Converting Pistols

[newglockguy]

My buddy bought a Beretta 92fs because it's what he was familiar with. However he saw how easy it was to convert my glock 23 from a .40 to 9mm. Now for his next pistol he wants to get a larger caliber and be able to convert it down to a small caliber. He says he's not a fan of glocks but I could kind of liked shooting mine. Are there any other brands or certain guns that allow you to convert calibers besides glock?

 

[rcmodel]

You could start here to see what is possible:

http://www.efkfiredragon.com/standard-barrels.html

rc

 

[tarosean]

You can generally convert down, not up.

 

[wally]

I think Storm-Lake is a better option but EFK Firedragon has the better selection, if not the best of reputations.

S&W M&P 40C converts to M&P 9C with a $65 S&W factory barrel and 9mm mags. Some folks report their .40S&W mags work with 9mm, but mine weren't reliable enough for my tastes. YMMV.

 

[Telekinesis]

Several pistols will allow you to change from .40 to 9mm, but you usually have to buy the .40 caliber pistol to be able to do it. Changing usually only involves dropping in a 9mm conversion barrel and a new 9mm magazine.

Most manufacturers should have their own conversion barrels, but you can always go with an aftermarket offering. I would do a bit of research on those EFK Firedragon barrels before you buy one of those though. I've heard some less than flattering things about both the quality of their barrels and their customer service.

 

[M2 Carbine]

I got a Dragon Fire barrel to convert my Beretta 96 or Taurus 101 (40 S&W) to 357 SIG.

The barrel was very well made and was a simple barrel swap in both guns.

Functions perfect in both guns using the original magazines.

I was shooting the Taurus today.
Use it for a nightstand gun.

 

[zaphar]

Yeah, Witness pistols can be converted to/from 22LR/9x19mm/40SW/38Super/45ACP/10mm
http://eaacorp.com/conversion-kits/

They're offered in polymer or steel frame and use a DA/SA hammer (so no striker fire) but this may have more in common with the 92FS your friend uses than a Glock. The pistols are made in Italy by Tanfoglio and imported into the country by EAA (whom are known for their lackluster customer service, it's hit or miss). I have one of the standard steel models and it's a joy to shoot. MecGar makes mags for them.

You may have more possible configurations with a 1911, but these are another option.

 

[tuj]

Pardini GT's are convertible from 9mm to .40 to 45acp.

 

[MikeJackmin]

Sig P250s are designed to be convertible from .380, 9mm, .40, and .45acp, and also convertible from subcompact, compact, and full sized. The trigger group is the serialized 'gun', everything else is just parts, available without an FFL. My personal favorite is a .40 compact slide on a subcompact grip frame.

The downside? The have a long, DA trigger with a long reset, which some people love and others hate. Also, parts are currently hard to find, presumably because Sig is overwhelmed by the latest frenzy.

 

[decoy562]

I change my Glock 23 to 9mm and 357sig with storm lake barrels.

 

[tommy.duncan]

Sigs sell the x-change kits that include the slide, barrel, recoil spring, and magazine. A quick and easy conversion is the 40s&w to 357sig. It is only a barrel change. I have both barrels for my P226 and my H&K USP.

 

[bannockburn]

I picked up a Storm Lake barrel assembly in 9mm. (along with some 9mm. mags), for my Colt Commander in .38 Super. Works great and 9mm. is a lot cheaper to practice with.

 

[BlindJustice]

I have a full size 1911 5" Bbl. in .45 ACP

I also have a Bar Sto Bbl. in .400 CorBon - only change
needed is a 22 lb recoil spring. since the rear of the case is the
same size as .45 ACP - the front has a 25 deg. shoulder
necked down to .40 uses .45 ACP mags

155 gr. Hornady XTP @ 1350 fps
or 165 gr. Speer Gold Dot JHP @ 1300

 

[Onward Allusion]

Another vote for the Sig P250. If you have a full-size 9mm, all you have to do is get the full-size Xchange kit for 40 or 357 - comes with slide, barrel, guide rod/spring, & mag. They run around $200.

If you want to up it to .45ACP, then you'll have to spend the bucks and get the entire kit - grip, slide, barrel, mag. It's around $300.

Strictly my personal opinion here, but I think everyone should learn to shoot DAO well. It vastly improves an individual's trigger control and overall marksmanship.