I have abandoned all principle and decided to buy a 1911 (a Norinco fwiw) to learn some gunsmithing skills on this pistol. One of the things I would like to do is be able to convert it to .38 Super. How hard is this? How reliable is the result? I have seen Norincos chambered in .400 Cor-bon, any comments on those?
Converting any .45 1911 type to .38 Super or 9mm requires either a lot of gunsmithing or a new slide. Most folks choose the latter, since it is the cheaper option. You also need to install the correct parts in the slide (firing pin and extractor), and change the ejector and recoil spring, plus, of course, the barrel and magazine. All in all, not that easy a conversion, though some folks say they do it in 30 seconds with a dull pocket knife.
The Norinco is, IMHO (and politics of the makers aside), one of the best 1911 clones going. They are well made and seem to last about forever. I would be inclined to keep the Norinco in .45 and find an inexpensive frame to experiment on, since the .45 slide is a loss in the conversion.
Converting a 45 ACP into 38 Super can be a real task. Time, cost, and aggravasion wise, you might be better off just buying a Colt or Springfield in 38 Super.
To convert a 1911 in 45 acp to 400 Cor-Bon is easy compaired to 38 Super.
It is just a matter of fitting a new barrel to the gun. I have done this on a custom gun I built in 45 and then got a 400 barrel and fit it myself.
I have seen one or two converted like that. What is the advantage of the 400 CB? I have yet to meet anyone who shoots it. Is it worth the extra ammo cost over the .45?
For me it is just another toy to play with. The ammo from Cor Bon is very hot. But I don't like to shoot ammo that hot from my gun. And I can make the brass out of 45 brass so i don't have to buy any. IIRC Cor Bon can push the the 400 dam near 10mm speeds.