.45 to 9 mm conversions?

U

UltimaSE

New member
I've been pondering this possibility of this conversion for a while. This would be the best for me as I would only have to purchase one gun. I was looking for a 9 mm to just shoot around sometimes, and a .45 for home defense. I was pondering on getting a charles daly .45 in stainless for home defense and a 9 mm cz 75b to just shoot whenever I feel like it.

But seeing as there are some 1911s out on the market that are 9 mm I'm curious if I'd be able to just keep the same frame and be able to swap some parts (a la beretta 9mm/.40 combo) and be able to go from 9 mm to .45. Anyone know is this is possible?

This would be the more economical route but I'm still pondering as I wouldn't mind have two quality handguns.

Thanks,
UltimaSE
 
When this subject was brought up on the SMITHY forum, the response was, in effect, you'd probably need two complete slides -- as a number of important components, such as the extractor, are not likely to be compatible between calibers. Magazines also would be a big problem -- as the .45 mag is quite a bit wider than the 9mm mag.

(When I've seen these types of conversions done, they're generally between calibers that have cases that are closer in size -- like .357 SIG and .40, or .45 and 40. The .22 conversions are effective, but those are major rewords, and generally a totally different slide using a different design.

There is arguably some advantage to having a single frame and two fitted slides -- but I'd go for two different guns.


[This message has been edited by Walt Sherrill (edited July 27, 2000).]
 
If I remember correctly, one of the Spanish makers offered an interchangeable caliber pistol, I think it was Astra, not sure though.

A friend of mine has one, and as I recall it amounts to slide/barrel and magazine. When I see or speak with him, I will ask, posting any information I get. Keep and eye pealed.
 
EAA Witness line of pistols, if I recall correctly, allows for easy change of calibers
by means of interchangeable slides and mags.
Witness is a clone of CZ-75, and people say
is a pretty good handgun.
 
A few years ago, I had a pistolsmith friend make a .38 super conversion for my .45 ACP 1911.
It required a new slide and barrel and he may have reworked the ejector.
It worked very well.
Wish I hadn't let someone talk me into selling it.
 
Oris is right. The EAA Witness 45 ACP with a 9 mm conversion kit is the way to go. If I wasn't such a Glock, Sig, HK nut, I'd get one.

But I have a .22lr conversion kit for my Glock 19 converting it from 9mm to .22lr. ;)

------------------
The Seattle SharpShooter - TFL/GT/UGW/PCT/KTOG
 
Oris is wrong; the EAA conversions are based on two different frames.

The 'small' frame runs 9x19, 9x21, 40 S&W, and 41AE.
The 'large' frame runs 38 Super, presumably 10mm, and 45ACP.

I own all but the 10mm.......

------------------
"All my ammo is factory ammo"
 
Westshoot2, I'm not wrong.

All I said is that Witness allows for easy change of calibers. I even did not specify
what calibers....(see my post) or other details, you did it, conforming that easy change of calibers is possible.

How in the hell can I be wrong?
 
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