[JerryM]

Could a BHP or a CZ 75 be converted to the 9x23? I haven't seen it discussed, but maybe I have missed it.
Jerry

 

[Stephen A. Camp]

Hello. I don't think it's feasible in the HP as the magazine's length limits cartridge length. I believe that the late George C. Nonte did something along these lines with the HP a 20 years ago using the .38 Super, but wound up having to seat the bullet so deeply that no real gains were made. For what it's worth, I'd love a HP in 9x23!

I suspect that for the same reasons, this wouldn't work well in the CZ75 9mm-sized handguns, either. I suspect that the magazines and therefore the grips would have to be a bit longer to get this.

The gunsmiths on the board may be able to add guidance and the feasibility of your idea.

Best.

 

[JerryM]

Stephen,
Thanks, that makes sense to me.
Regards,
Jerry

 

[MuzzleBlast]

The HP was pretty much designed around the 9mmP, so not enough room for anything longer. A 9mm 1911 would be an easy conversion. Seems like there were some variants of the CZ75 that were offered in .38 Super. One of the Tanfoglios maybe? Anything with enough room for .38 Super would work. I have been reading posts in other locations on the 'net about people converting Tokarevs, and experimenting (CAREFULLY!!!) with guns chambered for the 9mm Largo. Pretty intriguing stuff.

 

[viesczy]

If you are looking for similiar ballistics just have a .40S&W BHP converted to .357 Sig. I recall seeing the charts on the factory loaded Hornady 124gr XTP moving at 1475fps from a BHP converted to .357 Sig.

As for the CZ, the Witness comes(came?) in .38 S and that could be readily converted to 9x23. I in fact have a .38 S Witness and had another .38 S barrel reamed to 9x23.

The Witness in 9x23 has had a few failure to extract malfs, but the 18 round mag has not had the jam problem that it had with .38 S and that little rim on the .38 S.

Accuracy has been GREAT!

I did learn from Dane that in his opinion that the Witness was not a stout enough pistol to handle the 9x23 round. I forgot the exact reason that Dane told me, wear and tear on the barrel/lockup area I believe.

Derek

 

[BK]

One interesting round that was converted by some to work in the HP was the .41AE. I don't remember the exact ballistics but they were impressive at the time (mid to late '80s). Of course the .40S&W came along and pretty much killed the .41AE.

 

[eerw]

The high power or CZ and the 9x23 would be a great combination, except for the fact the 9x23 is too long by 4mm. Thats too bad. I love the guns, I now love that cartridge. I suspect Dane is very right about the EAA/Tangfolio/Springfield P9 not holding up because a lot of work had to be done to keep them reliable for IPSC major Power Factor. With the P9 the ejector was part of the sear housing and if you did not weld up the housing or use set screws to the hold the housing the battering would shift it causing your trigger to change. Also the slide lock pin was very weak and specially heat treated and hardened pins were needed to handle the extra force by the high velocity rounds. Once it was set, it was a beautiful thing. I doubt very much the guns would last with 9x23. If you got it too run, I would hope your gunsmith lived close and he liked seeing you a lot. Mine did thankfully.

 

[viesczy]

My Witness .38 S/9x23 is only a fun gun. I have about 450-475 dollars total in the pistol (cost, barrels and 2 high cap mags) and it was only purchased to be a beater pistol. With the 125gr CorBon .38 S I was getting about 1400fps and the Win STHP I was getting 1412fps from the Witness.

It's just a shade to heavy (boat anchor on steroids with 19 rounds in it) to really tote with me all day long. I figure to have run about 500-700 round through it (factory 125sthp/jsps) with an occassional failure to extract malf.

Derek

 

[Guest]

In early 1990 I happened upon several Eqyptian manufacture High Powers in .45 acp.
They were slightly larger than the 9mm pistols. I had the oppurtunity to shoot one frequently while living in Turkey, it did not work/hold up well and I ended up trading it for a new Pirelli tire for my motorcycle at the time. I do remember that it was difficult to reassemble as the frame exhibited heavy peening
and the magazines were very poor.
I believe CZ also tried .45acp in the Browning frame/package and due to size/reliability problems scrapped the pistol.
I have been told by several gunsmiths that the BHP does not hold up well in extended shooting with the .40S&W so I would be surprised if it could handle 9x23 if you solved the size/length problems.

 

[Stephen A. Camp]

Hello, Mr. DiFabio! I have heard that some of the early 9mm to .40 conversions done by Wayne Novak for the FBI's HRT did not hold up to extended use. I've not heard that about the new MkIIIs with the cast frames.

Best.

 

[recondoc]

I started to go down the "beef it up" road. I was looking into a conversion for .41AE. I actually know where a conversion is if anyone wants to buy is. (Most likely in the 200 area) Anyway, I finally broke down and just got a .40. It punches the bigger hole, and is easier to find ammo for.
It's still not as powerfull as the .41 though.
Best