Fitting a .32 barrel into a Beretta 85BB

[trinorbsa]

I have an .380 85BB Beretta that I want to fit a .32 Caliber barrel into. The .32 barrel mounts into the 85BB frame nicely, but the slide jams up(tightly) before going into battery.
I've visually compared the barrels, mic'ed up what I could measure to compare the .32 versus .380. all being equal, seems to be jamming where the slide meets the top of the barrel.
Trying to keep my costs down rather than send it in for a refit(I'm retired). Any suggestions???
Thanks, Ron

 

[DT Guy]

I have an .380 85BB Beretta that I want to fit a .32 Caliber barrel into. The .32 barrel mounts into the 85BB frame nicely, but the slide jams up(tightly) before going into battery.
I've visually compared the barrels, mic'ed up what I could measure to compare the .32 versus .380. all being equal, seems to be jamming where the slide meets the top of the barrel.
Trying to keep my costs down rather than send it in for a refit(I'm retired). Any suggestions???
Thanks, Ron

If I were trying that, and knew it was safe to do (I don't) I'd hit the slide and barrel with Dykam (you could probably use a Sharpie marker) and cycle them together a few times. Once I could see where they were hitting, I'd go from there.

Larry

 

[trinorbsa]

Sorry for not replying quickly. It is safe to do, been done many times on other forums. Going from .32 up to .380, and the other way .380 to .32 which is what I want to do. I have dykem, and did use it, but the problem is I can't cycle the firearm to see where it's Jamming/rubbing! There is something "off" with the new .32 cal. barrel, and I've measured and compared everything I can reach with a micrometer and caliper, nothing visible or measurable. Like I said the original .380 barrel = ok, the 1st new .32 barrel = ok. The 3rd new threaded muzzle barrel doesn't fit, and _I'm_ having a fit!

 

[DT Guy]

You'll have to do a side-by-side with the .32 that fits and the one that doesn't, I imagine? You've got to find the dimension that varies to know what's keeping the second from going in.

Sorry, no better ideas, but good luck.

Larry

 

[BBBBill]

I have dykem, and did use it, but the problem is I can't cycle the firearm to see where it's Jamming/rubbing! There is something "off" with the new .32 cal. barrel, and I've measured and compared everything I can reach with a micrometer and caliper, nothing visible or measurable.

We'll there's certainly a dimensional difference there somewhere. I suspect it may be in the slots on the bottom of the barrel that mate to the frame.