Ruger 40S&W Carbine

[kawalekm]

I just picked up a Ruger Carbine (rifle) in 40S&W this last weekend. I'll be test firing it for the first time this weekend when I go up to the homestead. I also have a Ruger P89 in 9mm and was wondering if I can buy a drop-in barrel to convert it to 40. Has anyone here tried this? I have swapped magazines between a 9mm and 40S&W before, so I think the only other relevent issue is whether or not the bolt-face extractor would fit.

[Clem]

I expect that to convert your Ruger from 9mm to .40 S&W would take a slide, barrel, mags, recoil spring. Call Ruger in AZ to get the definitive answer. You may find it is not cost effective to convert the 9, then consider getting a second gun.
Any excuse to buy a new gun is a good excuse.

[hunter63]

Wow, didn't know they still made the carbines.
Your gonna love it.

Have a couple of them in .44 Mag, made back in the '70's.
Cool little guns, and do pack a wallop.

P.S. saw a lever action version, about 10 years ago, look similar, don't know if they still make them either.

[kawalekm]

I finally got to shoot it this last weekend when I was teaching someone how to shoot. I was very pleased with its handling and performance, with about the same amount of thump as a .357 handgun. Sadly though, all my Ruger 9mm magazines would not feed the 40 ammo into the chamber, so I guess I'm stuck using original magazines. Years ago I tried using a Ruger 40 mag (back in the 10 round limit days) in my P89, and it worked well, so I had hoped the opposite was true. Oh well, I'll just have to dig through the pile of mags till I find the 40.

[dannistim]

I'm glad yours works well. I had one back around 2000 and it was a dog. The bolt locked back when there were still rounds in the mag and didn't lock back when there weren't. worked great after I took the last shot hold open out. Just wanted to let you know of that weak point in the design. Also you may stop loving it once you try to disassemble it for cleaning or more accurately reassemble it... Best of luck.

[kawalekm]

Well, I've solved all my problems by going out and getting a P94 for Christmas. Just took it to the range one week ago and it performed well. It looks like I've decided now to change platforms from 9mm to 40S&W, so I've bought a .401 bullet mold and have started casting bullets. I'll be developing both a jacketed hollowpoint, and a cast TC load for both guns. I'll post some results later this spring. My shooting bench is covered with snow right now.
Michael