Introduction
The Glock 27, a subcompact marvel chambered in .40 Smith & Wesson, has earned a strong reputation among concealed carry enthusiasts and those seeking a reliable, easily concealable firearm. Its compact size coupled with the potent .40 S&W round makes it a powerful option for self-defense. However, the higher cost and often more pronounced recoil of .40 S&W ammunition sometimes lead owners to explore alternative options. This is where the Glock 27 9mm conversion barrel steps in, offering a practical and cost-effective way to adapt your Glock 27 to fire the readily available and often less expensive 9mm Luger cartridge. This article will delve into every aspect of the Glock 27 9mm conversion barrel, guiding you through the benefits, considerations, installation, and performance expectations.
Understanding the Glock 27 and Conversion Fundamentals
The Glock 27, a member of the popular Glock family, represents the company’s commitment to compact, reliable firearms. Its polymer frame and striker-fired mechanism contribute to its overall lightweight design, making it comfortable for everyday carry. The .40 S&W caliber, renowned for its stopping power, delivers significant energy on impact, making it a formidable self-defense weapon. Key features often include a textured grip for secure handling, a high-capacity magazine, and the characteristic Glock Safe Action system. The Glock 27’s compact size and overall dependability contribute to its ongoing popularity.
Now, let’s move to the core of our discussion: the 9mm Luger cartridge. The 9mm Luger, also known as 9x19mm or simply 9mm, is one of the most widely used handgun cartridges globally. It’s praised for its relatively low recoil, making it easier to control and allowing for faster follow-up shots. The 9mm offers a good balance of power, accuracy, and affordability. The ballistics of 9mm ammunition vary depending on the bullet weight and powder charge. Generally, a 9mm round can achieve velocities ranging from around 1,000 to 1,400 feet per second, depending on the specific load. This translates into a versatile option for self-defense and target practice.
Why do you need a Glock 27 9mm conversion barrel? The simple answer is that the Glock 27, designed to handle the .40 S&W round, is constructed differently from a 9mm pistol. The critical difference lies in the chamber and the barrel’s internal dimensions. The .40 S&W cartridge has a larger diameter at the base and a slightly longer case length compared to the 9mm Luger. Attempting to fire a 9mm round through the original Glock 27 barrel, designed for .40 S&W, would be extremely dangerous. The chamber is too large, and the bullet could fail to seal correctly, resulting in a loss of pressure and potential damage to the firearm and injury to the shooter. The 9mm conversion barrel provides the necessary chamber and bore dimensions specifically designed to safely and effectively handle 9mm ammunition, ensuring proper function, accuracy, and safety.
Advantages of a Glock 27 9mm Conversion
One of the most significant advantages of a Glock 27 9mm conversion is the potential for significant ammunition cost savings. 9mm ammunition is typically less expensive than .40 S&W. Over time, this cost difference can add up, especially for individuals who enjoy frequent practice or recreational shooting.
Another compelling reason to consider a Glock 27 9mm conversion is the reduced recoil. Compared to the .40 S&W, the 9mm generates less felt recoil. This results in a more comfortable shooting experience and potentially allows for quicker follow-up shots and improved accuracy. Controlling the firearm becomes easier, and the shooter can maintain a more stable sight picture.
The 9mm cartridge generally has a wider availability than the .40 S&W. Even during times of ammunition shortages, finding 9mm rounds can often be easier than securing a supply of .40 S&W. This is because of the global prevalence of the 9mm cartridge.
A Glock 27 9mm conversion offers the benefit of versatility. With a simple barrel swap, you can transform your Glock 27 from a .40 S&W powerhouse to a 9mm platform. This allows you to choose between calibers based on your needs, ammunition availability, and shooting preferences.
Things to Consider Before You Buy a 9mm Conversion Barrel
Before investing in a Glock 27 9mm conversion barrel, several factors deserve careful consideration.
Ensure the conversion barrel is explicitly designed and manufactured for the Glock 27 model. This is crucial for proper fit, function, and safety. Using a barrel intended for a different Glock model could lead to malfunctions or damage.
The materials and construction of a conversion barrel significantly influence its performance and longevity. High-quality barrels are often made from materials like stainless steel, known for their durability and resistance to wear and corrosion. The manufacturing processes, including heat treatment, can impact the barrel’s accuracy and ability to withstand the stresses of repeated firing. Look for reputable brands that emphasize quality craftsmanship.
The overall accuracy and reliability of the conversion barrel will impact your shooting experience. A well-made barrel will generally provide better accuracy than a poorly made one. This is due to precise machining of the bore and chamber. It’s also important to test the barrel with different types of 9mm ammunition to ensure reliable feeding, extraction, and ejection.
