Colt 1911 modified

[Johnny five]

I ran into a Colt 1911 MK IV series 70 in super 38 modified or converted shoot 38 wadcutter and before I buy it does anybody know what it takes to change it back to it's original cartridge? Besides the magazine.

[MosinVirus]

Was the original cartridge 9mm?

[Johnny five]

Was the original cartridge 9mm?

No, it was a colt super 80 MK IV in super 38
I'm thinking of buying it but is been converted to 38 wadcutter

[MosinVirus]

Sorry, I don't know enough about the conversion to really answer your question, however it seems those guns are more valuable... perhaps don't convert back?

In any case, if you wanted to convert and no one here gives you the info, look for smiths that used to do the conversions and ask them directly.

Then, if at all possible, share what you learn here.

[FeuerFrei]

I ran into a Colt 1911 MK IV series 70 in super 38 modified or converted shoot 38 wadcutter and before I buy it does anybody know what it takes to change it back to it's original cartridge? Besides the magazine.

Maybe this will help you decide.

https://forums.1911forum.com/showthread.php?t=503915

Sent using a long string and 2 Dixie cups

[Che762x39]

I ran into a Colt 1911 MK IV series 70 in super 38 modified or converted shoot 38 wadcutter and before I buy it does anybody know what it takes to change it back to it's original cartridge? Besides the magazine.

38 wadcutter guns were for Bullseye competition.

I would look for a 38 Super gun instead. Or easier still convert a 45 ACP to 38 Super.

[pacrat]

I ran into a Colt 1911 MK IV series 70 in super 38 modified or converted shoot 38 wadcutter and before I buy it does anybody know what it takes to change it back to it's original cartridge? Besides the magazine.

Before making any decision. You need to first determine if it was "converted" to shoot 38 Super ammo using wadcutter bullets.

Or converted to shoot 38 Special ammo using wadcutter bullets.

Both have been done. If it is 38 Super wadcutter. It will be easier to unmodify.

38 Special modification would require a new slide, because the breech face has been altered.

JM2c

[javaduke]

Try to find out who was the gunsmith who did this conversion. If it's someone famous, like Jim Clark, or Bob Chow, or Gil Hebard, then the gun is somewhat valuable, especially to bullseye shooters. I, for one, might be interested, so let me know if it's anything interesting

[Johnny five]

Try to find out who was the gunsmith who did this conversion. If it's someone famous, like Jim Clark, or Bob Chow, or Gil Hebard, then the gun is somewhat valuable, especially to bullseye shooters. I, for one, might be interested, so let me know if it's anything interesting

I'm thinking of buying it and just sell the slide complete if I can't use the same slide wit just the barrel and extractor changed. To get the funds to buy another slide to match the lower. IM still devastating till Friday or Saturday hopefully no one takes it

[Johnny five]

Before making any decision. You need to first determine if it was "converted" to shoot 38 Super ammo using wadcutter bullets.

Or converted to shoot 38 Special ammo using wadcutter bullets.

Both have been done. If it is 38 Super wadcutter. It will be easier to unmodify.

38 Special modification would require a new slide, because the breech face has been altered.

JM2c

Gun itself was a super 38 but now is set up to shoot 38 special wadcutter and the store don't even know what exactly was done. I shoot 9mm, 40s&w and super out my delta gold cup with just barrel change. Been doing this for decades.. I'm hoping is the same with this colt..

[pacrat]

Gun itself was a super 38 but now is set up to shoot 38 special wadcutter and the store don't even know what exactly was done. I shoot 9mm, 40s&w and super out my delta gold cup with just barrel change. Been doing this for decades.. I'm hoping is the same with this colt..

Modified to shoot 38 spl wadcutters would be a nix for the easy caliber conversion of a barrel swap.

38 spl rimmed cartridges would require the breeech face be recessed. And a SAKO type extractor. Not flat like your rimless pistol cartridge conversions. Feed ramp of frame was likely also "heavily modified". Semi auto pistols were designed to shoot RN ammo.

[Che762x39]

Gun itself was a super 38 but now is set up to shoot 38 special wadcutter and the store don't even know what exactly was done. I shoot 9mm, 40s&w and super out my delta gold cup with just barrel change. Been doing this for decades.. I'm hoping is the same with this colt..

Why not shoot 38 Special Match wadcutters and enjoy it for what it is? You already got a Super. That would be a hoot.

[JTROKS]

I'd rather keep the 38 Spl wad cutter than any other caliber. How many mags come with it?

[javaduke]

I'm thinking of buying it and just sell the slide complete if I can't use the same slide wit just the barrel and extractor changed. To get the funds to buy another slide to match the lower. IM still devastating till Friday or Saturday hopefully no one takes it

Sorry, but it's not a good idea. 1911 slides (just as any other 1911 parts) are generally not drop-in, they require some fitting.
Not to mention that if the gun was built by a famous gunsmith, selling just the slide would ruin its value.
Again, check for any gunsmith markings on the barrel, bushing, under the grips or inside the slide on the disconnector rail.

[tipoc]

Likely what you would need was a new barrel, barrel link and bushing, which would need to be fit to the gun. New recoil spring. New magazines of course.

As you mentioned the gun began life as a 38 Super, then became a 38 Wadcutter. Converting it back should be no great issue.

Add the cost of the new barrel and mags to the cost of a gunsmiths attention to the fitting. This will give you an idea of your investment in the gun. Figure if it's worth it to you.

tipoc