changing calibers in 1911

[kstockfo]

hello all,
i would like to know how to change calibers from a 45 acp to aa 10mm, 38super, or 40s&w. i am about to purchase a kimber custom target for a great price and would like to convert to something distinctive. is it just a barrel change, or are there more modifications that have to be done. i appreciate all opinions.
thanks,
kstockfo

[sevenL4]

Read the replies you got on the other forum.

[twin oaks]

Hi Kstockfo, welcome to the forum.
There's a lot involved in caliber changes, and most if not all have been thouroughly discussed in multiple threads here. I don't have enough typing in my hands to cover it all, but here's some of them:
Pretty much the entire top end has to be changed out. Along with the barrel, the slide needs to be changed due to the different case diameters (9mm,.40,.357Sig,etc.) and where the particular caliber sits on the breechface in relation to the extractor. An example is that if you were to load a 9mm under the extractor claw in a .45, the firing pin would at the very least an off center strike, if it hit the primer at all. And, with the different case dimensions, you'll run into topics with extractor and ejector lengths. Perhaps the easiest conversion would be from .40 S&W to .357 Sig, as the latter is pretty much a .40 necked down to a 9mm. Still you have the barrel to change out in that one. Changing barrels involves fitting the upper lugs to the slide, and making sure the link is the correct size for timing the pistol ( it unlocks and cams the barrel down at the right time). A .45 conversion to 10mm is possible, but along with barrel and case diameter, there has been some concern with pressure issues. A .45 is a relatively low pressure round, while a 10mm is higher. Some of our discussions say that ol' loudmouth will handle it just fine, others disagree. Me? I agree with the other posters on these topics.:) There's a wealth of knowlege here, and we'll gladly help all we can. I know I certainly haven't covered it all, and I'm sure others will chime in with things I've missed.

[pa_guns]

Hi

A lot depends on exactly what you are trying to do.

The most basic conversion is a 22LR. They are more expensive than a reasonable 22 pistol. Most caliber conversion projects turn out to be nearly as expensive as buying a second pistol *if* you want to be able to go back to the original pistol.

It's a lot cheaper to buy an assembled pistol than to work it up from parts ....

Bob