Introduction
The Glock 19. It’s an icon, a staple in the world of firearms, and a favorite among law enforcement, military personnel, and civilian shooters alike. Compact, reliable, and chambered in the ubiquitous 9mm, the Glock 19 offers a compelling balance of firepower, concealability, and ease of use. Its popularity is undeniable, its reputation cemented by decades of service and widespread adoption. But what if you want to experience the punch of a .40 S&W cartridge without investing in another firearm? This is where the world of Glock conversion kits enters the picture, offering a potentially cost-effective way to diversify your Glock platform. We’re going to delve deep into a specific solution: the Glock 19 to 22 Conversion Gen 3. This review will explore the intricacies of this conversion, dissect its performance, and help you determine if it’s the right path for you.
Understanding the Concept
A conversion kit, in its simplest form, is a set of components designed to alter the caliber of your existing firearm. In the context of Glock pistols, this usually involves swapping out the slide assembly and barrel, and sometimes modifying or replacing the recoil spring. This allows you to shoot a different cartridge from your existing Glock frame. The advantages can range from cost savings to the convenience of utilizing the same frame for multiple calibers. The concept allows shooters to explore alternative chamberings without having to buy a completely new handgun. The ability to easily switch between 9mm and .40 S&W, for example, offers a significant tactical and practical benefit.
Focus of This Review
Our focus is on the Glock 19 to 22 Conversion Gen 3. We’re specifically looking at kits designed to convert a Glock 19 to fire the .40 S&W cartridge, offering a direct upgrade to the Glock 19. “Gen 3” is a crucial detail, denoting a particular generation of Glock pistols, and therefore, the specific design and compatibility of the kit. This is a critical point to understand because Glock designs have evolved over time, and not all conversion kits are compatible with all generations of Glocks. Using a kit that is not correctly matched to the generation of your pistol could lead to significant problems like poor performance or, worse, damage to your firearm. This review will thoroughly evaluate the components, the installation process, the shooting experience, and the overall value proposition of this particular conversion option.
Conversion Kit Essentials
The conversion kit itself is a collection of parts designed to seamlessly transform your Glock 19. Typically, the kit will include the most critical elements: a new slide assembly, a barrel chambered for .40 S&W, and a modified recoil spring. The slide is the heart of the system, housing the firing pin, extractor, and other essential mechanisms. The barrel is, of course, the chamber where the .40 S&W cartridge will be seated and the bullet propelled downrange. The recoil spring controls the cycling of the slide during firing and is usually tuned to the recoil forces generated by the new cartridge.
Installation Made Easy
The process of converting a Glock 19 to .40 S&W involves straightforward disassembly and reassembly. You’ll need to field strip your Glock 19, removing the slide from the frame. Next, the old slide assembly is set aside. The new slide assembly, complete with its .40 S&W barrel, replaces the original. The new recoil spring might also be needed, depending on what the kit includes. Some kits reuse the original spring, and some specify a different spring, or sometimes they include a spring designed for .40 S&W. Reassemble the pistol, and the conversion is complete. The basic concept is simple: you’re swapping the major components to accommodate a larger, more powerful round.
Important Compatibility Notes
Compatibility is extremely important. Make certain the conversion kit you’re using is made for your specific Glock 19 model. The “Gen 3” designation is not just a buzzword; it ensures that the slide and barrel profiles, internal components, and overall design align with your Glock 19’s frame. Failing to verify compatibility can lead to cycling issues, failures to extract or eject spent casings, and potentially even dangerous malfunctions. Ensure the kit is specifically manufactured to fit the exact generation of your Glock 19 to have the best chance for success.
The Advantage of .40 S&W
The .40 S&W cartridge offers a significant increase in stopping power compared to the 9mm. The .40 S&W round is typically a larger and heavier bullet, producing a higher muzzle energy. When fired through a Glock 19 converted to .40 S&W, the pistol gains the advantages of this powerful cartridge. The energy delivered on target is greater with .40, and you’ll definitely feel the difference when firing.
Slide and Its Features
Let’s examine the components that come with a typical conversion kit. The slide is a critical component and the first thing most shooters will notice. The materials used, the precision of the machining, and the quality of the finish all directly impact the longevity and function of the kit. A high-quality slide might be crafted from stainless steel, known for its durability and corrosion resistance. A good finish, such as a black nitride or Cerakote, not only adds a layer of protection against wear and tear but also enhances the aesthetic appeal. Sights also deserve a close examination. The standard sights that are included, or the ability to mount aftermarket sights, have an enormous impact on the user’s ability to accurately and quickly acquire targets. The quality of the sight picture and the ease of adjustment are important factors.
Barrel Details
The barrel, as the heart of the gun, must be reviewed with precision. A quality barrel will be made from high-grade steel, precisely machined, and properly heat-treated for durability. The rifling inside the barrel is also crucial. It imparts spin to the bullet, stabilizing it in flight and significantly affecting accuracy. Barrels typically use either conventional or polygonal rifling. Conventional rifling uses grooves cut into the barrel, while polygonal rifling has a slightly different profile, with rounded lands. Both types can deliver excellent accuracy, but the specifics of the rifling affect bullet performance.
