spencerhut
Member
I'm thinking about my next handgun and I want get an FN Hi Power. Problem is since FN has quit importing now all I can find is a Hi Power in .40. What would I need to change out on the FN Hi Power .40 cal to make it a 9MM?
FN Hi Power .40 to 9MM Conversion
- Thread starter spencerhut
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You'd have to get a custom barrel made in 9mm. The .40 barrel is 3 lugged and the 9mm barrel is 2 lugged. You'd also have to redo the springs.
I know people have done this is in the past, but I don't know if it's as easy as just having a custom barrel made, or if there is any gunsmithing involved. A custom barrel isn't cheap though, so you might be better off just finding a 9mm. There still around in the shops in my area.
I know people have done this is in the past, but I don't know if it's as easy as just having a custom barrel made, or if there is any gunsmithing involved. A custom barrel isn't cheap though, so you might be better off just finding a 9mm. There still around in the shops in my area.
steveracer
Member
Call BarSto.
They make a barrel for you. It will require sending your slide to them, and you will need a 16-18.5# spring. This will make a practically indestructable 9mm.
They make a barrel for you. It will require sending your slide to them, and you will need a 16-18.5# spring. This will make a practically indestructable 9mm.
steveracer
Member
The advantage will be in durability.
Although you are unlikely to shoot a 9mm HiPower apart, some people have. The advantage here would be a little extra weight, the additional locking lug, and an overall thicker barrel/chamber for more support and heat resistance. The end result is a HiPower that can easily handle all the +p ammo you want to feed it, and will outlast the shooter. Also, it will have a Bar-Sto barrel, which will be very good.
Although you are unlikely to shoot a 9mm HiPower apart, some people have. The advantage here would be a little extra weight, the additional locking lug, and an overall thicker barrel/chamber for more support and heat resistance. The end result is a HiPower that can easily handle all the +p ammo you want to feed it, and will outlast the shooter. Also, it will have a Bar-Sto barrel, which will be very good.
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spencerhut
Member
What is ANIB?
Any idea what Barsto will charge?
Thanks,
Spencer
Any idea what Barsto will charge?
Thanks,
Spencer
the naked prophet
Member
I didn't think the breech face and extractor would work with the smaller 9mm round. The extractor would barely grab the rim I would think. Maybe if you installed an extractor with a longer claw? I think it would be easier to buy a 9mm slide and barrel.
ANIB = "As New in Box"
As other posters said, the advantage of a .40 to 9mm conversion in a HP is durability. The disadvantage is that it does change the balance and "feel" of the pistol. As is, the 9mm HP is a very well balanced pistol that fits most hands very well. The .40 gun has a slightly beefier frame and slide and a bit of a different feel. A .40 to 9mm conversion would feel more like the .40 parent then the 9mm.
As far as what Bar Sto would charge, as a guess I'd think $150 to $200. I think they are on-line. Do a google search and see what you find.
As other posters said, the advantage of a .40 to 9mm conversion in a HP is durability. The disadvantage is that it does change the balance and "feel" of the pistol. As is, the 9mm HP is a very well balanced pistol that fits most hands very well. The .40 gun has a slightly beefier frame and slide and a bit of a different feel. A .40 to 9mm conversion would feel more like the .40 parent then the 9mm.
As far as what Bar Sto would charge, as a guess I'd think $150 to $200. I think they are on-line. Do a google search and see what you find.
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spencerhut
Member
ANIB = Oh Dh, just never seen the acronym before.
Doing the Bar-Sto barrel sounds like a good setup, if I am comfortable with how it feels. I'm gogin to go check one out later today.
Doing the Bar-Sto barrel sounds like a good setup, if I am comfortable with how it feels. I'm gogin to go check one out later today.
And if you still have money burning a hole in your jeans;get a .357SIG conversion done.And the next time you feel the urge to fling money at someone
look into a .30 Luger conversion based on th ecustom 9mm barrel&lug arrangement.A 4 caliber platform that will outlast the shooter's grandson.
look into a .30 Luger conversion based on th ecustom 9mm barrel&lug arrangement.A 4 caliber platform that will outlast the shooter's grandson.
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spencerhut
Member
I just bought the .40 cal FN. I'm going to send the slide to Bar-Sto as soon as I get my hands on it (10-day wait) to have a match barrel installed.
I'm going to send the slide to Bar-Sto as soon as I get my hands on it (10-day wait) to have a match barrel installed.
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spencerhut
Member
Called Bar-Sto and got the barrel on order. They said 6-8 weeks to make the barrel ($200.00) and 1-2 weeks to fit it to my gun ($150.00). So I may shoot some .40 in my gun before I send it out, we'll see. Hell the gun was only $520.00. This damn thing better shoot real freakin good when I get it back. They said I need to send the complete gun (but broken down) via UPS/FedEx overnight w/Adult signature required. The are not going to charge me until the gun is complete.
