9x23 1911 information please

[SOCOgunguy]

I have been reading / searching for 9x23 1911s and the closest I have gotten was barrels chambered for this round, which would then need to be fitted to a pistol by a gunsmith.

Can anyone recommend custom 1911 gunsmiths that have dealt with this caliber in 1911s? I would prefer to buy a complete pistol, though if I have too, my next choice will be to buy a 1911 in .38 Super or 9mm and a 9x23 barrel to send into a custom smith.

My price limit is around 3k, once I sell my p226 legion and other gun I will be able to fund this project.

[JTROKS]

You can buy a 1911 in 9mm and have a 9x23 barrel fitted. Once the extractor is tuned you can switch barrels, appropriate recoil spring and mags.

[bwhited]

You could also buy a 1911 in 9mm and have the barrel reamed out to 9x23.
Extractor and springs will need to be changed. The same mags should work.

You can buy a 1911 in 9mm and have a 9x23 barrel fitted. Once the extractor is tuned you can switch barrels, appropriate recoil spring and mags.

[JTROKS]

You could also buy a 1911 in 9mm and have the barrel reamed out to 9x23.
Extractor and springs will need to be changed. The same mags should work.

Absolutely correct, but I’m thinking the 9mm barrel will be shot more often than the 9x23. 9mm 1911 mags with spacers or the bend at the front won’t work with 9x23. If the spacer is removable then the follower will require replacement.

[SOCOgunguy]

Thanks for the info guys. A employee at Nowlin Arms just contacted me and informed me they make complete pistols in 9x23. They can also fit a 9x23 barrel into any Colt pistol I buy..

So maybe I can just buy a new Colt of my choosing, and send it in then simply swap barrels..

9x23 for my daily carry and SD, once WW3 happens and SHTF where I can no longer get 9x23 I will switch back to 9mm. Hmm I like the thought.

[JTROKS]

I’m thinking you’re exempt since there are no Colt 1911s in the roster.

[SOCOgunguy]

Yeah, I was looking at the Colt Combat Unit Rail Gun.. .since it's one of the few 9mm colts, though I do not like the rail ugh.

I am thinking maybe I should just have Nowlin Arms build me a 9x23, and add in an extra 9mm barrel fitted for it.. at least that way I know it will have been tested and built correctly.. It's just so damn expensive.

[alland]

If I were to do this, I would use a Springfield 9mm and then have a 9x23 barrel fit. The Springfield 9mm 1911s have a Wilson/Nowlin ramped barrel so a 9x23 W/N ramped barrel would would fit without additional frame machining. I believe that a 9x23 should absolutely have a fully supported ramped barrel.

Are you roster exempt?

[SOCOgunguy]

Yes I am exempt, and thank you very much for those details on the SA 1911, I did not know that. I am going to do some research right now.

[I Swan]

Are you going to reload for it? Ammo can be a bit pricey and hard to find in local gun shops. Factory JHP ammo can be very pricey last time I checked.

[SOCOgunguy]

Yes, I will be planning to reload for it, especially if I have to wait months for something to be customized.

The factory ammo is very expensive, I would have to slowly buy it until I have a comfortable amount to keep on hand, while reloading the target ammo for range fun.

[Fatcat]

Sent you a PM. Let me know.

The Winchester white box is about the only ammo readily available.
30 bux a box.

https://www.natchezss.com/ammunition/handgun-ammo.html#a_03_caliber=200327&dir=asc&istock=202997&order=position

If you’re going to reload, instead of getting a supply of brass from factory ammo, an option to get new brass from Starline. About 100 bux for 500 pieces but cheaper than the factory ammo route.

https://www.starlinebrass.com/brass-cases/9x23-Comp-Brass/

Other words of advice: For full power loads, use an 18.5 lb recoil spring, a stock 23 lb mainspring, and a flat bottomed firing pin stop plate. All this is to metigate the gun beating itself to death.

[Sailormilan2]

I don't have one yet. It is on my "to do" to get a 9x19 barrel, rechamber it to 9x23, and fit it to one of my guns. Which is a relatively simple matter.
I've found a source for some good 9x19 barrels at a good price that will allow me to do it without breaking the bank.
The 9x23 does not need a ramped barrel. It was designed for use in unramped barrels. So using a ramped barrel, or modifying the frame for a ramped barrel, is an unnecessary expense.
The biggest expense will be buying the reamer and headspace gauges.

[JTROKS]

The 9x23 brass is thicker at the web than 38 Super+p or any of its’ variants, Supercomp, TJ, Armscor, etc.. That doesn’t mean a fully supported chamber is unwelcomed. If you’re planning to reload your brass, a fully supported chamber will extend the life of your brass to a couple of more firings. 9x23 SAAMI pressure is the same as 223 Remington. If rifles chambered in 223 Rem have full support all around the case, wouldn’t you want the same in a pistol that you hold with your precious hands?? I’d like the extra insurance of steel instead of just a couple of mm of brass to contain all that pressure.