Author Topic: Caliber Conversion (Read 1242 times)

teamnelson · « **on:** May 29, 2005, 01:43:28 PM »

Considering a Glock in my future for alot of reasons; SD, action/practical shooting competition at the local club, etc. I have shot a friends 19,26, and 22, and I loved them all, but really liked the 19. I've never owned a Glock in my life, but have had other semi's (really nasty memory of a Beretta and an early Ruger) and only have single shot and wheel guns right now.

I hear talk that you can put a 9x19 or 357 barrel on a .40; use the same frame, change magazines, and you are golden. Does this only work one way, or can I buy a 9, and put a .40 or .357 barrel in it. Which model makes the best starting point, or does it matter? Any issues with changing barrels, like does it have any adverse affect on anything? If I buy a 19, can I change the barrels out for .357 and .40?

I'm a TC fan, so the chance at barrel swappin is exciting to me!

NYH1 · « **Reply #1 on:** May 29, 2005, 03:30:52 PM »

It is my understanding that you can switch back and forth between the 40 S&W and the 357 Sig with just a barrel change. The 9mm has a different recoil spring and some other parts that aren't interchangeable with the 40 S&W and 357 Sig. Again, this is what I have heard! :grin:

Garthag · « **Reply #2 on:** May 29, 2005, 03:33:19 PM »

I have compared my .40S&W G22 with my brother's 9mm version. As you look down on the lower from the top, you will notice that the ejector is a different shape for the 9mm. Also, I believe that the extractor claw may not be able to go from 9mm to .40, and it may not function reliably when going from .40 to 9. I have not tested this- I've just made some observations. If it were me, I wouln't consider a 9/.40 swap, just .40/.357 because the case heads are the same.

For economy, .22 conversion kits are available. I mostly use mine to teach new shooters the basics without worrying about recoil. I prefer to practice with what I would use in a personal protection situation.

jro45 · « **Reply #3 on:** June 13, 2005, 04:43:27 AM »

I have the G22 in 40 cal. and it can exchange for a 357 barrel. I also have the 22 Caliber barrel and slide for it. Thats three different calibers I can shoot with it.

HAMMERHEAD · « **Reply #4 on:** June 17, 2005, 11:20:47 AM »

If you buy a Glock 22 or 23 you can get an aftermarket CONVERSION barrel for 9mm. It may not run 100% because of a few mis-matched parts, but it will be OK at the range. 9mm will require 9mm magazines.
You can buy a Glock 31 or 32 barrel and shoot 357sig. There are some minor differences in .40s&w and 357Sig magazines. From what I've read, Glock 31/32 mags will feed .40ammo just fine, but glock 22/23 mags may not feed 357sig 100% depending on generation.
I have a Glock 10mm (G-20) and I have a .40 conversion barrel that is great. Worth every penny.

Savage · « **Reply #5 on:** June 17, 2005, 01:07:35 PM »

TeamNelson,
The guys over at Glock Talk are saying that if you buy the Glock 22 you can be good to go with 9mm with just a barrel and mag change. You can't convert a 9mm to 40 or 357 because of the larger case head dia. The ultimate is versitility might be the mdl 20. You could shoot 10mm/40/357/and maybe even 9mm with a barrel and mag change. (For the 9mm) You might want to cruise over to Glock Talk and check it out.
Savage

jro45 · « **Reply #6 on:** June 21, 2005, 03:33:12 AM »

Savage, I heard that you CAN NOT change to 9mm barrel in the G22.
and the G20 can not change to 9mm either. The G22 can change barrels with the 357 glock and it can shoot 22s with a different slide and barrel.
Unless something has changed I own the G22 and the G20.

Savage · « **Reply #7 on:** June 21, 2005, 04:46:34 PM »

jro45,

Don't have any personal experience converting Glock 40s to 9mm. Just quoting the guys at Glock Talk. It would seem to me to be impratical anyway with the difference in case head dia between the two. The extractor would have to hold the smaller 9mm case head against the breachface. But---it's an easy conversion to convert the mdl 20 to 40/357 Sig with just a barrel change. The 10mm/40/357 all have the same case head dia.
Savage

redawg · « **Reply #8 on:** June 22, 2005, 03:48:55 PM »

Like Hammerhead said, you can convert a 40 to a 9mm with an aftermarket conversion barrel. It might not run 100% of the time, but it could be a fun range accessory. A factory 9mm barrel won't work because the outside diameter of the barrel is too small. I don't think the G20 can be converted to 9mm. Unless you could get the 9mm to feed from 10mm mags. Glock doesn't make a 9mm with the same size grip frame as the G20 and G21.

HAMMERHEAD · « **Reply #9 on:** June 25, 2005, 04:10:48 AM »

Quote

I don't think the G20 can be converted to 9mm

That's correct.
The G-20 can be converted to .40s&w, 357sig and 9X25dillon with just a barrel swap. The 9X25dillon is a 10mm case necked down to .355" . A real screamer! You could also buy a G-21 .45acp upper assembly and put it on a G-20 frame, insert a .45acp magazine, and away you go.
An aftermarket G-22/31 9mm barrel will only fit G22/31's. You could also improve reliability by swapping to a G-17 extractor and even an ejector assembly. Recoil springs are the same, but the 22/31 slide might be heavier, making a lighter recoil spring necessary.
I really like KKM barrels, worth the extra few bucks IMO. Most people just buy a 9mm aftermarket (KKM/Barsto) conversion barrel and it works fine.
I like these people for parts:
http://www.topglock.com/catalog/barrels_kkm.htm

teamnelson · « **Reply #10 on:** July 01, 2005, 04:56:25 PM »

Sounds like the G20 is Glock's answer to the TC.

HAMMERHEAD · « **Reply #11 on:** July 02, 2005, 05:53:52 AM »

Maybe that's why they are my two favorites!
I gotta tell ya', the 20 is one sweet pistol. Awesome power with 10mm and smooth, soft recoil with .40s&w.
I get exellent accuracy with both calibers.
If you do get a conversion barrel, spend a few more bucks and get a KKM. Well worth the money.