I Need Some Advice

[brokencowboy]

Moderators, if I've put this in the wrong place, please move it, I am writing this to seek advice from members of this forum,

I have reached a point where my back injury will not allow me to shoot my full size 1911 in 45acp without experiencing a considerable amount of pain. I have gotten to the point where I am anticipating the recoil thus causing me to flinch. A friend of mine saw what was happening & brought over his 1911 in 38 Super for me to try, I shot almost a whole box of ammo thru it & was surprised at how comfortable it was to shoot. Even though the bullet was moving faster than a 45, the felt recoil was greatly reduced. I was impressed enough that I have decided to switch over to the 38 Super,

I have to say here that I am a big fan of the 1911 style of handgun & the big bore caliber. However, there comes a point where one has to be practable. Thus, I want the 38 Super to be a 1911 & there lies the problem. Living on a fixed disability income means that I don't have a lot of disposible income available, I have been looking at the RIA's in 38 Super since they are in the price range I can afford. However, to be able to afford such a purchase, I would have to sell my current 1911. In doing so, I would be taking a major step backward. My current 1911 has a full length guide rod, tritium night sights, serrations on the front of the slide, has had a throat job & a bunch of other extras that the RIA doesn't have. As a result, I've been investigating the possibility of converting my 45 to a 38 Super. I have checked & I figure that the parts for the conversion would be just over $200 & I have the advantage that my next door neighbor is a registered gunsmith. As of yet, I haven't had a chance to talk with him about my idea, so I don't know about the fesability of such a project.

So, the question I would pose to all of you; Given my position, which do you think would be my better option? Are there any down sides to converting calibers that I don't know about? I realize that this might appear to be a pointless activity to some, but it is important to me. My disease is progressive & I want to continue to enjoy shooting for as long as I can,

I welcome all of your comments & Thank You in advance for your taking the time to respond.

 

[Jim Watson]

I have checked & I figure that the parts for the conversion would be just over $200

Conversion of a .45 to .38 Super (or 9mm, the ammunition is cheaper) requires a complete top assembly, barrel, slide, extractor, ejector, firing pin, recoil spring, slide stop, plus magazines. You could salvage only the firing pin stop and spring, recoil spring guide, and sights from the .45 slide. I doubt you will get all that for $200.

That $200 would get you an entry level reloading setup. If your back will permit you to pull the handle, light loaded .45s will greatly improve the shooting comfort in your familiar gun. The midrange bullseye target load of a 185 gr bullet at 750 fps or a 200 at 700 has no more recoil than the Super and makes nice big holes.

You could go all the way down and get a quality .22 conversion like the Marvel. Negligible recoil, great accuracy, inexpensive ammunition.

 

[brokencowboy]

I reload & have reduced my loads significantly. I have a lot of nerve damage to my neck & shoulders & the problem usually shows up about half way through a string of nine rds.

The price I quoted was for the barrel, extractor, ejector, etc. I didn't know I would also have to replace the slide. Thanks for letting me know that would be needed.