The ease of installation is another key factor. A conversion barrel should typically be designed for a drop-in fit, meaning that installation requires minimal gunsmithing knowledge and should not require modification of the firearm. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions during installation.
It’s important to be aware of local and state laws and regulations regarding firearms modifications and caliber changes. Some jurisdictions might have specific rules related to caliber conversions or other modifications. Before making any changes to your firearm, it is important to ensure that any conversion is compliant with all applicable federal, state, and local laws.
When converting to 9mm, you will need to use 9mm magazines designed for the Glock. The .40 S&W magazines won’t properly feed 9mm ammunition.
Types of Glock 27 9mm Conversion Barrels
Standard conversion barrels are the most common type and are designed to provide a straightforward and cost-effective way to switch calibers. They typically replace the original .40 S&W barrel with a barrel chambered for 9mm.
Threaded barrels offer the ability to attach a suppressor or muzzle device. These barrels extend beyond the slide, allowing for threading to accommodate a silencer or compensator. It’s important to understand the legal requirements related to owning and using suppressors, which vary by location. Ensure compliance with all relevant federal, state, and local laws before considering a threaded barrel.
Numerous aftermarket barrel options exist. Popular brands often include Lone Wolf, KKM Precision, and Storm Lake. Each brand may offer different features, such as enhanced rifling or different finishes. Researching and comparing options will help you find a barrel that matches your preferences and needs.
Installation and Maintenance
The installation of a Glock 27 9mm conversion barrel is a relatively straightforward process.
Begin by ensuring the firearm is completely unloaded. Remove the magazine and visually inspect the chamber to ensure no ammunition is present. Remove the slide from the frame by following the Glock disassembly procedure. This usually involves pulling down the takedown levers and pushing the slide forward.
Once the slide is separated, carefully disassemble it. The process involves removing the recoil spring assembly, and then removing the original .40 S&W barrel.
Insert the 9mm conversion barrel into the slide, ensuring it seats correctly. Reassemble the slide in reverse order.
After installing your Glock 27 9mm conversion barrel, it is important to properly maintain it. Always clean the barrel after each shooting session or whenever it becomes excessively dirty. Use a quality gun cleaning solvent and brush to remove powder residue, lead fouling, and other debris. Wipe down the barrel with a clean patch, and then apply a thin coat of gun oil to protect it from corrosion.
Performance and Testing
The performance of a Glock 27 9mm conversion barrel can be evaluated through several methods.
Testing for accuracy should be a priority. Set up a target at a predetermined distance, for example, 15 yards. Fire groups of shots and carefully assess the groupings. A good barrel will produce tight groups, indicating consistent accuracy. You can also try different types of ammunition to see which brand or bullet weight performs best in terms of accuracy.
Testing for reliability is equally important. Load different magazines with various 9mm ammunition types. Cycle the slide manually to ensure proper feeding and extraction. Then, fire a series of shots. Watch for malfunctions such as failures to feed, failures to eject, or other problems.
Compare the recoil feel. After the conversion, try to shoot both calibers to see the significant difference in felt recoil.
Conclusion
A Glock 27 9mm conversion barrel offers a convenient and often cost-effective way to enjoy your Glock 27 while also using the 9mm cartridge. By considering all the aspects mentioned throughout this article, you can make an informed decision about whether a conversion barrel suits your needs.
Ultimately, the choice to undertake a Glock 27 9mm conversion rests on your personal priorities. If you value ammunition cost savings, reduced recoil, and the convenience of using a more common caliber, a 9mm conversion barrel is an excellent investment. However, always prioritize safety, and ensure that you use quality parts and follow all installation and maintenance procedures carefully.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to use different magazines when using the conversion barrel? Yes, to ensure reliable function, you must use 9mm magazines designed for the Glock.
Does the conversion affect the Glock 27’s reliability? The reliability of the converted firearm often depends on the quality of the conversion barrel and the type of 9mm ammunition. Always test with different ammo types.
Do I need to change anything else besides the barrel? Aside from the barrel, the primary change required is the magazine.
Is it legal to convert a Glock 27 to 9mm? In most jurisdictions, converting a Glock 27 to 9mm is legal, provided you adhere to all local and federal laws.
Are conversion barrels safe? Yes, conversion barrels are safe when correctly manufactured, properly installed, and used with the appropriate ammunition.
Are there any drawbacks to using a conversion barrel? Some shooters find that a dedicated 9mm pistol may be slightly more accurate than a converted Glock 27.
