Glock vs. Lone Wolf/Storm Lake Barrels

[vospertw]

I'm looking at 357 SIG barrels for my new to me G22 police trade-in. My understanding is that the main difference between the OEM and aftermarket barrels is that the aftermarket barrels have fully supported chambers... anyone seeing any reliability or other issues make one barrel or other a better choice?

The OEM barrels are a bit more expensive but I also read a recent blog post by John Farnam commenting that he's seen more than a few reliability issues in classes with aftermarket barrels. I'm going to use the 357 SIG as a range gun, not for self-defense. But... if the OEM barrels are a bit more reliable, I'd be willing to spring for the extra $$.

One last question - I know you can load 40 and 357 SIG in either the G22 or G31 mags - is one better than the other as a "one size fits all" mag?

Thanks in advance!

[stix213]

I've only bought one Lone Wolf barrel (extended ported 10mm for a G29) and it required some minor dremilling for the slide to cycle properly, even though the company claims that is not the case. Has been flawless ever since and I would buy again regardless. YMMV

[Topflight80]

Don't use a dremel to fit a barrel. Use a file.

Second, if you've run out of things to buy and want to shoot a caliber that nobody shoots except people that get their ammo for free, I might suggest instead shooting some local action pistol matches or enrolling in a pistol class. That will give you greater enjoyment than spending twice as much for ammo.

You just gave an answer for a question that was not asked!

[dok]

I have good luck with lone wolf barrels in my g35 used the 40 and 9mm conversion.Plug and play no problems switched because i use lead projectiles which are not recomended in glock oem barrels.At least 2000 rounds in each caliber with no problems.

[Topflight80]

It's a discussion forum. And my response really was an answer to his question.

Ok if you say so.

[supertrooper]

A 9mm conversion barrel might be a better choice. 9mm is easy to find and cheap, i have never seen 357sig locally and pretty much the only ones that still use it are a few police departments. I prefer factory barrels in pistols. I had a lone wolf slide and it was showing excessive ware after a few hundred rounds. I wouldnt trust thier barrels to hold up long term

[JTROKS]

I shot 357 Sig and I ended up putting 9mm barrel on my G35. 357 Sig brass doesn't last due to necks splitting. This all depends on the dimensions of the chamber of course. If you just want to shoot 9mm bullets just get a 40-9 conversion barrel. I've used LW barrels in my G23 and G35 and happy with the results. I had to team the chambers for they were minimum spec and gave me feeding and extraction problems with reloads. Resizing cases with small base dies and she'll holder that allows the die to reach to the web area is a must. You'll also have to gauge your loaded ammo to insure reliability.

The LW barrels dropped right in and shot accurately for the purpose I needed it for. You can get a gunsmith fit barrel if you want a bit more accuracy.

I used my G22 and G23 mags to shoot 357 Sig. One thing I like about 357 Sig is feeding reliability due to the bottleneck case.

[vospertw]

Thanks all. My plan was to pick up the LW conversion barrel for 9mm as well. Probably an Advantage 22 conversion kit too.

It's a crazy idea, but sometimes it's simply fun to see what can be done and to shoot some new calibers.

[5ZS]

Look up when Glock updated (because I forget when) to a much more supported chamber. If it's a Gen3, I think you are good. That is why we do not hear much Kb stories, hehe.

I agree, covert it to the 9 for range, you get to shoot more. You are not missing much with the .357. Just rent a .357 if you have the urge to pop some of those off.

[jdben92883]

I have heard about issues with LW barrels and I have personally seen issues with LW barrels...most notably a guy that got his Glock DQ'd when his pistol kept jamming. His problems went away when he changed to factory barrel, but they still wouldn't qualify that particular handgun.

I personally only use KKM barrels. Worth the extra few bucks and never have heard a bad thing about them.

[deadcoyote]

I've used 4 LWD barrels, no issues with any of them. All were drop in. Two of them experienced FTF a couple of times during the first 100 rounds, which is what LWD states will happen. After that break in period no issues, and two of the barrels had no issues period.

[vospertw]

I personally only use KKM barrels. Worth the extra few bucks and never have heard a bad thing about them.[/QUOTE]

I took a quick look; they aren't much more than a Glock barrel (bit more than LW). Thanks for the info.

[ARDude]

I have a 40-9 Lone Wolf barrel for a Glock 23 Gen 3 model. It has been flawless, as long as I use 9mm mags with it.
Another thing to consider is after market barrels use conventional rifling, which allows use of lead bullets. OEM Glock barrels require constant cleaning if using lead bullets, or you may have a bulged barrel or worse.

[dwtt]

OP, I wouldn't put too much faith on some internet blog. My personal experience has been with a Storm Lake barrel for my Glock 20. I have not had any reliability issues at all with it, and it has allowed me to shoot coated bullets with no problems. I have never used Lone Wolf barrels, but they were one of the brands I considered when I decided to buy an aftermarket barrel for my glock.

[5ZS]

Lone Wolf is still at $90 for a barrel, hope they keep it there, or is that regular price now.

I think they used to be like $135 (don't remember) and the blind marking $15 up-sell made KKM/Storm Lake a price to cross shop for barrels. If price is a big determining factor, pretty clear cut now.