💬 Gen 3 Glock 17 → Glock 22 (.40 S&W) Conversion — Quick Guide

[Brandon Breeze]

Youtube absolutely HATES these types of videos. Apparently they consider this "manufacturing" depending on the words you use. My channel received a strike and was put on timeout for two weeks for a nearly identical video for 26 → 27 swap. No idea how or why this one made it past the same filters when the context of the video is essentially identical, but since it made it, might as well share it!

Posted a short video showing how to convert a Gen 3 Glock 17 (9mm) into a Glock 22 (.40 S&W).

Short version for those who don’t want to watch:

Summary:

-Safety first, verify the pistol is clear.
-Disassemble the pistol as normal.
-Swap ejector, replace the 9mm ejector with the .40-caliber ejector (Gen differences noted).
-Recoil spring: Gen 17/22 recoil spring assembly compatibility noted, no exotic parts needed.
-Mags & slide: Use .40 mags; installing a complete Glock 22 slide is an easy alternative.
-Result: You now have a .40 S&W-capable Glock using the same frame, simple and OEM reliable.

Full video (short walkthrough):

 

[millenialshooter83]

I was thinking about doing this as a side project. But then I read Glock discontinued the G22 so that discouraged me.

You should check out Rumble as an alternative to post these disassembly/assembly videos.

 

[Brandon Breeze]

I was thinking about doing this as a side project. But then I read Glock discontinued the G22 so that discouraged me.

You should check out Rumble as an alternative to post these disassembly/assembly videos.

I had definitely considered it, but they run WAY too many ads.

I've seen folks already .40 Swapping the Gen 6's!

 

[millenialshooter83]

I've seen folks already .40 Swapping the Gen 6's!

That's wild! I haven't come across any of those videos yet. I'm curious about the long-term durability of the frame when it's taking a caliber not designed for it. I guess only time will tell.

 

[Brandon Breeze]

That's wild! I haven't come across any of those videos yet. I'm curious about the long-term durability of the frame when it's taking a caliber not designed for it. I guess only time will tell.

I'd imagine it is likely at least as durable as previous generations, and the 9mm/.40/.357 Frames are all the same, so it should be fine!

 

[Coolguy]

you don't really need to swap out the ejector. I've built and sold a couple thousand with 9mm ejectors and they work just fine. I also use regular 9mm G17 barrels in .40 slides (not conversion barrels) and there is zero difference in performance. I know this will make people's brains explode and they will cite all sorts of posts and youtube videos to the contrary, but I've done it and continune to do it on a weekly basis. They shoot exactly the same.

 

[Brandon Breeze]

you don't really need to swap out the ejector. I've built and sold a couple thousand with 9mm ejectors and they work just fine. I also use regular 9mm G17 barrels in .40 slides (not conversion barrels) and there is zero difference in performance. I know this will make people's brains explode and they will cite all sorts of posts and youtube videos to the contrary, but I've done it and continune to do it on a weekly basis. They shoot exactly the same.

It takes about 20 more seconds to swap ejectors, I have them on hand and there's likely a reason that Glock made different ejectors for the 9mm & .40 S&W cartridges.

As for the barrel, I'm sure it would most likely work, but it floating around inside the front of the slide has got to shift POI

 

[Coolguy]

It takes about 20 more seconds to swap ejectors, I have them on hand and there's likely a reason that Glock made different ejectors for the 9mm & .40 S&W cartridges.

As for the barrel, I'm sure it would most likely work, but it floating around inside the front of the slide has got to shift POI

Ejection pattern is different, but it still functions normally. No FTF, no stovepiping, etc. Brass just doesn't fly as far. If I happen to have .40 ejectors laying around, I wouldn't be opposed to using them but I just buy only 9mm upks for all of them.

I've heard and seen lots of guys talk about poa and poi with the smaller barrels, but i haven't experienced it myself and I've shot a lot of them. It really doesn't move around much, and most movement is after the round has left the barrel already. The larger size doesn't seem to affect anything, but being even slightly smaller than the minimum spec affects function significantly as the barrel doesn't tilt properly.

Like I said, I've done a couple thousand and haven't every found any ill effects nor have i ever had any complaints regarding accuracy or function.

 

[Brandon Breeze]

Ejection pattern is different, but it still functions normally. No FTF, no stovepiping, etc. Brass just doesn't fly as far. If I happen to have .40 ejectors laying around, I wouldn't be opposed to using them but I just buy only 9mm upks for all of them.

I've heard and seen lots of guys talk about poa and poi with the smaller barrels, but i haven't experienced it myself and I've shot a lot of them. It really doesn't move around much, and most movement is after the round has left the barrel already. The larger size doesn't seem to affect anything, but being even slightly smaller than the minimum spec affects function significantly as the barrel doesn't tilt properly.

Like I said, I've done a couple thousand and haven't every found any ill effects nor have i ever had any complaints regarding accuracy or function.

Even more of a testament to how well Glocks are made!

 

[homuman]

I was considering doing this with my G22 but I think I might rather have both a G17 and G22. Should've bought a 17 before all this crap about Glocks and now I'd be paying 200-400 bucks more for a 17.3. Might just wait for Gen 6 to come out.

 

[GBBP21]

I had no clue people were going from G17 to G22. I just did the opposite from G22 to G17.

Now I’m going to 34. Running the entire gauntlet!

 

[Brandon Breeze]

I had no clue people were going from G17 to G22. I just did the opposite from G22 to G17.

Now I’m going to 34. Running the entire gauntlet!

I'm a tinkerer, so I've done setups that folks have never even thought of, lol

 

[Brandon Breeze]

I was considering doing this with my G22 but I think I might rather have both a G17 and G22. Should've bought a 17 before all this crap about Glocks and now I'd be paying 200-400 bucks more for a 17.3. Might just wait for Gen 6 to come out.

Keep your eyes peeled for a 22 slide, never bad to have options!

 

[millenialshooter83]

Ammo for a G22 is another thing to consider. Cheapest I found was for $0.26 per round and 9mm's go for low 0.20's

It's not much, but I compete and the volume shooting will add up.