1911 parts for .45 vs. 9mm - interchangeable?

[gunsrfun1]

Quick question: Generally speaking, are internal parts for 1911s basically the same for both of the above calibers. That is, if you order a trigger, sear, safety, etc., will it fit guns of either caliber. Or do you need to order parts specifically made for the .45 vs. the 9mm. (I am excluding barrel and slide from my question here. Just talking about internal parts.)
I know there are always exceptions for any answer, but again, I am asking my question "generally speaking."
Thanks.

 

[Dudemeister]

I would think that at a minimum you'd have to get a new barrel, and a new slide, because the face of the breach is machined in the slide for that caliber. Additionally it may also require a new spring (lighter).

I don't think any parts in the trigger group would need to be changed.

 

[BlindJustice]

Probably many common internals,

Old article in Guns & mmo a guy had two barrels from
Bar-Sto chambered for 9x19 & .38 Super. He had to
change the ejector and also use different magazines.

Exceptions?

If the parts list doesn't specifiy the chambering
it will be a common part.

Exceptions - might vary from manufacturer to manufacturer

My S&W 1911 basic model 5" full size
has a .38 Super size firing pin - supposedly for the
Calif. drop test(?)

I don't see how the trigger, hammer strut etc in the ignition system
would not be common

YpartslisstMV

Randall

 

[BlindJustice]

1911 - Colt Government Model
.45 ACP
1929 .38 Super

1950 Colt Commander
1st USA made semi-auto in9x19
but has always been offered in
.45 ACP and .38 Super
& all three chamberings were available in the 3 chambeerings.

1970 Combat ( steel frame ) Commander

& the Gov. Model went 70 Series

Early 80s FPS

 

[Greg528iT]

YES.

If it's a true 1911 clone. Example, I picked up a STI Spartan IV in 9mm. I replaced the plastic trigger with the same exact trigger I put in my .45acp 1911s. Just cause I didn't like the plastic. It still needed the same adjustment for the stops, buffing the sides for smooth action. I could have just dropped it in.. but..

I replaced the Main Spring Housing as well. Actually I put in a Bobbed tail, but it was the same fitting as I would have had to on a 45.

While the sear and hammer were out, I checked them against a sear jig I have.. I had always heard the Spartan uses the top quality internals of their high end guns. A visual inspection would say SO.. I just re installed as the trigger pull was good out of the box, 4-5 lbs, and crisp.

So in as much as any 1911 part will fit any 1911.. some fitting is something to expect.

If you are talking about say a Springfield EMP.. then NO.. while it copies the 1911, all those parts are smaller.

 

[bannockburn]

I remember an article in Guns and Ammo many years ago were the author had made a 5 in 1 gun. He started with a Colt Government in .38 Super, added a 9mm. and a .38/45 barrel assembly, a Colt Ace .22 conversion unit, and managed to get a Colt Combat Commander upper slide assembly in .45 ACP to work on the same .38 Super frame.

Also a .38 Super is easy to convert to 9mm. as all it requires is a 9mm. barrel assembly and magazine. The .38 Super ejector will work fine with both cartridges.

 

[Vern Humphrey]

You need a new slide and barrel and probably will have to replace the original ejector.