Wile-
That is another way of approaching the situation.
What I KNOW is NOTHING. What I read/have read about this weapon is another situation.
Having read much, here and, mainly there, is this:
The 9x23 is a VERY high pressure round.
The 9x23 has a problem with feed reliability from a supported/ramped barrel. Reliability is, with me, the number one priority. There is always a chance for malfunction but for any situation, be it games or gunfights, one should have a great deal of confidence going in.
The 9x23 round should be used with Winchester brass as this round produces pressures very near rifle pressures and Winchester brass is the onliest one which will reliable withstand these pressures. It was designed for these pressures as opposed to being produced for this size, which some are. For instance, it has been recommended that small rifle primers be used exclusively due to pressures produced.
There is some concern from gunsmiths or, maybe from some gunsmiths, that reaming an existing barrel to the 9x23 is an issue due to the specs of reamers on the market not being consistent. The thought was that the 9x23 reamers being produced had no consistency from supplier to supplier and that one produced for the Winchester brass was the best choice.
It has been suggested that a Bar-Sto barrel be the choice of barrels. I have yet to determine the reason for this though, but, believe it to be because of being unsupported and produced specifically for this round.
There are, it seems, some specific internals which are different from the 9mm or .38 super in order to make it reliable enough for games or gunfights.
Reed's, one of the site advertisers here, has made some suggestions and offers. I appreciate his input and will be in touch with him at a later date but no choices or decisions have been conclusively made.
Dawson Precision has supplied me with some thoughts also and since they will do a build up on a STI frame it has some merits.
It is a quandary ain't it folks. I say that from the perspective of a person that has need to take advice on this subject rather than having any ACTUAL hands on experience in this area.
I will add as a finality to my thoughts. I like caliber specific weapons. This is a more expensive way to go, but, for my mind, it is what I do.
These are my reads not my findings. I am still interested in thoughts and opinions though so keep em coming.
Blessings