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S&W Revolvers: 1980 to the Present All NON-PINNED Barrels, the L-Frames, and the New Era Revolvers


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  #51  
Old 11-24-2020, 08:00 AM
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Just to show that 9mm revolvers are in demand, I found a used Ruger lcr9 on gunbroker, bid was at $1015 with 14 hours left!
(I bought one new a couple years ago for $479)
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  #52  
Old 11-24-2020, 09:23 AM
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I just sold mine for $680 I should’ve held out for more.
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  #53  
Old 11-24-2020, 09:47 PM
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The LCR9 is up to $1525 with 20 minutes left. That's crazy!
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  #54  
Old 12-02-2020, 03:23 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by DonD View Post
Have no background on this conversion but one might think that shooting a round that's .355 out of a bore that's .357 would result in a good bit of blowby past the slug. Don
you are correct, blowby has effect for sure.

from what i understand the accuracy is ok at 21+/- feet. but rapidly deteriorates beyond that range.

when comparing sammi specs for 9mm vs 38/357 the majority of blow by happens while the round is still in the chamber.

the 9mm projo dia (.3555) is .0245+/- smaller than the 38 chamber dia (.380)

the 9mm round (9mm case length .754) sits far enough back in the cyl/chamber that it free runs once discharged for about .5056 inside the 38 chamber (chamber length 1.2596) till .358 dia is met which stops its "rattle" and gets it back on track.

all this motion is in pre forcing cone and bore(.346) groove (.355) contact

357 mag cylinders will have more free run distance (.6446) thus more blowby taken into account

depending on your use it may be good for you, but shooting 50 yards may be a problem. but for the reloaders it creates another issue, the case swell you get in your 38/357 brass from the 9mm rechamber area dia (.394 to .380 taper) is said to render your brass non-reloadable. that you would have to double check to verify for sure
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  #55  
Old 12-02-2020, 03:41 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by reccpd101 View Post
I first figured that out years ago carrying a 1917 with a shortened barrel on duty. A N frame double speedloader pouch would carry 24 rounds of 45 ACP while only 12 rounds of 357 or 38. I still carried a 38 J frame BUG in an ankle holster with a 2x2x2 dump pouch between the speedloader pouch of 45 and my duty holstered 4" 1917.

Thanks for the tip. I occasionally carry a 625 .45ACP with 2 moon clips in a double case made for K/L frame speed loaders. I've got a double pouch and a single pouch for N frame speed loaders I used back when I carried a 25-5 .45 Colt. Sure enough, they hold twice as many moon clips as speed loaders.



I did the same thing, starting in the late '80s, early '90s. My .45 ACP revolvers were a S&W 1917, cut to 4", an as -issued Colt 1917 and a 5" that became a 3" M625.

My BUG was Colt Police Positive Special cut to 2", which was replaced with a nickel 2" Colt Cobra.
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  #56  
Old 12-03-2020, 01:18 PM
JimCunn JimCunn is offline
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"the 9mm projo dia (.3555) is .0245+/- smaller than the 38 chamber dia (.380)"

That's interesting. I just measured the cylinder face diameters in one of my 9mm 637-2 J-frame conversions. They ranged from 0.356 to 0.360, which is identical to my .38Sp and .357Mag cylinders for the same gun.

I wonder why yours are larger?

My three 637-2 conversions are coke can accurate at a hundred feet, which is good enough to meet my needs.

Last edited by JimCunn; 12-03-2020 at 01:21 PM.
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  #57  
Old 12-03-2020, 09:44 PM
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forgot to put in that post the other day

for the multi cal j frame guys there was a good post on here where folks could use 4 or 5 different calibers in their j for ccw distances

heres a thread about converting so you can to do about a half dozen calibers

My 9mm 360J is now a convertible!
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  #58  
Old 12-03-2020, 09:54 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by JimCunn View Post
"the 9mm projo dia (.3555) is .0245+/- smaller than the 38 chamber dia (.380)"

That's interesting. I just measured the cylinder face diameters in one of my 9mm 637-2 J-frame conversions. They ranged from 0.356 to 0.360, which is identical to my .38Sp and .357Mag cylinders for the same gun.

I wonder why yours are larger?

My three 637-2 conversions are coke can accurate at a hundred feet, which is good enough to meet my needs.

i just pulled numbers from sammi spec sheets. didnt add or subtract the +/- tolerances from the pages

the throat dia in sammi is the "till .358 dia is met which stops its "rattle" and gets it back on track"

i should have put throat by the .358 number

heres a link to the sammi cartridge and chamber info if anyone wants to have a copy

Cartridge & Chamber Drawings – SAAMI
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  #59  
Old 12-04-2020, 12:24 AM
JimCunn JimCunn is offline
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Here's the image you linked.
What is the relation to 9mm/.38Sp?
I'm missing something.
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  #60  
Old 12-04-2020, 12:44 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by JimCunn View Post
Here's the image you linked.
What is the relation to 9mm/.38Sp?
I'm missing something.
The link was just to the page for all of the cartridge and case specs.

That way folks could get all of them if they want em instead of just pistol and revolver.

The blue words on the screen link you to the different types just click pistol revolver. Then scroll thru till you find the ones you want to look at

The other blue links get to to the rest rimfire . Pistol and revolver, rifle, shotshell

I should have linked each one but didn’t think about it
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  #61  
Old 03-24-2022, 10:34 PM
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"from what i understand the accuracy is ok at 21+/- feet. but rapidly deteriorates beyond that range".

