IMPORTANT: This information is strictly for informational purposes only. None of us are engineers, metallurgists or even machinists. We are strictly amateurs and this just happens to be what we have done for our own use. Modifying any weapon, ESPECIALLY blank adapting one, is extremely dangerous. Pressures can range up to 60,000 PSI or even higher. Variations of aperture size accuracy, recoil springs, weapon maintenance, and even basic weapon usage can create an extremely hazardous situation in one weapon when the same settings function correctly in another. Basically, do not attempt anything mentioned herein without first consulting a qualified gunsmith or an engineer much more knowledgeable in weapon modifications.

Blanksguy’s M1911 Pistol .45ACP Blank Information

Written by Richard S (Blanksguy)
Content last updated: August 4, 2002
Digitized and Published by the 90th IDPG: January, 2008

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Procedure 1.) Grind or Machine off the locking grooves 2.) Thread inside of barrel with ½ x 20 Tap, and check the outside of the barrel for bulges from tapping                 Note: the outside of the barrel should have .005” to .010” clearance in the barrel bushing.   Remove metal from the outside of the barrel with emory-cloth to achieve clearance.

Notes: 1.)  When grinding away Locking Grooves, remember that the metal is thin in this “Chamber” area.  Smooth the ground area with emery cloth.  2.)  Some .45 ACP M1911 Pistols work better with the locking-link; so you will have to try both ways.  USE ONLY PISTOL BLANKS! 3.)  Make up different size BFA “plugs”: IF YOU ARE USING JOE SWANSON'S BLANKS - THESE SIZES ARE MUCH TOO SMALL. CONTACT JOE SWANSON FOR THE CORRECT SIZE DRILL BITS. .180” #15 Drill .170” #18 Drill .159” #21 Drill .150” #25 Drill (.152” hole) .140” #28 Drill .129” #30 Drill Start with the largest size hole and work down, stopping when the gun works.  Make the BFA Plugs from ½ x20 Allen set screws, center drilled to above required sizes. 4.)  Remember, this is a BLANK FIRING ONLY BARREL.  You can’t use it for live firing! DO NOT USE SUBMACHINEGUN BLANKS IN PISTOLS!