.38 Super to 9mm

[schmeky]

I have a new Colt Custom .38 Super I have not fired yet. I just purchased a 9mm barrel less link and pin. I have not received the new 9mm barrel yet, but it is a recent manufacture Colt barrel, so I have a few questions:

1. Can I use the existing .38 super barrel bushing with the new 9mm barrel?
2. I feel the .38 super extractor will work since the rims (38/9) are the same

Please don't suggest getting a complete 9mm 1911 pattern pistol. Please don't chastise me for trying to make a single platform do double duty; that's just the way I am

I don't plan to use this particular pistol for self defense, just a range gun, so I don't expect 100% reliability as a 9mm.

So in summation, can I have a 9mm with just a barrel/magazine/recoil spring change?

 

[tbtrout]

Yes, I plan on doing the same thing. You might need to fit the new barrel .

 

[Radagast]

I have a Bul M5 hi cap 1911 in .38 super with a spare 9mm barrel. I run STI magazines, the same mag works for 9mm and .38 super. The barrels are heavy profile, so no bushing is required, the only modification required was to tweak the extractor tension to ensure reliability with 9mm and to change the settings on the sights. I find the .38 super to be marginally more accurate than the 9mm through my gun, and .38 super 'feels right' in a 1911, so I've left it set up as a .38.

In answer to your question, if it's a drop in barrel, I doubt you'll have any major problems.

 

[HSMITH]

Super and 9mm extractors are not the same. Super has a true rim and 9mm is rimless. You might get it to work and you might not, it really depends on where in that slide the extractor tunnel was cut. I would pick up a 9mm extractor just to be sure. The odds of running Super with a 9mm extractor are probably a little better than running 9mm with a Super extractor, but each slide is an individual.

The bushing might or might not work, it depends on the OD of the barrels. You are going to have to measure them and see.

Be sure and test the timing of the 9mm barrel before shooting it, would be a shame to have a project barrel roll the lugs in the slide.

Your project CAN be done, just don't expect it. Check everything, be sure it fits right before shooting it.

Start around 10 pounds for the 9mm recoil spring.

 

[JShirley]

I have a Para-Ordnance frame with both 9x23 and 9x19mm barrels and springs for each.

I confess I haven't gotten around to getting any 9x23mm yet, but it's a tack driver with 9x19.

 

[schmeky]

Where would be the best place to get a 1911 pattern 9mm extractor?

 

[grendelbane]

This project is feasible. I have done it myself about 3 times. The ejector of the .38 Super is shorter than the 9mm ejector. For this reason I would not consider this conversion for serious use, but I must admit that mine has not malfunctioned in several hundred rounds.

.38 Super mags are too long, but mine work well with full metal jacket.

As noted, the extractor may require some work. I have been lucky in this regard, but again, I do not consider this conversion suitable for serious purposes.

 

[Geno]

Let me ask, because I too have a Colt 1911A1 in .38 Super. Why, when you can purchase .38 Super ammo for $9.00 per box of 50, would you incur the expense of getting a 9mm Luger barrel, etc?

Everyone that I know who has pulled off this switch has done so with a complete new upper. I cannot suggest that you do something that I do not know if is safe or not. I suggest that you communicate with Colt at their toll free number:

COLT'S MANUFACTURING COMPANY LLC
Customer Service Department
P.O. Box 1868
Hartford, CT
06144-1868 U.S.A.

Tel: 1-800-962-COLT
Fax: (860) 244-1449

 

[brickeyee]

"Super has a true rim and 9mm is rimless."

The super rim is what, 0.020"?

.38 Super comp from Starline is actually rimmless if you are worried.