40S&W-->9mm Conversion Barrels

[etep513]

I noticed that a lot of pistols chambered in 40S&W have special aftermarket barrels (like Lonewolf) available for them that allow you to shoot 9mm. When converting to 9mm, is the barrel the only part that you have to change? Is it necessary to change the recoil spring? If converting to 9mm is so simple, then why doesn't everyone just buy a 40S&W and then get a conversion barrel for 9mm? Are there any reliability issues with those barrels? Do the rounds still cycle correctly? I would really appreciate input from anyone who owns a 40 to 9 conversion barrel (for any gun).

[glockmaster]

I noticed that a lot of pistols chambered in 40S&W have special aftermarket barrels (like Lonewolf) available for them that allow you to shoot 9mm. When converting to 9mm, is the barrel the only part that you have to change? Is it necessary to change the recoil spring? If converting to 9mm is so simple, then why doesn't everyone just buy a 40S&W and then get a conversion barrel for 9mm? Are there any reliability issues with those barrels? Do the rounds still cycle correctly? I would really appreciate input from anyone who owns a 40 to 9 conversion barrel (for any gun).

Never used one, but I know for the glocks at least you need a 9mm magazine as well. I think thats it though. I decided just to get a 9mm glock to go along with my .40 glock

[wils91]

i was going to do this with my G22.

some people have had to put in a 9mm extractor but others have not, must be gun to gun basis.

recoil springs are the same. so basically just the correct mags.

i know this about Glocks, not any other manufacturer.

[etep513]

i was going to do this with my G22.

some people have had to put in a 9mm extractor but others have not, must be gun to gun basis.

recoil springs are the same. so basically just the correct mags.

i know this about Glocks, not any other manufacturer.

Did they have any reliability issues when shooting 9mm through the conversion barrel?

[1832]

I've run a Bar Sto 9mm conversion bbl in my G35 for several years. No problems at all. In fact I run an extra power recoil spring on an open steel guide rod (#22 lbs.) with no stoppages. Since the conversion bbl is traditionally rifled, I can also shoot all the lead I want. The Bar Sto is way more accurate than my G17. It costs a bit more than most, but you do get what you pay for.

Now, some folks just drop a G34 bbl in and change out the extractor. This is necessary because the O.D. of the 9mm factory bbl is different from the .40 bbl. The conversion bbls get around this by having the same O.D. as the .40 bbls.

[mpi]

i have storm lake barrels for my 22 and 23 and they both perform well.

[etep513]

I've run a Bar Sto 9mm conversion bbl in my G35 for several years. No problems at all. In fact I run an extra power recoil spring on an open steel guide rod (#22 lbs.) with no stoppages. Since the conversion bbl is traditionally rifled, I can also shoot all the lead I want. The Bar Sto is way more accurate than my G17. It costs a bit more than most, but you do get what you pay for.

Now, some folks just drop a G34 bbl in and change out the extractor. This is necessary because the O.D. of the 9mm factory bbl is different from the .40 bbl. The conversion bbls get around this by having the same O.D. as the .40 bbls.

Thanks, that helps a lot.

i have storm lake barrels for my 22 and 23 and they both perform well.

How much did those storm lake barrels cost you? Are they match grade or stock grade?

[wils91]

Did they have any reliability issues when shooting 9mm through the conversion barrel?

not that i'm aware. other than some having to switch to a 9mm extractor when using the conversion barrel. and of course using the correct magazines.

(i'm talking specifically about glocks, not every gun out)

[etep513]

not that i'm aware. other than some having to switch to a 9mm extractor when using the conversion barrel. and of course using the correct magazines.

(i'm talking specifically about glocks, not every gun out)

Some people told me that there are extraction problems. I also heard that there are problems with the recoil spring and bolt face. How often do these types of problems happen?

Would it be better to just get the gun in the caliber that you want (w/o any conversions) in order to maximize reliability?

[chauncey]

I use a Bar-sto on my Sig 226. it is just as reliable and I dare say more accurate than the stock 40 S&W barrel