Conversion report G30 to 10mm

[humphreys19]

Just got back from the range, maiden run of my latest experiment. G30 (almost new, maybe 300 rounds .45 through it) with KKM conversion barrel, LWD 10mm extractor, Glock G29 magazines. 100 rounds American Eagle 180 FMJ, 3 failures to eject, excellent accuracy at 10 yards.

Well pleased at this stage of the project, need to develope hand loads, keep shooting and tweaking, and we'll see what happens.

Tom

[firemedic1343]

Just got back from the range, maiden run of my latest experiment. G30 (almost new, maybe 300 rounds .45 through it) with KKM conversion barrel, LWD 10mm extractor, Glock G29 magazines. 100 rounds American Eagle 180 FMJ, 3 failures to eject, excellent accuracy at 10 yards.

Well pleased at this stage of the project, need to develope hand loads, keep shooting and tweaking, and we'll see what happens.

Tom

3 failures to eject? Did these failures happen after you installed the new extractor? Did you try shooting w/ the stock extractor?

[_The_Shadow]

I was sort of thinking if LWD ever makes a 6" long slide for the G-29 or G-30 I would buy a G-30 running stock for 45ACP and outfit it with a long slide 6" barrels for 10mm & 9x25Dillon.

So Jr if you're reading this one hook us up with long slides for the G-29 or G-30...

[humphreys19]

The failures to eject were all late in the session, round 75 or after. The LWD 10mm extracter was installed from the start, I figured it would get a better grip than the stock .45 extracter. The failures were all fully out of the chamber,but got caught by the slide (horizontal,facing forward, not stovepipe). Thinking a slightly heavier recoil spring or slightly lighter loads might solve the problem. Thoughts? Still, I don't think that 3 minor failures on a totally new set up is too bad.

Tom

[firemedic1343]

I was sort of thinking if LWD ever makes a 6" long slide for the G-29 or G-30 I would buy a G-30 running stock for 45ACP and outfit it with a long slide 6" barrels for 10mm & 9x25Dillon.

So Jr if you're reading this one hook us up with long slides for the G-29 or G-30...

In for one 6" bbl for the G29/30!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[3/4Flap]

So Jr if you're reading this one hook us up with long slides for the G-29 or G-30...

Interesting.

I've been looking at my G20 and thinking about getting a G20 SF and simply hacksawing and shaping the grip to take a 29 magazine.

I'd actually love to have a 20-length barrel with a 29 grip and it looks like an easy fix.

[Carlos 10mm]

Interesting.

I've been looking at my G20 and thinking about getting a G20 SF and simply hacksawing and shaping the grip to take a 29 magazine.

I'd actually love to have a 20-length barrel with a 29 grip and it looks like an easy fix.

It's been done:

http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2010/08/09/if-a-glock-20-and-29-had-a-child/

[swinokur]

Interesting.

I've been looking at my G20 and thinking about getting a G20 SF and simply hacksawing and shaping the grip to take a 29 magazine.

I'd actually love to have a 20-length barrel with a 29 grip and it looks like an easy fix.
Storm Lake and KKM make G29 barrels that are almost identical in length to a G20. The Storm Lake is 4.48" and the KKM is 4.6 IIRC. Then you have a "G20" with G29 grips. I also use G20 mags with A & G grip sleeves.

Best of both worlds.

[leadslinger13]

Now this really looks interesting. Increase concealment and still maintain all handling qualities of the 20 (plus the 10 to 9mm conversion LWD barrel, 40 convsersion and 22lr). It really makes the 20 a perfect multipurpose firearm. Can this gun get any sweeter? I am so glad i drank the cool-aid. next question... who is going to be the first to try this one out and report back. LOL!!! Honestly, i was thinking about a grip reduction soon so maybe this will be added to list.

[swinokur]

There is no 10mm to 9mm conversion. Only 40 S&W, 357Sig and 9 x 25 Dillon

[firemedic1343]

There is no 10mm to 9mm conversion. Only 40 S&W, 357Sig and 9 x 25 Dillon

Special order through Lone Wolf. Email or call them if you are interested.

