Need Help With G23 and 9mm LWD Barrel

[Matrix62]

Picked up a new G23 and 9mm Lone Wolf barrel in November. Last month I ran about 100 rounds through the 9mm barrel, had about 4-5 FTEs.

Took it today to the range for the second time. Ran 200 9mm rounds (2 boxes of Winchester WWB and 2 boxes of Remington UMC) through it and had about 7 FTEs (no FTEs so far when using the .40 setup). Two of the FTEs had the cartridges stuck straight against the slide (90 degrees to a typical stovepipe).

This is unacceptable failure rate even as a range configuration (I have read the previous threads about not using the 9mm conversion for SD, carry, etc.). I wanted to use this setup on the range and as my backup 9mm for IPSC, steel plates, etc.

In order to fix this I have read that people swap some of the internals (Extractor, Recoil Spring, etc.) and have had success. Would this be worth my while to do this? If I purchase a G19 extractor would I need to get the whole assembly (springs, etc.) or would a single part suffice?

[DannyR]

The stock recoil spring is the same, but you may wish to switch extractors, spring loaded bearings and ejectors when shooting 9mm from your G23. You must match the extractor to the proper spring loaded bearing. Do not use one without the other.

[Giggity-Giggity]

I've had the same issues with my LWD 40-9mm for the G35: Stove pipes galore.

I emailed Lone Wolf and their reply was to change the recoil spring to a G34 recoil spring (Both G35 & G34 use the same springs) or try new ammo. I used cheap WWB. I think also a higher velocity 9mm ammo will prevent the failure to ejects.

I'm unhappy with mine, but I'll have to work with it. Hopefully, it needs a break in period.

[cole]

Picked up a new G23 and 9mm Lone Wolf barrel in November. Last month I ran about 100 rounds through the 9mm barrel, had about 4-5 FTEs.

Took it today to the range for the second time. Ran 200 9mm rounds (2 boxes of Winchester WWB and 2 boxes of Remington UMC) through it and had about 7 FTEs (no FTEs so far when using the .40 setup). Two of the FTEs had the cartridges stuck straight against the slide (90 degrees to a typical stovepipe).

This is unacceptable failure rate even as a range configuration (I have read the previous threads about not using the 9mm conversion for SD, carry, etc.). I wanted to use this setup on the range and as my backup 9mm for IPSC, steel plates, etc.

In order to fix this I have read that people swap some of the internals (Extractor, Recoil Spring, etc.) and have had success. Would this be worth my while to do this? If I purchase a G19 extractor would I need to get the whole assembly (springs, etc.) or would a single part suffice?


My G23 9mm LWD barrel has been 100% with factory NEW ammo just swapping the barrel. It chokes on some reloads as they're not always resized well. The LWD barrel tolerances are tighter. Take out the barrel and drop random rounds in it, see if they seat all way (should "clink"), push then in to seat if they do not, and then pull them out. The rounds should "clink" when you put them in, and unending the barrel should make 'em fall out. Should not be any resistance. If so, the chamber is too tight for your selected ammo. May be the barrel tolerance is too tight.

[edrobert]

7 FTE in 200 rounds isn't so bad in a range toy looking at the glass half full. Being a range/practice set up, this gives tyou the perfect opportunity to practice clearance drills. I see foks all the time practice shooting their 99% reliable pistol and never practice clearance drills. When they finally happen to have a FTF/FTE they stare down at the pistol confused...and look around to see if anyone else saw it rather than quickly clear it and keep firing. I think too many times we forget that even a very reliable platform like the Glock can and does have hiccups every now and then so we should practice on what to do when it happens.

BTW, my LWD Conversion is 99% with just a barrel & mag change, so if you still have to have 99% I agree with the other posters that you should swap out your ejector/extractor and that should fix the problem.

