What’s better than a gun that’s accurate, reliable, and fun to shoot? One that does all that with multiple cartridges!
Multi-caliber firearms are a great way to expand your collection and capabilities without blowing the budget on a bunch of new guns.
I’ve gathered what I think are the best multi-caliber weapons currently on the market that are easy for the end-user to change cartridges.
Let’s dive in!
THE QUICK LIST
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Best Revolver
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Best Big-Bore Pistol
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Best Shotgun
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Best Rifle
Table of Contents
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Multi-Caliber Weapon Comparison Chart
| Style | Caliber | Conversions | Barrel Length | Overall Length | Weight | Price | |
| Sig Sauer P320 | Handgun | .40 S&W | 9mm, .357 Sig | 3.6″ – 4.7″ | 7″ – 8″ | 25 oz – 28 oz | $399 |
| Taurus 692 | Handgun | 9mm, .38 Spl, .357 Mag | Included | 2.5″ – 6.5″ | 8″ – 11.64″ | 32 oz – 46 oz | $565 |
| RIA GI Standard FS 1911 | Handgun | .38 Super | 9mm, .40 S&W, 10mm | 5″ | 8.5″ | 41 oz | $439 |
| Glock 20 | Handgun | 10mm | .357 Sig, .40 S&W, 9×25 Dillon, .50 GI | 4.6″ | 8″ | 30 oz | $546 |
| Savage Arms 301 Turkey | Shotgun | 12ga | .410 bore, 20ga, .22 LR, 9mm, .38 Spl, .45 ACP, .45 Colt | 26″ | 41.5″ | 5.1 lbs | $198 |
| PSA AR-15 | Carbine | 5.56 NATO | Endless! | 16″ | 32″ | N/A | $549 |
How We Tested the Best Multi-Caliber Weapons
For this article, we gathered a bunch of multi-caliber firearms we’ve personally shot, reviewed, and owned here at Pew Pew Tactical. The entire Pew Pew Tactical team, as well as freelance writers, contributed to this review to offer different opinions based on ergonomics, size, and experience.
For guns we have reviews on, we’ve linked those so you can read more. Every review handgun undergoes a strict testing protocol that requires a minimum of 500 rounds of both FMJ and JHP ammo through it at 5 and 7 yards.
Meanwhile, every review rifle undergoes 500 rounds of practice ammo and heavier match-grade ammo at 50 and 100 yards with a 5-25x scope (unless otherwise noted). We require all AR-15s to be tested with at least 3 magazines to assess compatibility, and we use a Lyman Digital Trigger Gauge to measure the average trigger pull for all guns.
Best Multi-Caliber Pistols
1. Taurus 692 – Best Revolver
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Pros
- Fun cartridge options
- Everything is included
- Multiple sizes available
Cons
- Limited capacity
- Bulky
Specs
- Caliber: 9mm, .38 Spl, .357 Mag
- Conversions: Included
- Barrel Length: 2.5″ – 6.5″
- Overall Length: 8″ – 11.64″
- Weight: 32 oz – 46 oz
- Country of Origin: Brazil
The Taurus 692 is all kinds of cool. It’s a 7-shot revolver that allows you to swap cylinders and use three different cartridges.
It comes with two cylinders. One works with .38 Spl and .357 Mag, and the other takes 9mm.
The 692 comes in three sizes, covering everything from concealed carry all the way up to hunting. I think the 3-inch barrel is the most versatile, but you can also pick from 2.5- or 6.5-inch options.
Perks include a ported barrel that reduces recoil, and an adjustable rear sight. Sprinkle in an extra shot for a seven-round capacity, and you get a very capable revolver.
With .38 Special, you get a very soft shooting caliber.
In the .357 Magnum department, you get a flat shooting caliber that is capable of defense and excellent for hunting small to medium game.
If you want to shoot cheap ammunition but also have a huge selection of defensive loads, 9mm has you covered.
