FEG Barrel Types

[CXM]

Someone asked me what the differences are between the classic BHP type barrel and the S&W type used later by FEG. So, here are a couple of Pix illustrating the difference between the two.



The bottom barrel here is the old type and the same as those used in the FN High Powers. It was used by FEG until near the end of their production when it was superseded by a new type similar to Smtih & Wesson's design for their "wonder nines." FEG used this design when they introduced a .40SAW version of their High Power and also adapted it to use in their 9mm High Power as well.





This is a close up of the locking system on the new type barrel. This design eliminates the need for the frame mounted cross bar that many considered the weak point in the original HP design.

Hope this helps illustrate the differences.

V/r

CHuck

[jaypee]

It should also be understood that FEG redesigned the frame, slide, and recoil spring guide at the time it redesigned the barrel, and that none of them are interchangeable with the Browning frame, slide, barrel, or recoil spring guide.

[gt40doc]

Chuck,

Thanx for the photos of the different bbls.  I learned something new today.....now if I can just remember it!!

[hunshooter]

May 19, 2017 9:44:09 GMT -5 jaypee said:

It should also be understood that FEG redesigned the frame, slide, and recoil spring guide at the time it redesigned the barrel, and that none of them are interchangeable with the Browning frame, slide, barrel, or recoil spring guide.

Question, are there any single action FEG 9mm pistols out there with the S&W style barrel design?

I bought a like new slide (G serial number) with the S&W style barrel, return spring and recoil spring guide. The slide does fit on a standard Hi Power frame without modification, I've tried it. The barrel, spring, recoil spring guide does not.

After looking at my parts I can answer my own question. There is a single action FEG pistol in 9mm that utilized the S&W barrel design. BTW if anyone interested I am going to sell this kit since I have no use for it. It might have been a 9mm conversion kit for the 40cal.

[CXM]

JayPee probably knows the answer to this... I assume however because I got a factory slide/barrel serial numbered to my FEG40 gun that FEG must have made some 9x19mm guns with the S&W locking system... I doubt they would make 9mm barrels just as second slide/barrel sets for the 40s. That of course is an opinion, not a fact.

FWIW

CHuck

May 21, 2017 17:04:20 GMT -5 hunshooter said:

May 19, 2017 9:44:09 GMT -5 jaypee said:

It should also be understood that FEG redesigned the frame, slide, and recoil spring guide at the time it redesigned the barrel, and that none of them are interchangeable with the Browning frame, slide, barrel, or recoil spring guide.

Question, are there any single action FEG 9mm pistols out there with the S&W style barrel design?

I bought a like new slide (G serial number) with the S&W style barrel, return spring and recoil spring guide. The slide does fit on a standard Hi Power frame without modification, I've tried it. The barrel, spring, recoil spring guide does not.

After looking at my parts I can answer my own question. There is a single action FEG pistol in 9mm that utilized the S&W barrel design. BTW if anyone interested I am going to sell this kit since I have no use for it. It might have been a 9mm conversion kit for the 40cal.

[hunshooter]

After looking at your beautiful 40cal FEG I can confirm that I am in the possession of a 9mm conversion for your gun. Same exact markings Model P9M serial number G44816

[sams1]

As an extension of this topic... Please help me with the following puzzle:

I purchased a 'factory new' FEG HP 9mm barrel (in the white) from Numrich. Looks good in all respects, except, when mounting in the slide and attempting to mate slide with the frame, the bottom of the barrel's 'locking channel' (under the chamber) appears to be hitting the frame's cross bar instead of sliding underneath it... This of course, precludes putting the pistol together.

Is this a different type of a barrel or is it possible that the barrel needs fitting at this area (lock channel ramp)? If fitting is required, how do I go about doing this properly?

Thank you kindly for any advice on this.

