Kimber Upper to interchange w/Caspian frame

[JerryM]

I have a Caspian LW Officers frame. I also have a Kimber Compact .45.

Can the Kimber upper unit be mated to the Caspian frame so that I would have the option of using the steel Kimber or the LW Caspian?

I would not want to change the dimensions of the slide so that it could not be uses with the Kimber frame.

Thanks,
Jerry

 

[bountyhunter]

If it is a new Caspian frame that has not been cut on yet, I would think a gunsmith could probably size the rails to fit with the existing slide/barrel assembly. Not sure if a different link might be needed (?) depends on how well the dimensions match.

It's a strange question for a gunsmith because they usually build a 1911 from the other direction: you cut the frame rails to square and proper dimension and then fit the slide to the frame and then the barrel to the slide. I would guess it is possible to start with a top end and "size up" a new receiver to go under it.

A guy who would know is the gunsmith who built my 1911 longslide. his name is Bob Hunter of Hunter Customs. His e-mail is:

[email protected]

 

[JerryM]

Thanks for the reply.

In looking at the situation I realized that the frame, because it is Al alloy, is designed for a ramped barrel. My Kimber does not have a ramped barrel, but I have a couple of Springfield compacts that do. As far as the slide of the Kimber is concerned I don't think it would know the difference. However, my purpose would be to do it at the minimum cost, and therefore it would require a new ramped barrel if I used the Kimber.
If I were to do it I would have the frame fit to one of the SA slides so I could use the ramped barrels.

It probably isn't worth the trouble and expense, since I don't need another 1911.

Jerry

 

[Jake 98c/11b]

I think the Kimbers have a firing pin safety that may cause problems for you. If I remember, the firing pin safety is deactivated by the grip safety. Since the Caspian frame is not set up for this you would have to remove the safety plunger in the slide (and whatever associated parts).