Glock Barrel Switching

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Alabama2010

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I have a Glock 37 (45 GAP). I reload for it, and I enjoy shooting it. Just to extend it's versatility, I'd like to shoot additional calibers for it by switching out the barrel. I've seen this advertised, but I don't know if it can be done for the Glock 37. Can anyone who's done this chime in with their opinion? Does it work well? Can it be done with the 37? If so, what calibers can it be converted into? Thanks!
 
My buddy has a G37 and also wanted to convert it. The slide is much too think with too much extra space around the outside barrel chamber and hood to use other caliber barrels. Also, the extractor, on my friend's model anyway, is curved and wouldn't allow my G22 slide onto it. From what I know, you'd have to buy a new slide, barrel, and extractor assembly (not sure what it's called), in order to use other calibers. The only other thing is if someone makes conversion barrels for the 37, and I don't know of anybody that does.
 
The 37 can not be converted to any other calibers without changing the entire upper assembly/trigger mechanism housing/magazine.
 
Thanks, that's what I was trying to find out- the advertisements didn't really specify. I like the 37 a lot, and the GAP is a fun round to shoot but accessories like holsters have been tough to find. Blackhawk has some nice ones though.
 
if you have a glock in .40sw and want to shoot .357 sig do you just install a .357 sig barrel or does it have to be a conversion barrel like the 40-9 conversion?
 
if you have a glock in .40sw and want to shoot .357 sig do you just install a .357 sig barrel or does it have to be a conversion barrel like the 40-9 conversion?
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You can just drop in the .357Sig barrel and start shooting.
You can even use the .40 magazines for the .357Sig bullets.
 
To shoot 9m/m in a 27 you have to use a conversion barrel...and as easyg said, .357Sig is only a factory barrel change. I do use a 9m/m mag for the conversion...most will do better regarding reliability that way.
 
Better off just getting another Glock. I tried doing conversions and it gets annoying switching back and forth. I don't like the added wear of tearing a gun apart all the time either. Like nicking the frame with a punch, damaging the stupid slide stop, etc.

I tried switching my Glock23 back to stock for IDPA, and then back to my CCW configuration. What a pain to rebuild over and over again. Shame IDPA deosn't allow me to actually use my carry weapon as it is. I'm just going to buy a 17, 34, or 35 instead.
 
if you have a glock in .40sw and want to shoot .357 sig do you just install a .357 sig barrel or does it have to be a conversion barrel like the 40-9 conversion?
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If you get a factory .357 barrel and mag follower you will have a 100% factory .357 Glock.
 
If you get a factory .357 barrel and mag follower you will have a 100% factory .357 Glock.
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I realize the case similarities. Is that setup reliable? Like say if I made my next purchase a .40 subcompact, I could just swap barrels and throw some followers in existing mags and have a reliable carry piece? I was planning on buying a 357 anyway since I don't own one.
 
Glocks are relativly inexpensive, a lot of people love them.

Why not just buy another in a caliber/model that would be more easily adaptable to conversions, keep the 37 as a dedicated GAP and play games with the new one?

This path would probably not be too much more expensive, if any, than trying to convert your model 37.
 
Is that setup reliable?
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The only differences between .40 and .357 Glock's are:

1)Barrel.

2)Magazine follower.

3)Rear sight. (Glock has three different rear sights to change elevation.)

4)Slide markings.
 
Why not just buy another in a caliber/model that would be more easily adaptable to conversions, keep the 37 as a dedicated GAP and play games with the new one?
Click to expand...

This what I would do... The GAP has unique dimensions that don't lend it well to conversion to other calibers.

I would leave the 37 as-is and get a 23/32. With one of those you could:

1) Get the other factory barrel; 100% reliability
2) Get an aftermarket conversion barrel to 9mm, plus 9mm mags... should be plenty reliable enough for range use.
 
A critical benefit of using a replacement or conversion barrel is that you can shoot reloads, especially lead reloads without bulging your case.

Lone Wolf drop in barrels (requires no gunsmith fitting) are match grade with conventional land/groove rifling and have just about the tightest chamber I know.

I have LW replacement/conversion barrels for my G22/G27 and I do not get bulged cases and factory extractors work fine for 9mm cases. I use G17 magazines for G22/conversion barrel, but G27 magazine works fine for 9mm.

Another benefit. When I am done at the range, I drop in my CLEAN factory Glock barrel back and my Glocks are ready for SD/HD duty.
 
The current .357 follower extends more to a "point" on the front than the .40 does... I would also be interested to know if anyone knows the exact reason. My only guess is to prevent nose-diving of the .357, but never really heard of this as a problem in other mags that are absolutely 100% identical, like Sig.

I bought some .357 Glock mags that I presume are older, with followers that are marked .357, yet don't have this point. I am a little curious about this actually... might have to check into it.
 
Just trade her in for a G20 and then you'd be able to shoot several different calibers. Start with 10mm, then you can go with .40, .357sig, 9x25 and maybe more with a simple switcheroo.
 
ny32182 said:
The current .357 follower extends more to a "point" on the front than the .40 does... I would also be interested to know if anyone knows the exact reason. My only guess is to prevent nose-diving of the .357, but never really heard of this as a problem in other mags that are absolutely 100% identical, like Sig.

I bought some .357 Glock mags that I presume are older, with followers that are marked .357, yet don't have this point. I am a little curious about this actually... might have to check into it.
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Let me know what you find out; I think I have some .357 mags with the pointy followers come to think of it; I assumed (and was told) they would work perfectly with .40 ammo. I haven't tried them out yet.
 
Bovice said:
Tsk tsk tsk. Serves you right for picking an obscure caliber! :neener:
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It was too good a deal to pass up...besides, I bought 1 thous once fired police brass and load it up with the same 185gr JHP I load in my 1911...I was just looking to see what the options were.
 
Old Shooter said:
Glocks are relativly inexpensive, a lot of people love them.

Why not just buy another in a caliber/model that would be more easily adaptable to conversions, keep the 37 as a dedicated GAP and play games with the new one?

This path would probably not be too much more expensive, if any, than trying to convert your model 37.
Click to expand...
I like the Glock...it's very reliable...but one is enough for me. I wouldn't mind owning countless revolvers of the same model or 1911's, but as far as these polymer guns are concerned, I don't want a collection of them. I wouldn't mind a Five Seven though, that seems like it'd be interesting and fun to shoot.
 
The .357 and .40 mag followers aren't allways different. There has been many different followers and mag alterations from Glock in the .357 and .40 cal guns. During some generations they were different and some they were the same. I think they're on the 8th or 9th gen for mags now. Might want to check Glocktalk for more info on that.

I think that the very latest Glock .357 and .40 mags are the same, with different markings.
 
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