1911...

[Dr_Fwd]

Hi all!
so, first of all - I don't have any 1911 pistols and never had any of 'em. and now I want to buil a 1911... in 9mm. is it possible? is it gonna cost me more then the "standard" 1911? (I mean .45 ACP) where to start? what kinda tools am I gonna need? anything special I need to know befor start? Is it possible to convert a 45ACP 1911 to a 9mm?

Thank you!!

[Colorado Osprey]

Yes a 9mm 1911A1 will cost you more than a 45ACP.

Generally speaking the kit will cost you more than buying a bones stock 1911A1.
You can easily upgrade a kit to make a high dollar pistol for less than a tricked out 1911A1.

After purchasing tools/manuals/DVD's to complete the build, then shelling out for professional finnishing, even in stock form it may be more expensive; the 1st time.
The 2nd on gets cheaper as all you pay for is the kit and finishing.


All kits are not the same.(quality or price)
Here are a few links:
http://www.fusionfirearms.com/
Here is a fushion 9mm kit for $700
http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=122685680
http://www.stiguns.com/

A 9mm convesion kit to convert a 45ACP 1911 to 9mm goes for about $600 alone.
Feeding will be an issue as the feed ramp in the 45ACP frames is too wide and failure to feed issues result in poor reliability.
Colt sells a kit for the 80 series guns, but they are waaay expensive. Requires a upper slide assembly.

If you buy a Colt 80 series 38 super 1911, the feed ramps are correct and all you will need is a 9x19 barrel, barrel bushing and magazine and you can switch out between 38 super and 9x19. Cost for this conversion is about $300. Kart makes an excellent example.

Here is an Auto Ordance 1911 in 9mm for sale (Current bid $280)
http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=122613948
another one for $330
http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=122614727
Full Caspian race gun for $780
http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=122760896

To get into a 1911 in 9x19 your least expensive entry is going to be a RIA complete pistol if your are not wanting somebody's used project. RIA new in 45ACP go for about $285-400.

[Dr_Fwd]

Thank you for the detailed info!

[Hoser]

I would just buy a Springer in 9x19 and call it good.

1911s in short calibers like 9x19 and 40 can be a real trick to get running.

[Dr_Fwd]

do you guys know where I can buy 1911 parts localy? any parts?

[Dr_Fwd]

I would just buy a Springer in 9x19 and call it good.

1911s in short calibers like 9x19 and 40 can be a real trick to get running.

I think I'm gonna go with the bones stock 1911 and upgrade it as much as I want...