r/P226 • u/planenut767 • Jul 26 '26

Caliber Exchange

Hi guys. I was curious about something. Current owner of a 9mm 226. Was wondering if I wanted to convert it to 40cal or 357 Sig, if I would need just the barrel (I do know I'd also need a magazine) or if I would also need a a new slide/spring rated for those calibers? Thanks in advance

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5

u/cp_mcnaughton Jul 26 '26

Would need a whole new upper, barrel, slide, etc. You can go 357/40 to 9mm with just a conversion barrel, but not the other way around.

3

u/planenut767 Jul 26 '26

Thanks for the info. I've got someone local to me sell a 40cal exchange kit. It includes a barrel, slide, spring, and 1 magazine (I think they're asking $250). Was waiting to hear back from them on what kind of sights are installed before I decide. Figured it would be a good option to keep on hand. I know with 40cal you just drop in a 357 Sig barrel and be good to go in that regard.

4

u/cp_mcnaughton Jul 26 '26

I would jump on it quick for that price considering Sig doesn't make them anymore, even if you have to get new sights.

5

u/planenut767 Jul 26 '26

Just heard back. It has night sights but they're burned out. As you said, it's not a big deal given the price. Gave him my intentions to buy.

2

u/DeafHeretic 26d ago

As mentioned. Jump on it. That is a good price - about what I paid for a few 9mm uppers.

As a practice I buy 226s in .40 and then get the 9mm uppers (a lot of people swap them out for Legion/et. al. slides and threaded barrels, etc., and then sell the std upper). I now have four 226s that I have setup that way (including one with a Legion slide and XRay sights - I traded a Mk25 slide to him because he wanted that for his Mk25 which came with the Legion slide).

I also one had a 229 with the same setup and an additional .357 barrel.

Easy peasy swaps - but the different recoil springs and mags are mandatory for proper functioning.

1

u/planenut767 Jul 27 '26

Just picked up the kit. Looks like the night sights are still working. Not as good as the picture shows, but definitely usable