Converting a 5" 1911 to 3" - can it be done?

[357-8-times]

Can I just buy a new 3" barrel and slide-assembly or is there more to it?

I would be using a SW 1911 scandium frame, the current 5" slide has an external extractor if that makes any difference

 

[foghornl]

hmmmm

I think (I know....a dangerous thing) that you would also have to cut down the frame to match the shorter slide/barrel.

COULD it be done? Probably

Would it function well? Probably not.

 

[Walkalong]

Nope

 

[nwilliams]

Why not just buy another 1911 in the length you want. Seems like an awful lot of of trouble to go through and I think there are safety and functionality concerns to contend with.

 

[Kindrox]

I thought cutting down 5" models was how the first compact models came to be?

Now days I doubt you could convert a 5" for less than 3X just buying a 3".

 

[BlindJustice]

NOT economical... heck the dust cover is different on a
COmmander let alone an Officer's frame that the shorty slide
and barrel are built for.

R-

 

[The Lone Haranguer]

It would be a one-way, permanent conversion, as the frame "dust cover" (the lower front portion) would also have to be cut down. The necessary parts, machining and tuning/adjustments to get it to function would likely cost more than a new gun.

 

[CWL]

I think the OP is just asking if he can put a 3" slide on a Govt.-sized frame. No fancy cuts or welds.

The answer is "no". I do not believe that the holes/notches for the slide-stop match between the sizes so you can't pin the 2 pcs together thru the barrel link. Just that will prevent successful fitting of the two.

 

[357-8-times]

Thanks all! (CWL, spot-on )

 

[Tom Fury]

Ahhh...not sure,but...

I'm not sure what would happen with a Commander frame; follow:

Commander and OM frames and slides are drop on interchangeable. (Recon, CCO)

Colt Defender plus is Defender slide on OM frame, isn't it? At any rate, everything would work but the dust cover: would still be long, but no reason not fxl.

Colt put out a matched Gold cup set with a 5" and OM slide a few years back; dust cover was longer, but not more than OAL of OM slide. You did have to change the ejector though (Commander/OM ejector is narrower). I never did understand quite how that worked; GM rails are longer than Commander or OM rails by just a fraction.

Seems even more feasible with Kimbers, tho I have none here to try it with. Don't they do it on a production gun? or haven't they tried it?

 

[Kind of Blued]

Nope

...and in walks inspiration. Some men take such brevity as a challenge.

That being said, yes, no, I don't know, but it sounds like a lot of work to bring your already slow bullets to a crawl.

 

[Walkalong]

...and in walks inspiration. Some men take such brevity as a challenge.

I hear ya'...Go for it.

Just buy a 3" gun, trust me...........

Maybe an expert will chime in soon and tell us exactly why that is not such a great idea.

 

[stoney1666]

Funny, I've been shooting one for over 20 years, Officers slide on a full size frame. 8+1 rounds














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