.45 Super in the 97?

[daved20319]

Was curious if anyone shot .45 Super in their 97's, and if so, what mods/changes you needed to make to make it work.  And an even more important question, is it worth doing for the extra power, or is it just a way to wear out my gun faster?  Only reason I'm considering it is that I'm top heavy on .45's, don't have anything more powerful, and don't have the funds to buy something new.  Appreciate any info, thanks.

Dave

[jwc007]

I have  occasionally converted one of my .45 EAA Witnesses to .45 Super by installing a Sprinco 10mm Witness Recoil Reducer and an 18 lb Recoil Spring.

My velocities from 185 grain handloads ran about 1250 fps, as opposed to 950 to 1000 fps from a normal .45 ACP loading.
Was that extra 250 fps actually worth all that trouble?  Don't know, but I had fun doing it. 

My intended use for it was for hiking in Bear Country, which never happened due to work issues.  I could have also carried a .357 Magnum Revolver, 12 gauge Shotgun with Slugs, or even a .30/06 Mauser Pack Rifle, and been very well armed.

[Steve Menegon]

Short answer is no.  Reason is simple, the under lug on the barrel is an open design and does not have the support of the closed lug used on the 9 mm CZ's.  There have been known cases where the under lug on the 97 has broken off with slightly warm hand loads. 

I asked about the very same thing and the above reply was given.

[daved20319]

Thanks, guys, it was a passing fancy, and you've helped to keep it passing  .  Later.

Dave