Any possible legal issues with carrying a Colt 1911 38 super converted to 10mm?

[hoser]

I have a Colt Commander that's been converted from 38 Super to 10mm. There are no caliber markings on the gun except for the barrel (it's an MKIV which at one point had no caliber markings on the slide). Barrel is a Kart which is obviously marked 10mm. Colt never factory manufactured a Commander in 10mm and wondered if this would be a legal problem if I ever had to use it to save my life or others. Any law experts out there that can tell me (I've heard many theories how lawyers can make this an issue, but is it realistically a liability?). I'm in CA (I know!).

[DefensiveCarry.com]

[msgt/ret]

I really would not see a problem with it but a DA trying to make a name for himself might possibly try to convince a jury that you converted a firearm to an especially lethal caliber. Just curious where did you purchase the barrel, I recently bought a Delta Elite and it would be nice if I could purchase a barrel and recoil spring for 40S&W for some cheaper practice.

[hoser]

My gunsmith bought it. Probably chopped down a 5" down to a 4.25" to make a commander.

[blitzburgh]

I don't see why it'd be a problem. Plenty of people have conversions. I never thought of it as a problem, IMO.

By the way, it's legal.

[sonnycrocket]

is that a proper self defense weapon or a killing machine ?
Thats what the lawyers will say on the other side should you use that firearm
on a perp........Modded guns for SD are a bad idea IMO

[IronMike]

Save your life first… Worry about the paperwork later.

[pogo2]

Read the links below regarding the Harold Fish case in Arizona, which involved a 10mm gun, and make your decision:

Trail of evidence - Dateline NBC - Crime reports - Trail of Evidence | NBC News

The Defensive Handgun Blog: Reasonable Fear, Self-Defense, and Carrying 10mm Handguns

[archer51]

I don't see a problem, but then again, your in CA. A slingshot with rocks over a certain diameter can be problems.

[ghost tracker]

Whoops, CALIFORNIA! Better stick with something that fires Jet-Puff mini-marshmallows. And don't hit anyone in the eye!

I don't see legal issued (Colt 1911 variants aren't marked on the slide) but am more interested in the conversion itself. Who did the work?

[CanuckQue]

It's a wise thing to be worried about. The 10mm specifically can lead to this weird issue where you can come across as a Charlie Bronson wannabe, and thus face greater hurdles, legally. I like the 10mm on paper, but there're quite a few opinions on it.

[ghost tracker]

Really? I don't mind ANYTHING about using 10mm factory ammo in a manufacturer spec handgun for EDC from a prosecution POV. It could be argued that I was being MORE responsible by carrying the MOST CAPABLE handgun caliber that I could conceal. For effective self-protection that choice could even be considered even...prudent. Are the anti's now beating a drum bout a 10mm being TOO effective?!? When will it end?

[high pockets]

Since it's CA, one must ask: Did you bring the pistol into the state from some other state? If so, it is probably not on the CA approved firearms list, and that MIGHT cause you a problem.

[bmcgilvray]

Only a personal opinion but this is one of those firearms forums "dithering threads."


Let's see how this one shakes out.

[Stevew]

I suspect there could be a problem with any firearm used in a defensive situation. I have a BARSTO 40 cal barrel for my Delta Elite and would use it in a defensive situation if I had to. Anything that can be drug out and used against you is likely to be drug out and used to justiy why you should have let some dirt bag murder your entire family rather than protect them.

[deadguy]

Would you question 44 mag for SD? It sure as heck beats 10mm in bullet weight, velocity and muzzle energy.

A bullet is a bullet when it comes to SD. It's either justified or it's not. If its questionable, having a mustache hiding your upper lip might get you prosecuted.

Don't sweat it. People are getting fatter everyday. 10mm isn't just for bears anymore.