convert existing gun to 10mm?

[vertigo7]

It's late, I need sleep, so forgive me if this doesn't make a lot of sense.

Let's suppose I pick up the latest Acme 9mm or .40 cal Blast-o-matic pistol from the local gun shop. It's a great gun, but it would be even better if it were a 10mm. The company selling the gun doesn't offer it chambered for 10mm, doesn't have plans to do so in the future, and off-the-shelf drop-in parts aren't available / haven't been found yet. How can I find out if the existing frame and mechanisms (barrel / slide / chamber will have to be custom-made to fit) can safely take the higher pressures of the 10mm and not blow up in my face before I waste a gunsmith's time with an unworkable request to convert it?

vertigo7

PS. I know I can skip all the above hassles and just buy a Glock 20 or 29. I've rented them at the range a few times but haven't bought one yet. How do you think I got the 10mm bug? ;f

[Steve Koski]

Generally you can't. The only exception I can think of where this could possibly work is if you have a large frame gun (I'm thinking 1911) that has been re-configured to 9mm or .40. You could then put a 10mm top end on it.

The problem with most 9s and 40s is that the mag well and magazines are sized to just barely hold the cartridges. 10mm cartridges are significantly longer, and require a deeper (front-back) magazine well. A 9mm frame also may not be up to the 10mm beating.

Koski

[wolfman97]

the one thing I have noticed is that 10s tend to be beefier than other guns. I would bet money that you would need more metal in the barrel (at least) to be safe, and that might be difficult to stuff into a gun designed for a smaller caliber. Now, if you want to go with a 20 or 29 and convert it to shoot something smaller, that's a snap.

[VN350X10]

Keep in mind that the Colt Delta had a reputation for self destructing with full power 10MM loads. This is a gun design that lives with WAY out of line .38Super loads in IPSC/USPSA competition.
You not only have to look at the pressure involved, but also take into consideration the case head diameter. Think of the head size as your "piston", calculate it's area, & compute the forces involved acting on the gun.
Best example; My .222 varmit rifle is based on a 1898 Krag. The limits for that ctg. (30-40 Krag) are around 40,000 psi. To get the same back thrust on the bolt locking lugs from the .222, it would be loaded to around 83,000 psi !

I don't know of a .40 or 9mm gun that would take it, even if the ctg would fit.
Another note here, the "peening" so often noted on G22 pistols is a direct result of the increased back thrust. The .40 runs at about the same pressure as a 9mm, but here is the result of the larger"piston"... more reward thrust.

uncle albert

[joey'sGlock23]

check over in the 10 ring, I think agtman had some info that dane burns would convert 1911's to 10mm, I think you good a kimber converted and bufffered all for $850

[vertigo7]

I found some info on Dane Burns Kimber conversions from .40 to 10mm on another gun board. I'll look into things further and see if it's worth the time and expense. Thanks Joey'sGlock23.

vertigo7