[craig]

Not a gunsmith, but successful doing all my own HP work so far. Careful examination of what is hitting & preventing assembly would be my first step. Is it possible that your recoil spring guide is upside down & blocking assembly ? I would also measure the widths at different critical locations between the old & new barrels. I am a little surprised the NOS FEG barrel didn't fit better.
I recently replaced a worn FEG barrel with a Stainless REMSPORT "DROP IN" replacement barrel I bough on sale. I got lucky, it did indeed drop right in, & the fit in my slide - feels like that in a new pistol.
Before I altered any pieces of the project, I'd consider returning it, & getting a stainless REMSPORT. I like it much better that the stock barrel as it's one piece, milled from a billet.
Good luck, C.

Attachments:

[sams1]

Thank you for your reply, Craig.

I had the guide rod mounted correctly. After closer look, I see that it is the bottom of the ramp that hitting the top of the cross bar. In comparing it with the old barrel's ramp, the new barrel's ramp appears a hair deeper - very strange... has anyone had this problem before?

See Pics attached.  The closer barrel is the older/original one.

    

[pjk9hp]

Feb 2, 2018 17:11:03 GMT -5 sams1 said:

Thank you for your reply, Craig.

I had the guide rod mounted correctly. After closer look, I see that it is the bottom of the ramp that hitting the top of the cross bar. In comparing it with the old barrel's ramp, the new barrel's ramp appears a hair deeper - very strange... has anyone had this problem before?

See Pics attached.  The closer barrel is the older/original one.

Hi sams1,
Just sharing some inputs based on your photos. As I was looking at your barrels, my eyes started deceiving me. If it is possible to measure the dimensions to compare the new vs the old FEG barrel, it might help determine what is causing your concern.
Regards....


  

[sams1]

Hi pjk9hp,

I can't believe that you took the time and effort to work with the picture and mark the dimensions to take in order to help me! I'm new to this great Board and am very thankful for the goodwill and support of both you and Craig! Thank you very much!

Here are the measurements:

Old             New
A1: 0.592    B1:0.592

A2: 0.199    B2:0.198

A3: 0.242    B3:0.215 *** (smoking gun?)

A4: 0.095    B4:0.148 ***


As I can interpret the measurement difference of B3, I can see how the extra metal at bottom of ramp of new barrel can prevent it from clearing the cross bar... Am I right?

Not sure what the difference between A4/B4 may mean for the fit and function.

Thoughts...?

Thank you kindly again!
Sam

[pjk9hp]

Hi sams1,

Just my understanding. I attached a cut-out photo (internet grab) of a HP portion showing the cross bar/ cross bolt and barrel "locking channel" (or "ramp") position. If B3 or B1 is lesser in height than A3 or A1, the tip of the barrel "ramp" (with yellow arrow) may hit the portion (with red arrow) of the cross bar rather than below it to allow it to ramp downward. Same as with B4 causing a "delay" of ramping or camming the barrel lug. Again, this is what I understand. We have an expert here, a true gunsmith by the name of Mr. Bob Reed, who has more knowledge and wisdom to give a concrete analysis.

[sams1]

Thank you for the great info pjk9hp! This definitely shows the 'mechanics' of the system very clearly.

In testing again, I see that the bottom of the bullet ramp (not locking channel ramp) is what hits the top of the cross-bolt, i.e. the surface the top edge of B3 white arrow is touching, on the picture you marked. B3 measure less then A2 of older barrel, meaning that the bullet ramp's bottom protrudes lower than normal and hitting the cross-bolt...

I assume this would be correctable by simply filing it down to make enough of clearance...? I'm surprised it left the factory like this.

[abninftr]

I've come late to this discussion.

There are a number of things to consider here:
First off, the dimensional differences are measured in ten/thousands of an inch. That isn't huge, but it is significant since it means a little difference can, if it is in the wrong place, cause problems. With that said, being cautious about removing material is the order of the day. And second, since this is a new, unused barrel, is there a possibility that some of the barrel's dimensions are oversized on purpose to allow proper fitting?

Then you need to consider do you fit the barrel hood and locking lugs to fit the slide, do you fit the bottom of the feed ramp, or both?

[sams1]

You raise some good points! I never expected the factory to make an oversized barrel for this pistol... Didn't want to risk messing it up so I returned it to the vendor (Numrich).