01G8R Posted February 3, 2010 Share Posted February 3, 2010 Has anyone modified the Caspian High Cap to accept STI mags? I understand Limcat has done this, but I'm looking to see what is involved from anyone that has done it. I'm not opposed to using the Caspian mags, but I already have SVI 9mm and STI 40 mags. I'm going to build two new guns on Caspian frames. One in 40 and one in 9mm. I would like to be able to use the S_I mags I already have. Thanks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TeamGE Posted February 3, 2010 Share Posted February 3, 2010 Hello 01G8R, A STI/SV/SPS mag tube measures roughly .935" wide. A Caspian mag measures .845" wide. I don't think it would be feasible or economical to try. Even if one could open up the frame to that size, a new trigger bow would have to be fabricated. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
grandbagger Posted February 3, 2010 Share Posted February 3, 2010 from facebook The Limited/Standard Gun of the Comeback Not a kid anymore Limcat/Caspian sponsored Living legend Jethro Dionisio..The Wildcat TSC .40 Caliber. USPSA Limited 22+1 and IPSC Standard 19+1. Using a CR Magazines with Bolen internals.. The gun shoots and feels almost as soft as a 9mm minor...A Promise!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
01G8R Posted February 3, 2010 Author Share Posted February 3, 2010 Thanks. I've seen a Limcat with a Caspian frame that uses S_I mags. http://digitallowdown.net/clients/limcat/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/caspian-SV-mags.jpg http://digitallowdown.net/clients/limcat/new-limcat-with-caspian-frame-uses-stisvirht-magazines/caspian-sv-mags It looks like it has a STI trigger. Just wondering what is involved from anyone that has done it. I don't have my Caspian frames yet so I haven't had a good look at what is involved. Thanks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gmantwo Posted February 3, 2010 Share Posted February 3, 2010 I have a good friend who uses nothing but STI mags in his Caspian frame, they work flawlessly in it. He can use my STI mags or anyone elses. Don't know how or why, but it works well for him. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TeamGE Posted February 4, 2010 Share Posted February 4, 2010 My question is "If a STI type mag is used in the Caspian frame, how does it fit into a hole that is too small for the mag?" Is the frame some how widened by means of cutting and welding material to it to make it wider? I know that my Caspian high cap frame is not wide enough. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bill Schwab Posted February 5, 2010 Share Posted February 5, 2010 My question is "If a STI type mag is used in the Caspian frame, how does it fit into a hole that is too small for the mag?" Is the frame some how widened by means of cutting and welding material to it to make it wider? I know that my Caspian high cap frame is not wide enough. Yeah, sounds like some metal is removed: http://forums.1911forum.com/showthread.php?t=259439 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mike4045 Posted February 6, 2010 Share Posted February 6, 2010 I have alot of STI mags and 2 new Caspian hi cap frames. If it works I would interested in having it done. I plan to build a 5" and 6" gun in 40SW. Also considering a top end in 9mm for some 3 gun fun. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
01G8R Posted February 6, 2010 Author Share Posted February 6, 2010 I have a good friend who uses nothing but STI mags in his Caspian frame, they work flawlessly in it. He can use my STI mags or anyone elses. Don't know how or why, but it works well for him. Gmantwo was nice enough to put me in contact with his friend that is using the STI mags. After some conversation he told me that he is using Para frames with the STI mags. So I'm back in search of how Limcat modifies the Caspian frame to work with STI mags. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pvhendrix Posted February 6, 2010 Share Posted February 6, 2010 Not sure how it happens, due to the significant difference in mag size. I contacted Limcat and inquired about getting his modification to a new Caspian frame, as I am wanting to try my hand at putting a new gun together. Mr. Lim replied that he would not modify a frame, due to the cost involved (none quoted), that he would only do a complete gun build for someone wanting the frame to use S_I type mags. He stated that he may begin manufacturing an investment cast frame that would already contain that conversion if there was enough interest in the shooting world. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shooterbenedetto Posted February 6, 2010 Share Posted February 6, 2010 (edited) A gunsmith would have to chime in to this to see if its worth the conversion and the risk to the frame. Building a new gun would be worth the time and money for a gunsmith to do it. That makes sense and I agree with Mr. limcat. Edited February 6, 2010 by shooterbenedetto Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pvhendrix Posted February 7, 2010 Share Posted February 7, 2010 Understand your thoughts on the expense and having a smith make the build. I have several built by some of the best. I am ready to make the leap myself, not overly concerned with the expense or cost if mistakes are made. