.460 Rowland

Which Conversion is the best for 1911′s?

admin — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 17:24:53 +0000

I am considering purchasing one of your 460 conversion kits and had a few questions. I have several 1911′s and wonder which would be the best for this type of conversion. I have Kimbers, Colts, Para Ordnance, and some very old GI colts. I am leaning toward the newer Cold Combat Govt Elite or the Kimber Custom II. The Kimber is a very tight well functioning pistol. The Colt is a blued steel slide on a stainless frame and is not very tight but is 100% reliable also.

Being a drop in kit it has to take into account the variations in dimension and I am not a gunsmith. The Kimber is factory painted in dark earth but I believe it is actually stainless top and bottom. The Colt is chrome steel slide and stainless frame. If you would give me your thought I would appreciate it.
—Kirk

We are temporarily back ordered on our 1911 kits which I hope we can overcome soon. I recommend the Colt or the Kimber as first choices to convert to our 460 cartridge. If the Kimber is stainless, then I would definitely go with the Colt and its carbon steel slide– blued or carbon steel is a better material for auto guns in general. (note: there is not a single stainless steel first line military weapon in use. Stainless steel is fine for barrels and revolvers, but sometimes gives reliability issues when stainless steel parts rub against each other as in a stainless slide on a stainless frame; the blued slide on a stainless frame should be fine.)

We try to avoid old GI guns because of variations in heat treat processes by different war time makers– we want to be sure the “chassis” of the gun is up to handling the performance of the cartridge.
—Johnny Rowland

Is the 460 too much Power for Home Defense?

admin — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 17:18:23 +0000

I like the looks of the MPA Carbine. This gun would serve for both a hunting and Home defense. After watching you blast through that brick wall I’m concerned that the .460 is just too much power for home defense. What would you say is the effective range of the .460 carbine? CorBon has been making an effective .45acp @ 165gr, any thoughts on loading the .460 that light? How about a using a more aerodynamic bullet like the .460 Ruger? I also notice that the MPA carbine comes with an .45acp upper, which is nice, but the “tactical” model doesn’t , do you know why? Also, one of these carbines lists for basically a $1,000.00 which seems high. not sure what your relationship with MPA is but any leads as to where I could pick one up for less than MRSP or used would be appreciated.
—Kevin

We have a “Defense Load” from Georgia Arms that I developed specifically for home defense with less penetration and recoil than the full powered load. This load is still far beyond other pistol calibers, but is an excellent choice for home and self defense.

The $999 carbine package comes with two carbine uppers and scope and case. Of course, you might want to start with the pistol and convert it later on into a carbine.
—Johnny Rowland

Is there a Sling for the Carbine?

admin — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 17:11:09 +0000

Any word or suggestions for a sling for the carbine? I was at the gun show in Bossier this weekend but nothing came about for a sling. Also, the front hand guard, is it removable or fixed? I don’t want to start cranking on it if it is fixed. I still love my 460!
—Chad

You emailed at an excellent time as I and one of the premier accessory companies have just developed a sling system for the carbine as well as well as the pistol. I hope to have it on the web site later this week or you can give me a call or I will call you as I should have the pricing after about mid-week. Availability will be immediate.

The front hand guard is definitely removable and I and Clark’s have developed a front rail setup that will allow a scope as well as flip-up iron sights and a lazer/light/optical sight all on one package. We have also come up with some other special mods that enhance the gun’s capability. I am offering these things on my end and our modifications do not involve the factory. but these things we are doing consist of what I am thinking of calling my “Professional Package”.
—Johnny Rowland

How is the Testing going on the Glocks?

admin — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 17:06:53 +0000

I wanted to see how the testing is going on the Glocks? I am interested in a kit for the model 30. I enjoyed your videos on You Tube. Those water jugs and cinder blocks were great. I would like to see video of the XD & M&P conversions.
—Bill

I am still working on the Glock conversions. I hope to have it resolved in the next few weeks.
—Johnny Rowland

Can a Glock be set up to Handle the 460?

admin — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 17:03:44 +0000

Can a Glock be set up to handle the 460? Maybe with Lonewolf compensator on a threaded barrel with and heavy spring.
—Bill

I have actually built three Glock models for testing. I used a compensated custom barrel and changed the recoil spring and magazine springs as well. I am looking to offer a 460 Rowland conversion kit for at least one or maybe two Glock models. I may use a ported custom barrel instead of a compensator as this arrangement is working so well in a couple of other models.
—Johnny Rowland

Do you make kits for a Shorter Barrel Length?

admin — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 17:00:49 +0000

I love the .460 round but do not want a 5″ barrel. I was looking at a 3″ or 4″ Kimber Crimson Trace model. Do you make kits for
the shorter barrel length?
—Tod

In the past, we have made some experimental shorter barreled guns, but do not currently offer kits to fit the short Kimber. I am considering offering conversions for the shorter XD and for the Glock model 30.
—Johnny Rowland

What Kind of Barrels do you use for the XD Conversion?

admin — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 16:58:01 +0000

I’m new to 45acp and I recently purchased a SA XD tactical. I’m handicapped and thinking about using my XD to deer hunt. What kind of barrels do you use for the XD conversion?
—Doug

We use a ported custom barrel for the 5 inch XD model along with a more powerful recoil spring system. The barrel is about 3/4 of an inch longer than the slide– we also offer holsters for guns with our kits.
—Johnny Rowland

Is the 460 available for a Glock?

admin — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 16:55:00 +0000

I am interested in the 460 Rowland for a Glock. I see it pictured on your home page but no other information is available. I am a gunsmith and have the ability to build a .460 Glock, but would like the benefit of your experience. Any help is appreciated.
—Ashley

We have built several Glock models and so far, they have performed well. I am currently looking at different barrel combination’s before we release the kits for sale. I want to be sure that there is enough case support in the bottom of the chamber for general safety considerations. I also replaced the magazine springs to give more consistent feeding as well as replacing the recoil spring system for a heavier one. We would NEVER (!) rechamber a Glock barrel, but would recommend a properly heat treated aftermarket barrel with .020 to .040 freebore just before the rifling starts to lower initial pressures.
—Johnny Rowland

Can a Glock be set up to Handle the 460?

Will the 460 work with a long slide gun?

admin — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 16:50:27 +0000

I am interested in building a 460 on a long slide gun either a Springfield or a Para Super Hawg. I have talked to the people at Sprinco that make the dual action recoil reducer guide rods. I wanted your opinion if you think this combo would work? I figured if Wilson combat could make a 1911 without a compensated barrel I should be able to build one especially on a long slide gun. Thanks for any help you can give.
—Roger

I think you are right about the long slide gun and I would choose the Springfield to work with. When rechambering for our 460 shell, .020 to .040 freebore just before the rifling starts is desirable to lower initial pressures. Let me know how it works out.
—Johnny Rowland

Will the 460 Conversion Kit work with the Taurus?

admin — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 16:31:54 +0000

I have a NIB Unfired Taurus PT1911 with the Rail. Will the 460 Conversion Kit work with the Taurus?
—Jeff

We have a number of Taurus owners using our 460 kits. The kit will fit your gun just fine. Of course, all rules for using high performance cartridges apply, such as awareness of over-all-length of the loaded shell. Some shooters continually load and unload the same shell from the gun barrel while not noticing that over time, the bullet may become seated somewhat deeper into the shell case. This condition may cause an undesirable rise in pressures whether one is shooting a 460 Rowland or 9MM Parabellum or .40 S&W. Any loaded shell that is obviously shorter than the others should be discarded– just a shooting tip that may be useful to you or someone else.
—Johnny Rowland