[swinokur]

any reports on performance?

[Kegs]

cutting down a 20 to the grip length of a 29? I don't see the point...

Just buy a longer barrel...


http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h235/Radsport2er/G29SF.jpg
(http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h235/Radsport2er/G29SF.jpg)

[leadslinger13]

Special order through Lone Wolf. Email or call them if you are interested.

glad you chimed in.

swinokur: here is a link.
http://glocktalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1168738

i pm'd "goyko" he said he had no issues other than the last round in mag. I am sure he would have no problem discussing further with you.

[leadslinger13]

cutting down a 20 to the grip length of a 29? I don't see the point...

Just buy a longer barrel...


http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h235/Radsport2er/G29SF.jpg
(http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h235/Radsport2er/G29SF.jpg)

I haven't had the chance to shoot a 29 yet but i would guess it has somewhat of a snappier feel and shorter sight radius ,as stated in the link, than the 20 and this would give the 20 owner the concealablity of the 29 (ie shooter grip length) without having to purchase another gun and barrel. seems to make sense to me.

[swinokur]

glad you chimed in.

swinokur: here is a link.
http://glocktalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1168738

i pm'd "goyko" he said he had no issues other than the last round in mag. I am sure he would have no problem discussing further with you.

excellent. any extractor/ejector issues to report?

[leadslinger13]

excellent. any extractor/ejector issues to report?

I will let you know as i just ordered one yesterday with lighter recoil spring. I can't wait to add another caliber to this platform.

[texas 48]

cutting down a 20 to the grip length of a 29? I don't see the point...

Just buy a longer barrel...


http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h235/Radsport2er/G29SF.jpg
(http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h235/Radsport2er/G29SF.jpg)
I agree with Kegs. Just put a KKM 4.6 inch barrel in my 29sf. Same velocities as my 20sf. Can' see hacking up a 20sf when I can get the same performance from my 29sf with a barrel change.

[leadslinger13]

I can understand both of your points but i think you may be missing the authors point of the posted link.
1. it's like having a 29 long slide without having to buy a new gun and barrel.
2. the softer perceived recoil of the 20.
3. it maintains the longer sight radius.
4.Makes the 20 more concealable as the grip is usually the hardest thing to hide. doesn't mean that the it will be any easier to carry as i am sure the weight difference would be negligible.
"I am just saying"

[firemedic1343]

I can understand both of your points but i think you may be missing the authors point of the posted link.
1. it's like having a 29 long slide without having to buy a new gun and barrel.
2. the softer perceived recoil of the 20.
3. it maintains the longer sight radius.
4.Makes the 20 more concealable as the grip is usually the hardest thing to hide. doesn't mean that the it will be any easier to carry as i am sure the weight difference would be negligible.
"I am just saying"

I can see your points. Theres also always the option of getting a 6" bbl on your 20 that would be longer than any regular order barrel for the 29...

[swinokur]

Grip reductions usually involve front to back dimensions not grip length. Grip length is what make a pistol harder to conceal IMO. You can always use G20 mags in a G29 but not vice versa. But this is only important if carry is the main consideration. All things being equal, a G2 SF is my choice. Slide length is secondary to me.

I'm just sayin

:whistling:

[ennis]

LWD 10mm extractor In speaking with KKM, I was told not to use a 10mm extractor. I was instructed to modify the .45 extractor instead. I just finished modding and installing the extractor but can't test the setup until the weather breaks. (Unless in install Maritime spring cups, and learn to shoot while wearing scuba gear:upeyes:) Any information that would contradict what KKM told me?

[GRT45]

In speaking with KKM, I was told not to use a 10mm extractor. I was instructed to modify the .45 extractor instead.

Hmmm...that's an approach I haven't heard before. I'm very interested in your results.

[humphreys19]

ennis,
What sort of modification to the .45 extractor, and did KKM explain why not to use a 10mm extractor? The 10mm piece would seem to make sense to me, but maybe there is a reason.