I have three of these conversions. Accuracy is OK at 100 feet.
147gr jhp 9mm chronos 952 fps average for 292 ft-lbs muzzle energy which is adequate.

Only downside is that recoil is quite painful.
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  #62  
Old 03-25-2022, 08:08 PM
VASCAR2 VASCAR2 is offline
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I used to shoot a lot of 9 MM cast bullets that a Friend and I cast. The first sizing die we had was a .355 and got key holes out of my 39-2. We started using the .358” sizing die on our 9 MM bullets and got very good accuracy. I also loaded some 90 grain .355” Sierra JHP in 38 Specials. I shot these in my model 60 as I liked the higher velocity compared to heavier 38/357 bullets. We used a taper crimp or roll crimp on 9 MM bullets we loaded in 38 Special brass. We never had any bullets move under recoil.

The only real disadvantage of reloading the 90 grain .355 bullets in the 38 Special was the point of impact was low in the model 60 compared to heavier 38/357 bullets. Plenty good enough for typical self defense use but they shot pretty low at 50 yards.

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  #63  
Old 03-25-2022, 08:11 PM
JimCunn JimCunn is offline
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"Have no background on this conversion but one might think that shooting a round that's .355 out of a bore that's .357 would result in a good bit of blowby past the slug. Don"

Since the Saami specs for land and groove diameter are identical for 9mm, .38Sp, and .357 Mag, it seems to make no difference in blowby. At least it isn't a problem in my three J-frame conversions. Neither is crimp jump.

There are four reasons for doing the conversion
1) most of my other handguns are 9mm
2) 9mm is (was) substantially cheaper than .38Sp and .357 Mag
3) 9mm has considerably more power than .38 Sp due to the 35,000 psi pressure
4) And the most important - as a lark - because I can. I've converted three of them

The only downside is that 147gr 9mm recoil in a 12 ounce J-frame is quite painful.
Also, I'm a couple of months away from 80, and no longer a very good shot. One handed at 50 feet, I'm only getting coke can accuracy. Today, at 50 feet one-handed, I was shooting an inch and a half left and an inch and a half low. Pretty ******, but it was me, not the J-frame.

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  #64  
Old 03-25-2022, 08:59 PM
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Jim,

Have you had any issues running 9mm ammo in the aluminum airweight frame designed for .38 special?

The 9mm round is much higher pressure than .38 special, so I was surprised you used a 637 for the conversion rather than a .357 magnum caliber J-frame.
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  #65  
Old 03-25-2022, 09:17 PM
JimCunn JimCunn is offline
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I was going for minimum weight, and the 637 is much lighter than the .357 J-frames. That's also why I used titanium .357Mag cylinders and center pins - to knock another couple of ounces off the weight. Only problem I've encountered is that the guns' recoil is quite painful when shooting 147gr 9mm. Since I like exposed hammers, the 637 is a good choice for me.

I haven't had any frame problems, but if one of them does fail, I consider them to be consumables - I'll just replace it.

Each of my three aluminum J-frames has three complete yoke and cylinder assemblies. The stock yoke and steel .38Sp, a yoke and titanium .357Mag cylinder (I haven't fired .357Mag in these, but they are great for .38Sp), and a yoke and titanium .357Mag cylinder reamed for 9x19 (one will also accept 9x23, but I ain't gonna try that either). I have developed a strong preference for the three 9mm assemblies.

Last edited by JimCunn; 03-26-2022 at 09:24 AM.
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  #66  
Old 03-25-2022, 09:31 PM
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Deleted duplicate post

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  #67  
Old 03-26-2022, 10:56 PM
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I lost my shooting skills when I developed cataracts several years ago. Now that my eyes are fixed and back to normal, I've started shooting again. My J-frame skills haven't returned yet, and pattern, such as it is, is total ****. Shooting the 9mm J-frame conversion at a hundred feet today, most shots hit a paper plate (there were a bunch of the plates in the kitchhen - hope my wife doesn't miss them), but about one shot in five was a flyer. Hopefully I will improve with more practice. Wish me luck.

P.S. This forum auto corrects you to asterisks if you attempt to spell 'cr*p'

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  #68  
Old 03-27-2022, 11:37 AM
JimCunn JimCunn is offline
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"I think this idea of converting tevolvers to 9mm has become a "because I can and want to" exercise. Nothing wrong with that".

That's a lot of the reason I did my first one. Curiosity driven. I liked it so much better than .38Sp and .357Mag that I did two more. The 9mm conversions have become my primary carry.
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  #69  
Old 03-31-2022, 10:02 PM
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I would assume this would void the warranty from Smith and Wesson. Would it make sense to get a spare cylinder and have that modified?
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  #70  
Old 04-01-2022, 04:42 AM
John Patrick John Patrick is offline
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I think the only viable reason for a 9mm conversion is that short, tapered 9mm cases clear a chamber with even short ejector rods, and moon clips are fast to reload.

And if speed of reload after five shots is a significant factor is your choice of carry weapon you ought to be looking for a P365.
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  #71  
Old 04-01-2022, 06:49 AM
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…And if speed of reload after five shots is a significant factor is your choice of carry weapon you ought to be looking for a P365…
John,

Not bad advice but it does not take into consideration the few folks like me who have 5 plus decades experience with revolvers and maybe one year total experience with self loaders. I am not comfortable with self loaders. So, a revolver would naturally be my choice. If 9mm were my cartridge of choice, converting a J or K frame would be my answer.

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  #72  
Old 04-01-2022, 07:44 AM
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"Would it make sense to get a spare cylinder and have that modified?"

