Converting a 45 ACP to 40 SW

Duxman · May 3, 2008, 09:43 PM

Been toying with convering a Colt Combat Commander in 45 ACP to 40SW.

What pieces do I need to change to make this work?

Hunter Customs · May 4, 2008, 08:37 AM

The first thing to take into consideration is the frame ramp is cut for the 45 and not the 40, this can cause feed issues if you are wanting to use a standard barrel.
To solve this problem the frame can be milled for a ramped barrel. I highly recommend barrels with the Para style ramp, because of the radius design.

If you want the most reliable gun it would be best to build a complete 40 topend, slide, barrel, firing pin, recoil system, and extractor.

Also it will be best to change out the 45 ejector in the frame for an extended one designed to work with the 40.

I will say once you start adding up the cost of doing the above you will most likely be able to buy a gun that's already the caliber you want.

Regards
Bob Hunter
www.huntercustoms.com

wjkuleck · May 4, 2008, 08:55 AM

I'll second Hunter. It would be an interesting project, but after replacing the slide 'n barrel assembly and ejector, you're into it for darn near the price of another pistol. That's without considering any frame ramp issues (tho back in the day we were able to switch to 9x19mm without changing the frame).

I'd rather just have the second pistol

, but hey, that's me.

Regards,

Walt

Duxman · May 4, 2008, 04:04 PM

Do you guys know of a manufacturer that makes a commander size 1911 pistol?

In 40SW?

Hunter Customs · May 5, 2008, 08:01 AM

I don't know of a major manufacture offering a true Commander size gun in 40cal at this time.
That being said I plan on bringing out a new line of custom built single stack guns, in that line will be true Commander size guns.
Building one in 40 cal would not be a problem.
Regards
Bob Hunter
www.huntercustoms.com

Duxman · May 5, 2008, 08:30 PM

Drop me a PM when you are ready for a tester in 40SW.

Be happy to accomodate.

May 3, 2008, 09:43 PM	#1
Duxman Senior Member Join Date: February 16, 2005 Location: VA Posts: 1,294	Converting a 45 ACP to 40 SW Been toying with convering a Colt Combat Commander in 45 ACP to 40SW. What pieces do I need to change to make this work?

May 4, 2008, 08:55 AM	#3
wjkuleck Senior Member Join Date: March 13, 2007 Location: Ohio, USA Posts: 1,220	I'll second Hunter. It would be an interesting project, but after replacing the slide 'n barrel assembly and ejector, you're into it for darn near the price of another pistol. That's without considering any frame ramp issues (tho back in the day we were able to switch to 9x19mm without changing the frame). I'd rather just have the second pistol , but hey, that's me. Regards, Walt __________________ Author, NEW! The M1911 Complete Owner's Guide The M14 and M1 Garand Complete Assembly Guides The M1 Garand Complete Assembly Guide The AR-15 Complete Assembly and (New 4th Edition) Owner's Guides

May 4, 2008, 08:37 AM	#2
Hunter Customs Senior Member Join Date: March 26, 2005 Location: Osborn, Missouri Posts: 2,697	The first thing to take into consideration is the frame ramp is cut for the 45 and not the 40, this can cause feed issues if you are wanting to use a standard barrel. To solve this problem the frame can be milled for a ramped barrel. I highly recommend barrels with the Para style ramp, because of the radius design. If you want the most reliable gun it would be best to build a complete 40 topend, slide, barrel, firing pin, recoil system, and extractor. Also it will be best to change out the 45 ejector in the frame for an extended one designed to work with the 40. I will say once you start adding up the cost of doing the above you will most likely be able to buy a gun that's already the caliber you want. Regards Bob Hunter www.huntercustoms.com

May 4, 2008, 04:04 PM	#4
Duxman Senior Member Join Date: February 16, 2005 Location: VA Posts: 1,294	Do you guys know of a manufacturer that makes a commander size 1911 pistol? In 40SW?

May 5, 2008, 08:01 AM	#5
Hunter Customs Senior Member Join Date: March 26, 2005 Location: Osborn, Missouri Posts: 2,697	I don't know of a major manufacture offering a true Commander size gun in 40cal at this time. That being said I plan on bringing out a new line of custom built single stack guns, in that line will be true Commander size guns. Building one in 40 cal would not be a problem. Regards Bob Hunter www.huntercustoms.com

May 5, 2008, 08:30 PM	#6
Duxman Senior Member Join Date: February 16, 2005 Location: VA Posts: 1,294	Drop me a PM when you are ready for a tester in 40SW. Be happy to accomodate.