Pachmayr / Peters Stahl .22LR

Exchipy

Exchipy

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A recent acquisition, is this Pachmayr / Peters Stahl .22LR Accuracy Conversion Kit for S&W 9mm pistols:



It’s parked temporarily on my 3913. But, that aluminum frame is just too light for good balance with that heavy steel top end, and the handle is too short for the magazine. However, everything functions the way it should.

So, now, I’ve got to find myself a S&W 3904 or 3906 for their full length handles and all steel construction for proper balance. If I’m feeling flush at the time, I may just hafta spring for a Model 52, instead. Wouldn’t that make for an interesting accuracy combination? I was issued a S&W Model 52 while I was on the Yuma Proving Ground Pistol Team, as an Army draftee.

Some years after I mustered out, I got myself a Model 52. Then, I swapped out its guts for 3rd Generation 3904 guts, successfully converting that 52 from single action only to a SA/DA .38SPL wadcutter pistol. Trouble was, I became enamored with something else, and sold that 52 to finance some new toy I cannot now remember. Such is life for a gun-crazed individual of limited means.
 
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.22 Conversion units are a bit of a mixed bag from the standpoint of true match grade accuracy and reliability.
There are a few, such as those by Fred Kart, Bob Day, and Bob Marvel, that are finely made, reliable and competition level accurate.
Then, there are the mass marketed ones, such as made by Ceiner or Colt, that are basically suitable for spewing cheap .22 ammo at soda cans….if they even work.
The Peters Stahl conversion is somewhere in the middle. They aren’t going to help you win any matches. But, they do shoot well enough that thoughtful range time can yield useful training results. And, they are nicely made and finished.
You make an interesting point, though, about installing one on a Model 52! The improvement in trigger might just be enough to wring out a higher level of accuracy!

Peters Stahl 1911pistols are reknowned for their match grade performance. So, maybe that potential is, in fact, present in their conversion units…given the right frame!
It sounds like you have a great background to find out!
Best Wishes! :cool:

Please let us know, if you decide to proceed!
 
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If the conversion magazine is the same length as a 1st/2nd gen 39/X39 magazine, a 3904/6 frame won't work as they use a slightly longer magazine.
 
I’m kind of a 22 conversion addict. I have numerous and have been intrigued by them for decades. I’ve never seen a S&W DA/SA conversion in person. I have a 39-2 and 439 so if you want to send the conversion to me I can test it out, lol.

I do remember seeing the 22 LR conversion for the S&W 39 and by looking at the picture I think the magazine will be too short to fit the 3904/3906/909 frame. I think the magazine should fit the single stack first and second generation frames.

Here is a picture of some 39 single stack magazines from left to right. Promag 8 round, Sarco 8 round, S&W 39 8 round and far right 9 round S&W 3904/3906 magazine.

 
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I have had good results with my Ciener units-fired my Browning HP, my first handgun, probably 30-40x with the Ciener than with CF ammunition.
 
The Peters-Stahl kits do look interesting but I once tried to put one on a Model 52. It wouldn't start onto the frame rails.
Remember 52's had lapped slide/frame rails and I wasn't going to mess with the fit of a 52 for the sake of a conversion kit.
 
Im late to the party but thought I would comment on the accuracy potential of the Pachmayr/Peters-Stahl .22 Conversion Units. I'm like VASCAR2, I also have a .22 Conversion addiction, but for the 1911 pistol. In my collection I have a Pachmayr/Peters-Stahl 1911-22 Conversion Unit. Although I haven't shot it extensively, I have put a few hundred rounds through it. I had high hopes but was quickly disappointed. Accuracy using a Colt Combat Elite lower, CCI-SV, SK Pistol Match and Eley Match ammunition was mediocre at best. Granted I didn't buy this new, it was used but didn't appear to be used very much. To quailfy, I also have a Marvel Precision Unit#1 and a Nelson along with a Advantage Arms Target. The Peters-Stahl is cool, but in my opinion not something you want to use if you want to be competitive.
 
824tsv said:
Im late to the party but thought I would comment on the accuracy potential of the Pachmayr/Peters-Stahl .22 Conversion Units. I'm like VASCAR2, I also have a .22 Conversion addiction, but for the 1911 pistol. In my collection I have a Pachmayr/Peters-Stahl 1911-22 Conversion Unit. Although I haven't shot it extensively, I have put a few hundred rounds through it. I had high hopes but was quickly disappointed. Accuracy using a Colt Combat Elite lower, CCI-SV, SK Pistol Match and Eley Match ammunition was mediocre at best. Granted I didn't buy this new, it was used but didn't appear to be used very much. To quailfy, I also have a Marvel Precision Unit#1 and a Nelson along with a Advantage Arms Target. The Peters-Stahl is cool, but in my opinion not something you want to use if you want to be competitive.
Click to expand...

It’s been a very long time I’ve been out of competitive shooting. But, I still require appropriate precision as well as accuracy with my equipment. Even mounted on my 3913 frame, the Pachmayr .22LR unit does show some promise. I have high hopes for it, when it’s finally mounted on a full size, steel frame. However, I think it’s unlikely to ever match this performance by my Marvel Unit 1 at 50 yards:



For one thing, the Pachmayr unit has no provision for mounting an optical sight. And, I’m disinclined to be drilling holes in it.
 
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Iirc there was a scope mount for the Model 39 that replaced the right side grip panel, maybe I'm confusing it with the 1911 grip mount but pretty sure they existed although it's been years since I've seen one.

For those interested I saw a Model 59 conversion unit listed on the big auction site opening bid is pretty cheap and it is ending very soon.
They are pretty neat novelties but not practical in any way shape or form IMO.
 
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