That's what I did. Each of my three J-frames has three complete cylinder and yoke assemblies.
1) the original, unmodified .38Sp cylinder and yoke
2) an unmodified titanium .357Mag cylinder and yoke
3) a .357 Mag titanium cylinder and yoke reamed for 9x19.

A total of nine cylinder assemblies for three guns.
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  #73  
Old 04-01-2022, 08:02 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by JimCunn View Post
"Would it make sense to get a spare cylinder and have that modified?"

That's what I did. Each of my three J-frames has three complete cylinder and yoke assemblies.
1) the original, unmodified .38Sp cylinder and yoke
2) an unmodified titanium .357Mag cylinder and yoke
3) a .357 Mag titanium cylinder and yoke reamed for 9x19.

A total of nine cylinder assemblies for three guns.
...agreed...main reason is that if one fired a +P .38 Special round in the altered cylinder it will bulge the brass somewhat causing sticky extraction...

Had TK do three cylinders for me:
66-2 3"
60-10 3"
649-2 2"

All three will run .38 Super and 9mm. Zero issues with accuracy with any of them. Have not run any of them with 9mm +P ammo yet as I usually shoot .38 Super in them but the 942 and Ruger LCRs that I've had would lock up with some +P rounds...

Bob

pics are 7-10 yards with .38 Super...which is a GREAT round for a snubbie...
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Old 04-01-2022, 07:14 PM
John Patrick John Patrick is offline
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Strawhat,

I love my revolvers, so I’m not dissing revolvers. Just questioning the idea that converting a J frame to 9mm is the better course of action.

For the cost of a 9mm conversion you can buy a P365 of G43X and enough ammo to become familiar and proficient.

But with Buffalo Bore and another couple manufacturers offering 38spl ammo that equals or betters 9mm or 9mm + P ammo (and ignoring “mild” 357 options,) and the cost of a moon clip job, you have matched or exceeded 9mm performance at a fraction of the cost.

John

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Old 04-01-2022, 07:42 PM
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Some of us are still waiting for our revolvers to malfunction even one time....every pocketable semi I've tried over the many many years has not given me the warm fuzzy reliability I've had from j frames, just the opposite in fact.. Decades of proven reliability is hard to replace. I can not remember even one revolver malfunction in my hand, in my life. There will be some that say they have had lots of malfunctions surely, but I only can speak to my personal experience..others like to quote their buddy..I don't care about his problems..others might, but not me.
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Old 04-01-2022, 08:04 PM
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Quote:
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I love my revolvers, so I’m not dissing revolvers. Just questioning the idea that converting a J frame to 9mm is the better course of action.

For the cost of a 9mm conversion you can buy a P365 of G43X and enough ammo to become familiar and proficient.
When I converted my 642… I was looking at switching the revolver out for a 9mm LCR. My dad had a .357 version that I compared. Stuck with the 642. This was 2014/2015… but if Ruger had a 9mm LCRx at that time, I’d probably have gone that route (SA option is nice to have).

Biggest thing, my J-frame wasn’t a new gun. It was a backup gun for years. Like I’m pretty sure I bought it in the fall of 2009. Let’s call it five years… five years of training on the same gun. Trigger, draw, and reloading to an extent (went from HKS speedloaders to moonclips). Then all the holsters and accessories. Gun had the Apex Duty/Carry kit, LG-405, but the bigger upgrade was refinishing it in NP3 Plus. While a P938, which I purchased around that same time, would be a close option… if I sold the J-frame, I’d lose A LOT. There really wasn’t the carry options around that same time that there are today (Shield might have just came out but wasn’t interested), so it is a very different time period.

My main reason for going with the conversion was to get away from other calibers. At that time, I had .380, .38 Special, .45 ACP, and issued a 9mm. After this happened… .380 and 9mm were the end result (hard to get rid of the LCP). Left that agency, moved to my current one… which issued .40, but was switching to 9mm within a year of me getting hired. And the duty ammo is pretty close to what I carry (147 grain).

.38 definitely works, but 9mm is a better cartridge. Converting a .38 revolver, you lose all the issues with casings getting hung up on the grip or getting under the extractor. You extract a 9mm moonclip… you got positive extraction with a .38 length ejection rod. But the power jump was the biggest benefit. I used to carry .38 Hornady CD (110 grain, +P)… currently carry 9mm Hornady XTP (147 grain, standard pressure). I get a heavier round doing the same velocity as the .38 load. Big win!

Is a 9mm revolver for everyone? Not at all. But the benefits for some people definitely outweigh the negatives. And in the end of the day, if it works for you… that is the bigger part of the equation.
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Old 04-01-2022, 09:29 PM
John Patrick John Patrick is offline
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Pretty typical high quality 9mm +P - NO BARREL LENGTH NOTED
Caliber: 9mm Luger +P
Bullet Type: HST
Bullet Weight: 124 GR
Muzzle Energy: 396 ft lbs
Muzzle Velocity: 1200 fps

Buffalo Bore 158gr 38spl +P SWCHP-GC

➤ 1,040 fps (379 ft. lbs.) -- S&W mod. 60, 2-inch
➤ 1,059 fps (393 ft. lbs.) -- S&W mod. 66, 2.5-inch
➤ 1,143 fps (458 ft. lbs.) -- Ruger SP101, 3-inch
➤ 1,162 fps (474 ft. lbs.) -- S&W Mt. Gun, 4-inch

The cleaner extraction of 9mm is a point, but having the same revolver cut for moon clips with 38spl gets you pretty much there, at at a fraction of the cost. Trade in the revolver and get a P365 or G43X and more than enough ammo (when you include 38spl moon clip cut costs, more when you include conversion costs) to become proficient, in a smaller, thinner package with about equal weight compared to an AirWeight with a reload.

