38 super 1911 to 10mm

[j350hp]

i have been reading about a guy that converted a 38 super to 10mm with a barrel swap,reem the frame. is this really possible or does anybody know more about this. i like the idea if it will work. i know u can just buy one but one gun than convert to these two calibers interest me. any info would be gratefully appreciated.

[Mikey]

It might be possible.  The frame is the same, of course and depending on the shape of the bolt-face - if it is flat, it could be done.  It would really be determined by whether a 10mm bbl could fit the slide of a 38 Super when the slide is mounted to the frame.  The ejector should work without problem but the extractor would be a experiment - the rim diameter of the 38 Super is .408" but I don't know what the rim diameter is for the 10mm although I think it is pretty close to the 38 Spl which is .440" and 38 Supers have been modified to take the 38 Spl wadcutter round for Army pistol matches, so it may work. 

[SHOOTALL]

The 10 mm is .424 and the 38s is .393 i think.

[j350hp]

would the frame handle the preassure

[SHOOTALL]

A good frame will , Most who build high pressure round guns onlu use good quality frames mostly forged. Like  Colt, kimber etc. Of course the recoil spring will need to be of correct lb rating.

[Mikey]

My Sierra Manual shows both the 38 Special and the 357 Magnum with rim diameters of .440"; the rim diameter of the 38 Super is .406",  the rim diameter of the 10mm is .424". 

Switching barrels can be done but you might be better off switching the entire upper and not worry about it.  jmtcw.

[Flint]

The ejector would possibly need to be changed, and if you opened up the breech to let in the 10/40 rim, the 38 might not center well, or extract well.  Better to get a 40 S&W or 10mm slide.  Considering the recoil springs necessary to control the 10mm, you might be better off chambering 40 S&W.

The Colt can take the 10mm, as they made the Delta Elite in that caliber, but I don't know what if any additional reinforcing might have been done.  Might need a ramped barrel, which means milling the frame to accept it.