How easy would it be to convert a 1911 in .38 Super to 9MM?

[whatnickname]

Just went on line at CDNN. They have Taurus 1911 pistols for well under $500 new in the box. Only problem is that they are chambered .38 Super. I have nothing against the .38 Super except the fact that brass is hard to come by and much more expensive than the thousands on 9mms I already have. Besides fitting a new barrel, barrel link, barrel bushing and perhaps a magazine what else can I expect? Would this conversion be worth the time and cost? Help me out here folks.

 

[predator20]

That seems about right for the conversion stuff. But wouldn't it be cheaper to buy one already in 9mm? Unless you really plan on getting into 38 Super later.

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=245618325
http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=246059009

 

[whatnickname]

Predator 20

Good point!

 

[xr1200]

Not as easy as just switching parts, the new barrel must be fitted to the slide and frame by a competent gunsmith. You wll also need a new clip and possible ejector.

Your better off just buying a 9mm 1911 to begin with, I was tempted to buy a 38 super from cdnn for a 7.62 x 25 conversion, but since the conversion kits were bad and there is no more surplus 7.62 x 25 it put that project to rest very quick.

you can get a new pt1911 9mm for around $450 if you look around.

 

[distra]

It is quite easy to do. Midway sells "easy fit" barrels that come with the needed tools to fit the barrel and bushing. I did this conversion about a year ago and it went very smooth, no need for a gunsmith. The instructions are very detailed and I found any other information I needed on the net. 9mm magazines will be needed, but no need for a new ejector. I did the conversion on an SA M1911 in .38 super, works great.

cost me ~$180 for barrel and bushing then add in cost of magazines.

 

[Quack]

fitting a barrel and mags are all that is needed.

the ejector, extractor and slide stop are the same.

going to turn my 9mm DW Guardian into a .38Super.

 

[SharpsDressedMan]

Quite often a stock replacement barrel and mag are all you need. If it doesn't come with link and pin, you can switch them over, and a standard diameter barrel should work with any stock, standard barrel bushing. I have switched barrels into several different .38 Supers and 9mm 1911s with no tools or modifications.

 

[cyclopsshooter]

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=588451

 

[bannockburn]

I purchased a Storm Lake 9mm. barrel assembly for my Colt .38 Super Commander. The barrel assembly was a drop in conversion and fit perfectly. The only other thing I needed were some 9mm. magazines. The recoil spring and the ejector on my Commander work fine with 9mm. ammo.

 

[whatnickname]

Very useful information guys. Cyclopsshooter: I really appreciate your thread! Concise and backed up by actual use of a representative example over time. VERY useful. I'm also glad to hear of the outstanding customer service you received from Taurus. Their customer service has taken quite a bashing on THR over time and has more than just a little to do with my decision to stay away from their products. Sounds like they may actually "get it" now.