2. Rock Island Armory GI Standard FS – Best 1911
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Pros
- Great trigger for the money
- Interesting cartridge options
- Affordable
Cons
- Not a .45 ACP 1911
Specs
- Caliber: .38 Super
- Conversions: 9mm, .40 S&W, 10mm
- Barrel Length: 5″
- Overall Length: 8.5″
- Weight: 41 oz
- Country of Origin: Philippines
We associate the 1911 with .45 ACP, but it can shoot other cartridges, too! The Rock Island Armory GI Standard in .38 Super is a great jumping-off point for a multi-caliber 1911.
In the world of 1911s, some pistols are easier to convert than others.
Switching from .38 Super to 9mm is relatively easy. So is modifying a 10mm 1911 to shoot .40 S&W. All you need to change is the barrel, recoil spring, and magazine.
Swapping from 9mm to 10mm will take a new slide, and so will changing from any caliber to .22 LR.
Moving from a .45 ACP to another caliber takes the most effort and essentially requires an entirely new slide and magazine.
Luckily, with the wide availability of 1911 parts and the extremely common frame, you can make it happen.
You can even swap in various oddball calibers, like .22 TCM or .50 GI. Sure, it requires some creativity and a little know-how, but it’s not too difficult to mix things up with your 1911.
Check out or review of RIA’s .45 ACP 1911 to see how the brand’s pistols shoot.
We’ve shot a ton of America’s pistols. Read more about the Best 9mm 1911 Pistols we’ve tried!
3. Glock 20 – Best Big-Bore Pistol
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Pros
- Powerful
- Extremely reliable
- Great aftermarket support
Cons
- Hefty recoil
Specs
- Caliber: 10mm
- Conversions: .357 Sig, .40 S&W, 9×25 Dillon, .50 GI
- Barrel Length: 4.6″
- Overall Length: 8″
- Weight: 30 oz
- Country of Origin: Austria, USA
As crazy as it is to say, Glocks are a lot like 1911s in a sense. Pistols like the Glock 20 enjoy a robust aftermarket that includes caliber conversions.
You can easily convert your 10mm Glock 20 to .40 S&W, .357 Sig, 9x25mm Dillon, and .50 GI. Rimfire replacement slides also exist. These are the standard conversions that work with no issue.
There is also something to be said for the 10mm and its wide variety of loadings.
You can get different projectile designs and varying power levels for everything from defense against humans to loads powerful enough to take down a brown bear.
These Glocks are arguably the most versatile of the Glock-pattern pistols.
We have a hands-on Glock 20 review, so don’t miss all the action in that article!
Looking for something more CCW friendly? The 10mm Glock 29 is a subcompact hand cannon.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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4. Savage Arms 301 Turkey – Best Shotgun
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Pros
- Shotgun and rifle conversions
- Easy to mount an optic
- Super affordable
Cons
- One shot, make it count
Specs
- Caliber: 12ga
- Conversions: .410 bore, 20ga, .22 LR, 9mm, .38 Spl, .45 ACP, .45 Colt
- Barrel Length: 26″
- Overall Length: 41.5″
- Weight: 5.1 lbs
- Country of Origin: China
The Savage Arms 301 Turkey (also sold as a Stevens) is a single-barreled shotgun available in the most popular shotgun gauges.
For the best multicaliber option, you’ll want the 12-gauge model. I chose the Turkey variant specifically because it’s one of the rare single-shot shotguns with a Picatinny rail.
How exactly is a single-shot turkey gun multi-caliber? Well, it’s not all by itself. You’ll need some Short Lane adapters.
These inserts allow you to convert your shotgun to various gauges and calibers, including .410 and 20ga.
On top of that, the Bug Out and Pathfinder series offers 5- and 8-inch rifled inserts.
These caliber sleeves allow you to shoot .22 LR, 9mm, .38 Spl, .45 ACP, .45 Colt, and more in your shotgun. This takes any already flexible platform and makes it even more versatile.
The 301 Turkey is a robust and reliable shotgun, so it was an easy pick. Top off the rail with something like the Meprolight Foresight, and you can have multiple zeroes for each caliber conversion ready to go.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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5. Palmetto State Armory PA-15 – Best Rifle
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Pros
- Endless customization options
- Unmatched aftermarket support
- Huge range in cartridges
Cons
- Some conversions are labor-intensive
Specs
- Caliber: 5.56 NATO
- Conversions: Endless!
