10mm conversions

[Zundfolge]

I stumbled across an article about a Para Ordnance P16-40 that had been converted to 10mm.

It got me thinking ... what are the limits to 10mm conversions?

I'm assuming that most guns designed as a .45 but chambered in .40 would make a pretty good candidate for 10mm conversion (thats why you see so many 10mm 1911 type pistols).

So aside from having the chamber of a .40S&W barrel reemed out, and replace recoil springs with heavier ones, what all is involved?

I'm wondering if Kahr K40s or MK40s would be strong enough ... also wonder if a Steyr M40 would be strong enough (I've heard rumors that the Steyr M series where originaly going to be .45's). While it would cost a lot of money, I wonder if an HK P7M10 could be converted to 10mm.

I also figure there must be some kind of issue with magazines. How well do 10mm rounds fit in a .40 magazine? Will they fit at all? can you just replace the follower with one at a different angle (maybe reducing capacity a bit)?

 

[Ohen Cepel]

I think you'll run into problems with the mags not being long enough for the 10's in some guns.
Also, a long mag may not even fit into the frame of something like a Kahr.

Just speculation.

I think if it was easy and the guns would handle that more makers would do it.

 

[Sean Smith]

Guns designed for .40 S&W, or 9x19 guns converted to .40 S&W, typically can't be converted to 10mm Auto. The cartridge is too long to fit in the magazines. 1911s are an exception because a .40 S&W 1911 is almost identical to a 10mm 1911, since the 1911 was designed around the .45 ACP cartridge (which is about the same overall length as the 10mm is).

 

[Kevlarman]

I know that the Glock 21 and 30 can be converted very easily to 10mm by slapping on a Glock 20 or 29 upper to the frame. Of course, you'd need new magazines too, but it may be worth looking into.

Another thing, 10mm converts to .40S&W and .357SIG with a barrel/magazine change!

 

[dandean316]

The P16 is the perfect platform to do the 10mm coversion. Bob Hunter at huntercustoms.com does great work I hear. If I remember correctly, I was quoted in the $300 range, a little less if you include the barrel. I never got around to plunking down the money myself, but there are guys at the 1911forum.com board who have and seem to be happy.

Also, on the P16 you can use the regular mags. 16 rounds of 10mm would be awesome!

 

[Bob R]

Allright, another 10mm project. I normaly carry a P14, so going to a P16 in 10mm wouldn''t change much.

Thanks for the great idea.

bo

 

[caz223]

Magazines are the key to having a reliable conversion.
I heard rumors of a H&K USP .40 taking modified para mags, and I know that H&Ks are tough enough to stand up to the extra power....

 

[Gunslinger45]

I suppose with the now on the market watered-down 10mm ammo any converted handgun might do. But with original Norma ammo I wouldn't trust any 10mm that wasn't designed for the load in the first place. I'm not a reloader but if I were to get another 10mm I guess I'd have to get into it so I could load the 10mm to the original Norma spec's. I do regret never having fired my S&W M1006. It was designed for the hotter stuff.

 

[Bren]

You can buy hotter and better loads than the original Norma rounds.

Mags will be the biggest problem with alot of guns. The 1911 is my favorite 10mm so mags are easy.

All my 10's are very accurate and reliable, the 10mm rocks.

 

[Gunslinger45]

That's good to know. Then it's a certainty for me at least that I would not have a 10mm converted form any platform unless the platform it was converted from was made to handle the hotter loads and higher pressures of the 10mm round. Just my 2 cents worth.

 

[Kitt]

I have a Para Ordnance 40 S&W P-16 Limited that Bob Hunter reamed out the barrel to 10mm last year. The only other change was a 22lb recoil spring and shock-buff. The 10mm bullet fit the mags perfect and the pistol has never missed a beat..100% reliable. 16 + 1 rounds of 10mm firepower is great and even with buying an extra barrel, having it reamed, new recoil spring it was less than $200..best money I spent in a long time.

 

[Zundfolge]

I wonder if a Para Ordnance 16.40 LDA would be able to handle the higher pressure? I can't see why not (there's one for sale here on THR too ... too bad I'm broke )

 

[dandean316]

(insert plug here...)

I wonder if a Para Ordnance 16.40 LDA would be able to handle the higher pressure? I can't see why not (there's one for sale here on THR too ...

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?threadid=44426&highlight=minnesota

From what I hear from Bob Hunter (and other happy customers), the P16 is the perfect platform for the 10mm. One of the reasons I am selling a few guns is to finance getting a few conversions done by Bob.

I also hear he does some great 9mm to .38 super or 9x23 conversions.

 

[Zundfolge]

Today I stoped by the gun shop and fondled a few Kimber UltraCarry pistols ... I saw one nice little stainles steel one chambered in .40 ... would that be convertable to 10mm?

I'm kind of in the market for a new CCW pistol and for some weird reason I find myself drawn to 10mm (but don't care much for the Glock G29)