[Kegs]

(Unless in install Maritime spring cups, and learn to shoot while wearing scuba gear:upeyes:)

Maybe you know this already, maybe you don't, but since you spawned the idea I think it would be good if someone added this information just in case someone actually attempts that:

Please see last FAQ on this page:

http://www.topglock.com/content.aspx?Ckey=glockfaqs

[Snapper2]

I've got a 10/45 kkm barrel for my g30. I used the g29 extractor but found it wasnt an improvement over 45 extractor. I used a wolff 23# spring. The problems I ran into were FTEs after the wider 45 breechface and extractor got too dirty. Until then it runs fine. Try cleaning the breechface and extractor every 50rds and see you have better luck.

[firemedic1343]

I've got a 10/45 kkm barrel for my g30. I used the g29 extractor but found it wasnt an improvement over 45 extractor. I used a wolff 23# spring. The problems I ran into were FTEs after the wider 45 breechface and extractor got too dirty. Until then it runs fine. Try cleaning the breechface and extractor every 50rds and see you have better luck.

I've heard mixed reviews on the extractor switch. I don't think I've heard anything about cleaning helping. Thanks for the post.

[humphreys19]

Update:

Another trip to the range, this time with a variety of new loads to try using several powders and both plated and cast bullets. Have not found the perfect load yet, leader so far is a healthy charge of W231 behind a 180 gr Lazer Cast FP.

Interesting point this time is that I used the stock g30 .45 extractor, and function was 100%, no failures of any kind.

Still need to find a 10mm load for this thing that shoots as well as it does as a .45, and that will take some doing, 'cause it does shoot good as a .45. Experiment continues.

Tom

[Snapper2]

Update:

Another trip to the range, this time with a variety of new loads to try using several powders and both plated and cast bullets. Have not found the perfect load yet, leader so far is a healthy charge of W231 behind a 180 gr Lazer Cast FP.

Interesting point this time is that I used the stock g30 .45 extractor, and function was 100%, no failures of any kind.

Still need to find a 10mm load for this thing that shoots as well as it does as a .45, and that will take some doing, 'cause it does shoot good as a .45. Experiment continues.

Tom

That sounds like good news Tom. What recoil spring are you using?

[humphreys19]

I was using the stock g30 spring set up. Glock part #'s for the recoil assembly are the same for the 30 and the 29. If this experiment continues into more powerful 10mm loads, though, I may want to look at heavier springs.

Tom

[ennis]

Since the G29 slide weighs more than the G30, the spring weights can be the same in both guns. The reason I went with heavier recoil springs was to keep the slide from coming back before the combustion was complete in the larger 10mm case. It wasn't so much for reliability as it was for consistent velocities. People firing their conversions over chronographs reported large variation in shot to shot velocity with the factory 17lb springs. I figured if I was going to go through the hassle of the conversion route, I might as well get all of the performance I'm hoping for. I am just now starting to test out the conversion using 21 and 23lb Wolff springs, as suggested by many people.

EDIT: Follow -up
I was expecting to have to fine tune the set up, to get reliable function. Looks like I might have lucked out. Put the first 100 rounds through without a single hitch. I used a mix of Remington 180gr FPMJ and Double tap 200gr hardcast. I used the 23lb springs, and a modified G30 extractor, right from the start. Functioned perfectly, even when I changed back to the .45acp barrel. (I only ran a single mag of .45 through.)

[Snapper2]

Since the G29 slide weighs more than the G30, the spring weights can be the same in both guns. The reason I went with heavier recoil springs was to keep the slide from coming back before the combustion was complete in the larger 10mm case. It wasn't so much for reliability as it was for consistent velocities. People firing their conversions over chronographs reported large variation in shot to shot velocity with the factory 17lb springs. I figured if I was going to go through the hassle of the conversion route, I might as well get all of the performance I'm hoping for. I am just now starting to test out the conversion using 21 and 23lb Wolff springs, as suggested by many people.

EDIT: Follow -up
I was expecting to have to fine tune the set up, to get reliable function. Looks like I might have lucked out. Put the first 100 rounds through without a single hitch. I used a mix of Remington 180gr FPMJ and Double tap 200gr hardcast. I used the 23lb springs, and a modified G30 extractor, right from the start. Functioned perfectly, even when I changed back to the .45acp barrel. (I only ran a single mag of .45 through.)

