ok, got one for ya 9mm j-frame???

[theonetrucheese]

here is the question... smith makes the 640 j-frame that is chambered in .357mag and cut for moon clips. in theory could a person fire 9mm rounds out of this revolver. why or why not?

 

[Rod Snell]

I'm no gunsmith at all, but I've seen the 9mm j frames at the range and heard the explanation.

The bore is close enough, but the chambers for .38 Spl (or .357) and 9mm Luger aren't. 0.379 diameter on the .38, 0.391 on the 9mm, and the 9mm case is actually tapered from back to front. A .38 chamber can be machined to reliably take 9mm Luger cartridges, but then is somewhat oversize for .38/.357.
http://www.handloads.com/articles/cartridge.htm

I believe there was also a difference in the clips used for 9mm, since the clips fit in the extracor groove, not around the full body like the .38.

Maybe one of the gunsmiths will come along to answer with more detail.

 

[Honeybee]

Don't screw up your gun like that. If you want a 9mm then get a 9mm.

 

[flatwins]

Yep, Smith used to make the 940, a 9mm revolver. There's a few out there but the price is going to sting a little.

 

[ssgrock3]

taurus makes a 9milly J also.

 

[theonetrucheese]

i had seen the 940's and did notice a little bit of a high price tag...with charter arms toying around with the semi-auto cartridges maybe smith will bring theirs back...rod, thank you for reminding me about cases, i had just been focusing on bullet measurement differences and with the 9mm being .356ish and the .357/38 being .358 it seemed plausible, i now see why not and will just have to keep waiting/looking for a factory set gun

 

[flatwins]

This GB seller usually makes me laugh and they didn't disappoint on this search either: http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=291592857

 

[okie98]

There will be a S&W 940 at Super Dave's Claremore show.

 

[OKCShooter]

I dont see the benefit of 9mm over .38 in a J frame...especially with the added cost of the gun...

 

[JB Books]

This GB seller usually makes me laugh and they didn't disappoint on this search either: http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=291592857

Those guys always have high prices on Smiths.

I have a 940. Heavy little bastards.