[Anon626]

I've noticed a lot of posts asking how to turn a cf380 into a c9. I have helped a few people make the transition and figured I'd do a write up on how to do it for everyone to see. I hope this helps those of you wanting to switch calibers on your gun.

First things first, these are the parts you will need:

1. c9 barrel
2. c9 slide
3. c9 recoil spring

I would try checking Gunbroker.com for a parts kit, they will run about 40 bucks for a kit that has all the items you need. It might be more, hopefully less (saving money is good). Once you get the kit, you'll be ready to begin.

Converting:

1. Make sure the gun is unloaded. I can't stress this enough, do a visual inspection to make sure theres nothing in the chamber.
2. Field strip the gun. ( pull the slide all the way back and lock it back. Drift the pin out of the hole. Pull back and up on the slide and it should be apart). Take the guide rod off and set it aside from the other parts, you will need it later.
3. You will notice the barrel is held on by 2 pins. Drift those out and the barrel will come off. (I used a finishing nail with the tip ground flat)
4. Take the c9 barrel and replace it where the cf380 barrel was. Punch the pins back in and viola! your barrel is on.
5. Take the c9 slide, recoil spring, and the guide rod from the cf380 and put them back on the cf380 frame. (basically a reverse of how you took it apart)

Congrats, you just turned your cf380 into a c9. Shoot and enjoy!

I am in no way associated with Hi-Point Firearms company, and the above information is for you to use at your own risk. I will not be held responsible for any mishaps that may occur.

[JKQ]

Excuse my ignorance, I guess the .380 round the same size as a 9mm and the9 fits the .380 mag?

[Anon626]

No they are not the same size, yet the guns use the same mags.

[blogRot]

And please excuse my ignorance as well - this is legal, right? No BATF black helicopters dispatched because the proper ATF form wasn't completed in triplicate?

[wyrmzr]

So long as you're not removing serial numbers you should be fine; there are several handguns available with changeable barrels. As far as size difference from .380 to 9mm, I recall hearing that a .380 round will fire through a 9, maybe it's vice versa, but you really don't want it to.

[ajole]

The .380 and 9mm use the front of the front edge of the case to locate the shell in the chamber...which means the 9mm bullet will not allow the slide on a .380 barrel to fully return to battery...VERY DANGEROUS!


The .380 bullet can sit deep in the 9mm chamber, and the firing pin may not reach it, although it could.
Here's a picture of the .380 in a 9mm chamber, and in a correct .380 chamber.

Too deep, unless the extractor holds it back. Not good.


Flush with the rear, as it should be.

[tomibriggs]

Newbie here. I just fired my cf380 for the first time yesterday....love its performance & look except I realized that the ammo is a bit harder to find & costs more than the 9mm so I'm considering this conversion.

I now understand the difference between the barrels. Thanks for the info! I just need to understand the reason why the slide and firing pin needs replacing as well. Please explain.

[Anon626]

Reread the things you will need, not once did I mention anything about a firing pin. The slide is replaced because its the proper slide for the barrel.

[huber]

Hmmmm this rocks! I am thinking about picking up a cf380 for ccw.

Any pictures of one convereted?

[tomibriggs]

Reread the things you will need, not once did I mention anything about a firing pin. The slide is replaced because its the proper slide for the barrel.

I meant the recoil springs. I was thrown off by ajole's post regarding the firing pin.

Can I please get some clarification and detail on the difference between the slides of the c9 and the cf380? I can't tell the difference just by looking at both. The barrel hole of the cf380's slide looks like it can accomodate the c9's barrel outer diameter.

I'm not trying to be skeptical here...just trying to get some logical explaination from you experts. I love the look of my cf380's 2-tone slide and I'm hoping I can keep it even with the conversion.

Thank you.