[sysanalyst]

Just thinking about getting a CDDN PT1911 38 Super like OFH... wonder if it could be easily converted from 38 Super to 9mm with a simple barrel/mag swap. Anyone have any ideas, experience, or opinion on this subject? Thanks.

 

[sysanalyst]

Found this barrel for $50 that could possibly work.

 

[agnostos]

I have a Colt XSE Commander in .38 Super and I added a 9mm barrel for cheap practice. I bought a Swenson semi drop in barrel from MidwayUSA for $50 -- here's a link to the 5":
Swenson Semi Drop-In Barrel 1911 45 ACP 1 in 16" Twist 5" Government Steel Matte Black - MidwayUSA

Of course, I bought Commander length. It took little fitting and works with a standard link and existing bushing. My Wilson .38 mags work but I bought some 9mm MecGar mags.

It was an easy and inexpensive project. Go for it, 9mm ammo is a lot cheaper than .38 Super and it's easy to switch between calibers.

 

[dbeardslee]

Just thinking about getting a CDDN PT1911 38 Super like OFH... wonder if it could be easily converted from 38 Super to 9mm with a simple barrel/mag swap. Anyone have any ideas, experience, or opinion on this subject? Thanks.

Depends on whether or not you know how to fit a barrel - they don't generally just drop in, and that fitting is one of the more difficult things to do with a 1911. You might be able to put it in, and it might cycle - but that's not the same as being properly fitted. JAT

 

[sysanalyst]

... It was an easy and inexpensive project. Go for it, 9mm ammo is a lot cheaper than .38 Super and it's easy to switch between calibers.

I think I may just do that. I have a RIA FS TAC 1911 in 9mm with several extra MecGar magazines. With the 9mm barrel at $50, I'd be in at about the same as the RIA but with a stainless frame/slide (and unfortunately that 80 series safety stuff). Fitting a barrel is not that difficult, I've done this before and it just takes a little time, patience, some good files, and some polish. Will call CDNN tomorrow and see if they still have some of the .38 Super PT1911's in shiny stainless for $400. Who knows , by next week I may have my second Taurus PT1911.

 

[agnostos]

Cool. I hope it works out for you, please remember to post and let us know how it turns out.

I think I may just do that. I have a RIA FS TAC 1911 in 9mm with several extra MecGar magazines. With the 9mm barrel at $50, I'd be in at about the same as the RIA but with a stainless frame/slide (and unfortunately that 80 series safety stuff). Fitting a barrel is not that difficult, I've done this before and it just takes a little time, patience, some good files, and some polish. Will call CDNN tomorrow and see if they still have some of the .38 Super PT1911's in shiny stainless for $400. Who knows , by next week I may have my second Taurus PT1911.

 

[Schartner]

1911 Taurus 38 super to 9mm and 40 S&W

For my 1911 Taurus 38 super, I purchased Swenson barrels in 9mm and 40 S&W from Midway.
Filed the barrel shoulder opposite the the extractor until the barrel lugs dropped into the slide.
Very little fileing was required.
Used the stock length links.
Used the 38 super spring for the 9mm.
Used a 18.5 spring for the 40 S&W.
After reassembly, barrel lock ups were tight.
Did not touch the mouth of the barrels.
Put about 700 rounds through the 9mm barrel - both jacketed and lead bullets. (no problems)
Put about 450 rounds through the 40 S&W barrel - both jacketed and lead bullets. (no problems)
Had no feeding problems what so ever.
Accuracy was very good.
Bullet placement for the 38 super barrel and the 40 S&W barrel were about the same.
9mm barrel was about 3" to the left.
After leaving the range with my Taurus, I always have a smile on my face.

This is what worked for me.

 

[ELW00D]

Welcome to the forum.
Did the 38 Super mags work, or did you have to buy new ones?

 

[olfarhors]

Just be sure and get an aftermarket barrel that DOES NOT have a ramp!
the Taurus 9 MM barrel is a ramped barrel and the 38 Super is not, so some frame work would need to be done for the ramped barrels.
OF course if you reload then 38 Super ammo costs no more than 9 MM ammo.

 

[oso]

there has been some good advice already,but fitting a barrel correctly is not a easy job. fitting the hood is one thing but fitting the lugs is another. .003 off on either lug and you will damage your barrel,slide and link. as stated in an earlier post just because the pistol cycles doesn't mean everything is fitted. JMO, i don't want to see anybody ruin a pistol. i'm not saying you can't fit the barrel i don't know your skill level ,just cautioning you that fitting a barrel is one one of the most difficult things to do on a 1911. actually i was taught how to do it on a lathe by a very good 1911 gunsmith 28 years ago.