[edrobert]

7 FTE in 200 rounds isn't so bad in a range toy looking at the glass half full. Being a range/practice set up, this gives tyou the perfect opportunity to practice clearance drills. I see foks all the time practice shooting their 99% reliable pistol and never practice clearance drills. When they finally happen to have a FTF/FTE they stare down at the pistol confused...and look around to see if anyone else saw it rather than quickly clear it and keep firing. I think too many times we forget that even a very reliable platform like the Glock can and does have hiccups every now and then so we should practice on what to do when it happens.

[Matrix62]

Thanks.

I tried the fitting suggestion. Both UMC and WWB fit well in the barrel, no sticking at all.

What I also did was order from Top Glock a new extractor (spring loaded bearing and plunger spring also); According to the catalog the G23 extractor is 15 degrees and the G19 is 90 degrees which seems to be a significant difference in functionality. Also the G19 extractor is categorized in my shopping cart as "Glock Part, Extractor 9MM Old Style, Black" - Old Style? I hope that the "old style" is not obselete and I don't have a problem.

I did not order a new ejector, I figured that I would test out the extractor first and get the ejector as the next step in fixing the problem.

Regarding the ratio of FTEs, I guess I am spoiled with my G34, I can shoot in four or five events and not have a single FTE with it.

[Seafarer12]

Sorry to hear about your problems I have had zero problems wit my G22 conversion barrel.

[Matrix62]

Went to the range today, with the new 9mm extractor, plunger, and spring loaded bearing I only had 2 FTEs in 250 rounds. For a range gun setup, it's a done deal for me! Problem solved.

[BustedFlush]

In a thread about the LWD 40-9 barrels, I recall JR saying something about "breaking the barrel in" with some +p ammo. Also, using 124 grain ammo rather than 115 grain.

Anyone else recall this?

[BustedFlush]

Thanks.

I tried the fitting suggestion. Both UMC and WWB fit well in the barrel, no sticking at all.

What I also did was order from Top Glock a new extractor (spring loaded bearing and plunger spring also); According to the catalog the G23 extractor is 15 degrees and the G19 is 90 degrees which seems to be a significant difference in functionality. Also the G19 extractor is categorized in my shopping cart as "Glock Part, Extractor 9MM Old Style, Black" - Old Style? I hope that the "old style" is not obselete and I don't have a problem.

I did not order a new ejector, I figured that I would test out the extractor first and get the ejector as the next step in fixing the problem.

Regarding the ratio of FTEs, I guess I am spoiled with my G34, I can shoot in four or five events and not have a single FTE with it.
Which 9mm extractor did you wind up getting? If your .40 Glock is late model (last ten years or so - has the 15 degree cut), you don't want the old style (90 degree) 9mm extractor.

[cyborg67]

i have a g23 and was wondering about this as well thanks for the info

[Kentak]

Failure to extract (from the chamber), or failure to eject (from the ejection port)?

If the cases are not being pulled all the way out of the chamber, try the extractor swap-out. If the cases are out of the chamber but not clearing the port, try swapping out the trigger housing for one with the integral 9mm ejector. If you intend to keep it in the 9mm configuration for periods at a time, then do both. *That* should make it reliable.

K

[Matrix62]

Yikes, I got the old style 9mm extractor (with a new style G23).... That's all that was offered from the vendor (I think that it was Top Glock, don't remember right now). If I have more problems with ejecting I will have to pick up the new style next time I order from a vendor that has it.

Regarding what FTEs I had today, one failure to eject and one failure to extract. Previously most were failures to ejects. Good point in telling me to differentiate between the two.

I don't really plan on keeping the configuration for 9mm 100% of the time, so I may hold off on the ejector at the moment.

Thanks all!

[danielsand]

Interesting info on LWD barrel.
I have Storm Lake 9mm conversion on G22, with no issues whatsoever.
It was by chance. I bought it before I even heard about GT and LWD.

But yeah,...if your casings are not clearing the port, it's most likely the ejector that you need to swap. .40 ejector is too straight to have enough impact on the smaller 9mm case. Now why this is not an issue with Storm Lake, I have no idea (maybe "looser" chamber than LWD?).

