The adventure of building a 10mm Commander

[harrygunner]

Passing on details of a configuration that works. This is not for everyone, but, ultimately it was fun to do.

If one lives in a restrictive state or can't wait for Dan Wesson, Colt, etc., to make what you want, I'm posting some details about one venture into building a custom 10mm 1911.

I used to live in California. There were few 10mm handguns on their authorized list. But, if you owned a frame, you could modify it as you liked.

I already had a Glock 29 and realized how good the 10mm is. My usual CCW was a Sig 229 then, later a 1911 in .45 ACP. (I had a California CCW permit.) So I set out to build a 10mm near the size of the Sig 229, but with the trigger of the 1911.

The bulk of the internal work was done by a retired gunsmith that I had known for many years. Here are some of the bigger steps:

1) Those in 'free states' can just buy a frame. I bought a complete Springfield Mil-Spec in .45 ACP, stripped it and mailed just the frame to a gunsmith. (I later sold the slide, barrel, small parts to someone who only had a frame.)

The frame dust cover was cut back to Commander length and the grip was bob-tailed.

2) Acquired a STI Commander length slide for .40 S&W. Had the frame fit for the ambi-grip safety.

3) I wanted to be able to shoot real 10mm ammo. At the time Bar-Sto was still in California, so I drove to their facility and had them make and custom fit a ramped barrel to the frame and slide. Bar-Sto is now in Sturgis, SD. I recommend them highly. They did a great job.

The list of parts:

- Springfield 1911 frame
- STI .400 Commander length slide
- Bar-Sto ramped barrel. Frame milled to fit
- Barrel bushing custom fit by Bar-Sto
- Ed Brown bobtail mainspring housing
- STI grip safety
- Ambi slide safety
- Cylinder & Slide Tactical Match 4.5 lb disconnecter, sear and hammer
- Cylinder & Slide firing pin for 9mm, .40S&W
- STI trigger
- 10-8 Slide stop for 9mm
- EGW flat firing pin stop
- 24# recoil spring
- Dawson Precision full length guide rod and bushing. One piece stainless steel.
- Novak bar/dot night sights
- Blue finish
- Larry Davidson Gyro-Spiral grip panels (sans 'Spiral')
- Tripp Cobra 9 rnd magazines
- Carried in a Brigade M-11 holster.

The gun has had over 1000 rounds through it. Several hundred older Double Tap (that was chrono'ed to meet the box label specs), fifty rounds of Underwood 180 gr and 900 rounds of Georgia Arms "Canned Heat" ammo. The configuration given above has been 100% reliable.



Now, my residence is established outside California. Can't say what I'd do now, but, I could see myself having a custom 10mm built anyway.

[sqlbullet]

I love the look of the gun.  A few years back I spec'd out building a 1911 in 10mm more for the adventure of doing so than anything else.

By the time I completed the desired parts list and looked at where I was price wise I decided it was too steep for just something to do.  Once I get my house enlarged and stop being house poor I will resurrect the idea.

Interesting way around the restrictions in CA.  I am sure glad I don't live there and that you have been able to escape!

[The_Shadow]

That's sure is a sweet piece!     I haven't ventured into the 1911 relm as of yet, but if I do it would be something like yours! 

[Rick1987]

That came out awesome! I live in MA and I also looked into building a 10mm 1911. Maybe in a few years. I think I am better off purchasing a factory 10mm first, then playing with a custom build.

I think the kit I was looking at was a fusion arms long slide? I could be mistaken, it was about a year ago.

[sqlbullet]

When I was putting together my list I ended up deciding to buy Fusion instead for the price.  Then I found a used Para that became my base gun.

I want to love fusion but I keep hearing about QC issues.

[Smee78]

Excellent build, she looks great.

[Vice]

Very nice, you went first class all the way!

[Deadguy]

Fantastic job. Beautiful

[10mm4me]

Darn... Now I have the bug!!!!   

[sqlbullet]

It is a nasty bug too.  More like an addiction.

I thought sure once I had my 1911 build complete I would be in a good place.  But no, now I want a small one, like CCO sized.  But high-capacity.

So I just picked up a Para P12 all steel

Next I need to find a 10mm/40 slide, and then a barrel, probably Schuemann.  Trigger on the gun is fine as it is, about 4 lbs and plenty clean for a carry gun.  Extended thumb safety and high ride beav....

Well, you see what I mean.  But, I can stop anytime.

And by anytime I mean after I pick up a P13 and P10 so I can have a whole family of Para 10mm's.

[harrygunner]

'10mm4me' Glad I could be of help. 

It is nice to feel less dependent on the whims of Dan Wesson and the like. If they decide not to build a 10mm 1911, we can make our own.

[GoldBead]

Do you think a Aluminum frame could take the battering? Is you weapon after all those full power loads showing signs of beating up its slide? What about a shock buff? Titanium?

I am interested as I have been considering a Daisho of Commanders and lightweight would be the way to go.

[sqlbullet]

The flat bottom firing pin stop + a 25 lb mainspring has been shown to reduce the slide velocity to about the same has 45 acp.  Not sure what mainspring the gun has, but it has the flat bottom firing pin stop.

[harrygunner]

Hi 'GoldBead'.

My intention from the beginning was to avoid anything that could be an issue, so an Aluminum frame was not considered. Plus, I wanted the weight of a forged steel frame knowing I'd be shooting 180gr-1300ft/s or 200gr-1200ft/s kinds of rounds.  So, I can't provide an opinion based on analysis. 
   
'1911tuner' is of the opinion a pistol frame is just a slide holder and doesn't receive much in the way of stress.
   
Some things I noticed: very smooth action coming from the custom fit Bar-Sto performed for the barrel.  And no dramatic recoil from the barrel hitting the frame abutment. I believe the barrel fit and perhaps, the Para/Clark shape of the lower barrel lug would minimize whatever stress the frame might receive.

After about 1500 rounds, the slide breech face looks good. I bought from STI because of their hardening process as they build slides.

Photo of the barrel:


Hope you enjoy your build process. Good learing experience.

[Rick1987]

Man that is sweet! That is on my "to do" list for sure.