1911 conversion

[pklin1297]

Hello all,

I currently have a Kimber 1911 full size shooting 45ACP. What is required to convert this gun to shoot 9mm, meaning slide change, barrel change etc., or do I just have to buy a 9mm 1911? This is a straight technical question out of curiosity... Thanks.

[Fjold]

Hello all,

I currently have a Kimber 1911 full size shooting 45ACP. What is required to convert this gun to shoot 9mm, meaning slide change, barrel change etc., or do I just have to buy a 9mm 1911? This is a straight technical question out of curiosity... Thanks.

IIRC, It's been a few years since I looked into that but I think along with the slide and magazine, the standard ejector has to be changed out for an extended one.

[mike100]

ok, the main hurdle is that the feed ramp is not integrated into the bbl like other pistols. you need a 9mm or 38 super frame (with the narrow ramp) along with the extractor parts, springs, and magazine swap

[Overkill]

While most 9mm 1911s use ramped barrels, it is possible to get a 9mm barrel that is not ramped(i.e. no frame macining would be needed).

Basically you need a new upper assembly, mags, and ejector.

[tetris]

Why not just convert it to .22LR and save a lot of money on ammo?

[randy]

For the cost of converting a Kimber you would be better off buying another gun.

If you had a SVI it's about $300 to have a gunsmith fit your gun with a 9mm conversion.

[pklin1297]

While most 9mm 1911s use ramped barrels, it is possible to get a 9mm barrel that is not ramped(i.e. no frame macining would be needed).

Basically you need a new upper assembly, mags, and ejector.

Can you list a few barrel makers who makes non-ramped 9mm 1911 barrels? Thanks.

[randy]

I belive Kart does and I'm sure Bar Sto will. The best bet since it has to be fit along the the slide plus install sites unless you get your slide pre cut is to ask the gunsmith doing the work what he reccommends.

Good luck

[pklin1297]

Bar-Sto does have non-ramped 9mm barrels available, but I have heard of horror stories on the wait... I was planning on using a new Caspian slide with all the features I want already. What is different between the extractor and ejector?

[triaged]

The extractor is the little claw thing that grips onto the rim of the case and pulls it out. The ejector is the thing that is staked onto the left side of the frame that hits the back of the case and knocks it out of the gun.

[CalNRA]

I have seen what can happen to 1911s when one tries to throws parts on for conversions, considering the number of manufacturers of 1911s out there. When the dust settles you are not that far away from buying a whole other gun, like a basic CZ75. heck you can buy a SW Sigma for a 9mm plinker for around 270-330.

[slick_711]

Meh, buy a 1911 in 9mm. You can convert to 9mm, but as others have said it's an involved process and you're losing the original caliber of your 1911 in most cases. You could also buy a different pistol as CalNRA stated, but then you're training on two platforms.

Don't get me wrong, its nice to have various pistols, and I enjoy shooting everything, but I stick to 1911 for carry/competition. My .45 SA and 9mm Colt are both configured as closely as possible, so whichever is in my hand, the muscle memory is there and I'm 100% ready to go. Theres something to be said for that, whether or not its worth spending the money in your case is going to depend on your shooting and uses for the pistol.

[pklin1297]

The extractor is the little claw thing that grips onto the rim of the case and pulls it out. The ejector is the thing that is staked onto the left side of the frame that hits the back of the case and knocks it out of the gun.

Sorry, I was asking what the difference is between Extractor and Ejector made for 9mm 1911 as opposed to .45ACP.