38super question from a new 1911 owner.

[LostintheOzone]

I have a 38super S80 gov't model that I believe is maybe a year old. Can one put a 45 barrel into this gun and what would be the cost if it's possible. I haven't shot it yet and expect it to be way more accurate than my ability. I just think it would be a plus if the gun could be modified if I wanted a 45 down the road. Thanks.

Jim

[kenhwind]

You will need a complete slide assembly in .45 to convert a .38 Super.

[wjkuleck]

...and a 9mm/.38 Super frame with 9mm/.38 Super ejector.

Regards,

Walt

[swamprat]

If you want a 45, buy a 45!

[rodeo kid]

What swamprat said! Geez! Oh yeah, Merry Christmas.

[LostintheOzone]

I guess I could buy another 45. But like I said, I'm knew to the 1911. All my autos have been DA types (no Colts) to date and some could be converted with just a different barrel. Thanks for the info and have a Merry Christmas. Jim

[kenhwind]

You can convert a .38 Super 1911 to 9mm, by changing barrels; and a Delta Elite 10mm 1911 could be converted to .40 S & W or .357 Sig.
But the .45 Government Model has an ejector that is different than the others, and a GM .45 slide will not fit on a .38 Super frame. And as Walt posted the feed ramps are different.

[Colt75]

Besides -- now you have good excuse to buy another Colt. Good all the way around.

[Ratzo]

Plastic pistols allow the barrels to be changed easily. The total expense and time to fit the two halves of a 1911 together warrants the simple purchasing of another 1911 in 45. Beware, this 1911 thing is a sickness, before you know it you will need a Commander, an Officers model, a Gold cup.....

[CWO4USCGRET]

I have a 1952 Colt Government 1911 chambered in .45 acp. It came with another slide assembly with barrel and an ejector; all in .38 Super. I haven't tried it in either caliber yet...