Vanity - Ammo????

06/23/02 | me

[BigBlueJon]

Ammo question - What's the difference between 9mm and 9mm Largo?

[BigBlueJon]

Buddy picked up a Star 9mm Largo. It's a neat gun, but I've never fired this one and neither has he. What's the difference between 9x19 and 9x23 Largo when using this firearm?

[BigBlueJon]

Sorry, I thought that I was posting this to general interest. Feel free to move it if needed, mod's. Thanks.

[Arkansawyer]

The obvious difference is in the length of the cartridge. You can fire 9x19 in a 9x23 firearm, but I wouldn't advise it. Find the proper ammo for the pistol. I have several Star pistols and really like all of them. A 9x23 Largo is on older firearm, so make sure it is in proper operating condition.

[Double Tap]

The 9mm Largo is the Spanish version of the 9mm Bergmann-Bayard cartridge. Spain adopted it in 1913. "Largo" means Long. It will push a 124gr. bullet at about 1100fps.

The 9mm Luger, aka 9mm Parabellum or 9x19mm. It was adopted in 1908 by Germany. It will push a 124gr. bullet at about 1200fps. It is the NATO standard pistol cartridge.

[BigBlueJon]

Thanks, I know it's a Spanish made gun and largo means long, so I figured that 9mm Largo was just 9mm Long. I didn't know if the 9x19 would work or not. How hard is it to find the 9mm Largo ammo?

[john in missouri]

And then there's the 9mm Makarov round, which is, as I recall (someone correct me if I'm wrong) 9x18.

[riverrunner]

Star line has Largo brass also FAC has after market barrels to covert it to 9mm luger. Or you can make a ring for the chamber to shorten the head space and shoot luger ammo in your star.

[Arkansawyer]

You can find the 9 mm Largo from several surplus distributors. Surf the net and you might find some new manufacture ammo.

[Double Tap]

The Mak round is indeed 9x18, but it is a different diameter than a true 9mm. 9mm Makarov bullets are .364" in diameter, while 9mm Luger and Largo are .355".

[hole_n_one]

[BigBlueJon]

Thanks for the info. He probably wouldn't want to convert it and take away from the originality of the weapon. But it's good to know he could convert it if he wanted to.

[BigBlueJon]

Thanks, I knew we would get a pic here sooner or later.

[spqrzilla9]

There was also a carbine that fired 9mm Largo called the "Destroyer". You will find surplus ammo for it in publications like "Gun List".

[tet68]

they also made a little "Destroyer" carbine that shoots it too.

[BigBlueJon]

Well, I can't believe it, but Cheaper Than Dirt doesn't have any for sale. That's normally where I would go.

[umgud]

Do a google search and type in "9x23 largo"....you'd be amazed at all the hits.

[anniegetyourgun]

I love these kind of vanities/threads - I learn so much. Besides - someone can always be counted on to post PICTURES of guns.....yeehaw!

[BigBlueJon]

Thanks, will try.

[BigBlueJon]

Me too. That's one reason I did this. You usually get your answer in three or four posts. The rest is just great info.

[tet68]

Police sources tell me the 9X25's will slice through a vest like butter.