Model 59 Pachmayr/Peters Stahl .22 Conversion

[MG34_DAN]

I confess, I'm addicted to .22 conversions. But, what a beastie the Peters Stahl conversion for a model 59 is to fit! I have had this kit sitting around for 20 years and I thought now was the time to get her to work. So I picked up a used, but not abused, Model 59 and gave it the old college try.

I have many, many .22 conversions from an HK MP5 conversion through a Rick Kuehl M16 conversion to a Walther P38 conversion with at least 25 others. Don't get me wrong, the Peters Stahl unit is extremely well built and of a high quality. It has the highest quality magazines I have ever seen. They are all stainless steel with girders and ribs riveted on. These suckers would support an 18 wheelers with ease.

I have all the original documentation that came with it, but it leaves a little to be desired. All the parts fit. It's just getting them into position that's the bitch. And after all the dancing and squirming I find the slide hangs up on the cocked hammer and the magazines don't lock into place. It's going to take a while, but I'll get her to run if it kills me.

 

[D Rock]

Welcome to the Forum, MG34_DAN.

I have to say that I've never seen one of these conversions. Do you think you could post a picture or two?

Thanks

Dave

 

[MG34_DAN]

Welcome to the Forum, MG34_DAN.
I have to say that I've never seen one of these conversions. Do you think you could post a picture or two?
Thanks
Dave

I'll get the old camera out and take some pics. I'll try to get them posted tomorrow.

The kit is serial numbered and German Proof marked, Munich 1984. They came in wooden boxes with sliding top covers. I've seen plenty of German and Swiss conversions and they are all high quality. But, like I said previously, it's that magazines that impress me the most. Never have I seen magazines built so strongly. They are truly industrial grade.

 

[t-bird]

Looking forward to the pics.

 

[MG34_DAN]

OK. Here goes:

 

[D Rock]

Thanks for the pictures.

That's a really interesting set up.

Dave

 

[824tsv]

That pegs the cool meter Dan. Keep us posted on how it works.

 

[MG34_DAN]

That pegs the cool meter Dan. Keep us posted on how it works.

I think it's way cool too. That's why I got it 20 years ago when I didn't own a 59. I need to pull the grip plates and determine why the magazines won't lock up. The slide hang up on the hammer looks to be due to lack of wear and no lubrication. I think it will wear in and this issue will work itself out. The slide moves easily under its own weight so I don't think I'll have any frame issues. If you look closely you will see that the slide uses the ejector to align itself with the barrel face when closed. That's ingenious and addresses any alignment deviations when the barrel is locked down.

This is a very well constructed unit, but it isn't as nicely finished as my '74 vintage SIG P220 conversion that was made by Hämmerli in Switzerland. That kit is not to be confused with the current aluminum and plastic/nylon SIG offerings. The early ones are all steel and use a floating chamber similar to a Colt Ace pistol. But Hämmerli added gas exhaust ports to the barrel. Unbelievable.

 

[richardj]

that is marvelous

That's a very interesting kit. I too have a few pistol 22 conversions, also owned a M59 in the early 80's but i never saw one for the 59 b4. Good luck with that one.

Rich

 

[gdogs]

I had the same issue of the slide sticking on the hammer on my Stahl/Pachmayr Browning Hi Power kit. Fortunately all it took was too slowly remove material from the top of the hammer, now it is as slick as could be. I was concerned that it would effect the 9mm slide functionality, but I got lucky and it didn't. I fit a Stahl kit for a 1911 Commander recently for a friend. Wow, I thought the Hi Power conversion was a bear to install. These kits are well made, accurate, and reliable once fitted, but man they don't make it easy on you.

 

[gary078]

559 .22lr Peters Stahl conversion kit

Hello all,
I recently picked up a 559 that came with the above conversion kit. Unfortunately it did not come with installation instructions. I have tried several times to put this together at the gun shop to no avail. I have to do this at the gun shop because I live in NJ and I'm waiting on the permits. I have included several pictures, If any one has installation instructions for the 559 or 59 could you post them or contact me and I will give you my email or phone number. Thanks everyone, I appreciate it. It's not rocket science but I can't seem to get it to fit.!!

Postimage.org / gallery - box, Parts 01, Parts 02