Convert 1911 Series 70 9mm to fire .38 Super

[ZBill]

Folks: What would be needed to convert a 9mm 1911 Series 70 Gov't Model w/ collet bushing to fire the .38 Super cartridge? I suspect a 5" .38 Super barrel, barrel bushing and magazine? Am I close? Who would be a good source?

Thanks for the input. Bill

 

[Jim Watson]

Barrel, bushing, and magazine are the big items.
You might have to tweak or swap the 9mm extractor to pull the semirimmed .38 cartridge.
You might have to shorten or swap the long 9mm ejector to be able to cleanly eject a loaded .38 round.

Brownells has a wide range of barrels, but most would require fitting, even if they are advertised as "drop-in."

 

[funnelcake]

You're pretty spot on, depending on the barrel ya might not even need a bushing...check around and see if you can't find a Colt barrel...may just drop in. Colt made 'em in 3 different profiles...skinny, fat, and bell end so I'd wait to order the bushing

Extractor might need a little tuning...just have to try it an find out. IF you cant find a Colt mag reasonable, try Metalform or Mec-Gar (Mec's are the best dimensionally but the followers ain't the greatest -swap it out).

Funnel

*good call Jim, forgot about the ejector.. had 9's extractors work & not for Supers.

 

[ZBill]

Jim and Funnel -

Thanks for all the good advice. I am enjoying the novelty of a 9mm Gov't. I will look for the the Super parts and hopefully some will show up at a reasonable price. Looks like I can start with the barrel and bushing, maybe a Colt if I am lucky and hopefully they will not require fitting. Regards, Bill