Kimber 1911 Question..

[redcliff]

In addition to the slide assembly, technically, 9mm frames are contoured differently in the feed ramp area than .45acp frames, according to the smiths that can measure such things accurately. Also the .45acp ejector would need to be replaced with a 9mm version.

[JTROKS]

Usually when converting a 1911 frame to 9mm one would opt for an integral ramped barrel, which requires machining the frame. 45 acp ramp frames don't have enough material left to provide that 1/32" gap between the top edge of the frame ramp and the bottom of the barrel ramp. This will provide reliable feeding of most bullet nose shapes. Just buy another gun since the work and parts involve will almost cost the price of another gun.

[DaveFJ80]

In addition to the slide assembly, technically, 9mm frames are contoured differently in the feed ramp area than .45acp frames, according to the smiths that can measure such things accurately. Also the .45acp ejector would need to be replaced with a 9mm version.

This is true. There's a lot of work to convert a .45 1911 into a 9mm. I had both of my Springfield 1911's stripped last night, cleaning them and putting in some new parts. Looking at the frames where the feed ramps are, they are definitely different.

I can put the slide of either one onto the other frame and it would fit just fine, but not with the barrel in the slide. There would be a lot of work needed to the frame in order to accomdate a 9mm barrel, which has an extended feed ramp built into the barrel.

[JTROKS]

This is true. There's a lot of work to convert a .45 1911 into a 9mm. I had both of my Springfield 1911's stripped last night, cleaning them and putting in some new parts. Looking at the frames where the feed ramps are, they are definitely different.

I can put the slide of either one onto the other frame and it would fit just fine, but not with the barrel in the slide. There would be a lot of work needed to the frame in order to accomdate a 9mm barrel, which has an extended feed ramp built into the barrel.

In reality one can use a non-fully supported barrel/integrated feed ramp for a 1911 frame assembled for 45 ACP. It will require a much more forward throating on the feed ramp leaving too much unsupported area for the case. If one is shooting low pressure hand loads they can get away with it, but factory loads will leave the a bulge on the case leaving the case unusable. If for some reason a factory round was out of spec and comes close to SAAMI proof load it will more than likely cause a case head failure and injure the shooter.

[Black Majik]

johnny11,

This may give you an idea of a .45 frame next to a 9mm frame, both are Kimber frames. The 9mm frame is in the front/right.

[johnny11]

Thanks guys for all your comment, I really do appreciate it, yea Im good with the rock island 1911's. I wanted it for my tle but I just went on the Wilson combat website and fell in love, but damn 3500 for handgun is a lil too much for me. I think im just gonna sell my USP45 and get a p226 in 9.

[johnny11]

Oh yea one more question, my best friend in Vegas bought me a compensator Barrel from a gun show in Vegas, I haven't got it yet but is that legal? It does not have threads just ported.