The Recoil Spring Role
The recoil spring is crucial for managing the forces generated by the .40 S&W cartridge. The recoil spring is designed to absorb the energy of the slide’s rearward movement and then return the slide forward, chambering a new round. The original Glock 19 recoil spring may not be correctly tuned to handle the increased recoil of the .40 S&W. The kit you choose will usually include a spring.
Other Parts to Consider
Beyond the major components, the conversion kit may include smaller parts, such as extractors and firing pin springs. The quality of these small parts matters and can have a considerable impact on the overall reliability of the pistol.
Installation Demystified
The installation process is a key part of the review. How easy is it to swap out the components? Is any special tooling needed? Does the conversion kit have detailed instructions? The ability of the end-user to easily and safely transform their Glock 19 into a .40 S&W firearm is a key consideration. In the simplest terms, the installation should be an exercise in straightforward disassembly and reassembly.
Installation Process Explained
The installation process should be relatively easy, typically requiring no special tools beyond those needed for basic field stripping of a Glock. The instructions should be clear, with diagrams or photographs to guide the user. The components should fit together seamlessly, with no need for force or modifications.
Testing and Shooting Experience
Let’s look at how the pistol performs when using the converted Glock 19. After converting the Glock 19, how does it shoot? What are the practical differences when transitioning from the familiar 9mm to the more powerful .40 S&W? The .40 S&W cartridge generates more recoil than the 9mm. The shooter will experience a sharper and more noticeable recoil impulse. This isn’t a bad thing; it is simply a characteristic of the .40 S&W round. The ergonomics of the converted pistol will largely mirror those of the Glock 19. It should fit and feel like a familiar handgun, with all the advantages and familiarity of the original platform. Accuracy testing is a crucial part of the evaluation. Testing is done to see if the kit delivers acceptable groups at the range. This can be done at different distances, typically at yards.
Reliability Analysis
Reliability is paramount. Even with a reliable gun, any failure can diminish the shooter’s confidence. Does the converted Glock 19 consistently feed, fire, and eject .40 S&W rounds? Or are there malfunctions or hiccups? How many rounds were fired through the converted pistol during testing? What types of ammunition were used? The more rounds fired without issue, the more confident you can be in the system.
Magazine Compatibility
Another consideration is the compatibility with the original Glock 19 magazines. Using the magazines meant to be paired with the .40 S&W provides the most reliable performance.
Conversion Kit Pros and Cons
After a thorough review of the conversion kit, let’s weigh the positives and negatives. On the plus side, a conversion kit is typically more affordable than purchasing a dedicated Glock 22. It offers a significant cost savings. Secondly, it is undeniably convenient. You can transform your 9mm to a .40 S&W pistol in a matter of minutes. The third point is that the .40 S&W is known to be more effective and powerful compared to 9mm. The user gains the ability to shoot the .40 S&W cartridge. Also, the conversion is easy and requires little expertise to perform.
Negative Aspects of Conversion
Now to the less favorable aspects. There is a potential for reduced reliability. Any conversion introduces the potential for malfunctions. Another important negative consideration is that you are, in effect, pushing a handgun to the very edge of its design parameters. The frames of the Glock 19 are not designed to handle the .40 S&W cartridge. The cost of the conversion kit is not insignificant. Finally, there are compatibility issues to consider.
Comparisons and Alternatives
So how does the Glock 19 to 22 conversion stack up against the alternatives? How does it compare to buying a completely new Glock 22 or a competing conversion kit? A brand-new Glock 22 will offer the highest degree of factory-engineered reliability. However, this also requires an added investment. Some conversion kits will offer improvements in fit and finish. This is a key consideration when deciding on which kit to select.
Conclusion and Recommendation
In closing, the Glock 19 to 22 Conversion Gen 3 can be an interesting option for expanding your shooting possibilities. By converting, you gain access to the .40 S&W cartridge without investing in another firearm. This offers an attractive balance of cost and convenience. However, the prospective buyer should carefully consider all aspects. The conversion kit offers a gateway to the world of .40 S&W, but it may not provide the same level of reliability as a factory-built Glock 22. The ease of use, the convenience of the caliber change, and the cost savings make it an appealing option for many Glock owners.
Who is This For?
If you are a shooter looking for a way to experience the advantages of the .40 S&W cartridge without the cost of buying an entirely new handgun, the Glock 19 to 22 Conversion Gen 3 is an interesting option.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to dive into the world of Glock conversions, research and choose a kit that’s compatible with your Gen 3 Glock 19.
The Verdict
So, should you buy it? The answer depends on your individual needs and priorities. If budget is a significant concern and the ability to switch calibers is appealing, the Glock 19 to 22 Conversion Gen 3 is worth considering. However, if absolute reliability is paramount or if you are a novice shooter, purchasing a dedicated Glock 22 might be a better choice. Carefully consider your needs. With proper research, you can make an informed decision about the best path for your shooting journey.
