9mm to 38 Super?
- Thread starter x-51
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I have a gunsmithing book at home that I bought back in the 70's that talks about converting 39's to 38 Super. I don't remember the name of the author or the book but I can check when I get home. If I remember correctly I think that the conversion only works with 90gr. bullets in the Mod. 39 because of the overall lenght of the cartridge but I might be wrong.
George Nonte did the articles on that conversion of the model 39. Your limiting factors are the size of the magazine well and magazine. The .38 Super is significantly longer than the 9 mm and the frames of 9 mm pistols generally will not allow the conversion. The only way Nonte did it was to go with a bullet too light for caliber.
HEADKNOCKER
Member
I've done it on my Model 940 revolver..
Worked out Great!!
Gary/Hk
Worked out Great!!
Gary/Hk
The book is titled "Pistolsmithing" by George C. Nonte, Jr. it's in chapter 26.
There is only about a paragragh on it and he says to use a 38 Super chambering reamer with a square cut so that the cartridge chambers on the mouth instead of the rim. Also to use short cartridges like Super Vel (I told you the book was old). According to George that's all that has to be done in order for the conversion to work. Get a copy and heck it out.
Kirmdog
There is only about a paragragh on it and he says to use a 38 Super chambering reamer with a square cut so that the cartridge chambers on the mouth instead of the rim. Also to use short cartridges like Super Vel (I told you the book was old). According to George that's all that has to be done in order for the conversion to work. Get a copy and heck it out.
Kirmdog
38-44HD45
Absent Comrade
Slightly different angle here: Why try? In factory loadings today, 9x19 loads outperform .38 Super loads, with only a few exceptions. Most 9x19 guns, as noted above, are built around the cartridge, making the magazine too short for the Super, and the cycle length and dwell too short, as well. therefore, getting it to run right, even with short, deep-seated bullets, might be quite difficult. Now, keep in mind, I'm a great believer in rechambering or rebarrelling 1911-types from 9x19 or .38 Super to 9x23, since that design was built around the .45 ACP, roughly the same length as the Super and 9x23.
Spotteddog
Member
Great to read you again 38/44!