[BustedFlush]

Yikes, I got the old style 9mm extractor (with a new style G23).... That's all that was offered from the vendor (I think that it was Top Glock, don't remember right now). If I have more problems with ejecting I will have to pick up the new style next time I order from a vendor that has it.

Does your 9mm extractor have the loaded chamber indicator (LCI). If so, no way is it 90 degrees.

I wonder if Top Glock just has them miscategorized.

I just looked at Top Glock's website and they showed only 90 degree extractors for 9mm Glocks, which I find strange.

Here's what you want at Glockmeister:

http://glockmeister.com/product_info.php?cPath=10_18&products_id=256

Glockmeister's page says he does not have the older 90 degree part.

Be sure you are using the correct Spring Loaded Bearing that goes with the extractor you are using.

[mithuth]

subscribed for updates and info.


I'm looking at a g32 and want to get the LWD 9mm conversion barrel and a oem g23 barrel so I can shoot 357sig. 40s&w, and 9mm from the same gun with little effort.

If there's going to be tons of hassle, I may just go with the G19 and forget the other hassles.

If you swap to the 9mm ejector/extractor, do you have to change back for the 40 and 357 when you swap back?

[edrobert]

There aren't a lot of hassles. I think you will find that those that have issues with the swap are in the minority. Get your G32, 9mm Conversion Barrel & G19 Mag, and a G23 Barrel and you effectively have a 3 caliber platform. Never had a problem with my 9mm Conversion of 357Sig swap and I never had to swap ejector housings or extractors.

[mithuth]

There aren't a lot of hassles. I think you will find that those that have issues with the swap are in the minority. Get your G32, 9mm Conversion Barrel & G19 Mag, and a G23 Barrel and you effectively have a 3 caliber platform. Never had a problem with my 9mm Conversion of 357Sig swap and I never had to swap ejector housings or extractors.

And if I can ever find the dang AA 22lr conversion kit in stock or for sale, I'll have a 4 in 1 gun... dubbed my "Lego Glock"

[Matrix62]

Im still doing well with the new extractor/spring loaded bearing. Went to the range this weekend, 150 rounds thru and no problems!

[686Owner]

Im still doing well with the new extractor/spring loaded bearing. Went to the range this weekend, 150 rounds thru and no problems!

Do you switch back for the .40? If so, how long does the switch take you?

[Matrix62]

Haven't switched back yet. Should take ~10-15 mins tops.

[BustedFlush]

Haven't switched back yet. Should take ~10-15 mins tops.

A little practice and you should be able to get that down to under 5 minutes with ease. As long as you don't have to mess with the firing pin and spring cups (you don't) it should be quick. I guess it depends on whether you stop to clean all the slide internals. Worth cleaning it well once so the extractor isn't gunked up and easy to drop out.

If clean, the extractor should drop right out on its own by pressing on the FP safety. No need to remove the FP safety.

If I had to do this on a regular basis, I'd invest in a spare extractor depressor plunger and spring, just so I wouldn't have to remove the little spring loaded bearing every time. Keep an EDP assembly for each caliber, and you'll save some time and bother, and decrease the possibility that you might loose something.

Total cost, 3 bucks plus shipping. Stock up on a few other spare parts or mags to "spread out" the S&H charge:

http://www.ombexpress.com/category~cat~426501603.asp

BF

[686Owner]

I'm confused. :)

You say you haven;t swticthed back, but have you shot the .40? Can you use the 9mm extractor with the .40 or is that a big no no?

I've had a couple of problems, but I think only one was a failure to extract. The other times, the case got stuck in the slide IIRC.

[shotgunred]

I have an old G23 ser#pv ***.
i bought a lwd 40 to 9MM barrel last month. i have had 0 issues with it. Not one. i have one 40 mag that doesn't like to hold 9mm and it has ejected 3 rounds at once twice. but that was because it is a 40 mag, the rest of my 40 mags work fine with the conversion.

i now have run around 800 rounds with stock G23 parts and not one ftf or fte. shoots accurately enough. what more could one ask for. i would highly recommend the wold distributors 40 to 9MM conversion barrel to any one thinking thinking about wanting to do the conversion.