As far as high quality revolver reliability vs the modern high quality 9mms, I don’t believe there is any difference.

Not counting 22lr revolvers or autos, both of which are problematic, I haven’t had an issue with an auto in two decades for an auto made in that time period. Same with the one revolver I own from within that period, a 638. I’ve had reliability issues with a 19-5 and a Colt’s Diamondback, but they are older and we’re used when I bought them, so who knows for sure the history? Older 1911s we’re always a pita.

Last edited by John Patrick; 04-01-2022 at 09:59 PM.
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Old 04-02-2022, 08:20 AM
JimCunn JimCunn is offline
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I've been shooting J-frames as primary for over fifty years and like them; have no desire to change. Conversion cost and cost of ammunition isn't a factor. I shoot 147gr jhp xtp for average 952fps and 292 ft-lb out of a 1-7/8 inch barrel, which is adequate, and accuracy is OK out to a hundred feet. More power than that, and recoil pain starts becoming a bit of an issue in a 12 ounce gun.

Last edited by JimCunn; 04-02-2022 at 08:22 AM.
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Old 04-02-2022, 08:47 AM
Screwball Screwball is offline
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Default Converting J frame to shoot 9mm

I love how when power is brought up, people always reference Buffalo Bore. Converting J frame to shoot 9mm Legitimately wonder how many actually carry/train with it… at almost $40 for 20 rounds.

I got that beat… checking MidwayUSA, Hornady XTP 147 grain is $32 for 25 rounds. Prior to COVID, it was $17.50 per box. Cheapest I purchased that same load for was $11.25 per box (2015-2016 time period).

But the best deal… extra Winchester Ranger 147 grain for free (two boxes for 6 months of carry, so end up with about a box each year). In about a year… it will be Speer G2 147 grain.

Quote:
Originally Posted by John Patrick View Post
The cleaner extraction of 9mm is a point, but having the same revolver cut for moon clips with 38spl gets you pretty much there, at at a fraction of the cost.
Not really…

Take a 9mm and .38 Special and stand them up side by side. Notice that the loaded 9mm is about the same length as a .38 Special case. So, tell me how .38 Special in moon clips is the same in regards to extraction as 9mm in moon clips…

A .38 ejector rod is sized to adequately remove .38/.357 cases. Whether it does that, especially in snub revolvers… you could argue back/forth with people all day. But when the OAL of the cartridge is shorter, you will get a more positive ejection than longer cartridges. Even loaded, the 9mm’s bullets clear the chambers easily. Same could be said shooting .45 Colt in a .460 revolver.

So, you’ve never had an empty .38 or .357 case get hung up on the grips? Getting under the extractor isn’t as common, but it does happen (moon clips do prevent the latter, but now you have even more of an awkward mass that you are trying to clear the cylinder/frame/grips). If I’m reloading at the range, both instances suck… but can be cleared with a little patience. If it is a two way range, I prefer it not to come up.

Quote:
Originally Posted by John Patrick View Post
Trade in the revolver and get a P365 or G43X and more than enough ammo (when you include 38spl moon clip cut costs, more when you include conversion costs) to become proficient, in a smaller, thinner package with about equal weight compared to an AirWeight with a reload.
Again, you are incorrect…

An unloaded P365 weights just over what my 642 loaded (17 verses 16.5 ounces). If I remember correctly, I think loaded weight is like 23 ounces.

Glock 43X… unloaded is just under 18 ounces. Loaded… just a little over 23 ounces.

Here is a picture of the three stock guns in an overlay. Screenshot from Visually Compare Pistol And Revolver Dimensions, Weight, Capacity, And More | Handgun Hero



Personally, size is very subjective, as I feel the J-frame is smaller. Notice that while the barrel slightly pops out past the P365’s muzzle… how much slide extends past the rear of the 642.

And that just talks about the guns… not even reloads. Magazines weigh more than moon clips and my Del Fatti carriers.

I’ve stated already that I’ve been carrying that 642 since before either of those guns were released. Think the original Glock 43 was coming out around the time I did that conversion… and to be fair, I wasn’t a huge Glock guy back then. Only reason I shoot them now is because my agency issued me one… but carrying it off duty, it only happens when I fly (required to carry duty gun when flying armed… if I could carry my J-frame instead, I would).

But where it kind of annoys me with your post is the whole “trade it in for X.” How about I do what I want in regards to my firearms purchases? I mean, unless you are paying for the gun and ammo… it really isn’t much of your business. If I’m happy with my J-frame and always carry it… what is that to you? I don’t make my firearm decisions based on what other people feel, because at the end of the day… my money, my time (training), and my life.

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Originally Posted by John Patrick View Post
As far as high quality revolver reliability vs the modern high quality 9mms, I don’t believe there is any difference.
You may believe whatever you wish. That is completely your right.

I do agree, most handguns out now are pretty reliable… especially when you look back at history. Even still, I definitely recommend to put it thru it’s paces prior to carrying it… as all companies can have issues.

But that being said, I trust my J-frame to run 100%. It has been doing so since late 2009, and in 9mm since mid-2015. It isn’t anywhere near to being retired… and will continue to be my off duty carry for quite the foreseeable future. If that bothers anyone… sorry, but not sorry.

