UZI conversion from 9mm to 45 acp question

[abody71]

I am looking at buying a bolt and barrel to convert my UZI IMI. It is an original full auto, not a conversion. What should I be looking out for when purchasing a bolt. I want to make sure I buy the proper bolt.

Thanks in advance

 

[MGTedFL]

You will need a full-auto bolt, barrel and 45ACP mags. Original 16-round Uzi 45ACP mags are pricey.  I have been looking for years for a 45ACP FA bolt for my Uzi's (to use in either my full-size Vector or my fully converted IMI).  I have seen one for sale in 10+ years, and it was stupid expensive.  When I purchased my Vector mini Uzi about 10 years ago, the seller included FA bolts in both 9mm & 45ACP, as well as "heavy" barrel x-change bolts in both calibers. (they are milled-out on the top with tungsten inserts) The mini-uzi is a joy to shoot with the heavy bolt in 9 and 45.  Still a bit faster than the full size Uzi, which IMO is relatively slow. Not MP40 slow, more like a M11/9 with a slow-bolt Gen. 1 Lage upper.  Good luck & if you find a source....share the wealth.  FWIW, Ted

[MPFiveO]

abody71, you'll be looking primarily on the secondary market. I don't know anyone currently stocking .45 ACP SMG bolts and barrels.

Back in the day, around 2001, Vector was in full swing pumping out their SMG spec registered receiver Uzi's. They offered original IMI (IIRC) .45 bolts and barrels at the time but the supply was limited. While the original IMI .45 magazines were available, but scarce until 2004, other options were explored. Primarily aftermarket manufacturers tooled up and made lowers that would accept M3 Grease Gun magazines. The names Craig Wheatley and Chris Humphries are often mentioned. I have one of Chris's lowers to go with the bolt and barrel I purchased from Vector way back in the day. It's worked flawlessly since day one.

*So, did a little digging and found a short thread on Uzi Talk about how some 9mm bolts were modified to .45 but seems like a lot of work.

https://www.uzitalk.com/forums/index.php?threads/finding-an-smg-spec-45acp-uzi-bolt.100192/

Just a thought, and again a lot of work, but a semi auto bolt could possibly be modified to full auto. It would require a sear notch being cut, a lip welded on the bolt face, and a fixed firing pin. In addition it should have the slot welded up to prevent it from dropping into a semi auto otherwise it could be considered a conversion device. Probably more trouble than it's worth.

Edited June 28 by MPFiveO
Update

[eMGunslinger]

Worth mentioning that 45acp UZI's have pretty harsh recoil and its hard on the receiver. Back when BWE was in business there were more than a few he put back together where it stretched so back the receiver cracked in multiple places. I have had to fix back ends that have failed as well.

Wouldn't be something I would go out of my way to get.