38 super conversion kit

[rcm]

Hi all,
It's been a while since I have been here to surf a bit. John, the site is great, you guys must be enjoying the growth.

I come with a question. I would like to convert one of my 1911's to 38. I can get the plinkin' ammo a little cheaper. Summers here and it's time to start hittin' the range. Anyway, I searched a bit and can not find a kit. So, I put it to the board. Anybody know of a conversion kit out there?

Thanks,
Rick

[John]

I do not think anyone is marketing a kit per se. You will have to collect the various bits and pieces and have the new top end installed on your frame, without altering anything on it.

Normally, it should be doable, but there are a lot of things that can go wrong and there is no warranty that they will not happen. For example, you may end up with the barrel's ramp overhanging the frame's ramp. Not something easy to solve. It all depends on the particular frame, slide, barrel that you are trying to mate. Why don't you sell one of you existing guns and get a .38 Super? Better yet, get a 9mm one, cheap ammo in abundance.

[rcm]

Why don't you sell one of your existing guns and get a .38 Super?

John, has the sun been strong on the island this year? ;) Sell, one of my Colts :scared: ...never happen. I made that mistake only once and never again. :nono:

The nine is a good idea. I will look locally and see what I can find.

Thanks.

[John]

LoRL, I guess you are right. If I were in your shoes, I won't sell them either.

As for the sun, we had some quite warm and sunny weather some days ago, but the last few days we have lots of rain and cold! I hate that in May!

Well, you can try finding a 9mm or a .38 Super slide and a barrel and see how they fit the frame, if it doesn't go well, you can always sell the parts.

[jeff1124]

I think John is right though, you NEED a 9mm Colt. Fun as heck to shoot and the ammo is way cheaper than 38 super. I've got a 80 series Government 9mm that is simply a gas to shoot!

[CherryRiver]

At our recent monthly steel plate match, the match director himself had forgotten to bring ammunition. Guess that's what happens when you're distracted.
I was busy ROing a squad when he came up and asked if I had any .38 Super ammo aboard. I didn't, so I told him to go through my bike's trunk and pick out a gun and ammo from the other range bag I had brought along.
My 9mm Combat Commander was his choice- he shot the whole match and then some, and then I began to worry...
For a while there, it didn't look like I was going to get it back.
Loaners, beware. Don't let your 9mm Colts into the hands of certain types of shooters.
Bill

[Joni Lynn]

I just can't believe what I read here..................sell a Colt? I'm gonna go blind.............sell a Colt? Someones been drinking a bit or out in the sun too much...........or.................well................it's excuseable I guess...........just don't do it again John! ;)

[John]

I promise you Lynnie, I didn't know he had only Colts. Sorry about that, next time I would ask! :D :)

[Joni Lynn]

Excuses excuses.............you need to spend the afternoon at the range. Maybe the morning too. Enjoy! ;)

[rcm]

I think John is right though, you NEED a 9mm Colt. Fun as heck to shoot and the ammo is way cheaper than 38 super. I've got a 80 series Government 9mm that is simply a gas to shoot!


Thanks guys, yeah I think the 9mm probably is the answer. As I said I will start looking.

Hey John, I think Joni is on the right track. Never ever, sell a Colt. I used to have a several different makes and models but, settled down and own just Colt 1911 45acp's now. All three barrel lengths, from 1952 thru to an 80 series. Three have never been fired in the original box. I know I will get flamed a tad for that but, I have the others to pile brass up with. :D

Thanks for the suggestions all. If any of you come across a 9 that sounds good, rcm@wallerandson.com

Rick

[horse 91-A1]

Reload, reload, reload; components cost the same and the fun factor of .38 Super puts it above 9mm.

New brass for 9mm, .38 Super and .357mag costs the same. Bullets, except for 124/125gr Gold Dots are the same between .38Super/9mm.

Since buying a .38Super Colt, haven't fired a round of 9mm, the difference is like dropping 1/4 mile times by a couple of seconds. :)

WWB 130gr FMJ uses a much cleaner burning powder than their white box 9mm/.45auto and doesn't seem to carbon up on the breech face like the .45auto ammo does.

The .38 Super slide does not work on my ORM M1991 .45 auto, but I haven't tried it on an XSE series 80 Gov't. :)

Bob

[Joni Lynn]

You may need to change the ejector to use a 9mm or 38 Super slide. 45 & 9mm ejectors are a 'lil bit different.

[horse 91-A1]

You may need to change the ejector to use a 9mm or 38 Super slide. 45 & 9mm ejectors are a 'lil bit different.

Yes, good heads up Joni. :)

Bob