460 Rowland conversion?

[hogdoctor]

I love my wheelguns. However, I really want a semi auto to carry as a backup while hunting in hog territory. So, I'm considering converting my Springfield Loaded 1911-A1 to 460 Rowland. Anyone have any experience with 460 conversion kits on S&W 1911models? Clark Customs kits are specified for Colt,Springfield, Kimber,etc.but they don't mention S&W. I don't have a Smith 1911(yet),but I'm kicking around ideas about either converting a gun I have or getting a new one for a purpose-build. Either way, I'd appreciate any experience or advice anyone could give on this subject.

Thanks and God bless.

 

[hogdoctor]

correction to previous post

Ok. So on further looking, I see that S&W 1911MODELS are specified by both Clark Customs and Johnny Rowland. Still would like feedback from anyone who has experience with these conversions. I realize that I don't need 460 power in my 45, but I really want it... so I'm likely to do it,and I want to do it right. Thanks for any input.

God bless.

 

[picketpin]

I don't have any experience with the 1911 platform but have messed around for a few years with my Glock 21. I tried Rowlands kit it was an early one and the comp loosened even with locktite. I put together my own with a Lone wolf threaded barrel and Yankee Hill Machine comp. Much better.. You will need a comp it slows the slide enough to allow reliable feeding and keeps the pistol from beating itself to death, and it also reduces recoil.

So if this is what you are asking: build your own kit with the key features of a supported chamber, threaded barrel, compensator with locking mechanism of some sort. Or buy a kit with these features, I believe the only supported barrels for the 1911 are the type with a built in ramp... So you may need to have some work done to have a ramped barrel fitted to your slide /frame.. Please correct me if I am wrong here, I'm surely not a 1911 expert..

james

 

[Ruber]

I have one of Clark's conversion units that's now been on three different guns. It started out on a Colt 1991 I got pretty cheap. Heavy and unrefined, it worked well. But, being a heavy old colt, it shot 45's nicely too, so off it went and the Colt is my target/range gun.

The SW 1911, being lighter and slimmer, is a great field gun, so I put the conversion on it. It wasn't fun to shoot with the full power loads. So I took the kit off, changed springs and firing pin retainer and now shoot +p loads, usually with hardcast and 45 super brass, through the smith with the factory barrel. That winds up being my camp/hiking gun.

I fitted the Clark kit then to my RIA (ya, I know it's not blessed). I just don't need the 460 much (ok, never), so even though it will tear my rock apart over time, I'll be surprised if it ever sees a hundred rounds.

All said, between 10mm and 45+p/super in factory guns without comps, etc., I have a hard time needing the 460 in a s/a.

I do really think the Smith lends itself well to 45+p and super loads. A 250 gr hardcast at 900-1,000 fps can be a solid performer, and is really all I care to shoot in the lighter, trimmer, S&W 1911's.

If I had a spare Springfield, I would probably have the kit on that. But hard to have a "spare" Springfield, they are pretty nice shooters too.

 

[sparkeyu]

I put one on an older smith 1911,shoots great ,used the heavier spring and added flat bottom firing pin stop just recently because it was throwing the brass into the next county,well see how it does

 

[hogdoctor]

Thanks for the input, guys! Im pretty sure im going to put the conversion kit on my Springfield Loaded 1911-A1. It was a gift from my Dad who has since passed away. He was a huge fan of the 44 Auto Mag, so I think he would approve of my hopping-up of the gun he gave me. Now to find some brass...

 

[Ruber]

Get more than you think you'll need, if you are really squeezing power out of the 1911 kit, you'll be going through brass pretty fast.

I've had best luck with starline directly despite their warning on the website, you can always call them for an eta.

Have fun!!

 

[hogdoctor]

Yeah, I'm a big fan of Starline.

 

[colt_saa]

I know that the Rowland packs a bit more punch, but I have been a 45 Super shooter for decades.

Perhaps if they had been introduced in the reverse order I might be a big 460 fan.

In addition to the Springfield, I run the 45 Super in my HK USPs as well as my Smith and Wesson 625s. None of which require any conversion to handle the 45 Super. So perhaps I would not be shooting the Rowland in as big of a variety of firearms as I shoot the 45 Super.

I also have a pocket 45 Super that should be in my hands in not too long for some testing and evaluations. I am talking about the new Boberg XR45-S.

I really look forward to tinkering with such a tiny autoloading powerhouse.

 

[4barrel]

Here is another thought. A friend of mine passed & his sister ended up with it.

 

[Poohgyrr]

I haven't seen a Grizzly in a while. That would be fun.

 

[Ruber]

I know that the Rowland packs a bit more punch, but I have been a 45 Super shooter for decades.

Very nice!!!