1911 in 9mm questions

2949 Views 14 Replies 8 Participants Last post by AZ Husker, Apr 12, 2008

diggs

Discussion Starter · Jan 10, 2008

Hi everyone. New member, and I've been enjoying looking at everyone's fine 1911 pics.

My girlfriend already has two 1911's in .45 and I would like to add one in 9mm to the collection. I was looking at the SA EMP and Kimber Tactical Pro, both of which I like a lot, but to me they are a bit pricey for the chosen caliber (not that that excludes them). I've also been reading about the Colt Combat Commanders in 9mm, and some people have mentioned picking up a Colt .38 Super and converting it to shoot 9mm. After looking at some Colt pics, I really like how they look and the reviews they get.

Since I am unfamiliar with the price points for used Colts, my questions for you all are, 1) which would be the more economical choice: buy a Colt Commander already in 9mm, or convert a .38 super to 9mm?, 2) what would be a reasonable price target to look for, for either of these guns?, and 3) I plan on using this for plinking and adding it to the CCW rotation, so I'd like some night sights. Are the sights on either of these removable or are they fixed?

Thanks for any insight offered!

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OD*

· #2 · Jan 10, 2008

Welcome to the forum. :wavey:

diggs said:
1) which would be the more economical choice: buy a Colt Commander already in 9mm, or convert a .38 super to 9mm?

It would all depend on the era in which the pistol was manufactured and its condition. Buying new and converting could very well be more economical.

2) what would be a reasonable price target to look for, for either of these guns?

You can find a Super .38 Government for $731 at Bud's.
http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/cPath/21_141/products_id/15437
I don't believe Colt is producing any 9mms at this time.

3) I plan on using this for plinking and adding it to the CCW rotation, so I'd like some night sights. Are the sights on either of these removable or are they fixed?

Thanks for any insight offered!

None of the Colt Super .38s come from the factory with them that I know of, they can be installed though. They can also be removed, depending on the installation method.

RetiredRod

· #3 · Jan 10, 2008

Hi Diggs, and welcome to the forum,

I currently have a Springfield Armory, full-size 1911, in 9mm and a Kimber Ultra Aegis II, 3" barrel, in 9mm. I debated between the EMP and the Kimber, and although I am very, very happy with the Aegis, I still wonder if I made the right decision. The Aegis is great for CCW, and comes with night sights, although they are "fixed" sights and not "adjustable" sights.

There are several brands of 1911 in 9mm out there besides Colt. I would think buying a 38 Super and converting it to 9mm would be more expensive than buying a 9mm, but I've never done it, so I could be wrong.

diggs

Discussion Starter · #4 · Jan 10, 2008

Thanks for the feeback, guys. I just got back from a local gun shop on my lunch break and handled a Colt Commander in .38 Super. It felt really nice and looked to be in very good shape, but as such, and since it was a 50's era pistol, the price tag was $900

Another customer at the shop told me it'd go for more if it had the original box. I told him about my idea to swap to 9mm and he said he wouldn't recommend it due to the "collector's" aspect of this specific gun (b/c of the age and condition). I tend to agree, so I think I'll pass on that one and wait to come across a less expensive and more recent serial numbered model.

I also handled a Kimber Pro Carry, and liked that as well. I'm really liking these Commander-length pistols. There's just something about the shape that's aesthetically pleasing to the eye. Ah, decisions... There's a local gun show here in about a month so hopefully I can do some more fondling at that time and maybe run across a good deal.

Butch

· #5 · Mar 17, 2008

I would get the 50's era Colt in 38 Super and pop in a Colt 9mm barrel.I did it with my 1951 Colt 38 Super Commander and did not hurt the value at all.

1999cobra

· #6 · Apr 10, 2008

I'll post up my custom Caspian :nuts:

AZ Husker

· #7 · Apr 10, 2008

I recently picked up a 1975 9mm Colt Combat Commander in good shape for $400.

1999cobra

· #8 · Apr 10, 2008 (Edited by Moderator)

AZ Husker said:
I recently picked up a 1975 9mm Colt Combat Commander in good shape for $400.

$400 - holy cow you stole that ... let's see some pics...?

AZ Husker

· #9 · Apr 11, 2008

3

1975 9mm Combat Commander (with some '70's style engraving) and a few updated parts...

See less See more

Bud White

· #10 · Apr 11, 2008

That looks Excellent AZ

AZ Husker

· #11 · Apr 11, 2008

Thank you! I set it up for my daughter's CCW, but she prefers a .45 Kimber Stainless Compact.

El Pistolero

· #12 · Apr 12, 2008

Very nice find husker.

Bud White

· #13 · Apr 12, 2008

Ya know Az being the guy i am ill give ya 450$ plus shipping :rofl:

OD*

· #14 · Apr 12, 2008

Looks good, AZ.

AZ Husker

· #15 · Apr 12, 2008

It's been a very good year for bargains. The secret...gotta have cash on hand. The great deals go down in minutes, if you have to run to the ATM, somebody else will have it. Two weeks ago I picked up a bright nickel S&W Model 19 snubby for $200 when the dink needed beer and pool betting money.

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