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Caliber Conversion: 38 super to 9mm

11K views 9 replies 8 participants last post by  WC145  
#1 ·
I have done some reading through previous posts but I just want to make sure that I am understanding correctly; if I want to have a .38 Super 1911 converted to or add 9mm to it then all I have to have a smith fit is the barrel and the bushing correct?

Is there any advantage, besides ease when switching between calibers, to having a whole new slide built for the second caliber?

I have just about given up on finding a semi-custom or custom 9mm 1911 at a fair market price in Kalifornia so weighing my options on having a smith do a build on a Kimber 1911 that spends more time in the safe than at the range.

TIA
 
#4 ·
You might need to change the recoil spring weight as well. I'm still sorting my barrel conversion out but spring weight could be one of my issues: https://www.1911addicts.com/threads/is-this-a-mag-issue-or-a-weapon-issue.52031/

I'm looking at and seriously thinking about having a dedicated 9mm slide assembly so it's a straight swap and shoot instead of swapping barrels and recoil springs. Keeping the parts in one tidy package just makes it easier for me.
 
#5 · (Edited)
Going from 38 Superb to 9mm is a piece of cake.
Barrel, possible the bushing, recoil spring and probably the extractor.
The 9mm barrel/bushing will have to be fitted of course.
You can use a 38 super mag, however you should buy 9mm mags.
A good gunsmith can tune the extractor to run with both barrels however a dedicated 9mm extractor should be fit because the 38 Super is a simi rimmed case where as the 9mm is rimless.

See... like I said piece of cake!

And yes, having a complete top end in 9mm would be Ideal...
Not cheap, but preferably.
 
#8 ·
Thanks guys

Guess I will research slide options as well, see what a Caspian or other slide and full upper build will set me back and then weigh the options


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#10 ·
I have a Colt .38 Super that also has 9mm and 9x23W barrels fit to it. Each barrel has it's own bushing and I use different recoil springs for each caliber. The ejector and extractor have been tweaked so that all three calibers cycle reliably. I prefer to use 9mm mags with 9mm, while Super and 9x23 use the same mags.