I just picked up a Springfield 1911-A1 in 38 super for $395. I feel pretty good about the deal. Here is my proposal, fit a 9mm barrel to the slide and tweak the extractor to work with both rounds. Does this sound feasable? Next question, which barrel should I get, Storm Lake, Barsto, etc? Any advice would be appreciated.
Great price on the Springer. I have done 2 of these and I have posted my experience and results a couple of times. I did a conversion on a RIA and a Colt.
Based on my experience, there is no compromise with the extractor, you will either have to have a 2 extractors, one each for each caliber, or keep your conversion dedicated to one caliber.
Sarco has new 9mm barrels for under $50.00. I have had the best results using the Metalform 9mm mag from Brownells, but original Colt 38 Super mags worked well for me too. I have one of the new Wilson 9mm mags and I don't really care for them to much.
I have been able to retain the stock 38 Super recoil spring with standard pressure 9mm ammo.
If you are lucky, you won't even have to tweak the extractor.
The .38 Super ejector is shorter, so theoretically, it won't be as reliable with the 19mm case of the 9mm compared to the 23mm case of the .38 Super. Still, I can't recall any problems with mine. The 9mm barrel is just for range use, I use .38 Super barrel for serious use.
Then, there is also the 9x23mm Winchester!
That is one sweet pistol! I'll search for your posts in this section to find your write up. One question, the springer has a ramped barrel how do tell whether it is a Para/Clark or Wilson ramp? Thanks!
I ordered a Kart EZ fit 9mm Wilson/Nolin ramped barrel for my Springfield from MidwayUSA. It arrived today and I was really excited to start fitting. Then I looked at the barrel...the barrel has a rounded cut that is supposed to interface with the frame instead of a flat Wilson cut! I called Midway and they sent me to Kart. Kart is out until 10/21/08, my question is do you think MidwayUSA made a mistake or would Kart make a barrel that would need to be flattened?
This thread has pics of both frame cuts. Check it out to be sure you order/receive the correct barrel.
http://forums.1911forum.com/showthread.php?t=98456
Thanks! I definately ordered the right barrel (square cut Wilson/Nowlin), but received the wrong one (round Para. Guess I have to wait until next week to get the right barrel.