"Shorty Forty" in .356 TS&W

[PD5523]

In or around 1993, I contacted Lew Horton Distributors in an attempt to purchase a limited edition "Shorty Forty". At the time, that model was sold out but I was told they had the same package available in the then new .356 TS&W. The concept seemed excellent, and probably was. The .356 TS&W offered ballistics similar to the (as yet to exist) .357 SIG but was never marketed aggressively enough to suceed in the marketplace. But, I succomed to the urge and bought the Performance Center Compact .356 TS&W. I also purchased 10 boxes of Cor-Bon ammo all for the then princely sum of around $1100. I have never fired the pistol, still have all the ammo. But, I'm left with what amounts to an expensive paperweight since I have been unable to find any recent production ammo for the .356 TS&W.

So, my alternatives would to be try to find brass and dies to reload for the 356. Sell the pistol and ammo I currently have. Or have the pistol re-chambered to 9mm if the Performance Center would accept the conversion work (which several years ago they priced at $300).

I'd like to hear from .356 owners, or other members of the forum, as to opinions on the best course of action. While I would hate to have the 9mm conversion performed, since I have no need for another compact 9mm (especially one which would cost a totoal of nearly $1500), it seems a practical alternative unless I can find .356 ammo!

Thanks for any input!

 

[Alk8944]

You can't "re-chamber" a .356 to 9mm, it would be a re-barrel. You wanted a Shorty-Forty, while at it why not just get a .40 S&W barrel for it?

 

[Scotter260]

Dang, how about some pictures?!?!? Sounds like a cool pistol.

 

[PD5523]

My mistake-I was in a hurry and typed "re-chamber" when I realized this would require fitting of a new barrel. I hadn't thought about re-barrelling to .40 calibre assuming the 9mm switch would be easier to accomplish!

 

[SmithNut]

Having a 9mm barrel would make this unique pistol a bit more versatile. As for reloading, there are dies and components available (except for brass everything else is standard, i.e., 9mm bullets, standard primers, etc.). Unfortunately brass is going to be a bit tougher, if you find a supply of factory ammo you can reload that brass. Starline used to sell 356tsw brass, but I understand they do not anymore. Another alternative is to cut down Winchester 9mm Magnum brass, lots of work (I've done it, not going to do it again.... ).
Some have suggested using 9x21 brass, since the .356tsw is actually 9x21.5, but I'd probably do that as a last option.
As for rebarreling to 40S&W, I could be wrong but it's my opinion that isn't an option unless you replace the slide as well, the extractor position for a 9mm is different than a 40S&W. A possibility would be rebarreling to 40 Action Express (I think that's what it was called), which was a 40 caliber case with rebated 9mm rim.

Good luck

 

[R. G. Amos]

Several years ago I bought a PC 356TSW auto with a 5-in barrel. I contacted S&W and requested a price for a 9mm barrel. At that time S&W told me they could not supply a 9mm barrel for the pistol. Bar-Sto told me they would provide one for about 200$in a time frame of a couple of months. I decided against buying the 9mm barrel.

Unless you specifically want the pistol you have chambered in 9mm, I would not pay for an additional barrel and spend the time fooling with shipping the gun back and forth. I would simply sell the one I have and buy something chambered in 9mm. I have seen these short barrel 356TSW autos on auction sites for exhorbitant prices (1400$+/-), but they did not sell quickly.

At the time I bought the 356TSW pistol, CDNN had Federal Match ammo for about 100$ for 1000-rnds.

 

[bad_man_ one]

Some info about the .356 TSW cartridge and firearms

http://smith-wessonforum.com/smith-...ne-questions-update-found-356-tsw-barrel.html
Regards,
BM1

 

[Grinder]

I have a few pistols in this caliber
There is old stock ammo available on auction every so often
Last year S&W PC put 9mm barrels in 2 of my 5" guns
A 952 barrel can be easily fit
I'm not sure if they would do the Shorty
I recently talked to a shooter who uses 9X21 brass with no issues
If you don't want/ need a 9mm
I would sell it and buy a Shorty 40

 

[rbert0005]

Starline has brass for the 356TSW

Bob

 

[PD5523]

Thanks for the information and insight, as well as the link BM1. It doesn't appear Starline is currently listing any brass. I contacted the PC and may reconsider the 9mm re-barrel if it's practical to do so. Otherwise, it's back to scouring the auctions for brass and/or ammo!

 

[handgunner356]

OK, I'm sure there will be plenty of comments but I remove the smaller inside recoil spring and shoot 9x19 through mine. You are counting on the extractor to hold the round against the firing pin and you will get a carbon buildup at the front of the chamber, but it can be cleaned. I've also found some of the hotter plusP rounds will cycle the gun with both springs installed. I've run 300+ 9mm rounds through my compact and over 3,500 through my Briley comp gun that I use for Bullseye, never had a FTF or FTE, although it is sprung down to 9#s'.