Convert a Kimber CDP 40S&W to 10mm?

[bradvanhorn]

Could a Kimber Custom CDP (not series II) chambered in 40S&W be safely converted to 10mm? A simple barrel change would do the trick, but my primary concern would be the alloy frame. Despite having a pretty good reputation, I've heard some horror stories about Kimber alloy frames not holding up. Any thoughts?

 

[stans]

I'm sure you could do it, the question is how long will the aluminum frame stand up to the pounding of full power 10mm. If it were me, I would not attempt a 10mm on an aluminum frame.

 

[Cal4D4]

The Delta Elite's had trouble with a steel 1911 frame standing up to full power recoil. Heavier recoil spring and buffer helped alot. If you considered it like an alloy snubbie and limited the hot stuff you should get by. Save the .40 barrel for practice.

 

[Majic]

Delta's just had to make one little cut in the frame. Strength wasn't never a problem.
Aluminum frames may not hold up over time. You will have to change recoil springs and a buff may help some, but over the long run the 10mm will wear it down. You can also have the barrel rechambered instead of getting a new barrel.

 

[Sean Smith]

It can be done. And it wouldn't be unsafe or anything like that. But there would be 2 challenges:

-Making it reliable.
-Making it durable.

For a short 10mm, I'd probably wind up using a 25lb mainsrping and EGW firing pin stop to try to delay unlocking to keep the slide velocity down, then add an AFTEC extractor. Stick to Metalform 8 round magazines with Wolff XP magazine springs, 22 lb recoil spring with a THIN Heitt buffer and go from there. A fat buff would risk making a 4" 1911 unreliable. Either way, you'd have to accept that an aluminum framed 1911 is going to have a shorter lifespan than a steel-framed 1911, especially in 10mm Auto.

On the other hand, it would be a *very* handy package with alot of power. If you could afford to start from scratch, I think a Caspian titanium frame would be a better solution for a lightweight 10mm gun. But that would cost ALOT more.

I'd probably keep the .40 S&W barrel for cheap plinking, and get a 10mm barrel fitted for the hardcore jollies.

 

[bradvanhorn]

BTW, this is a 5" full size CDP.

As you seemed to be thingking Sean, I was thinking about using the 40S&W to practice, and then drop in the 10mm and carry the hot stuff

I emailed Kimber to see if they thought the alloy frame could take the punishment, and I got very vague replies. They finally told me to call and talk with a 'smith in person. I'm going to do just that tomorrow. I'll post with what I learn.

 

[Sean Smith]

5" CDP? I was thinking 4". In that case, ignore everything I said. Nothing to see here...

 

[Grayrider]

Titanium Caspian commander in 10mm.....

Excuse me while I mop up the drool....

That thought has crossed my mind more than once, and now I have CCW in Missouri. One of these days I may have to break the bank and make that happen. I had thought of the Kimber Pro Carry 40 as well, but that aluminum frame issue had me concerned. It is a shame they don't make an HD in 40.

GR