I will add that I’m not arguing people should carry 9mm revolvers over everything else. I rarely suggest snub revolvers to people because they are training intensive. When I first tested my 642 on a public range, I had a RO tell me he will show me how to shoot it. New target at 15 yards… had him shoot 5 rounds; three hit the target, one miss on paper, last one likely missed paper, looking like the person got hit with a partial pattern of buckshot. I shoot… five rounds in a 2” group. If someone feels a snub is a good gun for them, I’ll ask how much are they planning on shooting it throughout the year. Less than a box… go with something else (I’d say a few boxes spread thru the year… but money/time can be difficult for some). Need to practice, which a big help is dry-fire practice (my LG-405 is on there mainly for that).

All my posts should be taken as why I made the conversion to 9mm and why I still carry it. If someone is interested/has more questions, shoot me a message and I’ll give as much info as requested.

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Old 04-02-2022, 10:18 AM
JimCunn JimCunn is offline
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Carry choice is mostly about trust.
I have 3 Airweight 9mm J-frames.
I trust them.
I have 8 Automatics in various calibers.
I like them, but don't trust them - so J-frames are primary.
I don't perceive relative power as an issue.

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Old 04-02-2022, 10:54 AM
rich5674 rich5674 is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by John Patrick View Post
I think the only viable reason for a 9mm conversion is that short, tapered 9mm cases clear a chamber with even short ejector rods, and moon clips are fast to reload.

And if speed of reload after five shots is a significant factor is your choice of carry weapon you ought to be looking for a P365.
I agree. I thought I was the only person thinking this way
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Old 04-02-2022, 10:58 AM
JimCunn JimCunn is offline
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9mm J-frame reload time is about 3 seconds.
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Old 04-02-2022, 11:17 AM
Jim Watson Jim Watson is offline
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"Since the Saami specs for land and groove diameter are identical for 9mm, .38Sp, and .357 Mag, it seems to make no difference in blowby. At least it isn't a problem in my three J-frame conversions."

The theoretical difference is not in throat and barrel dimensions, it is the 0.4" jump through the .38 chamber that might let the 9mm bullet wander around. You and other users don't report any failures that might have caused, so it stays theoretical.

I had a couple of 686s cut for .38/.357 clips and did not find them a great advantage. The long skinny .38s flop around a lot more than short stubby 9mm or .45. Maybe I just did not have the right technique. IDPA rule changes obsoleted any clip gun smaller caliber than .45 anyhow.
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Old 04-02-2022, 12:25 PM
rich5674 rich5674 is offline
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9mm J-frame reload time is about 3 seconds.
I am a fan of 9mm, 10mm and 45acp revolvers but the thing is a extra mag is flat and fits in the pocket easy. Moon clips are bulky and delicate in the pocket. I’ve Bent a few.
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Old 04-02-2022, 12:33 PM
rich5674 rich5674 is offline
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Originally Posted by JimCunn View Post
Carry choice is mostly about trust.
I have 3 Airweight 9mm J-frames.
I trust them.
I have 8 Automatics in various calibers.
I like them, but don't trust them - so J-frames are primary.
I don't perceive relative power as an issue.
I also have both and carry either depending on dress and condition.
3 J frames work 100% since day one
Ruger LC9s same for 100s of rounds
New Colt series 70 so far for couple hundred rnds 100%
Vintage Colt series 70 and new Ruger Lite Rack, disapointingly, NO
Once helped a friend. Had a headache PPK. Changed mag and ammo,
Bingo, 100%
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Old 04-02-2022, 01:02 PM
Screwball Screwball is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by rich5674 View Post
Moon clips are bulky and delicate in the pocket. I’ve Bent a few.
Never have…



Del Fatti Leather

Called the PMC.

There are others putting out similar offerings. Think TK does, but rather the original guy.
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Old 04-03-2022, 10:04 AM
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I had considered having one of my Mod 60s converted until I happened across a like new Charter Arms 9mm Pitbull dirt cheap.
Cost was way less than the conversion and it added another gun to my accumulation.
I know it's still a Charter but I kind of like the little gun.
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Old 04-03-2022, 11:10 AM
JimCunn JimCunn is offline
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"Moon clips are bulky and delicate in the pocket"

I've never bent one. I protect them in Walmart pill bottles that hold three moonclips (15 rounds). When carrying, leave the lid off.
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Old 04-03-2022, 01:41 PM
John Patrick John Patrick is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Screwball View Post
I love how when power is brought up, people always reference Buffalo Bore. Converting J frame to shoot 9mm Legitimately wonder how many actually carry/train with it… at almost $40 for 20 rounds.

I got that beat… checking MidwayUSA, Hornady XTP 147 grain is $32 for 25 rounds. Prior to COVID, it was $17.50 per box. Cheapest I purchased that same load for was $11.25 per box (2015-2016 time period).

But the best deal… extra Winchester Ranger 147 grain for free (two boxes for 6 months of carry, so end up with about a box each year). In about a year… it will be Speer G2 147 grain.



Not really…

Take a 9mm and .38 Special and stand them up side by side. Notice that the loaded 9mm is about the same length as a .38 Special case. So, tell me how .38 Special in moon clips is the same in regards to extraction as 9mm in moon clips…

A .38 ejector rod is sized to adequately remove .38/.357 cases. Whether it does that, especially in snub revolvers… you could argue back/forth with people all day. But when the OAL of the cartridge is shorter, you will get a more positive ejection than longer cartridges. Even loaded, the 9mm’s bullets clear the chambers easily. Same could be said shooting .45 Colt in a .460 revolver.

