Shorty9-4046TSW-357 SIG

Heymatt · #1 04-13-2023, 06:05 PM

Figured I’d start a thread on this one.
Found a Shorty 9 parts kit and was lucky enough to win it.
Thanks to sndbagger for being a gentleman during the bidding.
Apologies to the purists. There’s noway of ever finding a Shorty9 frame. So the plan is to-make something unique.
So the overall plan is to fit the Shorty9 slide to a 4046TSW frame.
Convert the 4046TSW to TDA using a mix of 5906/915 parts as needed. And finally, getting a 5906TSW barrel modded to accept the 357 SIG round.
This one will be more of fun range gun.
Going to enlist Guzzi and BMCM to help with the fancy stuff. I get to do the hunting and cleaning of parts.
So here are the first round of pics.
Brinks 4046TSW typical lack-of cleaning with minimal internal wear.
Some holster wear, nothing that can’t be corrected.
Shorty9 slide needs no introduction. Even after Gunbusters had their way with it. The barrel to slide fit is perfect.

cherrypointmarine · #2 04-13-2023, 06:58 PM

In the end if you like it that's all that matters . I can't say enough about our resident gunsmiths , all of it great . They've both worked on my S&W's , I DON'T trust anyone else .Sounds like you're going to have something special , a sweet carry piece . If you need a 5906tsw barrel , PM me .

Heymatt · #3 04-14-2023, 08:54 AM

Once all the parts get here, the next step is….

SmithNut · #4 04-14-2023, 09:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Heymatt

Figured I’d start a thread on this one.
Found a Shorty 9 parts kit and was lucky enough to win it.
Thanks to sndbagger for being a gentleman during the bidding.
Apologies to the purists. There’s noway of ever finding a Shorty9 frame. So the plan is to-make something unique.
So the overall plan is to fit the Shorty9 slide to a 4046TSW frame.
Convert the 4046TSW to TDA using a mix of 5906/915 parts as needed. And finally, getting a 5906TSW barrel modded to accept the 357 SIG round.
This one will be more of fun range gun.
Going to enlist Guzzi and BMCM to help with the fancy stuff. I get to do the hunting and cleaning of parts.
So here are the first round of pics.
Brinks 4046TSW typical lack-of cleaning with minimal internal wear.
Some holster wear, nothing that can’t be corrected.
Shorty9 slide needs no introduction. Even after Gunbusters had their way with it. The barrel to slide fit is perfect.

You might be disappointed in trying to get the Shorty9 slide to work, the extractor position is for a 9mm case, the .40/.357 Sig round is wider, not sure if you would get reliable extraction, but check with BMCM on the idea.

I did have Bill ream out a 9MM TSW barrel to .357 Sig dimensions and fit it to my M4046TSW, it turned out great, am having lots of fun shooting it.

I also have a preference to DAO shooting so going through the process of reworking your M4046 frame would be an exercise I'd personally avoid, but that's up to you.

Love the end result of making my M4046TSW into a dual cartridge shooter....

colt_saa · #5 04-14-2023, 10:17 AM

There is nothing wrong with modifying a gun to what you want it to be.

I always get a kick out of Purists that will go crazy to find a Jovino Effector or one of the other now sought after converted Smith & Wessons.

The first guy to send his Model 25 off to Behlert or Jovino would have been shamed if the Internet had been around back then

I have been a HUGE 357SIG fan since my exposure to it in the early 90s out in Texas.

Timing wise I understand why no 3rd generation 357SIGs were produced, they did not want to compete against their own Ultimate LEO cartridge the 40S&W

The Performance Center did produce a single 357SIG chambered Shorty 357 back in 1993. It appears to have been done on request of a South Florida resident. I am still trying to learn more about his relationship with the Factory

I am curious why you sought out the Shorty 9 slide assembly? Is the end goal a dual slide pistol?

I would have just had Briley or Bar-Sto manufacture a 357SIG barrel for the 4046

Breach face wise the 4046 is already good to go for the 357SIG cartridge. The Shorty9 slide assemble will likely need work.

Though you have already chosen the right guys to help make this happen

Heymatt · #6 04-14-2023, 03:25 PM

End goal is a dual slide, three caliber set up.
The shorty slide wasn’t something I was looking for. Just kinda happened upon it.
It’s based on a 5906 frame, so is the 4046TSW. So, in theory it should work with a little massaging.
Nothing ventured, nothing gained!

