeraldas on it. I have small hands and love this gun. I had a few break-in issues with the extractor, but it runs like a top now. Thousands of very fun rounds. It cost a bit more than the Kimber, STi or SA. Also take a look at Fusionfirearms for a gun between the two price ranges.

 

[HuntAndFish]

Does it make much sense for someone to purchase a 1911 style gun chambered in anything other than its original round, the .45 ACP?

Sure it does. The Colt's in 9mm are the same size as the 45's. Very nice shooting guns. This is a commander.

 

[bluetopper]

Yes, Dan Wesson does make a nice 9mm 1911.

 

[KyJim]

I recently purchased a Colt 9mm Commander. I did not buy it as a carry weapon, though I might carry it from time to time. I purchased it because I like 9mms and I like 1911s. It's not anymore complicated than that. So, does it make sense to do this? It does for me.

 

[MICHAEL T]

I have a Commander in 9mm Dealer has aColt Gov in 9mm Its cheaper to shoot and even carry now and then

 

[HorseSoldier]

I'm a big fan of the 9mm 1911. I had a Kimber Tac Pro II in 9mm, and it was ridiculously accurate and just stupidly fast doing multi-shot/multi-target drills. With good quality defensive ammunition I never felt like I was less effectively armed than I'd be with a .45 1911 for CCW stuff.

 

[Double Naught Spy]

I have a Springfield Loaded in 9mm and EMP in 9mm. Both are nice shooting guns and I am pleased I have them. It is nice to sometimes practice with the same platform, but a smaller caliber.

I will say this, the slide on the full size Springfield cycles more slowly than on the EMP or my .45s, but not so slowly that I am faster than the gun. I can just feel the movement of the slide more than with the other guns is all. It is interesting, not a problem.

 

[CWL]

Another choice that does not stray from historical accuracy is to buy a M1911 in .45ACP but get a .22lr adapter for it.

.22lr is a lot cheaper than 9mm.

 

[Walkalong]

Does it make much sense for someone to purchase a 1911 style gun chambered in anything other than its original round, the .45 ACP?

For 30 years I would have said no, but now I enjoy shooting a lower recoil gun at times. The old bones are not as tough as they once were.

I have two .38 Supers now. Awesome guns, wish I had discovered the .38 Super sooner. I also have a couple of 9MM's. Cheap to shoot, low recoil, and I can shoot them a lot without beating up my joints.

 

[Jim Watson]

I am with Walkalong. The .45 just isn't as much fun as it used to be. I am shooting them, loaded light to keep the guns in use but to spare my joints.
Push come to shove, I think my Colt 1991A1 9mm would be the keeper.

 

[RogersPrecision]

Here is one that is just about ready to ship. It just needs Cerakote on the parked carbon steel frame and small parts.

New top end on an older lower.
Sure shoots flat and easy!














Due credit to my lovely wife for her gift of The Deluxe Dremel Kit!

 

[Walkalong]

Fricking awesome!

You make me drool and dream every time you post a gun pic.

 

[schmeky]

Roger's Precision,

GOOD GREIF!! Incredible. Unique. WOW.

 

[schmeky]

Here's my 1911 in 9mm, a converted Colt formerly in .38 Super.