John V. Martz lives in California (of all places). He has made dozens of these conversions using two P.38's cut in half length-wise to widen the slide and frame to accomodate the .45ACP cartridge. The grips are extended about a tenth of an inch to cover the wider frame. The new grips (walnut) and the .45ACP barrels are farmed out elsewhere. The magazine used is a modified BDA/Sig P220 with the Euro-type
heel release.
All of these P.38's are manufactured from pre- and WWII P.38's that are steel-framed.
The slide release, take down lever, decocker, hammer, and trigger are all 24kt gold plated. The polishing and blueing on these pistols rivals that of Walther GmbH.
I have seen prices range from $6500.00 to over $15,000 dollars.
High-end collectors only need apply.