Gents,

In another post I alluded to starting a .38 Super project. It started this evening with me ordering all the parts for the build. It's going to have Ed Brown parts, Heinie Sights, Kart Barrel(s) in 9mm and .38 Super. Got all those ordered today. Monday I order the custom frame and slide. Then I wait for all of this to arrive and the build can begin.

The gunsmith is a retired Marine 2112 match armorer and built 1911's for the Corps for years. Hence our connection from our time in the service. His work is beyond reproach. As the parts and things arrive I'll be sure to post pictures and keep you all informed as we move forward.

Now the hard part...waiting. You .38 Super fans are going to like this one.

Wes

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Weshowe,

LOVE the 38 Super! Looking forward to seeing it.

Gents,

Here's a couple of pictures of a custom 1911 that Tom built for his son upon graduating from the Naval Academy. He's now a Marine Captain. Wish I had a dad that could have done that for me!

Left and right views. Sorry for picture quality, but this will give you an idea of his work.





Wes

A favorite caliber, platform and size.

Anxiously watching.

Cool!

Did custom work on some Glocks and Sigs, but I haven't worked over a 1911 yet.

Looking forward to your updates.

Gents,

Slight change to the build. It's going to be a full size Government Model. Also will be in .38 Super AND 9mm Parabellum. I got looking at the pictures of Tom's sons Government Model and it grew on me...the final result will look like this, but with a Gold bead front sight. I can hardly wait...



Wes

Gents,

Change to the build. It's not going to be a Commander, but a full size Government Model. Will be .38 Super AND 9mm Parabellum. I can hardly wait to get this done. Parts are on order except for the barrel's, slide, sights, and frame. That will be done in the next few days. The only difference from this picture will be the gold bead front sight and serrations on the top of the slide (which doesn't show here).

Wes

Cool. I enjoy custom build progress threads. Used to enjoy some of the stuff on LTW greatly.

Don’t both the 9mm and 38 super headspace off the mouth case?
The 9mm is 19mm long
The 38 super is 22.75 mm

How’s that gonna work? Or are you getting two barrels?

MikeinNC and all,

The 9mm and .38 Super require a different barrel for each caliber. I'll be ordering Kart barrels for the build. The two calibers also require different magazines for each caliber. Not a problem, as they are readily available...
Lots of little items to take care of, but that's about all that is required for the conversion.

Wes

Gents,

Just done reviewing parts received for the project. Looks like we have them all. KART ramped (Wilson/Nowlin)have been received, too. Frame and slide are on order from Caspian Arms and Walt, at Caspian, says it will be about 8 to 10 weeks before we receive them. So, about April time frame. Tom, my retired USMC 2112 match armorer is waiting for the parts to begin. I can hardly wait, but wait I will.

More as the story unfolds...

Wes

Cool!

Caspian makes good stuff!

Cool build, looking forward to seeing the end result. I stumbled on this one in a local shop while looking for another 1911. I was told these are built in the Colt custom shop and that the builder "7" was a former Marine armorer. All I can say is it compares well with my DW,and Ed Brown 1911s. I'm glad I had the good sense to snag it.

This will be a great handgun, and I am jealous.

Here in California, I can't have anything custom built, unless the frame was already here, or I take it off another firearm.


I did something like what you are doing, but I did it a bit differently.

I used swinging link barrels, used a permanent .38Super ejector, and then built two complete uppers to run on it- with one being the .38Super/9mm two barrel and slide pairing, and the other being a .45acp barrel and slide [with .38Super ejector cut in slide].

I was lucky that the frame feedramp DID work with all of this on the classic linked barrels, or I'd have had to go to ramped barrels like you are using.

Ramped barrels ARE safer for hot loads, and remove some of the uncertainty about if all 3 calibers will work on one frame. However, having the frame milled for ramped barrels and then fitting those to the frame and slide would have meant I couldn't do it myself.

It runs smoothly and makes me happy.

But, it sounds like your version will have the potential to leave mine in the dust- with the quality of parts/frame you are using, and having a professional build it. VERY COOL!

The only thought to add to the mix is to see if you want to have a second top end built to allow both .38Super/9mm AND .45 out of the same frame.


When I swap, I DO have to swap slide stops as well- full disclosure.

Please- post pictures when you have it done. I am very interested!