FRAME QUESTIONS

[williamlayton]

I have been considering a 9X23 in a single stacked 1911.
This is a very high pressure round and there are not many who manufacture for this caliber.
SV does and, by their reputation, should have a frame which would hold up well to this pressure--but it is expensive.
STI offers two frame, one on their Trojan and another-the 2011-on some other weapons.
I am assuming that all would withstand these pressures reliably, but, I would like some feedback from this forum as I keep abreast around here and I think your opinion is worthwhile.
Blessings

[Nobade]

I fail to see how the frame would have much to do with containing a high pressure round. Seems like it would be more dependant on the barrel's throating, fitup, springs, etc. If I were interested in building something like that I would talk to IPSC shooters who had one to get their opinions, and the manufacturers. SV and STI are both big names in this game and should know if their stuff works or not.

[Mikey]

williamlayton - when the 9x23 first came out it appeared in a standard 1911 package - didn't even have heavy springs.  The gunwriter who tested the pistol and cartridge used a test gun plus his own competition 38 Super.  He used ammunition and barrels interchangably without problem.

The frame is not the issue.  Actually, the only issue is the general lack of availability of the ammo and guns chambered for it.  The 9x23 was/is not much of a commercial success - it is a sort of a specialty round and is usually only found in full sized semi-autos.  

The 9x23 is at about the max loading pressure for that case.  38 Super shooters have been loading their 38 Supers to the pressure and velocity loadings of the 9x23 for years, and since the lighter hp bullets are used those loads don't get to the same high level as the really heavy 38 Super loads used in sporting competition.  

A friend has a sweet, lightweight  Colt Commander in 38 Super and if he doesn't feel like carrying reloads he carries 9x23s - he says they chrono at the same speed as his 38 Super reloads and he doesn't have to take the time to load up a couple of boxes.  

If you have a 38 Super now, just get a 9x23 barrel or begin reloading 9x23 brass - you won't know the difference.  Mikey.

[gunnut69]

It was my understanding that the high pressures of the 38 super as used in competition caused problems with brass failures in the feed ramp cutout in the 1911, That was sort of the catalyst for the developement of the fully supported barrel. That makes it kind of a frame issue as the frame has to be milled for the supported barrel. Unfortunately 38Super barrels are available in standard 1911 configuration as well as the fully supported variety. Using ammo that developes 'major power factor' pressures in an unsupported barrel can lead to a blow out. Also if using these high pressure loads in an alloy frame I would consider a frame buffer mandatory. In a carry gun I dislike buffers as they do fail and can tie up a weapon at an inopportune moment. I would thus consider swapping the buffer for a new one after a few rounds and use the old one for pratice sessions. No reshoots in a gunfight..  Of course one could just use the 45acp and no buffer..

[williamlayton]

That supports my findings. I appreciate the feedback.
Blessings