639 and NATO

[mike from st pete]

Is Winchester's 124 NATO safe to use in a 639?

 

[murphydog]

I think 9 mm NATO spec is at the higher end of pressures. It will put extra stress on the gun, and unless you already have a good supply of it standard ball ammo is cheaper.

 

[Rock185]

I've owned several S&W 9mms, including at least two 639s. I used NATO ball and equivalent reloads in most, if not all, of them. In fact, over the last couple of decades, I have probably used more 9mm NATO ball as general range/practice ammo in pistols, revolvers and carbines than anything else. There were no issues. The 639s are not delicate guns, and NATO ball is not designed to damage guns. I can't tell others what is safe or unsafe in their guns, but I continue to use Winchester and IMI NATO ball ammo in my 9mms without any concern.....ymmv

 

[WR Moore]

NATO spec 9 mm ball is approximately 9 mm+P. Per your manual, and numerous threads, it's safe for use in your 639.

 

[mike from st pete]

Thanks all my favorite is S&B 124. That's been a bit scarce around here.

 

[stansdds]

The 639 has a stainless steel receiver and will hold up very well to NATO and +P ammo. Genuine 9mm NATO spec ammo operates 7% above standard pressure ammo specs. 9mm +P ammo operates at 10% above standard pressure ammo, so NATO is hotter than standard ammo, but not as hot as +P.

 

[mike from st pete]

639 is a tank of a 9mm pistol.

 

[LVSteve]

The 639 has a stainless steel receiver and will hold up very well to NATO and +P ammo. Genuine 9mm NATO spec ammo operates 7% above standard pressure ammo specs. 9mm +P ammo operates at 10% above standard pressure ammo, so NATO is hotter than standard ammo, but not as hot as +P.

As a firm believer that SAAMI is often cranial-rectally challenged, I would flip the script on your statement. NATO is THE standard. +P in the US is a touch hotter, and SAAMI spec is downloaded to appease the 45 ACP mafia. JMNSHO you understand.

 

[BLACKHAWKNJ]

Yes. that stainless steel receiver will hold up a lot better than aluminum.
Wouldn't a stronger recoil spring help ?

 

[stansdds]

As a firm believer that SAAMI is often cranial-rectally challenged, I would flip the script on your statement. NATO is THE standard. +P in the US is a touch hotter, and SAAMI spec is downloaded to appease the 45 ACP mafia. JMNSHO you understand.

True. European 9x19 tends to be a little hotter than most U.S. made 9x19 ammo.

 

[stansdds]

Yes. that stainless steel receiver will hold up a lot better than aluminum.
Wouldn't a stronger recoil spring help ?

The stock spring is 14 pounds, you could go to a 16 pound spring and be fine with NATO, +P and +P+ ammo. I see no need in recoil springs heavier than 16 pounds for the 39/59 series pistols. Remember, the recoil spring's primary function is to propel the slide forward. Heavy springs impart more impact energy to the barrel, slide stop pin, and the slide stop pin holes in the receiver.

 

[Dave_n]

As a firm believer that SAAMI is often cranial-rectally challenged, I would flip the script on your statement. NATO is THE standard. +P in the US is a touch hotter, and SAAMI spec is downloaded to appease the 45 ACP mafia. JMNSHO you understand.

In fact, if you use a Luger P08 like I frequently do, you need the NATO specification to "break the knuckle" to load the next round. Dave_n

 

[jimbo728]

When using NATO 9mm or +P keep an eye on your firing pin channel.
The extra pressure causes , in some cases, brass chips or primer shavings to clog up the FP channel. This is not just an opinion but an observed fact.
Jim