So, you’ve never had an empty .38 or .357 case get hung up on the grips? Getting under the extractor isn’t as common, but it does happen (moon clips do prevent the latter, but now you have even more of an awkward mass that you are trying to clear the cylinder/frame/grips). If I’m reloading at the range, both instances suck… but can be cleared with a little patience. If it is a two way range, I prefer it not to come up.



Again, you are incorrect…

An unloaded P365 weights just over what my 642 loaded (17 verses 16.5 ounces). If I remember correctly, I think loaded weight is like 23 ounces.

Glock 43X… unloaded is just under 18 ounces. Loaded… just a little over 23 ounces.

Here is a picture of the three stock guns in an overlay. Screenshot from Visually Compare Pistol And Revolver Dimensions, Weight, Capacity, And More | Handgun Hero



Personally, size is very subjective, as I feel the J-frame is smaller. Notice that while the barrel slightly pops out past the P365’s muzzle… how much slide extends past the rear of the 642.

And that just talks about the guns… not even reloads. Magazines weigh more than moon clips and my Del Fatti carriers.

I’ve stated already that I’ve been carrying that 642 since before either of those guns were released. Think the original Glock 43 was coming out around the time I did that conversion… and to be fair, I wasn’t a huge Glock guy back then. Only reason I shoot them now is because my agency issued me one… but carrying it off duty, it only happens when I fly (required to carry duty gun when flying armed… if I could carry my J-frame instead, I would).

But where it kind of annoys me with your post is the whole “trade it in for X.” How about I do what I want in regards to my firearms purchases? I mean, unless you are paying for the gun and ammo… it really isn’t much of your business. If I’m happy with my J-frame and always carry it… what is that to you? I don’t make my firearm decisions based on what other people feel, because at the end of the day… my money, my time (training), and my life.



You may believe whatever you wish. That is completely your right.

I do agree, most handguns out now are pretty reliable… especially when you look back at history. Even still, I definitely recommend to put it thru it’s paces prior to carrying it… as all companies can have issues.

But that being said, I trust my J-frame to run 100%. It has been doing so since late 2009, and in 9mm since mid-2015. It isn’t anywhere near to being retired… and will continue to be my off duty carry for quite the foreseeable future. If that bothers anyone… sorry, but not sorry.

I will add that I’m not arguing people should carry 9mm revolvers over everything else. I rarely suggest snub revolvers to people because they are training intensive. When I first tested my 642 on a public range, I had a RO tell me he will show me how to shoot it. New target at 15 yards… had him shoot 5 rounds; three hit the target, one miss on paper, last one likely missed paper, looking like the person got hit with a partial pattern of buckshot. I shoot… five rounds in a 2” group. If someone feels a snub is a good gun for them, I’ll ask how much are they planning on shooting it throughout the year. Less than a box… go with something else (I’d say a few boxes spread thru the year… but money/time can be difficult for some). Need to practice, which a big help is dry-fire practice (my LG-405 is on there mainly for that).

All my posts should be taken as why I made the conversion to 9mm and why I still carry it. If someone is interested/has more questions, shoot me a message and I’ll give as much info as requested.
A quick response to be followed by a more thorough response when time permits.

Sorry you’re butt hurt by “you,” it was intended to be generic, as in “one could trade…” or “One ought to” rather than directed at any particular member.

You forgot your 642 reload weight when you compared gun weights. The five round reload is already in the loaded P365 or 43X.

You size comparison overlay doesn’t reveal the significant difference in width between J frames and the P365 or 43X.

Buffalo Bore SWCHP-GC +P is often cited because BB gives performance by barrel length, it out performs any 9mm and is readily available. There are a couple alternatives that don’t quite match BB.

I’ve shot BB’s load in my 638 among other revolvers.

I don’t practice with BB, but then I don’t practice with my +P 9mm HP ammo either, or 357 ammo.
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Old 04-03-2022, 01:46 PM
John Patrick John Patrick is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by JimCunn View Post
9mm J-frame reload time is about 3 seconds.
The time to access rounds 6-10 in a P365 or 43X is exactly zero seconds.

That fact and the fact that 38spl ammo which matches or exceeds 9mm performance is the whole point of why I think the money spent on converting a J frame to 9mm is better spent elsewhere.
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Old 04-03-2022, 03:16 PM
Screwball Screwball is offline
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Sorry you’re butt hurt by “you,” it was intended to be generic, as in “one could trade…” or “One ought to” rather than directed at any particular member.
Butt hurt? Not really… just pointing out your opinion is just that. Are you along the lines of Larry Vickers? Travis Haley? Jerry Miculek? Nope… and neither am I.

Your “view” ain’t worth any more than mine… but at least I don’t tell people what they (generic) should do. People in this thread are big boys/girls, so when it comes down to it, they can look at all the viewpoints and come up with their own decision. That is sort of the point of internet forums… share viewpoints.

You don’t like a 9mm revolver… great. Converting J frame to shoot 9mm Just because I do, doesn’t make me wrong. I put my life, the lives of my loved ones, and even the lives of people in public on that revolver. Trust me, if I didn’t have the confidence in it… it probably wouldn’t be in my holster.

If that bothers you… really can’t say that it is changing my thought process any. End of the day, I don’t know you. And for the people I know that shoot similar conversions, to include JimCunn… I doubt any of us are really going to “fight” you over it. I’ve seen threads about these conversions going back to 2009 (and I’ve talked to some of the first people to do this conversion on an Airweight before I did it). When it comes up, usually the same people give their experiences on them. I’ve never seen one person (myself, included) argue how .38 is garbage and everyone should convert to a 9mm J-frame. It isn’t beneficial to anyone. Giving info, at least if someone is interested… they have something to look at.