[costanza187]

Are you using Glock 19 magazines? I have heard that helps.

[mithuth]

I have a 3rd gen G23 and a LWD 40-9 conversion barrel, G19 mags, a 33rd 9mm mag, a NY1 and 3.5 connector. I didn't have to do an extractor conversion (yet) and it's eaten approximately 200rds of 9mm and 100rds .40. I've only had 1 FTE (and I know I limp wristed that shot big time.)

So far, so good.

[bigdog_3bc]

I aslo have the lone wolf 9mm conversion barrel for my G23 and I have put over 1000 rounds through it with no problems of any kind.

Lone wolf 9mm conversion barrel review

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DLjNXG5MEnk

[Georgia Lawman]

Please go back and read my previous posts on the LWD conversion. I am approaching 10,000 rounds on my LWD conversion and could not be happier.

I started out with a LWD 40-9 conversion barrel and one 9mm magazine. During the brake in period I had one failure to feed and one failure to extract. Since those early issues this set up has been excellent.

As the saga continues I have made a few more minor modifications to this weapon and continue to be amazed at its reliability. I mentioned in a previous post that I had added a 9mm LCI and bearing. I later added a LWD 3.5# connector and fired another 1000 or so rounds with it, but I was not happy with the trigger. I wanted to try the 3.5# connector with a NY #1 spring, since I was going to pull the trigger mechanism housing out to do the change I ordered 9mm trigger mechanism housing from LWD and replaced the 40 ejector with the 9mm..

I am convinced that the success of the conversion has to do with individual weapon or operator. I would have to go look at my training records, but I am sure I have around 10,000 rounds through my duty G23 and the failure rate is about the same for it and my modified 40-9 G23.

The ultimate question, would I be afraid to drop my 40-9 in my holster and go to the local Quick Stop. Not one bit.

The big advantage to the conversion is the cost of practice. This Sheriff’s Office is a strong proponent of good weapon skills and as such we are issued 100 rounds of 40S&W per month for training and qualify annually on a day and night course. Beyond those 1,200 rounds for training you are on your own and 9mm bought in bulk is cheaper than 40S&W, so that additional 10,000 rounds comes out of my pocket and at the cost of ammo I am looking closer at the AA 22 conversion.

One thing you must use 9mm magazines! The 40s will not feed 9mm correctly.

This was a long response to a simple question. I feel confident that my particular 2nd generation G23 BLH---is extremely reliable with the LWD conversion barrel and related parts.

Thank you to JR and LWD for great service.

[bigdog_3bc]

Here my G23 with the Lone wolf 9mm conversion barrel

( First try at uploading pic's here so sorry if it ****'s up )

[SDGlock23]

Mine feeds and ejects well, but it's so horribly inaccurate that there must be something wrong it. It's not me either, it's the barrel. $99 bucks I'll never get back.

[ACC]

Am I right by saying there is not conversion kit offered by Glock. It is all aftermarket?

Greg

[tampashooters]

Am I right by saying there is not conversion kit offered by Glock. It is all aftermarket?

Greg

Correct.

(With the exception of the .40/.357 swap)

[anyplainjoe]

In a thread about the LWD 40-9 barrels, I recall JR saying something about "breaking the barrel in" with some +p ammo. Also, using 124 grain ammo rather than 115 grain.

Anyone else recall this?

yep, and apply a generous amount of lube to the outside of the new barrel during break in.

[anyplainjoe]

Mine feeds and ejects well, but it's so horribly inaccurate that there must be something wrong it. It's not me either, it's the barrel. $99 bucks I'll never get back.

I'd contact LWD.

[anyplainjoe]

You say you haven;t swticthed back, but have you shot the .40? Can you use the 9mm extractor with the .40 or is that a big no no?


Most people do fine using the stock 40 extractor, but every once in awhile somebody needs to switch to the 9mm extractor.