Converting a .30 to a 9mm

[Ron Wood]

John,
The 3 minute change out was posted by a former member that was subsequently banned. He didn't know what he was talking about and was very abrasive going about it. As I recall, he couldn't see why it would cost $100 for something you could do yourself in 3 minutes. I suspect that is the origin of Postino's tongue-in-cheek remark.

[sheepherder]

Originally Posted by Ron Wood

John,
The 3 minute change out was posted by a former member that was subsequently banned. He didn't know what he was talking about and was very abrasive going about it. As I recall, he couldn't see why it would cost $100 for something you could do yourself in 3 minutes. I suspect that is the origin of Postino's tongue-in-cheek remark.

Quite correct. But I didn't know he had been banned...Anyway, he was criticizing Tom for charging $100 and an hour+ time for a barrel swap...When he said it was a 3 minute job...

Having ruined two Luger barrels myself learning how to do it correctly (or at least not ruining the barrels), it really pixxed me off that anyone would waltz in and make disparaging remarks about someone else charging to do it *right*...

I suppose you could do it in 3 minutes...If you had the barrels already indexed & chambered correctly, clean lubed threads, and they weren't torqued too tight...Hand tight, say...

My apologies if I offended anyone...

Rivieraranch - Yes, you can easily convert between 7.65mm & 9mm...The case is basically the same, so only the barrel needs to be changed...the mainspring may need some 'tuning', but all else stays the same...and there are different height front sights for adjusting point of impact, if needed...

One of my present Lugers was switched from 7.65mm to 9mm...but that's another long 4-page thread that is best forgotten...

[rivieraranch]

Many of the .30 commercial models found commonly for sale are in pretty good condition; yet because of the ammunition cost don't seem to bring the higher prices that the 9mm version brings. Therefore a .30 would be good candidates for a rebarrel to 9mm and restoration.

[calibrator]

There is a Gunsmith service named "Redmans" ?? I believe that gets rave reviews for re-boring .30 cal Lugers and 'Brooms to 9mm. That way your serial #s and finish would match.

[hansfischer007]

Clint Eastwood said......"A mans gotta know his limitations."......well....Im not an electrician...plumber...or Gunsmith.......so when it comes to Lugers and repairs needed......the question is already answered.....you send it to Luger Doc.!!......and just sit back and put your feet up........because he knows what he is doing..!!

[sheepherder]

Originally Posted by rivieraranch

Many of the .30 commercial models found commonly for sale are in pretty good condition; yet because of the ammunition cost don't seem to bring the higher prices that the 9mm version brings...

I'm not sure it's the ammunition cost that seems to bring the value down...I believe it is the fact that 9mm military Lugers conjure up pictures of Wehrmacht troops being led by a heroic officer waving his Luger and exhorting his troops to attack!!!

...Or something to that effect...

Seriously, more buyers want the mystique of a war souvenir rather than a store-bought pistol...

I like the 7.65mm Lugers...and if you reload, the cost is no more than reloading 9mm...

But Redmans is not cheap...

A barrel from LugerDoc or even GB would be cheaper...