Response from KKM and Lone Wolf on Using 6 Inch G20 Barrels in G40

sep · August 31 2015 09:25:07 PM MDT

The safety of using the 6 inch G20 KKM and Lone Wolf barrels in the new G40 came up on another thread. I emailed both KKM and Lone Wolf and here are their responses. Note: I've been using my KKM G20 barrel in my G40 with no problems thus far.

KKM's response: "We think the barrels are compatible, so we heard. Until testing these ourselves we do not recommend using them (just in case)."

Thank you,

Si McIntire
V.P. KKM Precision
5201 Convair Dr.
Carson City, NV 89706
PH: 775-246-5444

Lone Wolf's response: "Well here's the thing, the barrels measure the same, we have had customers use them, but WE have not tested them. The customers who have done it have said they work great."

Alan Thompson

So, there you have it folks. Neither manufacturer has tried their G20 6 inch barrels in a G40. KKM currently recommends against it while Lone Wolf doesn't make a recommendation.

You be the judge. I'm gonna keep using mine until I see something which concerns me or KKM produces a G40 specific barrel and can articulate why it is better than their G20 barrel. What you choose to do with this information is your decision, I'm not advocating any position, just sharing information.

Pablo · September 01 2015 04:52:26 AM MDT

Thanks for posting this.

Natural corporate caution. I can see doing this. And I can see ignoring the recommendation at this point until something negative pops up. America!

agtman · September 01 2015 06:56:20 AM MDT

Agree.

Thanks, Sep, for making the inquires and posting their replies.

sep · September 01 2015 07:48:56 AM MDT

I see in the other thread by jrod (which inspired this one) KKM told him yesterday (August 31st) they were testing the G20 barrel in a G40 and will have the results shortly. Maybe this issue can then be put to rest at least for KKM.

475/480 · September 15 2015 07:48:40 AM MDT

I bought the LWD 6.02" barrel for my G40 MOS and it runs and shoots very well at 50 yards. I have the Burris FF III on it and, works very well so far.
I bought (2) Arrendondo +5 Ext for the G40 mags, both are running good now after I worked on 1 a little to stop the follower from tilting in the mag and causing a jam.

Sean

Wolfie · September 15 2015 01:18:10 PM MDT

They should be working on a 8 inch barrell.

DM1906 · September 16 2015 09:07:19 AM MDT

Quote from: Wolfie on September 15 2015 01:18:10 PM MDT
They should be working on a 8 inch barrell.

Why? 9" has been available for years.

Wolfie · September 16 2015 02:10:49 PM MDT

Did not know that, will get that when my 40 comes in.

Thanks.

Nannyhammer · September 16 2015 05:39:39 PM MDT

FYI, KKM now has a G40 barrel listed on their website. Ordered mine yesterday....now if the pistol would show up I would be in business.

sep · September 21 2015 08:27:57 PM MDT

I emailed KKM to see if the G20 and G40 barrels were the same. They are the same according to KKM. Here's their response:

The Glock 20 6" and the Glock 40 are the exact same barrels.

Thank you,

Luke McIntire
CEO KKM Precision
5201 Convair Dr.
Carson City, NV 89706
PH: 775-246-5444
www.kkmprecision.com

maypo59 · December 13 2015 09:07:33 PM MST

Found this thread trying to research using my G20 barrel in my new G40..

My barrel is a Storm Lake.. This is my question and their email reply:

Hello,

I have a 6.02 barrel that I have used in my G20 for hunting. I have recently purchased a G40, and near as I can tell, the factory barrel and your G20 barrel are dimensionally identical. It seems to fit fine and the slide functions properly etc.. I have not shot it yet, but wanted to see if you guys might have any concerns I have not thought of..?

Thanks.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Mr. Smith,

You can test it if you want. It won't be dangerous if it goes into battery. I would guess that it won't fit great though. There is a .0010" difference on several critical dimensions of the two barrels, so we do not recommend using that barrel, or any of our barrels, in the Glock 40.

Kevin Stender

Customer Service Manager
TAPCO | StormLake

Remington Outdoor Company Kennesaw

1325 Chastain Road NW, Suite 400, Kennesaw, GA 30144

DM1906 · December 14 2015 06:05:36 PM MST

Quote from: maypo59 on December 13 2015 09:07:33 PM MST
Found this thread trying to research using my G20 barrel in my new G40..

My barrel is a Storm Lake.. This is my question and their email reply:

Hello,

I have a 6.02 barrel that I have used in my G20 for hunting. I have recently purchased a G40, and near as I can tell, the factory barrel and your G20 barrel are dimensionally identical. It seems to fit fine and the slide functions properly etc.. I have not shot it yet, but wanted to see if you guys might have any concerns I have not thought of..?

Thanks.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Mr. Smith,

You can test it if you want. It won't be dangerous if it goes into battery. I would guess that it won't fit great though. There is a .0010" difference on several critical dimensions of the two barrels, so we do not recommend using that barrel, or any of our barrels, in the Glock 40.

Kevin Stender

Customer Service Manager
TAPCO | StormLake

Remington Outdoor Company Kennesaw

1325 Chastain Road NW, Suite 400, Kennesaw, GA 30144

Their response makes no sense. Glock's QC tolerance is more than that, in all their pistols. I've measured that much, and more, from the same model pistols, lot to lot. In my experience, SL's tolerance margin is at least that, and more, in the "critical dimensions". KKM, LWD and Bar-Sto all tout their G20 barrels compatible with G40 pistols. In my testing, with the G40 and G20L conversions (as well as a bunch of other calibers), they are fine. Any "critical" variations will be unnoticeable by any shooter, and they are no less safe than any other compatible component.

maypo59 · December 14 2015 06:13:33 PM MST

I don't know what the factory Glock tolerances are... but my guess it's a "CYA" thing for some reason.

I was/am pretty sure if the other manufacturers say it's OK.. why wouldn't theirs? I am also pretty sure they know the other manufacturers answer...

Pablo · December 14 2015 06:16:28 PM MST

QuoteThere is a .0010" difference on several critical dimensions

That doesn't make a whole lot of sense. Sure in certain round and particularly rotating parts, or even fit parts, .001" can mean a LOT. But Glock barrel fit?? What dimension? Can't involve the bore or chamber. So other?

Oh and unrelated, I did not know those companies are related and owned by Remington.

DM1906 · December 14 2015 08:38:52 PM MST

Quote from: maypo59 on December 14 2015 06:13:33 PM MST
I don't know what the factory Glock tolerances are... but my guess it's a "CYA" thing for some reason.

I was/am pretty sure if the other manufacturers say it's OK.. why wouldn't theirs? I am also pretty sure they know the other manufacturers answer...

No doubt, it's a CYA. KKM said the same thing a while ago. Then, someone at KKM actually tried one, and gave it the okie-dokie. You may be surprised what they don't know. I'm not a fan of SL barrels, in any case, so it's all chatter to me.