S&W M&P - 40S&W vs. 357Sig

**daschnoz** · February 25th, 2011, 03:47 PM

So, one of my co-workers is looking to buy an S&P. He noticed that the 357Sig costs $160+ more than the 40S&W.

That doesn't make sense to me since it is a simple barrel swap to go between the 2.

Unless:
- The frame for the 357Sig is reinforced more
- The 357Sig barrel has the chamber dimensions for a 40 caliber, but tapers down to the O.D. for a standard 9mm barrel, requiring a different slide.
- They don't make as many of them, so they wrap the machine setup costs into the 357Sig.

Anyone? Is there any reason that he couldn't buy a 40S&W and an aftermarket barrel (and possibly recoil spring)?

**DBZ220** · February 25th, 2011, 07:31 PM

Unless it has night sights or something extra with it, there isn't a reason for th $160 extra. Perhaps it includes a .40 barrel? I've seen some package deals out there at various shops.
Caliber change between the .40 and .357sig is usually just a barrel swap. I have both barrels for my M&P 40 and it's no problem.

**QuackXP** · February 25th, 2011, 11:14 PM

I agree. I just ordered a M&P 40 for the exact reason that its an OEM barrel swap for 357.

There is also an 3rd party conversion barrel for 40/357 to 9mm. 9mm magazines are required though for this conversion.