45 Super or 460 Rowland

[bikerbeans]

Hi,

Anybody install either of these conversions in a steel frame Taurus PT1911?

thanks

[williamlayton]

See Ace Machine shop on the web.
They are a premier hawker of the 45 super.
Blessings

[Savage]

"Ace" is the place. You can buy their .45 Super conversion, or have them do it for you. Really not much to the conversion. Brass is available from Starline. Your forged steel PT1911 will handle the "Super" just fine. According to Ace Customs, your converted pistol will still cycle with .45acp ball. Just curious, what are your intended uses for the super?
Savage

[bikerbeans]

I already shot 45 Super in the gun.  I did the upgrades on the recoil and firing pin springs, but with an uncompensated barrel tends to jump a bit.  I am going to install the compensated barrel either 45 Super or 460 Rowland, just curious what other folks experiences have been.  I am leaning towards the Rowland conversion.

The upgrade is so I can hunt Whitetail deer in a tight thicket on my friends farm.  Also, to help keep the other shooters awake at the local indoor range.

[Savage]

If muzzle rise is a problem for you, you can buy a bushing compensator that installs with little or no fitting. Might be a low cost way to find out if a compensated barrel is worth the investment.
Savage

[Mikey]

Savage:  I agree that a bushing compensator is the right place to start.  I will even suggest a two-chamber comp. 

bikerbeans:  adding a bushing compensator is a good idea; saves you $ and you don't have to have the frame modified.  If you have already fired the 45 Super then try it again with a bushing compensator - I think you will be pleased. 

Also, those two 45 cal high pressure cartridges add lots of stress to the pistol; continued use takes its toll.  I don't really think you can compare the overall stress on a 1911 frame from one of those higher pressure 45 calibers with something like the continued use of high pressure loads in a 38 Super race gun.  The heavier 45s are, well, heavier.....much heavier.

You mentioned hunting thick brushy areas for Whitetail - if the thickets are so thick .. et is prolly a shot you can make with a stout load in the ole 45 Auto, and definately the Super, on accounta that Whitetail is going to have to be definately within 45 auto range for you to see well enough to get a good shot. jmtcw.

[bikerbeans]

10-4 on the bushing compensator.  Any suggestions on a manufacturer or vendor for the compensator?

[Mikey]

Hmmmm.  For this I would say that we should try and find Layne Simpson's articles on building compensated 1911s - he wrote a bunch of articles about this back in the 80s or 90s I think in either the Shooting Times Magazine or Guns and Ammo Magazine, but he preferred a dual chamber compensator as being the most effective for reducing recoil and the least expensive.

Or, just go up on the net and see what pops up under compensators.  You can also go to Graybeard's links page for anyone who makes and sells them who is listed there/here; and you cancheck with MidSouth Shooter's Supply or Brownells to see what they have.  HTH.

[Venado]

I bought the Wilson Combat Multi-Comp Compensator from Midwayusa. I could not believe what my gun shot like after putting this on. My 185 grain xtp bullet is going in the 1500 f.p.s. range and does not rise hardly at all.

[williamlayton]

It is fun to hear when a friend finds something that he likes and it works.
Well thought out project--well thought out.
Good advice and I learned.
Blessings

[Savage]

I bought the Wilson Combat Multi-Comp Compensator from Midwayusa. I could not believe what my gun shot like after putting this on. My 185 grain xtp bullet is going in the 1500 f.p.s. range and does not rise hardly at all.

The .45 Super operates in a pressure range that can benefit from a brake. It's debatable if it helps much or at all with standard pressure .45 acp loads. I'd consider using a buffer as well if your pistol proves reliable with one. Good shooting!
Savage

[bikerbeans]

I'm using a Sprinco guide rod with built in secondary recoil spring.  The sprinco is a standard model, I am going to upgrade to the Corbon model per Sprinco's suggestion.  The main spring is a 28# wolff.  Looks like I will stay with the 45 Super versus the 460 Rowland as I found 500 rounds of new old stock Texas Ammo. Co. 45 Super for less $$$$ than Magtech FMJ 45 ACP.  185 and 200 grain, both appear to be Hornday HP/XTPs.  The 200 grains chrono in the 1250 to 1260 range.  No more shooting until I upgrade the Sprinco unit and install the buffer.  Thanks everyone for your input.

Bikerbeans