Not trying to paint you in a bad light due to having an opposing viewpoint, as it brings up a good conversation that people might have a new question/perspective that someone might view as valuable. But I see that different than scoffing at someone’s position because you don’t agree (like what I mentioned prior to your butt hurt comment).

For the reload weight… sure… add in 2.9 ounces. My math gives me 19.4 ounces. Even though the 2.9 ounces isn’t on the belt, it’s still lighter.

That being said, weight goes up as you consider the carry loadout. I normally carry two reloads… three if I’m traveling (NJ, for example) and have a moon clip in my center console (truck usually has an AR pistol, Level III vest with ammo, and sometimes a TAC-14). If I carry my P938… guess how many reloads I carry? Two… three, if traveling. If I carried a P365… it’s going to be the same (two… three, if traveling).

Biggest issue with people is that we tend to get lazy with things. Larger gun, more of a chance to say… “yea, I’ll be fine.” Or, “I’m just going to get milk.” Only time I remember going without a gun in the past couple years… going into Canada (tossed in the gun box at work, picked it up when I came back). It would have been easy to say… “it’s 10 minutes to the border, the hell with it.” But being I have a gun box available to me on my way in, and I deal with coworkers on my way back… I can’t even be that lazy. Your mileage may vary, but kind of know what works for me.

For cylinder thickness… and? It’s a J-frame… not an N-frame. But let’s look at it compared to something I have handy… a SIG P938 SAS.



Yea, you know… looking at how huge that cylinder is… I don’t think I can do it anymore. Better order a P365 right now. Converting J frame to shoot 9mm

But thinking it over, maybe I’ll hold on hitting BIN on GunBroker. Let’s look at it from another perspective… you do realize that it is just the cylinder that is wider, correct? Notice how the frame and barrel are much thinner. Again, goes back to my original point about size… very subjective.

For the ammo choice, you seem to be turning it into a peeing match instead of actually giving me anything groundbreaking. I carried Hornady CD +P when I carried it in .38… I carry Hornady XTP standard pressure now. Per my own testing, not listening to X, Y, or Z tell me how “this load will blow them out of their shoes,” I got a heavier 9mm standard pressure running the same velocity as a lighter .38 +P. I mean, I have some Federal +P+ I could chronograph… but that isn’t really pertinent to my situation. Alluded to it before, but if I have to seek out an ammo that is known for being loaded hot, am I not cheating the comparison by skewed data?

Whether Buffalo Bore is “readily available,” that is sort of hard to discuss during the tail end of a major ammo shortage… but I don’t see it sitting on the shelves at local gun shops. Hornady, to include the same load I carry… I saw some two or three weeks back at a somewhat local gun shop. It was at $40 a box… so might still be there.

Interested in your more detailed response… but I’ll follow that up with I’m not arguing opinion anymore. If you feel a P365 is so great… cool for you. Glad you feel comfortable with it. But, you’re not going to change my stance on my carry gun. If you want to have a discussion on it, I’m down.

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Old 04-03-2022, 04:10 PM
John Patrick John Patrick is offline
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Another quick response while at work:

Yea, you’re butt hurt.

Weigh out the same ammo load out.

P938 is slightly wider than P365. J frame is .25” wider than P365. You point about the “smaller” gun is significant, the P365 carries smaller IWB to me because it’s thinner at the belt.

I really like 9mm revolvers, I don’t think converting a 38spl +P or 357 J frame is the best use of the money it costs.

BB 38spl SWCHP-GC +P has been available every time I’ve looked. And how much do you need to stock, couple hundred at most. It isn’t practice ammo. Ditto for 9mm or 9mm +P HP carry ammo.
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Old 04-03-2022, 04:19 PM
JimCunn JimCunn is offline
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My thinking is a lot like Screwball.
Does stock 9mm have more power than stock .38Ssp?
Sure.
Can you load a .38Sp to greater than 9x23 pressure and with more power than a stock 9mm?
Sure, but I don't want to shoot it.
But why bother? Stock .38Sp power is more than adequate. So is .380.

I've been shooting handguns for over 70 years. In that amount of time I've become quite successful at missing more often than I would wish.
I have six 9mm handguns
Three .38Sp
Three .357Mag
Three .380
Two .22
One .45 ACP
One .36
And one .44

Out of the 20, what do I carry?
A lightened up 9mm J-frame.
Why? Because I like it better than the others.
It's quick, light, small, and accurate.
Those are all the reasons I need
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Old 04-03-2022, 04:34 PM
JimCunn JimCunn is offline
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"I really like 9mm revolvers, I don’t think converting a 38spl +P or 357 J frame is the best use of the money it costs".

Why would anybody care what it costs?
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Old 04-03-2022, 04:48 PM
JimCunn JimCunn is offline
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"The time to access rounds 6-10 in a P365 or 43X is exactly zero seconds"

My Dad has been in several gunfights while carrying a J-frame. Most rounds expended. Two. Reload time - zero.
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Old 04-03-2022, 05:24 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by JimCunn View Post
My thinking is a lot like Screwball.
Does stock 9mm have more power than stock .38Ssp?
Sure.
Can you load a .38Sp to greater than 9x23 pressure and with more power than a stock 9mm?
Sure, but I don't want to shoot it.
But why bother? Stock .38Sp power is more than adequate. So is .380.

