Author Topic: 45 a.c.p. conversion? (Read 1206 times)

Bowhunter57 · « **on:** February 13, 2006, 04:18:02 PM »

I would like to purchase either a Rock Island or EAA Witness, in 45 a.c.p. and convert it to a 6" barreled longslide.....in either 45 a.c.p. or 10mm.

Is this possible? If so, about what would it cost?
Should a gunsmith do the work?

Your opinions and experience is appreciated.
Thank you, Bowhunter57

Mikey · « **Reply #1 on:** February 14, 2006, 01:50:16 AM »

Bowhunter: I do not believe it is difficult to mount a long slide on a standard 1911 frame. I believe all you would need is the slide and recoil spring, which must be longer I understand to accomodate the longer slide. And I think that's about it. You may want to check with the folks you are going to get the slide from and see what they recommend - they may wish to fit the slide to the frame to assure functional compatability. HTH. Mikey.

Savage · « **Reply #2 on:** February 14, 2006, 02:20:50 AM »

Just a guess, I would put the cost of the long slide assembly for the RIA at around $400-$450. It would include: slide/barrel/guide rod/recoil spring. The slide might require some minor fitting/lapping, which in not difficult. Or-----------You could use that money to buy another RIA!
Tanfoglio makes a long slide model fot the Witness, one might be available from the factory. Or, try:

http://savvysurvivor.com.cnchost.com/index.html

Savage
Edit: $475 for the Witness conversion at the above link.

Bowhunter57 · « **Reply #3 on:** February 15, 2006, 02:25:21 PM »

I was surfing around on EAA's web site and found out that they offer a Longslide conversion for their 45 a.c.p., for $294.

EAA also offers a 6" 10mm Match Grade barrel, for $185, but make no mention of offering a Longslide for it. So, I sent them an e-mail to confirm whether or not they make a Longslide for their Match Grade barrel. If they do, then I'm up for the purchase of a new Witness and the Longslide conversion. :grin:

My plans are to use this handgun for deer hunting. My shots are going to be inside 60 yards, so either caliber will work. Shot placement is everything, as I am all too aware from my years of bowhunting.

Good hunting, Bowhunter57

Savage · « **Reply #4 on:** February 15, 2006, 03:05:24 PM »

was surfing around on EAA's web site and found out that they offer a Longslide conversion for their 45 a.c.p., for $294.

The 10mm would for sure be my choice for your application. I would look at the"Hunter" model for about $600, if memory serves me correctly. If you didn't already have a Witness pistol it might be the way to go. I bought the 10mm Witness for about $340 out the door, so add the cost of the long slide and you're around $650 into the pistol. How about just using the 6" barrel with the standard slide? You could save a few bucks that way.
Savage

Bowhunter57 · « **Reply #5 on:** February 16, 2006, 12:44:31 AM »

Quote from: Savage

How about just using the 6" barrel with the standard slide? You could save a few bucks that way.
Savage

Savage,
I didn't know a longer barrel could be used without the use of the Longslide to go with it. I realize the barrel would stick out past the end of the frame and slide action, but that would be of no concern as long as the weapon would function properly and the accuracy would not be effected.

I'm going to my local dealer this evening to check out the pricing on the Hunter model as well as conversion kits.

Good hunting, Bowhunter57

Savage · « **Reply #6 on:** February 16, 2006, 02:47:27 AM »

Bowhunter57,
No reason the longer barrel should cause function problems. I have seem the 6" barrel used with good success in numerous Glock 20s. Come to think of it, my .40 conversion barrel for my 10mm Witness is about 1/2" longer than the stock one. Don't think an extra inch or so of barrel would be worth $300 to me. Good luck in your quest!
Savage

Mikey · « **Reply #7 on:** February 16, 2006, 11:42:05 AM »

Bowhunter57: Savage has the right idea. If you just want a longer barrel you can certainly go for the Rock Island 45 and just get a longer barrel in many calibers of your choice. You may need a different extractor for the 10mm cartridge but barrels should just about interchange. Honestly though I am not absolutely certain everything would spec out properly with the bolt faces of the 45 and 10mm, so you might want a good 1911 gunsmith to make certain everything fits right. If you don't like the idea of an extra inch of barrel hanging out of your slide, there are some slide mounted dual port compensators that would protect the end of the barrel, help reduce recoil and, look pretty good.

The EAA is also a good choice. It has good ergonomics and is a well made pistol. The Glock reputation speaks for itself. I'm most comfortable with the feel of a 1911. Mikey.

slink · « **Reply #8 on:** April 21, 2006, 05:29:28 PM »

The diff in case head diameter requires a diff ejector and extractor, ya see.

Flint · « **Reply #9 on:** June 21, 2006, 05:41:49 AM »

I have a 1911 (Gold cup) I fitted with a Wilson 6 inch barrel more than 20 years ago, it still works fine. I did it when shooting IPSC and wanted to make major with a lighter load, the inch was worth 30 fps in velocity.

It has a tight fitted bushing and the barrel is relieved behind the bushing, as usual for a target bushing.

It is certainly a lot cheaper than having a long slide built.