The husband bought a 5" 9mm like what I have. He is talking about turning it into 9 major. Has anyone else done this with a M&P? What all is involved?

A barrel with a fully supported chamber and heavier recoil spring could make it work. It's harder on the gun, more pressure than any plusP load. The only use I see is for USPSA Open division which is pretty tough for the M&P platform.

He'd have to load his own ammo, which means first he'd have to find a suitable powder (not easy at the moment). I shoot Open minor (which raises some eyebrows) I'm too old to even get close to the young guys in time between shooting positions, so I just enjoy myself. Another thing to consider is that 9 major limits you to 4-5 times using a case before throwing it away. Of course the real secret is to hit all Alphas so there would be no advantage to using major power factor.

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Minimize the variables

You didn't believe us last time through this topic?
9mm major and M&P's

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Science plus Art

You basically said, don't do it. The husband is serious about it and I wanted more info on it. He does realize that it would throw him in open class for USPSA. I did not know if anyone had done the mod. to their M&P to make it major or not.

Bkreutz,
We do load our own ammo. He knows that it will put him in Open. I did not think about the stress on the brass. I shoot open limited because I am happy with shooting minor. I have shot major, (9x21, 40 S&W, 9x23) and I am ok with that. If I decide to shoot major again, I can always shoot the husbands old Para Ordinance 1911 45 a.c.p. I just need to have it worked on so the brass quits hitting me in the face. The husbands says to just wear a hat, that is what he does. He would shoot the 45 again except he wants more rounds. That is why he was thinking about switching to 40 (he decided against it) and is now looking at 9 major.

People have been trying to make 9X19mm into a major caliber since the first attempt by Jim Boland and Bruce Gray in the early 80's. Simply put it is both dangerous and foolish. Can it be done? Sure, but only if you are willing to run the ragged edge and leave NO margin for safety. If you are intent to try, then rechamber the gun to 9X21mm at a minimum and use a short enough OAL to fit the magazine. You have to use heavy bullets and highly compressed loads. As to powder and weight, no legitimate shooter will share this information with you for fear of you injuring yourself. If someone is that foolish, they better have a very good lawyer in their hip pocket.
Keith

Jim Boland reworked the husband 38 super gun back in the day and I have not heard about crazy Bruce Gray in years. Thanks for the memories.

If you are interested in where Bruce is now, see his site at Grayguns by Bruce Gray. You might even want to reach out to him for his opinion of what you want to do. I have no doubt he will attempt to dissuade you.
Keith

I say go for it...it is a cheap build compared to the Gloydays. My build is just waiting on a delta point 2 be released.

Have Fun!
A12243