Trying to build a Para-9mm

keepgf · March 17, 1999, 09:36 PM

I have a gunsmith frame in .38 super. Does anyone know if the 38 super mags will take 9mm reliably. Any advice in this endeavour to build a decent 9mm para?
thanks

George Stringer · March 17, 1999, 10:43 PM

Keep, no the .38 Super mags are too long. If you were building a 9x23 they'd work. I suggest you go to www.m1911.org . Click on the block titled Technical issues. There is step by step instructions for building a 1911 located there. It's really very good. George

Daniel Watters · March 17, 1999, 10:51 PM

Para-Ordnance shows a 9x19mm model on their web page, the P18-9. Perhaps they have done something different with their magazines in order to make it work. It would be worth an e-mail or phone call to check it out.

www.paraord.com

[This message has been edited by Daniel Watters (edited March 17, 1999).]

Ken Cook · March 18, 1999, 03:53 AM

George is right. Can't be done with 9x19 in .38 super mags. However, it CAN be done with the frame. Just for your peace of mind, check with them to ensure that the 9x19 mags will fit in your frame. (They should, but I can't say for certain. Haven't handled a PARA frame in about 6 years.)
9x23 would be really cool though!

------------------
Your mind is your primary weapon.

James K · March 18, 1999, 11:29 AM

Colt 9mm P mags have a block at the rear, and the lips are shaped differently from the .38 Super mag. The frames are the same and the .38 ejector should work OK. Note that the slide has to be 9mm, though. The .38 is semi-rimmed and the extractor won't fit quite right for 9mm. Of course all of this can be overcome with money and time. BUT, with all the 9mms out there, is building one worth it?

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March 17, 1999, 09:36 PM	#1
keepgf Junior Member Join Date: March 17, 1999 Location: Newport News Va USA Posts: 2	I have a gunsmith frame in .38 super. Does anyone know if the 38 super mags will take 9mm reliably. Any advice in this endeavour to build a decent 9mm para? thanks

March 17, 1999, 10:43 PM	#2
George Stringer Staff Alumnus Join Date: October 12, 1998 Location: Earlington KY Posts: 2,299	Keep, no the .38 Super mags are too long. If you were building a 9x23 they'd work. I suggest you go to www.m1911.org . Click on the block titled Technical issues. There is step by step instructions for building a 1911 located there. It's really very good. George

March 17, 1999, 10:51 PM	#3
Daniel Watters Senior Member Join Date: February 7, 1999 Location: USA Posts: 644	Para-Ordnance shows a 9x19mm model on their web page, the P18-9. Perhaps they have done something different with their magazines in order to make it work. It would be worth an e-mail or phone call to check it out. www.paraord.com [This message has been edited by Daniel Watters (edited March 17, 1999).]

March 18, 1999, 03:53 AM	#4
Ken Cook Senior Member Join Date: March 4, 1999 Location: Hot Springs AR. USA Posts: 265	George is right. Can't be done with 9x19 in .38 super mags. However, it CAN be done with the frame. Just for your peace of mind, check with them to ensure that the 9x19 mags will fit in your frame. (They should, but I can't say for certain. Haven't handled a PARA frame in about 6 years.) 9x23 would be really cool though! ------------------ Your mind is your primary weapon.

March 18, 1999, 11:29 AM	#5
James K Member In Memoriam Join Date: March 17, 1999 Posts: 24,383	Colt 9mm P mags have a block at the rear, and the lips are shaped differently from the .38 Super mag. The frames are the same and the .38 ejector should work OK. Note that the slide has to be 9mm, though. The .38 is semi-rimmed and the extractor won't fit quite right for 9mm. Of course all of this can be overcome with money and time. BUT, with all the 9mms out there, is building one worth it?