1911 .40 s&w conversion

cooter4500 · April 9, 2007, 11:27 AM

Anybody know if there is a way to convert a 1911 in .45 ACP to fire .40 s&w?

I've heard it can be done and I've seen .40 barrels online for it.

Thanks!

Duxman · April 9, 2007, 01:39 PM

I've got a Para p16.40 40SW double stack pistol.

What kind of 1911 do you have that you want to convert from 45 ACP to 40SW?

I do know that to convert from 40SW to .357 SIG - you just need to change the barrel, magazine, and you are done. It should work.

If your gun can handle the pressure (you should do research before you attempt this) potentially that can solve your issue as well. Barrel and Magazine change.

You might need a whole new slide if the new barrel does not fit correctly with your current slide.

At that point it would probably be easier to buy another gun.

RickB · April 9, 2007, 02:06 PM

If the .45 frame is already cut for a ramped barrel, you will still need a complete top end (slide, barrel, extractor) change to go from .45 to .40. If your .45 frame isn't cut for a ramped barrel, you'll probably have to do so, as the part of the feed ramp on the frame is very different for .40. So, such a conversion is possible, but probably not cost-effective.

April 9, 2007, 11:27 AM	#1
cooter4500 Member Join Date: October 2, 2006 Posts: 19	1911 .40 s&w conversion Anybody know if there is a way to convert a 1911 in .45 ACP to fire .40 s&w? I've heard it can be done and I've seen .40 barrels online for it. Thanks!

April 9, 2007, 01:39 PM	#2
Duxman Senior Member Join Date: February 16, 2005 Location: VA Posts: 1,294	I've got a Para p16.40 40SW double stack pistol. What kind of 1911 do you have that you want to convert from 45 ACP to 40SW? I do know that to convert from 40SW to .357 SIG - you just need to change the barrel, magazine, and you are done. It should work. If your gun can handle the pressure (you should do research before you attempt this) potentially that can solve your issue as well. Barrel and Magazine change. You might need a whole new slide if the new barrel does not fit correctly with your current slide. At that point it would probably be easier to buy another gun.

April 9, 2007, 02:06 PM	#3
RickB Senior Member Join Date: March 1, 2000 Location: Boise, ID Posts: 8,518	If the .45 frame is already cut for a ramped barrel, you will still need a complete top end (slide, barrel, extractor) change to go from .45 to .40. If your .45 frame isn't cut for a ramped barrel, you'll probably have to do so, as the part of the feed ramp on the frame is very different for .40. So, such a conversion is possible, but probably not cost-effective.