Converting Colt Combat Commander from 9mm to 38 Super

[Sky King]

I have a Colt Combat Commander that I purchased in the middle 70 that I'm thinking about converting to 38 Super. Already have a couple of other 9mm which is why I'm looking at the conversion. My old manual which list parts has the barrel, ejector and magazine as the only different parts from the 9mm, everything else are the same. I see Bar-Sto sell barrels with bushings for the Commander and wonder if this is a good choice. Has anyone done this,

 

[dprice3844444]

hotter 9mm.should work

 

[huntershooter]

Yes, I have done this.

The 9mm extractor may/will work with .38 Super, but will likely require "tweaking" as the .38 Super is a semi-rimmed case, while the 9mm is rimless.
Bar-Sto and Kart both offer very good .38 Super barrels.
In order to maximize the .38 Super's potential (read that-increased velocity) you would want to use a ramped barrel that supports more of the web of the case than a standard barrel.
The obvious problem is the 9mm barrel currently in the pistol is standard/non-ramped configuration.
If you'd go to the extreme of having the frame milled for a ramped barrel, and replace the 9mm barrel with one of ramped configuration; THEN fit a ramped .38 Super barrel you would have the ideal set up.
The advice to use hotter 9mm is the easiest, least expensive route.

 

[Kosh75287]

Could a 9x23 Winchester conversion be dropped in?

 

[huntershooter]

I don't recall seeing a 9X23 barrel produced in a "standard" configuration.
All I've seen are "ramped" barrels.

So; yes, this will work provided the frame is machined to accept a ramped barrel.

 

[bannockburn]

I have done this conversion a number of times, but usually the other way around; adding 9mm. to a .38 Super Commander. Biggest thing in my experience is swapping the 9mm. ejector with one for a .38 Super. I never have had any trouble with the extractor but it could be something to look into if you start having problems. Basically I just get the whole barrel assembly (Storm Lake), so the bushing and the link are fitted together properly. Add some magazines and you're all set and ready to go.

 

[Madcap_Magician]

Will the longer cases clear the ejection port?

 

[WC145]

I don't recall seeing a 9X23 barrel produced in a "standard" configuration.
All I've seen are "ramped" barrels.

So; yes, this will work provided the frame is machined to accept a ramped barrel.

My recently finished Colt build started as a .38 Super with a standard/unramped barrel. I had the 'smith fit 9mm and 9x23 barrels to it, he used a Kart 9mm barrel and a new Colt 9x23 barrel that I already had. So there are unramped 9x23 barrels out there. The gun runs great with any of the three barrels.

 

[Jim Watson]

If I had a reliable 9mm Commander,I would have a hard time justifying a .38 Super barrel, etc to use less common ammo and brass for a small increase in velocity.

All COLT 9x23 barrels are "unramped". That's why the WW case is thick and rifle temper.
But Colt didn't make a 9x23 Commander. I don't know who makes plain 9x23 barrels, but a 9mm P can be rechambered. For even less common ammo, but a lot more velocity.

 

[Sky King]

I have a couple of 9mm with much large capacity than the Commander that holds 9 in the magazine, just want to add a 38 Super to the inventory. I've collected several thousand cases over the years, and Starline usually stocks them. The Bar-Sto barrel head spaces the the case mouth correcting the original problem with the semi rim, but I see they sell no ramp, Para/Clark and Wilson/Nowlin ramps. What does that mean, and which is better.

 

[Zach S]

No ramp is the standard for 1911s, which is what your pistol has now.

Ramped barrels have the feed ramp on the bbl rather than the frame. The Clark/Para ramp is different than the Wilson/Nowlin. Your frame would have to be modified for one.

You may be able to have the chamber in factory barrel reamed to .38S.

 

[WC145]

The easiest one to fit to your Commander would be the standard or "no ramp" barrel since that is what is in your gun now.

 

[Sky King]

Thank you I'll get the no ramp

 

[earplug]

38 Super Comp brass

Starline makes 38 Super based brass that has the semi rim removed, called 38 Super Comp. Many of the Open gun USPSA shooters use. It should work without issue in you conversion.
I just built a 1911 with a KART easy fit barrel. If you want accuracy with hand tools it worked out very fine for me.

 

[DT Guy]

If you are unconcerned about keeping the pistol original, I believe (but have never done this-) you could simply have the 9MM barrel reamed to 9x23, a cartridge that exceeds the Super in every way; velocity, cost and difficulty of locating ammo.

That said, I plan to do similar myself shortly. The 9x23 is a firebreather, and worth all the headache for a 'toy' gun, or dedicated SD firearm.


Larry

 

[brickeyee]

have the 9MM barrel reamed to 9x23, a cartridge that exceeds the Super in every way; velocity, cost and difficulty of locating ammo.

Wait until you seethe price of 9x23.

.38 super comp and reloading is the way to go.

 

[tark]

Why bother, with the weak stuff that passes for Super loads today? You will no doubt be reloading.... otherwise it is kind of a waste of time....

9X23.???...Ahhhhhh....that is another story!!! Now you are talking some serious horsepower!

 

[brickeyee]

.38 super comp easily gets to 9x23 levels with a ramped barrel.

I have built multiple 'switch top' 1911s.
Mostly for my own amusement.
It would cost as much as a new gun.

 

[WC145]

Will the longer cases clear the ejection port?

All of the ejection ports are the same length, whether the gun started out as a 9mm or a Super or a .45.