Is it possible to convert a 1911 style pistol (.45 ACP) to shoot .40S&W?

If so, what is involved... new slide, barrel, firing pin, extractor.

I have searched around but do not find any info on whether this is possible.

Thanks

Should be a matter of a new barrel, spring and magazine. Depending on the barrel maybe a new bushing. Most of the aftermarket 1911 parts places sell 40s&w barrels and parts for the 1911.
As an example.
http://www.edbrown.com/cgi-bin/htmlos.cgi/002602.1.374420277720060994

Per the experts below add a slide to the list. Sorry for any misleading info.

sure you don't want a leveraction 40 S&W?

quote:

sure you don't want a leveraction 40 S&W

I would like to find a Pengun in 10 MM.

Don't forget the ejector.

I have a 1911 with both 45 acp and 40 S&W slide assemblies built with Baer slides and Nowlin barrels with spherical bushings. To change calibers the slide assembly and the ejector are changed.

Quote from Ed Brown's website about the different barrels...

"All barrels are cut to drop-in tolerances, and include a drop-in bushing. Some barrels are interchangeable in the same slide/gun. A 45 slide/pistol will accept the 45 barrel and the 400 Cor-Bon barrel. A 40 slide/pistol will accept 40S&W, 10mm, and 357 Sig. A 38 slide/pistol will accept the 38 Super, 9mm, and 9x23."

So I guess I am to assume that a new slide is required?

Thanks

You definately will need a new slide. The 45 ACP slide and the 40 S&W slide will fit on the same frame but the breach face is different between the two. The 10mm, 357Sig and 40 all have the same case head dimension which is why you can swap betwwen these with only changing out the barrels. Once you step up to 45 the case head dimension is greater thus the reason you need a new slide.

Boomstick,

I used Baer slides ... which I like very, very much because they are forged, stress relieved, and then finish machined resulting in very tough and straight parts. Baer has three sizes as does Colt. 45 ACP, 40 S$W, and 9mm (which works with 9 mm, 38 Super, 9x23 and .356 TSW (Team Smith & Wesson which was a predessor to the 9x23).

I would read the Brown info as suggesting that slides are available in those same 3 sizes (at the bolt face).

400 Cor-Bon has a .45 head size. .357 SIG uses a 40 head size.

Out of curiosity, just why the hell would you want to make such a conversion? What's wrong with a good old 45? To me this would be like casting pearls before swine...

Nothing wrong with .45 ACP...

I am an avid reloader and am looking for new calibers to work up reloads with. Lots of .40 S&W brass lying around at the range.

Saul

tex21

i made one for the sole reason is i get 40 S&W ammunition for free, i have to reload for the 45.

max

There was a big move in IPSC style shooting competition several years ago to the 40S&W in their competition guns. Supposedly, the 40 had a quicker recoil pulse which allowed quicker follow-up shots. This was how it was explained to me by a Grand Master Class Shooter. Since I was just starting and having a custom 1911 built he suggested I go with the 40 over the 45 for this reason. Of course I was not good enough to take advantage of that at the time but one might as well look to the future. Well then a wife and kids came along and I still am not where a couple thousands off my splits will make a difference. The 38 Super is also used a lot for the same reason but as I understand it, you can make "Major" power levels with lower pressure in the 40.