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Can SA 1911's be modified to fire .45 Super?

M

MurphysLaw5

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First of all, just curious. Was looking for .45 FMJs, checking muzzle velocities when I ran across .45 Super ammunition. MFG web sites indicate same outward dimensions as .45 ACP but require modifications (stronger springs) and not all .45 ACP 1911s should be modified to fire the .45 Super.
I was curious as to which SA .45 ACPs might be suitable for modification to fire the .45 Super?
Also, really a technical question for personal knowledge, have no need/intention to fire .45 Supers? (i.e. a can it be done, not a should it be done question)
 
Everyone seems to forget that one should put a stronger mainspring (hammer spring) and a flat-bottomed firing pin retainer to prevent frame battering when the slide reaches its apex. You also need to remove the "bridge" of metal above the hole in the frame. If one puts a stronger hammer spring in the pistol, the handgun's frame will not take such a beating from such an energetic cartridge.

These were the lessons Colt learned when the second iteration of the Delta Elite was introduced,
 
Yes, they can.

I once had a SA Loaded model (parkerized) that I added a FL guide rod (Wilson), 28lb Wolff recoil spring, X-tra power firing pin spring (came with recoil spring), Wilson Combat flat bottom firing pin stop and a 25lb Wolff hammer spring.

At that time I was shooting a hard cast 255gr at ~1150 fps. I even ran some 275grs FPs without any feeding issues.

Gun ran just fine set up like that.

If a 250gr hard cast at 1150 won’t handle things, you’re probably in a world of hurt.

I no longer have that 1911, having sold it to a shooting buddy years ago. I have since then had my 4506 modified to run Super, but I have found a good, +P 45 will do about 90% of what I witnessed a Super do.
 
TEXASforLIFE said:
Maybe I shouldn't account for handloads and only factory ammo unless 185's are going close to 1,800 in a 5" or 240's at 1,600
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I have never looked at the 45 super and the ballistics. I’ve always liked the magnum handguns. 45acp has never been a cartridge I was interested in really don’t know why. I love the 1911 platform and the 10mm cartridge so when I bought my RI I wanted to be able to tinker with it and I knew if I had bought a more expensive 1911 I would not want to change anything. My back has pretty much stopped me from carrying it but I did carry it for about 3 years. Now I can’t wear anything on my hip because of my back. I’ve looked at the 2011’s but they are way too large to carry everyday.
 
I would prefer to see a reintroduction of the 10mm Magnum Cartridge. A 210-220 grain bullet Soft Point or Extreme Penetrator (of solid copper construction) would fare extremely well in the northern hinterlands of Alaska.

Moose is the greatest threat. Alaskan Brown Bears usually leave people alone. On the other hand, Moose don't need a reason to charge. They'll do it if they get a wild hair up their ***. You need all the penetration you can get with them. These encounters with Moose are almost always violent and generally will not end well.

An 8" barreled long-slide in 10mm Magnum would be quite advantageous.
 
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MurphysLaw5 said:
First of all, just curious. Was looking for .45 FMJs, checking muzzle velocities when I ran across .45 Super ammunition. MFG web sites indicate same outward dimensions as .45 ACP but require modifications (stronger springs) and not all .45 ACP 1911s should be modified to fire the .45 Super.
I was curious as to which SA .45 ACPs might be suitable for modification to fire the .45 Super?
Also, really a technical question for personal knowledge, have no need/intention to fire .45 Supers? (i.e. a can it be done, not a should it be done question)
Click to expand...
Do you plan running this ammo frequently or on a limited basis. If the answer is frequently @Anchorite's post above #8 offers some good info. If its infrequently (limited rounds also) I would get some power mags and plug away.
 
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