Rangel
Member
This topic comes up again and again but I don't recall getting a general consensus on whether S&W factory issue barrels or Stormlake's are better. Seems there are folks who prefer one over the other. What do you think?
Prefer S&W or Stormlake barrels for 40c to 9mm conversion?
- Thread starter Rangel
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Perhaps 'conversion' barrel isn't the right term and I'm pretty sure S&W wouldn't call them that. However, people have been using the factory S&W M&P 9mm barrels in the 40 caliber M&P, as far as I know. I was leaning towards Stormlake, but thought I'd do a little research before deciding.
1sailor
Member
Unless you don't like S&W barrels I don't see any reason for paying an extra $100 for the Storm Lake barrels. Although right now Smith barrels are back ordered.
1sailor
Member
The Smith barrels are stainless as are the slide and some other components.
I bought a Storm Lake conversion barrel but it doesn't work due to its rough feed ramp. Ammo sticks to it and jams every time. I've been meaning to sand and polish it but haven't yet. Otherwise, it looks good and fits well. Just haven't been able to shoot it yet. From what I've read, mine may be the exception -- most may be OK.
I'm not an expert on this subject as I'm not a fan of conversions. But, it is my understanding that you can but should not drop a standard SW, SL, KKM, whatever 9mm barrel into a 40 slide. It will fit but it will be loose and is not recommended.
SL offers a conversion barrel and a semi-drop in barrel. The semi-drop in is for upgrading a SW 9 to a SL 9. Fitting may be required but usually is not. The SL conversion barrel is intended for caliber changes and is dimensionally different compared to the semi-drop in. Fitting is required for a conversion barrel.
Take this info with a grain of salt but I think you need to do more research.
SL offers a conversion barrel and a semi-drop in barrel. The semi-drop in is for upgrading a SW 9 to a SL 9. Fitting may be required but usually is not. The SL conversion barrel is intended for caliber changes and is dimensionally different compared to the semi-drop in. Fitting is required for a conversion barrel.
Take this info with a grain of salt but I think you need to do more research.
The S&W 9mm barrels fit a .40 M&P as well as the aftermarket conversions. That is to say, either may require handfitting to work, and even then are at least a .020 misfit for the 9mm on the .40 extractor.
Usually work well enough for range practice, but personally I would not trust one for protection. Murphy is alive.
By the way, use of caliber change or conversion barrels is prohibited for IDPA/SSP and USPSA Production competition.
Usually work well enough for range practice, but personally I would not trust one for protection. Murphy is alive.
By the way, use of caliber change or conversion barrels is prohibited for IDPA/SSP and USPSA Production competition.
What you say above is what I've gathered--that you may get 'lucky' and have the barrel drop right in and shoot well, but there's also a real chance that you may have to go to a gunsmith to 'get it right'. For reasons I don't know, it seems Glock's have a better chance of just dropping in, without requiring additional work.
People have also commented (as above) that for an everyday carry, you're wise to stick with the barrel the firearm came with.
BrianE
Member
I purchased a storm lake 9mm barrel for my m&p9 fs and it did not fit (barrel hood too wide), so I contacted storm lake and they replaced the barrel. The new one fit with no issues and I think is a little more accurate then the stock barrel. It also cleans very easy. Is it worth the extra money, prob not.
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1sailor
Member
This is usually a somewhat controversial subject. On the one hand I often hear from guys who haven't done the conversion themselves but have reasons for being against it. Usually involving poor fit etc. I have even read some posters claiming that the parts are not interchangable at all. On the other hand I have spoken to several owners who have done the .40 to 9mm conversion and have fired thousands of rounds without a single hitch other than the .40 cal magazines not always working 100% of the time when loaded with 9mm. So far I have not personaly heard from anyone who has purchased the Smith barrel saying it didn't fit. If the S&W barrel doesn't fit then there is a problem with S&W quality control. There would be no good reason for a factory part to fit sometimes and not others unless their machining and quality control is lax. Either all of their parts are made to the same tolerances or they are not.
And there's the key....
I have never heard of a S&W barrel giving anyone trouble dropping a 9 or .357 in a .40. If you're out there let us know!!!
However, we have a lot of guys that have trouble with Storm Lake barrels.
Take that info right there and decide.
I have never heard of a S&W barrel giving anyone trouble dropping a 9 or .357 in a .40. If you're out there let us know!!!
However, we have a lot of guys that have trouble with Storm Lake barrels.
Take that info right there and decide.
I purchased 2 S\L barrel, one 9fs conversion and 1 357c ported for my 40c, they have both been flawless, fit, finish and operation. I just shot about 50 rounds at 25yds this past weekend with the 9 conversion, it was perfect. I needed zero fitting or work done with either barrel.
Knochen
Member
I purchased a SL 9mm conversion barrel and after about a month received it only to find out I couldn't even chamber a round because the slide wouldn't go all the way back. SL sent me a mailer and re-tooled it, taking some off of the mound. Better, but it still would not chamber. Another mailer and return and another month I received a different barrel that has worked flawlessly. So I would urge you to call SL and tell them what you are experiencing...I'm sure they will make it good.
Another post said that he continued to use his 40 cal mag with 9mm ammo with an occasional malfunction. To that I would say buy the mags for the 9mm! They fit with absolutely no mods.
To the one who said he uses it on the range and not for protection, I would generally agree. My purpose for the barrel was to cheapen up my range time, not to replace the stopping power of my 40!
Talking with S&W I was told that they don't advise interchanging the barrels, but if you think about it, they after all are in the business of selling guns. I did once talk to another salesman there and he sort of off record said their 9mm barrel would work fine although mm's difference in length.
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