Heymatt · #7 04-24-2023, 06:40 PM

Broke the 4046 down for a thorough cleaning. Just as filthy as one could expect from a Brinks pistol. Plenty of fuzz inside the mag well and layers of crud throughout. Little to no wear internally.
All the parts have arrived and it’s time to get crackin!

Heymatt · #8 04-25-2023, 06:34 PM

Step 1 complete.

4046TSW converted to TDA
Trigger, slide stop, side plate and lever from shorty 9 parts kit.
Hammer and grip from a 910 parts kit.
Single sided safety from a forum member.
Decock timing works, no launching of the pencil.
5906TSW barrel arrived.

Step 2 up next. Off to Guzzi’s to fit the PC slide to my TSW’s frame.

Step 3 TSW slide and barrel to BMCM for a SIG conversion

Heymatt · #9 05-20-2023, 09:11 AM

Progress pic, more to come!

guzzitaco · #10 05-21-2023, 02:46 PM

Hi guys...a short post to continue with the story...

About 3 months ago, my friend Matt sent me a text message on a Sunday afternoon to tell me about a Shorty 9 slide on gun broker...would that fit any frame? he asked... I think a 5906 TSW might work I replied...

to make a long story short, Matt bought the slide and a couple of weeks later he found a 4046 TSW frame...

So, I got both on my bench shortly after...

I immediately tried the slide for fitting and it wouldn't go in...

it was rubbing on a couple of spots...

after a bit of filing, I was able to "start" getting into the frame...

After some lapping...and a few hours of hard work...the slide was fitted...

After that, I decided to re-touch the slide and put it back together...

added a "U" notch to the rear slide...

retouched the front sight...

got ready the frame to blast...

retouch the rail, with some aluma black...

and then...she was done...

took some pics after...

Now to the other slide...

more to come

Guzzi

Heymatt · #11 06-11-2023, 02:14 PM

Picked up the finished project from Guzzi.
Looks freakin fantastic!
Shorty 9 slide feels smooth as silk racking it.
40SW slide billboard removed and cleaned up.
Can’t wait to get to the range for some target time.
Next step the 40SW slide and 5906 TSW barrel will be off to BMCM to get fitted and modified for 357 SIG.

Heymatt · #12 06-15-2023, 06:24 PM

Got the Shorty 9 hybrid out to the range for the first time.
100 rounds of 115g Magtech. Zero issues and runs like a champ!
Now I have to up my game to keep up with this beauty!
Nearly a year since my last range trip, a little rusty but not terrible.
Can’t wait for the modified barrel and slide to get done.
Promised Guzzi a range trip with all three calibers when it’s done!

Sevens · #13 06-15-2023, 08:04 PM

Very neat project. I hate the rail with the white-hot intensity of a thousand suns. 😂 But still, super cool all in all.

guzzitaco · #14 06-16-2023, 10:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Heymatt

Got the Shorty 9 hybrid out to the range for the first time.
100 rounds of 115g Magtech. Zero issues and runs like a champ!
Now I have to up my game to keep up with this beauty!
Nearly a year since my last range trip, a little rusty but not terrible.
Can’t wait for the modified barrel and slide to get done.
Promised Guzzi a range trip with all three calibers when it’s done!

I hope the range trip includes ammo...

Heymatt · #15 06-16-2023, 12:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by guzzitaco

I hope the range trip includes ammo...

i figure about 200 rounds of each should keep us entertained for a little while

Heymatt · #16 09-25-2023, 06:18 PM

Been a while since the last post on this. But all the parts are finally back in town!
Looks great! BMCM did his usual fantastic job on the SIG barrel!
Guzzi erased the billboard for a slick look on the 4046TSW slide.
Now it’s time to punch some holes and see how it runs!