Spencer
Spencer
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spencerhut
Member
Good point akanotken. I didn't even consider that to be a significant issue. Anyone with some Hi-Power experience want to make a comment? My understanding was that it's a simple barrel & spring swap.
Thanks
Spencer
Thanks
Spencer
Cliff47
Member
Save yourself some dollars and look into the FM Hi-Power manufactured in Argentina using FN tooling. I picked up an FM with the stepped slide for under $200 a coupe of months ago. Watch out, the M90 and M95 variants have changed the dimensions. The oldest versions (I like to think of as the military version) will take any FN parts you want to slip into it. Just a thought.
SSN Vet
Member
can't be too rare
several FN Herstal BHP in 9mm listed on Gunbroker.com
some NIB
looks like prices go from $500-600
several FN Herstal BHP in 9mm listed on Gunbroker.com
some NIB
looks like prices go from $500-600
steveracer
Member
Search Google.
There will be posts on other forums from people who have done this conversion. It works really well. The extractor hook works, there isn't a lot of room for gunk under the spring, but it works. Sigs have been doing this for years. No problems putting a 9mm BarSto barrel in a .40 sig. No other changed besides spring are made.
Like I said before, you'll have a really terriffic HiPower, which will have three locking lugs, slightly more weight, and a match barrel. It will be what you love in a HiPower, only better, and cost in the end is about the same as a NIB Browning marked HP these days.
There will be posts on other forums from people who have done this conversion. It works really well. The extractor hook works, there isn't a lot of room for gunk under the spring, but it works. Sigs have been doing this for years. No problems putting a 9mm BarSto barrel in a .40 sig. No other changed besides spring are made.
Like I said before, you'll have a really terriffic HiPower, which will have three locking lugs, slightly more weight, and a match barrel. It will be what you love in a HiPower, only better, and cost in the end is about the same as a NIB Browning marked HP these days.
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spencerhut
Member
Thanks steveracer. I was starting to feel a little silly there 
Spending $350 on a $520 gun may seem just plain stupid to some folks. But it sounds like you and I are thinking more along the same lines than some of the other folks, no offense intended to anyone else of course. I like things that are durable. I like the idea of feeding 9mm+p+ into this gun for the rest of my life and having it take it with a smile.
Spencer
Spending $350 on a $520 gun may seem just plain stupid to some folks. But it sounds like you and I are thinking more along the same lines than some of the other folks, no offense intended to anyone else of course. I like things that are durable. I like the idea of feeding 9mm+p+ into this gun for the rest of my life and having it take it with a smile. Spencer
steveracer
Member
Well Put.
I'm in agreement. I think I'll build one myself, soon.
I'm in agreement. I think I'll build one myself, soon.
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spencerhut
Member
Picked up the .40 FN HP yesterday. The wife and I put 100 rounds through it. I was mostly playing. I did try and do a coule of nice groups. I got one 10 shot string in a single ragged hole the size of my thumb (~.75 x 1.5) at 10 yards with a single flier. I like it. It was a little big for my wifes hands. Anyway . . Bar-Sto will call me in about 6 weeks when the barrel is ready and I'll let everyone know how I like the conversion to a 3 lug 9mm.
Spencer
It was a little big for my wifes hands. Anyway . . Bar-Sto will call me in about 6 weeks when the barrel is ready and I'll let everyone know how I like the conversion to a 3 lug 9mm.Spencer
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spencerhut
Member
40S&W to 9mm +P+ Conversion Works
It's been a while but I can now say that my Hi-Power conversion was a success. The conversion worked with no more than a barrel and spring change and runs like a, well like a Hi-Power. My only problems have been with *very* light reloads or when I have done a one handed limp wrist to it. So over-all I'm happy with the gun. I'm taking turns using the .40S&W and 9mm barrel each time I clean the gun I swap the barrel, both work just fantastic. But, I am now in the market for a Hi-Power in 9mm and a CZ-75B in 40S&W.
It's been a while but I can now say that my Hi-Power conversion was a success. The conversion worked with no more than a barrel and spring change and runs like a, well like a Hi-Power. My only problems have been with *very* light reloads or when I have done a one handed limp wrist to it. So over-all I'm happy with the gun. I'm taking turns using the .40S&W and 9mm barrel each time I clean the gun I swap the barrel, both work just fantastic.
But, I am now in the market for a Hi-Power in 9mm and a CZ-75B in 40S&W.mindwip
Member
The new 9mm can easily handle the 9mm +p. They have a cast frame instead of the foraged frame. The cast is stronger. They make all cast now because they started making 40 sw, in cast duo to its strength. Also SAS has been using hi-powers and submachine gun ammo for a long time, with very little problems. As long as you put in a 18.5 spring your hi-power will have no problems with +p. Be it a 40 or 9mm.
browningguy
Member
I have the EFK Firedragon conversion barrel in one of my 40's. It works fine in this one, the first one I tried it in it did not want to shoot 115 gr. loads for some reason, but shot 147's great.
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