Building 38A out of Model 5 parts kit

[Sunbeam63]

I have purchased two Beretta Model 5 parts kits to build one semi-auto gun. But I hate the thought of not using the rest of a kit when I’m done. 
 

Is it possible to convert the Model 5 into a 38A model? I need a second barrel, and Indianapolis Ordnance has newly made 38A barrels available. 

Edited June 21 by Sunbeam63
Mistype

[StrangeRanger]

Conversion to a 38A would be nearly impossible; converting to something that externally resembles a 38A might still be a very difficult job.

The 38A receivers are milled, the later 38 series receivers are formed from heavy gauge metal and welded to the trunnion. I do not know how the barrel shroud of the 38A is attached to the barrel and/or trunnion but Indy Ord sells them as a unit so that may not matter much.  (My Beretta is a 38/42 and like yours has no shroud.)  FWIW the Forgotten Weapons video on the 38A doesn't touch on this

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ogsdodlT99E

The bolts are very different but that may not matter much in a semi conversion.  The recoil spring assemblies are very different. 

The 38A has a milled track integral to the receiver for the milled cocking slide, the later 38 series have a slot and a stamped cover

Sights are very different; the 38A sights are rare as are the milled trigger guard, magwell cover and escutcheon plate

Finally, the 38A stock is very different.  You could cut a 38A stock down to make a 38 series stock but the reverse is not true.  

Edited June 21 by StrangeRanger

[56hawk]

Depends on how accurate you want to be.  Would have to double check but I'm thinking if you have the 38A stock and barrel with shroud you could assemble them on a Model 5 receiver and have something looking pretty close.  As StrangeRanger mentioned they are completely different receivers, but most of the parts are interchangeable between them.

[StrangeRanger]

If Indy Ord's MAB38A kits are like their other products, their semi bolt is slightly smaller in diameter than the OEM bolt and their receiver tube has the same OD but thicker walls.  This is to assure that their tube cannot be used to build an illegal FA.  You need to confirm if this is the case; it could seriously reduce the number of left-over MAB38/49 Modelo 5 parts you intend to use

Edited June 25 by StrangeRanger

[Sunbeam63]

On 6/25/2025 at 11:58 AM, 56hawk said:

Depends on how accurate you want to be.  Would have to double check but I'm thinking if you have the 38A stock and barrel with shroud you could assemble them on a Model 5 receiver and have something looking pretty close.  As StrangeRanger mentioned they are completely different receivers, but most of the parts are interchangeable between them.

That’s what I was thinking; taking a 38A barrel and stock and putting it on the Model 5 receiver. I didn’t know if that would be impossible. I understand it’s not accurate, but it would be interesting to have both types, without permanently altering a 38A receiver. 

[StrangeRanger]

Are you looking at a full-auto post sample or a semi-auto SBR?  I had assumed the semi-auto in my above posts.

What about sourcing the small parts: rear sight, milled trigger guard, magwell cover and escutcheon plate etc. Some of them are impossible to find

There's also the cocking slide.  You can obtain a weld-on track from Indy Ord but the slide itself is also rare at best