My 9mm 1911 conversion from SACS

[ruchik]

Just got back my gun back from the Springfield Armory Custom Shop. It started out as a Nighthawk Custom T3, and has had the entire top end replaced. They even threw in a few goodies for free that I didn't expect, like re-profiling and re-finishing my thumb safety (didn't request it). I had originally wanted a T3 in 9mm, but the wait times were a no-go for me, so I had the T3 in .45 converted instead.













Only two complaints. They hardchromed my extractor, which I specifically asked them not to (it's an Aftec), and the bushing and bushing/barrel fit is Baer-like tight. Not a little tight, but puckered-up-butthole-on-a-scary-roller-coaster tight. Other than, I'm very satisfied with their work.

[redcliff]

Looks good, although I'm a fan of standard versus reverse two-tone

Not sure why you didn't want your 9mm extractor hard chromed to match the slide, but I'm sure they would modify that if requested.

I personally really like the way Springfield fits their barrels/bushings, you just have to disassemble and reassemble it like a Les Baer instead of a G.I. model to preserve the fit. Have you shot it yet?

[ruchik]

The reason I didn't want the extractor hard chromed was because the instructions for installing it on their website says "Do not hard chrome the extractor" in big, bold letters . I'm not sure why?

No chance to shoot it yet, just got it in about 2 hours ago.

[Press Check]

The reason I didn't want the extractor hard chromed was because the instructions for installing it on their website says "Do not hard chrome the extractor" in big, bold letters . I'm not sure why?

No chance to shoot it yet, just got it in about 2 hours ago.

Hard chrome will make the extractor brittle.

By the way, nice pistol. Probably a tac-driver.

[chozenfew805]

Looking really good OP!

[DuneShoot]

Wow

[redcliff]

I'm aware of hydrogen embrittlement but it can be avoided by following the proper procedure when hard-chroming. It will be interesting to see if a problem develops, I hope not.

I bet it will be a tack driver also

[Press Check]

OP,

I happen to think that SACS is the best kept secret on the planet, and have had plenty of work done there, but I was just curious about the reason YOU chose SACS to work on your Nighthawk.

[ruchik]

OP,

I happen to think that SACS is the best kept secret on the planet, and have had plenty of work done there, but I was just curious about the reason YOU chose SACS to work on your Nighthawk.

I went with the SACS for a number of reasons. When I called Nighthawk about a conversion, the rep told me no; he said that the frames of a .45 and 9mm are different. That raised the BS flag from me, as I knew apart from the feed ramps, they were identical.

Dave Williams, the head of the SACS, personally answered every single of my 20-something emails within 1-2 days. He had a firm quote for me the day after I listed what I wanted. After I placed my order, about a month in, I asked for various specifics regarding different parts, such as a carry-beveled bushing. He already had those parts, almost like he knew in advance what I wanted! Also, the SACS was one of the few shops willing to undertake the project. That, coupled with a lead time of 12-13 weeks instead of 6-12 months, and the endorsement of noted 1911 gurus such as Hilton Yam and Larry Vickers, made my choice a no-brainer.

[Press Check]

I went with the SACS for a number of reasons. When I called Nighthawk about a conversion, the rep told me no; he said that the frames of a .45 and 9mm are different. That raised the BS flag from me, as I knew apart from the feed ramps, they were identical.

Dave Williams, the head of the SACS, personally answered every single of my 20-something emails within 1-2 days. He had a firm quote for me the day after I listed what I wanted. After I placed my order, about a month in, I asked for various specifics regarding different parts, such as a carry-beveled bushing. He already had those parts, almost like he knew in advance what I wanted! Also, the SACS was one of the few shops willing to undertake the project. That, coupled with a lead time of 12-13 weeks instead of 6-12 months, and the endorsement of noted 1911 gurus such as Hilton Yam and Larry Vickers, made my choice a no-brainer.

Well said, OP. Well said. The one and only quirk I have is not having the opportunity to know which Pistolsmith(s) completed the work.

[biggunjay6]

Wow...quality work and sexy looks.....bet it shoots great too....

[c3 rolling]

Wow I almost fainted its so beautiful !

One question, why did you feel the need to convert a T3 into a 9mm? Do you have a special connection with that frame? Just because you can? . Just picking your brain because you might have been better off just building a 9mm Professional. Either way that thing is probably one of a kind!

[redhemi]

Wow that is one beautiful looking gun. If buy any chance after you shoot it and don't like it "first in line" (like I can afford it) lol. I sent my SA Loaded 9mm to SACS and they did a great job and I got it back in 6 weeks. I just love shooting it and I believe your T3 will be your favorite shooter.

[ruchik]

I had it converted over to 9mm because I can't handle the recoil of a .45 over an extended period of time. It really starts to bother my wrists after a while, and I developed a flinch with it. I went with the T3 because I already had it, and I was dead set on a CCO-sized 1911. Since buying a whole new one would have been more expensive than converting it, I decided to send it off to the SACS instead

[SNCaliber]

very very nice, love the short trigger and what kind of grips are those?