9mm conversion

tac803 · Mar 4, 2009

I want to convert one of my model 36's, or my model 10 to 9mm. This primarily due to availability of ammo to me, and just because it think it would a fun gun to shoot.

I'm sure somebody here has thought of this before, so can you point me in the direction I need to go? Anybody got a spare 9mm cylinder?

Thanks in advance!

tac803 · Mar 4, 2009

I want to convert one of my model 36's, or my model 10 to 9mm. This primarily due to availability of ammo to me, and just because it think it would a fun gun to shoot.

I'm sure somebody here has thought of this before, so can you point me in the direction I need to go? Anybody got a spare 9mm cylinder?

Thanks in advance!

john traveler · Mar 4, 2009

Before you jump on the 9mm conversion bandwagon, consider the differences in the M10 and the purpose-built 9mm M547:

1. M10 barrel groove diameter is not optimum for 9mm.
2. M547 hammer/striker/limit pin is designed for the much higher pressure 9mm, and includes a feature that prevents the 9mm primer from extruding into the fp hole and locking up the gun.
3. Where do you think you are gonna find a 9mm cylinder?
4. A proper 9mm conversion cylinder will be cut for moon clips and will require the frame lug to be replaced.
5. A properly done conversion will probably cost close to what the semi-collector grade M547 will cost.

tac803 · Mar 4, 2009

Not jumping on the bandwagon, just trying to find out if it is feasable. Seeing that the prospects seem kind of bleak for converting a mod 10, what about converting a model 36?

john traveler · Mar 4, 2009

Most of the same headaches involved in an M10 conversion also apply to M36. If your M36 is an older one, built only for .38 Special, and not a newer M60 that is factory chambered in .357 Magnum, I would be doubly concerned about the ability of the frame to hold up to constant use under 9mm pressures.

One final note: any rechambering of a .38 Special gun to 9mm will result in mediocre if not outright LOUSEY accuracy when firing 9mm ammo. The same applies with converting other longer chambered cartridge guns to fire shorter rounds: .45 Colt to .45 ACP for instance. The additional chamber "jump" that the bullet makes is unguided, tends to distort the slug before it enters the chamber throat, making for poor results.

mikelain · Mar 4, 2009

Save your money and find a model 940. Not any larger or heavier than your m 36. Good luck with it.

tac803 · Mar 4, 2009

Thanks for the input on what was obviously a pretty bad idea. I appreciate it.

Bullseye Smith · Mar 6, 2009

Look here for your conversion, don't give up on a good thing

.
http://www.pinnacle-guns.com/index.asp

jkd88 · Mar 7, 2009

I think the 9mm has a much high chamber pressure then .38 spc, would shooting 9mm out of a non +p rated frame be a problem?

Alk8944 · Mar 8, 2009

If your only reason is to be able to shoot cheaper ammunition why don't you investigate handloading the .38 Spl. You can buy the tools for less than the cost of converting the revolver and load for even less than the least expensive commercially available ammunition.

walkin' trails · Mar 9, 2009

Not that I'm trying to discourage anyone from handloading, and personally believe that every competent firearms enthusiast should, but right now certain reloading components such as primers are about as hard to come by as certain calibers of commercial ammo.

I like the idea of converting a J to 9 mm and am thinking about a conversion project for my 640, which should have no problem handling the pressure.

safearm · Mar 12, 2009

I'm in the process of converting a Model 637 to 9mm. I used TK Custom (http://www.tkcustom.com/); the cylinder is currently there being re-chambered and cut for moon clips. I also have another hammer to bob on backorder from S&W. I'll post the results when I get everything back.

9mm conversion

tac803

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tac803

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john traveler

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tac803

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john traveler

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mikelain

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tac803

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Bullseye Smith

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jkd88

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Alk8944

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walkin' trails

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safearm

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