I have been thinking of picking up a 9 mm revolver since ammunition seems a lot cheaper than 38's. I read though that some barrel sizes, like in a 986, are the same size as 38 specials and not 9 mm which I believe was said to be .355. Just curious if this is true and any other thoughts on a 9 mm revolver.
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Thoughts on 9mm revolvers? and barrel size for 38's rather than .355 for 9mm?
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Shrek Of The Arctic
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I have been thinking the same thing myself. The other day I did math things (It was hard for me!) And I realized it is literally cheaper for me to buy 9mm than reload it. That goes without saying for my .38 and .357.
Been debating my level of interest regarding a 929 or a 986.
I'll be curious to see what other folks have to say.
Been debating my level of interest regarding a 929 or a 986.
I'll be curious to see what other folks have to say.
For my purposes, I’m not interested in rimless cartridges in revolvers, with the possible exception of J-frames, but in any revolver what seems to matter, if accuracy is the issue, is the relationship between the size of cylinder exit bores and groove diameter, and whether the ammunition loaded with suitably sized bullets can be safely used in the revolver’s chambers. (This statement presumes that mechanically the revolver is otherwise ok.)
My 940 came with exit bores measuring approximately .353”. Accuracy was acceptable, but not what was wanted. Opening the exit bores to ~.3555” not only improved accuracy but generally made the gun function better. Without measuring the individual weapon, everything is based on speculation, but to be sure, I would not be too keen to have an expensive 9mm revolver with a barrel that has a .357-.358 groove diameter. That seems “starting off on the wrong foot.”
My 940 came with exit bores measuring approximately .353”. Accuracy was acceptable, but not what was wanted. Opening the exit bores to ~.3555” not only improved accuracy but generally made the gun function better. Without measuring the individual weapon, everything is based on speculation, but to be sure, I would not be too keen to have an expensive 9mm revolver with a barrel that has a .357-.358 groove diameter. That seems “starting off on the wrong foot.”
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CBR1943
Member
I have 3 switch cylinder Ruger Blackhawks one of which is the .357/.38 and 9mm. The 9mm shoots just fine in the .357 barrel. Like any firearm, different ammunition can show difference in accuracy. However, I never buy ammo. I reload everything I shoot. The 9mm shoots just fine in the Ruger using jacketed bullets.
I have one of the Czech Alfa revolvers. It works fine, tho I'm still not convinced 9mm revolvers make a lot of sense. I rarely take it out and probably should just get rid of it. It uses moon clips and I've never been big fan of those.
sigp220.45
US Veteran
I own this Uberti made 9mm single action. I love it. Not long ago I came to the realization I dislike reloading so its all factory ammo for me. 9mm is cheap again, and I like revolvers. Its a great match.
Edited to add: It also has a .357 cylinder, but is marked 9mm on the barrel. It came with 300 rounds of assorted factory .357 and .38 Special ammo. Once I burned that up I’ve only shot 9mm in it. There was no difference in accuracy between the two cylinders.
Edited to add: It also has a .357 cylinder, but is marked 9mm on the barrel. It came with 300 rounds of assorted factory .357 and .38 Special ammo. Once I burned that up I’ve only shot 9mm in it. There was no difference in accuracy between the two cylinders.
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Technically a .38/.357 has a (surprise!) .357 bore diameter, in contrast to the .355 of the 9 mm. I don’t know if the factories make them all .355, .357 or split the difference, but if they shoot accurately I suppose it doesn’t matter.
SnidelyWhiplash
Member
The only 9mm revolver I have...
.357 Magnum pistol...I'm kinda doing it in reverse...
.357 Magnum pistol...I'm kinda doing it in reverse...
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I've had both a 986 and a 940 and I was not impressed with either. Problem with sticky extraction in both. Loaded moon clips were more difficult to carry. Accuracy was just acceptable.
I no longer own either.
I think 9mm were made for Semi auto's.
The 940 is the top left gun in the 3 gun picture. Liked the Pachmar grips due to the "sharp" recoil in the J frame.
I no longer own either.
I think 9mm were made for Semi auto's.
The 940 is the top left gun in the 3 gun picture. Liked the Pachmar grips due to the "sharp" recoil in the J frame.
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Check the SAAMI specs for land and groove diameter of .38sp and 9mm barrels. Accuracy is not affected by conversions from one to the other.
I have lightened three Airweight 637-2 J-frames by 2 ounces (11.5 to 12.5 ounces total depending on grip choice) by installing titanium .357 Magnum cylinders reamed for 9mm (I use 147 gr for an average of 952 fps and 293 ft-lbs). They are by far my favorite carry guns, and accuracy is not affected by the conversion.
9mm recoil out of the little suckers does smart though.
I have lightened three Airweight 637-2 J-frames by 2 ounces (11.5 to 12.5 ounces total depending on grip choice) by installing titanium .357 Magnum cylinders reamed for 9mm (I use 147 gr for an average of 952 fps and 293 ft-lbs). They are by far my favorite carry guns, and accuracy is not affected by the conversion.
9mm recoil out of the little suckers does smart though.
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Jim Watson
Member
Early years of IDPA, I was looking for a 9mm revolver, even considering a .38 Super or .40 SW for a clipgun handier than my M25. Just as well I didn't, they raised the power factor where the .45 made more sense.
Think about it. The actual LAND dia of a 357 barrel is about .346, while the GROOVE dia is .357. When a .355 or .357 bullet is forced to conform to the barrel. the material displaced by those lands has to go somewhere. Moving some material sideways to those grooves is easier than moving it to the rear. It does not compress. a 355 bullet will be 100% engaged in a 357 barrel right after the forcing cone
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8shot
Member
This might help you decide: Compare the price of a 986/929 to your typical 38/357
What he said!!!!
Tanners Owner
US Veteran
I had Mark Hartstone add a cylinder to my 627 to use 9mm in for my action shooting games. Works superbly & I notice no issues with accuracy
JAREDSHS
Member
The only 9mm revolver I have...
.357 Magnum pistol...I'm kinda doing it in reverse...
Mighty purty, mighty purty!,
I've had a Ruger LCR 9MM for a little over a year. The idea being that I'm more likely to have 9mm practice ammunition with me than .38 practice ammo, so I can do unplanned practice more often.
That is true, except I don't have the LCR with me much. I'm still messing around getting the POI elevation correct, so don't carry it. OK, I'm not working on it so much as procrastinating over it.
I have found that 9mm moon clips are easier to load and unload than the .45ACP clips I've worked with. So if you've held off because of the pain of using clips, I wouldn't. They aren't bad at all. I don't bother using a tool.
That is true, except I don't have the LCR with me much. I'm still messing around getting the POI elevation correct, so don't carry it. OK, I'm not working on it so much as procrastinating over it.
I have found that 9mm moon clips are easier to load and unload than the .45ACP clips I've worked with. So if you've held off because of the pain of using clips, I wouldn't. They aren't bad at all. I don't bother using a tool.
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