Colt caliber conversion----
If I had a Colt Government model 1911 in 9mm, what would I have to change to convert it to 38 Super?
Can I just change the barrel?
Will the slide work with either barrel?
The ejector should be the same. How about the magazine?
Thanks---Peabo
Can I just change the barrel?
Will the slide work with either barrel?
The ejector should be the same. How about the magazine?
Thanks---Peabo
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I did similar conversions a number of years ago. To the best of my recollection all that was required was the barrel and magazine. Although the .38 super is 1/4" longer then the 9mm,the base/rim diameter is only about .015 larger.
EDIT #1, To insure positive ejection if lightly loaded 9mm ammo is used. The original ejector is removed by drifting out the retaining pin in the frame. Brownell's sells hardened steel extended ejectors that are a drop-in fit in the frame. As the slide holds the ejector in position it's not necessary to replace the original retaining pin.0 -
Change the barrel and magazines. Unless your 9mm mags don't have the filler in them. I just did the reverse, going from 38super to 9mm on one. 0 -
If you do this be sure to get a barrel that is set up to headspace on the case mouth. This gives better consistency in aligning the round in the chamber. Check the specs on the recoil spring as the Super drives a heavier bullet at higher velocity which results in higher slide velocities. 0 -
A replacement barrel is the only BIG change.
The 9mm extractor may have to be adjusted for the semi-rim of the .38. I have one that went the other way, an extractor tight enough to pull 9mms is still ok with Supers.
The Colt 9mm ejector is VERY long and may not do well with Supers. It will probably work with empties from shooting but not unload a live round. My 9mm Colt ejector broke and I had it replaced with a Super part which works fine.
Some .38 Super magazines will feed 9mms, but the spacer in a 9mm magazine will not let it accomodate .38s.0
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