9mm 1911. Worth the effort?

[inboost]

You sound a lot like me, I've also got an ME degree and love the machine we call a gun. I've been tinkering with them for a long time. The Fusion stuff actually requires little fitting but then also doesn't have the precision custom fit you'd expect from a top end gun. A good example is the frame to slide fit which is loose on my gun when compared to a Wilson or even a Kimber but reasonably tighter than my stock Colt running clearances. I can't outshoot this gun, so whatever minor variations in point of aim vs point of impact are caused by a looser running slide I can't seem to find. The barrel to slide lock-up was hand fit by trimming the barrel hood and foot at the link pin (not a ramped barrel, I didn't want to cut the frame). I did this with careful hand tool strokes and layout fluid. It took a long time, and since the hood wasn't machine left-to-right to match the slide like the match guns there's some clearance there. If I had to do it again I'd but a lower lug cutting tool from Brownells and might consider the mill jig for holding barrels. This is only because I will likely do it again so it's a good time for me to invest in the tooling.

Regardless of what I like to do, make sure you're comfortable working on your gun before you jump all the way in. Being nervous and fretful about the build will take all the fun out of it. Buy the parts slowly over time and always cut on the cheaper parts first. Remind yourself when you ruin a part (it will happen) that you're learning and education is never free. A lot of time you can rescue a part with a little welding (I have a friend who comes to my aid all the time). Most all remember when you're done you'll have something you made that will last a lifetime if properly cared for. I look forward to handing down my creations as family heirlooms.

 

[cdunn]

I had a kimber that was ok, but now I'm on Berryhill Customs waiting list for a commander 9mm.

 

[Wee Hooker]

Went and handled a 1911 9mm pro today. It was "OK" but way to similar in feel and appearance to my 2 existing S&W 1911's (in 45 ACP) to "Wow" me. ( Made me question "another $1300 for nothing but a caliber change??") >. Did see a nice used 945 pc for similar $. Left in state of confusion without either. No sleep for me tonight :-(

 

[drd]

Where are the SW 9mm Pro owners

I'm surprised not to see comments by 9mm Pro owners on the SW Forum; the M1911 Forum has a rash of new owners who love the new SW Pro. Many say its the best 1911 they have ever owned. Including me.

It would seem that you would want your 9mm to feel just like your .45??

Good luck on your decision in any case.

 

[Farmer17]

If you want a "cocked and locked" 9m/m I would get a Browning HP or Cz-75. The 1911 in .45 is perfect the way it is.

 

[PPCSHOOTER]

HERE IS MY WELL WORN ROCKRIVER ARMS 6"PPC 9MM 1911. THE TARGET ON THE LEFT IS A 10 SHOT RANSOM REST GROUP AT 50YDS. TOP ROUND ON THIS TARGET IS 1ST SHOT, . 1.12" WITH 1ST SHOT FLIER, .85" WITHOUT. RIGHT SIDE TARGET IS 24 SHOTS AT 50 YDS. WHY 24 SHOTS? IN PPC EACH 50YD STAGE IS 24RDS.

YES IT'S WORTH IT. JIM P

 

[borntoraisehogs]

Airdale
I have two 1911s in 9mm.
Both started life as .38 Supers. I had 9mm barrels (Kart) fitted. Both are accurate and fun to shoot. I use them for USPSA single stack (minor).

Do you like 9mm better than 38 super ? Off topic
, which ship ?

 

[LuvSkye]

PPCshooter

PPCshooter
I am curious what was the load you shot for those wonderful groups?


Thanks

 

[Wee Hooker]

Well 9mm vs 38 super is a mute point in the peoples republic of mass. There is about one of each to choose from. If I lived 3 mi West in RI, I'd own at least one of each cal and decide for myself. :-(

Anyway, after calculating time and cost to get a custom job done, and getting the cold shoulder from the S&W Performance center on having them convert one of my 45's, I just bit the bullet and ordered the 1911 pro in 9mm. Not exactly what I wanted but it should do to scratch my immediate itch. (I was hoping for something blued and with adjustable sights, maybe nicer grips) The gun should be here next week, Hopefully it's more exciting to shoot than to look at.

p.s. I'd also be interested in pet loads for 9mm out of a 5" bbl. Just ordered some 125 and 147 gr TCFP's from Missouri Bullet to start playing.

 

[38-44HD45]

Dave, the PC turned a cold shoulder on converting a .45 to 9mm because you can't, unless you replace the slide, too. The breechface on the .45 slide is too large for the extractor to hook 9mm brass. Even with a 9mm slide installed, the ejectors are different, and the .45 ejector is not compatible with the 9mm slide, and v.v. Switching ejectors every time you switch calibers/top ends would get old mighty fast.

To be sure I understand, why is it a moot point in MA, 9mm vs. .38 Super? Is it not legal to make the conversion, or are there just no 9mm or .38 Super 1911-types around, or none on the "approved" list?

 

[Wee Hooker]

Dave, the PC turned a cold shoulder on converting a .45 to 9mm because you can't, unless you replace the slide, too. The breechface on the .45 slide is too large for the extractor to hook 9mm brass. Even with a 9mm slide installed, the ejectors are different, and the .45 ejector is not compatible with the 9mm slide, and v.v. Switching ejectors every time you switch calibers/top ends would get old mighty fast.

To be sure I understand, why is it a moot point in MA, 9mm vs. .38 Super? Is it not legal to make the conversion, or are there just no 9mm or .38 Super 1911-types around, or none on the "approved" list?

To be clear, I asked them to take the gun and put a 9mm slide/conversion on it. I got a short " Can't be done" which I took as "we don't want to sell you a 9mm slide. We'd rather sell you a 9mm pro."
I'm not happy with the answer but respect it.

Moot point is that there are few 1911's that can be sold in MA. I know of only the S&W if I want a new one in 9mm. I've found one Rock Island if I want 38 super that is reportedly MA compliant. it's an ugly system that really limits the guns that a law abiding shooter can purchase. Beyond that, I have no ability to buy one off the shelf. I would have to have a smith build me a slide/conversion. ( Which i will likely do at some point anyway.