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RIIID Posted February 7, 2010 Share Posted February 7, 2010 I took a few minutes today to checkout some Caspian frames, to use S_I mags in the Caspian frame the inner walls of the frame would need about .045" removed on both sides. This would leave almost .060" left, the big problem I see is when you have to cut the trigger track wider. It would need to have .052" taken off of each side, this would leave less than .015" left in the side wall of the frame. One frame I measured would have only .010" left. With the stresses of shooting I believe the frame would crack at some point. On it's face it sounds like a neat mod, but what I would charge to do this would equal the cost of about 8 new Caspian/Tanfoglio mags. My hats off to Limcat for figuring out this mod but it seems unwarranted when mags are readily available for the Caspian frame. Rich Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shooterbenedetto Posted February 7, 2010 Share Posted February 7, 2010 If any of you guys bought the (Caspian) FOSTER frames 2 weeks ago for 90.00 hicap, this is worth doing if you were a gunsmith for your own use. Just my thoughts..its a new toy for sure. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jjanglin Posted February 8, 2010 Share Posted February 8, 2010 As many Caspians as I do ,I think that doing this mod to use S-I mags is a horrible waste of time, Like RIID said the cost would be pretty high in time and their is just to many mags available that are top quality to use. jim/Pa Sailors Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kimberacp Posted February 8, 2010 Share Posted February 8, 2010 why bother using a Caspian frame when S_I frames with metal grips are available! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
01G8R Posted February 8, 2010 Author Share Posted February 8, 2010 (edited) Foster/Caspian hi-cap frames were on sale a couple weeks ago for $90. Edited February 8, 2010 by 01G8R Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sperman Posted February 8, 2010 Share Posted February 8, 2010 why bother using a Caspian frame when S_I frames with metal grips are available! And everyone in production should shoot Glocks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Resjudicata Posted February 9, 2010 Share Posted February 9, 2010 why bother using a Caspian frame when S_I frames with metal grips are available! An STI standard widebody frame with metal grip is going to run you just under $1,000.00 while retail on a Caspian with the parts kit is just over $400. Also, for folks with smaller hands they may find that a Caspian widebody frame fits them better. Or, the added weight of the steel grip may help some folks with how the sight tracks. Just a few possibilities. Chris Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jaredr Posted February 10, 2010 Share Posted February 10, 2010 prior to the expiration of the "assault weapons" ban, when no one was able to manufacture new high -capacity magazines (of any caliber), I can see it making sense to modify a forster frame so you can take advantage of your existing inventory of S_I magazines. Now that caspian's making their own 18 round .40 magazine, not sure that i see much of a need to make this work, but if you've got a bridgeport and some spare time then why not. at the very least, a cool fabrication project. -jaredr Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shooterbenedetto Posted February 10, 2010 Share Posted February 10, 2010 According to RIID and my measurements on the modification, after you are done with the mill on the frame, it will be THIN! question is how long will it last? Caspian had the problem on thin frames for the 1st generation frames and now by doing this, you will thin out the grip area. Like I said it would just be a collection and a neat project to do to add to your gun toyz! we'll see... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shooterbenedetto Posted February 10, 2010 Share Posted February 10, 2010 I took a few minutes today to checkout some Caspian frames, to use S_I mags in the Caspian frame the inner walls of the frame would need about .045" removed on both sides. This would leave almost .060" left, the big problem I see is when you have to cut the trigger track wider. It would need to have .052" taken off of each side, this would leave less than .015" left in the side wall of the frame. One frame I measured would have only .010" left. With the stresses of shooting I believe the frame would crack at some point. On it's face it sounds like a neat mod, but what I would charge to do this would equal the cost of about 8 new Caspian/Tanfoglio mags. My hats off to Limcat for figuring out this mod but it seems unwarranted when mags are readily available for the Caspian frame. Rich Maybe hardened the frame after?? if you really want it bad! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Josh Biondi Posted February 10, 2010 Share Posted February 10, 2010 Someone use the Tanfoglio/Witness magazine on Caspian.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eric nielsen Posted February 10, 2010 Share Posted February 10, 2010 In Open there would be no capacity or functional advantage as the internal dimensions of the Caspian are the same as the internals of the 9mm/38super SV mag. They both have smooth [no ridges] sides so 9mm Major would not need a spacer in back. There would be a capacity advantage in Limited as the Caspian is still the same width in 40 as it is in 9mm and so has to stack the rounds more one-on-top-of-the-other vs SV mags. The RHT mags they show on the Limcat add another round or 2 to the SV because they stack even wider than an SV. BUT - I don't know how you wouldn't call that modified S_I-mag-accepting gun a Prototype. Anyone call Mr. Amidon? Also you have 2 of the best Caspian Hicap gunsmiths on this thread already tell you why it's a bad idea. Get Derek @ Millennium to comment and it would be unanimous. Cheap - maybe. Smart - probably not. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RIIID Posted February 10, 2010 Share Posted February 10, 2010 Someone use the Tanfoglio/Witness magazine on Caspian.... Once the top of the mag is modified to fit into the frame they work great. Caspians have an internal mag stop, the top right corner of the Tan. tube needs to be lower so it will lock in. Rich Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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