I've been shooting handguns for over 70 years. In that amount of time I've become quite successful at missing more often than I would wish.
I have six 9mm handguns
Three .38Sp
Three .357Mag
Three .380
Two .22
One .45 ACP
One .36
And one .44

Out of the 20, what do I carry?
A lightened up 9mm J-frame.
Why? Because I like it better than the others.
It's quick, light, small, and accurate.
Those are all the reasons I need
BB states it’s +P ammo is within SAAMI specs. SAAMI 38spl + P max pressure is substantially lower than SAAMI 9mm or 9mm +P max service specs.

There are a couple of other ammo manufacturers whose +P loads are right on the heels of BB, also within SAAMI specs.

Maybe the wise and efficient use of money isn’t a consideration for you, but it is for many, probably most, members.
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  #97  
Old 04-03-2022, 05:27 PM
John Patrick John Patrick is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by JimCunn View Post
"The time to access rounds 6-10 in a P365 or 43X is exactly zero seconds"

My Dad has been in several gunfights while carrying a J-frame. Most rounds expended. Two. Reload time - zero.
If speed of access to rounds 6-? is not an issue, then why all of the chest pounding about the speed of clearing 9mm and speed of reloading 9mm with moon clips?
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  #98  
Old 04-03-2022, 06:10 PM
JimCunn JimCunn is offline
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"BB states it’s +P ammo is within SAAMI specs. SAAMI 38spl + P max pressure is substantially lower than SAAMI 9mm or 9mm +P max service specs".

That's right, and all of them provide adequate power.
Standard pressure subsonic 147gr 9x19 gives me an average of 952 fps and 292 ft-lbs out of a J-frame. That hurts my hand enough in a 12 ounce gun to be plenty of power for my purposes.

The wisest use of our money is anything that pleases us.
I choose to spend some of mine on guns and airplanes. Makes me happy.

Last edited by JimCunn; 04-03-2022 at 06:13 PM.
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  #99  
Old 04-03-2022, 06:13 PM
Screwball Screwball is offline
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Default Converting J frame to shoot 9mm

Quote:
Originally Posted by John Patrick View Post
Another quick response while at work:

Yea, you’re butt hurt.

Weigh out the same ammo load out.

P938 is slightly wider than P365. J frame is .25” wider than P365. You point about the “smaller” gun is significant, the P365 carries smaller IWB to me because it’s thinner at the belt.

I really like 9mm revolvers, I don’t think converting a 38spl +P or 357 J frame is the best use of the money it costs.

BB 38spl SWCHP-GC +P has been available every time I’ve looked. And how much do you need to stock, couple hundred at most. It isn’t practice ammo. Ditto for 9mm or 9mm +P HP carry ammo.
Quick reply from home…

I’m seeing an ongoing pattern here… like you keep saying something and thinking that means it true. Trust me, you carrying whatever you want is the furthest thing from bothering me. But obviously… the opposite isn’t true for yourself, because you have to “reply quickly [multiple times] from work” regarding 9mm conversions. Trust me, telling me I’m butt hurt because of your opinion isn’t any truer now than it is tonight/tomorrow/six weeks from now. Because when I leave the house, I’ll still have my J-frame on me. Still have zero idea why that really bothers you… but it now makes me smile a little bit more.

I don’t have to weigh out anything, because I don’t care enough to argue it with you. I gave my carry gun’s loaded weight, you called me out because it didn’t have a reload. Gave you what a reload weighs in the carrier… and now you want me to weigh the entire loadout. Maybe I should weigh each individual round while I’m at it…

No, I’m not doing that. Doesn’t prove anything shy of someone acting like a child because someone disagrees with them.

I also really don’t care about IWB being I rarely carry in that manner. OWB (White Hat Holster, if interested) with cover shirt or cargo pocket (JEA Custom) when shorts weather comes up. Either way, you aren’t really arguing anything effectively anyway.

If IWB was a concern, the J-frame isn’t 0.25” bigger than your P365 from end to end. It is that at a single point, and narrows down to a narrower width the rest of the profile. Also has less of a rear hump from the slide, which gets in the way more than the cylinder does. Again, you are arguing something that is purely subjective…

Costs… I don’t understand why you are worrying about money I spent almost 7 years ago. But let me break it down this way… every two weeks, I get a deposit put in my bank account from work. I work for said money… it is mine. If I want to buy a purple Hi-Point and carry that… it’s completely my prerogative. I can tell you one thing… I’m not selling my J-frame at a loss and buying a P365. Sorry… but not sorry.

Likewise, you get paid similarly… however often you get paid (weekly, biweekly, etc). That money is your money, which you can do what you want with it. Guess what… if you don’t want to spend it on a 9mm revolver conversion… YOU DON’T HAVE TO! Nobody is arguing that you must… and that has been made clear multiple times.

That being said, I’m done. Can tell a troll from the quick replies, trying to say they are doing a “service” to the forum when it really is just whining because someone doesn’t agree with them.

I’m actually running out the door to go to dinner… with my J-frame on me. Have a good rest of your shift. Converting J frame to shoot 9mmConverting J frame to shoot 9mm

Last edited by Screwball; 04-03-2022 at 06:16 PM.
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  #100  
Old 04-03-2022, 06:19 PM
JimCunn JimCunn is offline
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"If speed of access to rounds 6-? is not an issue, then why all of the chest pounding about the speed of clearing 9mm and speed of reloading 9mm with moon clips?"

I dunno, you're the one doing the chest pounding. I just told you how long it takes to reload. About the same as in an Auto, but typically you are unlikely ever need to reload either in a hurry.
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