Ennis, how much did you take off the extractor? Your results sound good. Using nickel plated brass might have helped the cause. Seems my extractor was always ripping chunks out of any non nickel brass I used, causing ejected brass to hit my forehead.:steamed:Has anyone seen unusual wear from using hot loads and the factory spring?It seems the 23#er would cause wear from slamming the slide/barrel back shut against the slide stop.:dunno: I like the recoil feel of the straight push back,(with the 23#) but dont like it slamming shut that hard.

[ennis]

Re: the extractor mod, I suggest that you discuss it with Kevin at KKM. I worry that my offering gunsmithing advice, is way beyond my level of competence. I will say, that once you understand the cut, it is only a short time with a needle file and you will be good to go. It's surprisingly easy. It was Kevin that dissuaded me from trying the G29 extractor. Mike McNett at Double Tap suggested the 21lb spring.

http://glocktalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1245835&highlight=21lb

[Snapper2]

Re: the extractor mod, I suggest that you discuss it with Kevin at KKM. I worry that my offering gunsmithing advice, is way beyond my level of competence. I will say, that once you understand the cut, it is only a short time with a needle file and you will be good to go. It's surprisingly easy. It was Kevin that dissuaded me from trying the G29 extractor. Mike McNett at Double Tap suggested the 21lb spring.

http://glocktalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1245835&highlight=21lb

Ennis, thanks for the link and info. Also good to know the mod still allows you to shoot 45 also. I have a stormlake 400 corbon barrel for the gun also that allows me to shoot 10mm bullets(165gr and lighter) while using g30 magazines. Function wise it has been alot less problematic once you learn to handload the bottleneck brass. Pressure for the 400corbon is roughly a little higher than a 45+p round.

[humphreys19]

Latest update:

Took the conversion model 30/10mm to the range yesterday. Using the stock .45 extractor, and the stock recoil assembly, I shot up all the available 10mm ammo I had (50 Federal factory 180 fmj, and approximately 200 lead 180 flat point reloads using several different powders). The result? Zero malfunctions of any kind. Just plain boring reliability. Accuracy ranging from OK to very good. One mid-range W231 load shot one hole groups at 10 yards. I would carry this gun.

Tom

[ennis]

Way to go! Good to have another report of a successful 10mm conversion. Now let's move on to .45 super loads.:pepper:

[humphreys19]

What do we need .45 Super loads for? I thought 10mm would cause global destruction at the touch of a trigger?

Tom

[ennis]

What do we need .45 Super loads for? I thought 10mm would cause global destruction at the touch of a trigger?

Tom
But there is more to destroy than simply the globe. I think it's important that we always keep an open mind about how best to go about destroying. We wouldn't want to not keep getting better at it.

[GRT45]

Latest update:

Took the conversion model 30/10mm to the range yesterday. Using the stock .45 extractor, and the stock recoil assembly, I shot up all the available 10mm ammo I had (50 Federal factory 180 fmj, and approximately 200 lead 180 flat point reloads using several different powders). The result? Zero malfunctions of any kind. Just plain boring reliability. Accuracy ranging from OK to very good. One mid-range W231 load shot one hole groups at 10 yards. I would carry this gun.

Tom

Tom, I appreciate you keeping us updated on your results for the G30 to 10mm conversion. It builds my confidence not only for my own use but also in recommending the conversion to others who want to take advantage of the great versatility of the G30 45ACP pistol.

On the topic of .45 Super, the following post and sticky thread were very useful in my research. It opened my eyes on yet another intriguing option for the G30 pistol.

http://www.glocktalk.com/forums/showpost.php?p=17099281&postcount=59

http://glocktalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=197490

One of my pistol instructors hunts deer with a pistol and his handloaded .45 Super ammo. I've seen him take down an animal quickly and humanely with a well-placed shot. It can be a very effective hunting round in the hands of a marksman.