Converting a .30 to a 9mm

mrerick · 02-08-2011, 09:36 AM

Jim,

While I've never done a .30 Luger to 9mm conversion myself, I don't think that Rich was mocking you.

The Luger was designed with the intent that the barrels could easily be changed. Several of the US Luger importers actually provided a choice of several barrels as accessories.

If you have the right tools (and this is essential since it's not that hard to damage the receiver "fork") it probably is a quick job to change out the barrel and front sight.

Since the dynamics of the .30 Luger cartridge are different than the 9mm (in terms of bullet mass, impulse strength and impulse curve) the internal action movement probably requires a stronger recoil spring. There were a few different recoil springs with between 17 and 21 turns.

I don't think it was necessary to change out other parts. The magazine is the same.

It's probably best to only consider doing this on a "shooter" grade Luger rather than an all matching gun since it would impact it's value and collector interest.

Marc

02-08-2011, 09:36 AM	#1
mrerick Super Moderator - Patron LugerForum Life Patron Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Eastern North Carolina, USA Posts: 3,920 Thanks: 1,377 Thanked 3,135 Times in 1,518 Posts	Jim, While I've never done a .30 Luger to 9mm conversion myself, I don't think that Rich was mocking you. The Luger was designed with the intent that the barrels could easily be changed. Several of the US Luger importers actually provided a choice of several barrels as accessories. If you have the right tools (and this is essential since it's not that hard to damage the receiver "fork") it probably is a quick job to change out the barrel and front sight. Since the dynamics of the .30 Luger cartridge are different than the 9mm (in terms of bullet mass, impulse strength and impulse curve) the internal action movement probably requires a stronger recoil spring. There were a few different recoil springs with between 17 and 21 turns. I don't think it was necessary to change out other parts. The magazine is the same. It's probably best to only consider doing this on a "shooter" grade Luger rather than an all matching gun since it would impact it's value and collector interest. Marc __________________ Igitur si vis pacem, para bellum - - Therefore if you want peace, prepare for war.