Taurus PT111 converted to PT145?

[B1gGr33n]

Would it be possible to convert my PT111 to a PT145 by switching out the slide assembly and magazine?

I've not seen a PT145 in person yet, but I was handling a mag for one at my local hardware store and it was physically identical to my PT111 mag except, of course, was for .45acp. Did they use the same frames for the whole compact Millennium lineup?

Or am I just :banghead: ?

Thanks for the help all.

 

[NG VI]

Would be kind of cool if they did, I've always liked being able to switch calibers of my firearms easily. It's fun.

 

[Josh45]

Im not sure. I have the PT-145 Mil Pro but I haven't handled the PT-111 to be able to tell you.

You might wanna ask the forum members of TaurusArmed.Net about that.

 

[BRE346]

I think it can be done just that way. It's the same frame as far as I can tell. I've a friend who has the Millennium in all calibers. They all worked the same way.

However, I think Taurus will not sell a slide assembly. You buy the whole gun.

 

[jeepmor]

I have older models of each so it may not apply. The 45 has a wider grip than the 9 mm.
The 45 magazine does not fit in the 9mm frame per my quick check.

Hope this helps.

 

[B1gGr33n]

My PT111 is the 1st Gen, made in 2001, so I'd need to get a slide assembly and magazine from another first gen. I don't think I'd even bother going thru Taurus, probably just look in gunbroker.

jeepmor: Are your 45 and 9 both the same generation? When I was on taurusarmed.net they have a FAQ that identifies the differences in the 3 generations. The second gen got different magazines that don't work in the first gen.

 

[LiveLife]

Gen3 PT145 (No "Pro" next to "MILLENNIUM" on the slide) has DA/SA trigger compared to the Gen1/Gen2 DAO trigger and Gen1/Gen2 magazines won't work in Gen3 PT145.

Not sure whether the internal parts would line up for safe/proper operation. My concern would be the alignment of the striker/sear, alignment of the dis-assembly pin with the barrel link, strength of the frame (45ACP round shoots with a significant more "thump" over the 9mm rounds), location/function of the magazine release on the PT145.

BTW, used Gen3 PT145 goes for about $300 and I highly recommend it for compact carry 45ACP.

 

[B1gGr33n]

bds: That's exactly why I'm curious if the same generation pistols used the same frames. And it was Gen2 that got new mags. On your Gen3, it should have the "Pro" after the "PT145" on the right side of the slide, Gen2 had the "Pro" on the left side after "Millennium". At least that's according to the FAQ at taurusarmed.net

 

[LiveLife]

Before anything, I would verify whether the difference in frame/slide width will work. PT111 width is 1.268" and PT145 width is narrower at 1.25". I would test fit the PT145 slide on PT111 frame. If it doesn't fit, then no go.

PT111 specs:
Double action only trigger.
Weight 18.7 ounces,
Length: 6⅛ inches,
Width: 1.268 inches
Height: 5.020 inches
6 groove 3.25 inch barrel with 1:9.84 per inch rate of twist
10 round magazine.

PT145 specs:
Single action/double action trigger
Weight: 22.2 ounces
Length: 6.125 inches
Width: 1.25 inches
Height: 5.125 inches
6 groove 3.25 inch barrel with 1:16 inch rate of twist
10 round magazine

 

[B1gGr33n]

I'm curious where that extra width on the PT111 is located? .018" is less than a fingernail thickness. The height concerns me more, though that could just be the difference in the magazines.

Guess we won't know until somebody tries it.

 

[LiveLife]

Height of the slide won't make the difference as long as the 4 rail points fit inside the slide rails.

Even though the PT145 side fit the PT111 frame, we still have to content with all the internals lining up. Also, magazine catch needs to line up and feed angle must be duplicated in conjunction with the mag follower for reliable feeding/chambering.

Used PT145 goes for around $250-$300 (New ones sold for $350+). Getting another pistol would be the route I would go with so you can shoot both at the same time at the range.