Author Topic: 9 mm conversion (Read 970 times)

SteveAZ · « **on:** December 11, 2004, 05:30:58 AM »

What would have to be done to a Colt Commander to convert it from 45 ACP to 9 mm Luger?

Barrel, bushing and magazine sure but what about extractor, ejector etc.

Is it a simple enough conversion to be made in the field?

I'm just looking to do something different.

Thanks,

SteveAZ

dclark · « **Reply #1 on:** December 11, 2004, 06:19:34 AM »

The slide also has a different cut for the cartridge head, and would have to be replaced. Not economical in my opinion.

dclark

Iowegan · « **Reply #2 on:** December 11, 2004, 07:38:20 AM »

It's a little more involved than that. Your bolt face is too big for a 9mm so that means a new 9mm or 38 Super slide with the proper extractor. You will need a barrel, bushing, recoil spring, magazine(s), and a 38 Super slide stop. In other words, the whole top end.

Once you make the conversion, you can easily convert to a 38 Super with a barrel, recoil spring, and magazines.

rbwillnj · « **Reply #3 on:** December 11, 2004, 11:39:59 AM »

I'm pretty sure a 9mm barrel would be a ramped barrel, so I think you would also have to have the frame cut to make room for the ramp. Once you do that, you wouldn't be able to switch back to 45, but you could go to 38 super.

Iowegan · « **Reply #4 on:** December 11, 2004, 12:51:34 PM »

Colt and several other brands of barrels come in non-ramped versions for 9mm and 38 Super. Actually, you are hard pressed to find either in a ramped version for a 4.25" Commander, though common for the 5" barrel.

Mikey · « **Reply #5 on:** December 12, 2004, 03:04:52 AM »

Steve - as the Iowegan said, it's a little more complicated than that. You will need an entirely new upper - and if you want to convert to a 9mm bore I would suggest either a 38 Super or a 9x23 top end and then get yourself a 9mm barrel if you wish to shoot inexpensive mil-surp ammo.

Other than getting a new top end to fit and feed properly, the biggest problem might be how to get your ejector (different for the 9mm/38Super/9x23 than the 45 ACP) to properly fit both slides so you don't have to replace that in the field.

The last time I switched a 45 to a 38 Super, I worked down the 38 Super ejector so it would fit both slides and did not have a problem with ejection or other functionings in either caliber. If you can do that then switching slides/calibers in the field can be done, although if you are like me you always run the risk of losing some major necessary part (lol). HTH. Mikey.

SteveAZ · « **Reply #6 on:** December 13, 2004, 01:58:07 AM »

So much for that plan, far more complicated that I had anticipated. Thanks for all of the replys and for taking the time to be so thorough.

SteveAZ

williamlayton · « **Reply #7 on:** December 13, 2004, 11:16:56 PM »

You give up much too easy.
The .38 super and the 9x23 are both excellent options. The work should be done by a professional, if you do not have the skills.
Blessings

SteveAZ · « **Reply #8 on:** December 14, 2004, 01:09:03 AM »

I absolutely agree. Both are fine and capable calibers.

"You'd really be better off buying a new gun" is not necessarily an unhappy answer.

See "1911 series 80 or 1991 A1" topic.

williamlayton · « **Reply #9 on:** December 14, 2004, 04:58:44 AM »

OK--Show this to your wife or sweetheart--You have been ordered to buy a new gun. :wink:
Blessings

X-man · « **Reply #10 on:** January 06, 2005, 12:46:03 PM »

I already have a Commander set up for .38 Super, a complete 9mm bbl,/parts set also came with the pistol. I field stripped the pistol, but found that the barrel linkage hole size differed between the .38 & 9mm. Got me scratching my head as I had hoped to switch over to the 9mm for right now to shoot the tons of inexpensive ammo I have on hand.

I also picked up a new stainless steel commander length top end, complete with .45 bbl, firing pin, etc... less bbl bushing and extractor. I have a spare complete frame to mate it to, once I come up with the needed parts. The bbl seems to be a semi-heavy contour, was wondering what size of bbl bushing to order? Can I take my calipers and measure the outside diameter of the bbl? What kind of extractor do I need? Will a standrd Gov't model work?

Sorry for the dumb questions, but I've always been more of a shooter than a tinkerer of the 1911, now want to fool around with the other side of the 1911 addiction. Thanks!

Iowegan · « **Reply #11 on:** January 06, 2005, 06:23:48 PM »

X-man, All barrel links have the same size holes so both of your barrels should work. Someone may have reversed the barrel link and put the big hole in the barrel. The big hole is 13/64" and the little hole is 3/32". The slide lock shaft should fit in the big hole, the barrel link pin in the small hole. Worst case, buy a new barrel link.

Yes, a standard 45 extractor should work in your Commander slide. The bushing may be a little harder to figure out. There are a number of after market barrels that have unique bushings. Does the barrel have a brand name stamped on it? Brownell's give ID sizes for their bushings. You should be able to find one. Make sure it is a Commander length bushing or it will bottom out on the frame.

Flash · « **Reply #12 on:** January 09, 2005, 02:57:52 AM »

I have a Commander in 38 Super myself and often thought about buying a 9mm barrel for it. You guys just might have given me the drive to do it now.

brasskeeper · « **Reply #13 on:** February 10, 2005, 01:44:00 PM »

I have a springfield 1911 45 that I bought along time ago and wasn't shooting. My wife complained the recoil of her 45 has hurting her wrist. I bought a complete used springfield 9mm slide assembly, ejector and two magazine off of ebay for around 175.00. It went together great and shoots great. I'm sure you could do the same with a comander.