I have wanted a lightweight J frame in 9mm for a long time. I've considered converting a 642 to 9mm but I've heard they don't last long (frame stretch) and can't shoot 9mm +P. I picked up a 360J with the thought of converting it to 9mm. I figured a frame made for 357 magnum should be able to withstand 9mm.

Anybody have done or seen such conversion? Do they hold up? Who would be most qualified to do the work?

There was forum member (WC145) here who had theirs done prior to mine and gave me the inspiration. They probably have fired many more rounds through theirs than I have mine. Of what I have fired, maybe 500 or so, I have had no problems.

If you do some searches of the site you may find some older post on the topic.

I had TK customs do the cylinder work and couldn't be happier. You do have to use their moonclips though if that is an issue.

I also had a regular size XS site systems dot site put on the front and added some Bianchi Lightning grips because I had them and liked concealing the hammer. The bigger grip also takes a little sting out of the 9mm.

Attached Images

360J.jpg (93.3 KB, 83 views)

Forum member WC145 had a 360j converted, I believe by Mark Hartshorne.

Thank you for your replies. I'll research some more when I get back home. Do you know if TK customs can make it work with S&W moon clips (I have couple dozen S&W moon clips at home already from previous revolver project). Also, does the sights shoot to point of aim with 9mm?

Not sure on the moon clip part of it. I have a 940 and it doesn't seem the clips worked in both but I would ask them.

As far as the sights go I would say that it depends on the round and the distance but overall pretty accurate up close.

TK Custom did my 637-2 with titanium cylinder. I liked it enough to have them do a second one.
I modify S&W moonclips to fit while watching television.

I had Mark H (Pinnacle High Performance) convert a M&P 340 to 9mm. I've had it for years now and never had any problems. Mark also did a trigger tune on it and polished the trigger face.
It works with moon clips I got from TK and it is easy to shoot.

Seems to me......like you have an excuse to buy a new revolver (in 9mm).

Aloha, Mark

Mine has been fine...



In regards to +P, I opt to not run it in mine. This is a revolver that I plan on carrying for years, and completely happy with it and standard pressure 9mm. Will it stretch the frame? I’ve yet to see someone do it, and the only reports of it I’ve seen were from people trying to talk others out of it.

What I can tell you is that the conversion will push a heavier 9mm bullet at roughly the same speeds as a lighter .38 +P. When I get the time to do it, plus get my own chronograph, I do hope to redo my tests... which I lost the data somewhere in the move of stuff out of my office.

So far, so good on my two titanium cylinder 9x19mm 637 conversions.
I've not tried +P or x23 yet, but I think SafeArms (who posts here) may have tried both in his 637.

Just buy a LCR in 9mm. Probanky cost little more rhan the cost to convert a 38, and you have an additional new gun im yiur arsenal.

Another choice might be the LCR in 327 federal. (I think same lrice as LCR in 9mm) This gives a 6th round plus the added ability to shoot mouse fart 32acp, 32 S&W, 32 H&R mag as well as the strong 327 federal round.

Just something to consider.

When I looked at the LCR (in 9mm), I took my father’s .357 Magnum LCR to the range... as they are built on the same frame (stainless, instead of alloy).

Huge difference in weight between it and the Airweight. Mine also had LG-405s on it, and the LCR felt like a brick. The .38 version is likely more on par with an Airweight, but the 9mm/.357... nope!

Plus, trigger is very different between the LCR and a DAO J-frame. If you were starting from Jump Street, not a big deal. When I made the switch, I had YEARS behind the J-frame. Not to mention holsters and all the other stuff I’d have to switch if I went LCR.

When I converted, I did tell myself there would have been one route I’d have gone with the Ruger over sticking with S&W; they did a LCRx in 9mm (I like exposed hammers, and would have dealt with all the changes for it). But when this went down, they only offered it in .38 (if I remember correctly). Getting the 9mm cylinder squared away, I don’t see myself changing revolvers anytime soon.