Heymatt · #17 10-12-2023, 11:34 PM

Finally had a chance to head to the range and put the new combo to the test. First up was the 40SW barrel with some PMC 180 gr ammo. Loaded up some mags and send the target out to 7yds.
A little more recoil than the 9mm, not bad at all. 50 rounds, zero issues usual grouping for me, little left but still a bad day for the bad guy.
Switched out the 40SW barrel to the .357 SIG barrel.
Load the mags with some SIG Sauer ammo, all took the same number of rounds as the .40SW.
Send the target out again to 7 yds. Line it up and squeeze off the first round. DAAAAAMMM!!!! Out comes a fireball and a report that sounded like a 357 magnum round! Noticeably more recoil than the 40SW, but very manageable.
I just started giggling like a little kid with a grin from ear to ear!
Wow!! That’s impressive!
Grouping was a little tighter after the round flyer. It caught me off guard, just was not expecting that!
It was definitely worth the wait to come up with this dual slide three caliber set up!
Guzzi, I think we’re gonna need more ammo

So, now about this 3913 Sig conversion thing…………

4T5GUY · #18 10-13-2023, 01:52 AM

Well of course I was originally almost doubting what you would be able to do with the Shorty 9 parts from Gunbusters. I actually saw it and tracked it when it was first being offered. I was happy someone I “knew” got it.

That is so very cool what all you have done, (monetarily and positive attentive energy from you,) with the help of two of the best to see it through.

Thanks for the update.

Jim

Heymatt · #19 11-01-2023, 06:52 PM

Just took a look at a couple of fired brass from the SW40 and the 357 SIG barrels. Firing pin marks are different even though its the same for both barrels. The 40 round looks marked all the way around, unlike the SIG round.
Interesting.

TAROMAN · #20 11-01-2023, 07:20 PM

Interesting job, makes me wonder about the feasibility of making my 4053 into a dual caliber gun.

JohnHL · #21 11-02-2023, 04:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Heymatt

Just took a look at a couple of fired brass from the SW40 and the 357 SIG barrels. Firing pin marks are different even though its the same for both barrels. The 40 round looks marked all the way around, unlike the SIG round.
Interesting.

Hey, Matt!

When I see a firing pin drag on a primer (as in your first picture), I must wonder if the higher recoil velocity of the cartridge is a sign that the empty shell is bumping against the firing pin during extraction/ejection.

Can the higher slide velocity generated by the higher pressure cartridge (357Sig vs. 40s&w) exceed the firing pin spring's ability to retract the pin.

I think it is a mistake to go to the higher pressure and velocity round while staying with the lower pressure round's recoil, main, and sometimes firing pin springs.

In the second pic, I would think the differences in the case markings are the result of differences in the finish of the two chambers.

Unless I'm missing something...

And many have said that I definitely am!

John

JohnHL · #22 11-02-2023, 04:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TAROMAN

Interesting job, makes me wonder about the feasibility of making my 4053 into a dual caliber gun.

It can be done, but on the large frame 4053, the only practical option is 10mm.

Many have done it, but it can be hard on the alloy frame.

John

Heymatt · #23 11-04-2023, 09:45 AM

So, what size recoil spring rate would you suggest as a starting point? Factory rate shown on Wolf’s site is 17lb, with 18,20 and 22 available.
A calibration pack includes all 4 with extra power firing pin springs.

BAM-BAM · #24 11-04-2023, 09:53 AM

Interesting ....... I own a couple of Shorty-9s and one is a primary concealed carry piece when I want more than the 7/8+1 in a 39xx series gun.

MY FrankenSmiths go the other way a 915 upper fitted to a 69xx frame.....longer slide conceals nicely IWB in a Sparks Summer Special; short butt with modified mag base doesn't print; gun paired with 1/2 15rd mags w/ +2 adaptors for reloads.

JohnHL · #25 11-04-2023, 03:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Heymatt

So, what size recoil spring rate would you suggest as a starting point? Factory rate shown on Wolf’s site is 17lb, with 18,20 and 22 available.
A calibration pack includes all 4 with extra power firing pin springs.

I would start with an extra power firing pin spring to help the firing pin to retract faster.

On my 357Sig conversions, while 20lb. is standard hammer spring for the 40s&w, I went up to the maximum, 23lb. to keep the slide closed longer and reduce frame battering.

Pretty much the same for the recoil spring.
17lb. is standard.
I went up to 22lb.

Helps tame the recoil and reduces battering.

John

Heymatt · #26 04-14-2024, 01:50 PM

Update on this one.
It was nice to have the ability to swap top ends around to have three calibers on the same frame.
Just didn’t seem fair for the PC9 to have to share, so.
Now I have the PC9 slide dedicated to it’s own 4046 TSW frame with a Red dot. The Sig barrel will have it’s own 4046 TSW frame with a PC cut slide from Guzzitaco.
Pics of course