- Barrel Length: 16″
- Overall Length: 32″
- Weight: N/A
- Country of Origin: USA
Of course, the AR-15 had to make the list. Like the 1911 and Glock, it’s immensely popular and inherently modular. The Palmetto State Armory PA-15 is one of the best values in the AR market.
You can convert it to a huge range of calibers in multiple ways, including changing the barrel, dropping in a conversion kit, or swapping uppers.
Even removing and changing the barrel isn’t that difficult, but the easiest means is to just switch the upper. There is a reason most AR lower receivers say multi-cal.
And remember, only the lower is serialized. You can buy uppers like accessories.
You can change a standard 5.56 NATO AR-15 to .300 Blk, .224 Valkyrie, 6.5 Grendel, 6.8 SPC, .458 SOCOM, .50 Beowulf, and so many more by simply changing out the upper (and maybe the buffer). Heck, I even own a .410 upper for one of my ARs.
A 5.56 NATO rifle can also be converted to a pistol caliber carbine with an upper and buffer swap. Something like the Endo Mag or an insert from Matador Arms will convert the magazine well to use handgun magazines.
Rimfire uppers are available, but the CMMG bolt system is an easier conversion.
This drop-in bolt and magazine system allows you to shoot .22 LR from your standard AR-15. Your zero may shift a bit, but it’s surprisingly reliable and easy to use.
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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Have you ever heard of .277 Wolverine or 25-45 Sharps? Well, you can build an AR-15 for those, too. The number of cartridges this platform can accept is stunning.
Honorable Mentions
Sig Sauer P320
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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Pros
- Entirely modular platform
- Massive aftermarket support
- Reasonably priced
Cons
- Some conversions are easier than others
Specs
- Caliber: 9mm
- Conversions: .357 Sig, .40 S&W
- Barrel Length: 3.6″ – 4.7″
- Overall Length: 7″ – 8″
- Weight: 25 oz – 28 oz
- Country of Origin: USA
The Sig Sauer P320 stands out as a completely modular pistol. Once you own the trigger group, or fire control unit, you can change any other comment without going through an FFL.
In addition to moving from full size to subcompact grip module, you can change the caliber of your P320.
If you own a P320 in .40 S&W, you can buy a Caliber X-Change kit to swap your pistol over to .357 Sig or 9mm fairly easily.
You can swap from 9mm to .40S&W or .357 Sig, too, but it involves replacing more components.
Even when there are lots of parts to change, the P320 platform makes it easy. Swapping between frames and calibers can be done in about two minutes without tools.
The Caliber X-Change kits are kind of expensive. You’ll have to decide if converting is better than just buying another pistol.
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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Want to know more? Check out our Sig Sauer P320 review. Interested in owning the U.S. military’s new sidearm? Head over to our Sig Sauer P320-M17 review!
**Editor’s Note: We are aware of the current allegations against the P320 — thus, we moved the P320 to Honorable Mentions and out of the main list.
How to Pick the Best Multi-Caliber Firearm
These are all fun guns, but which one is right for you? Here are some things to keep in mind.
Cartridge Selection
First, decide which cartridges you want to shoot; multi-caliber doesn’t mean universal.
If you want to rotate through different pistol cartridges like 9mm, .40 S&W, and .357 SIG, the Sig Sauer P320 can handle all three. We like the Glock 20 a lot, too.
Looking for a revolver that can be mild or wild? The Taurus 692 can shoot the very tame .38 Spl, the powerful .357 Mg, and even 9mm!
Of course, the AR-15 is the king of modularity and aftermarket support, so you can’t go wrong with one of those if you’re looking for a rifle.
Ease of Conversion
Some multi-caliber firearms make switching between cartridges easier than others.
Before you buy, think about how much work you’re willing to do every time you convert your gun to a different cartridge. Does the process require tools? Do you need a new barrel? Just be aware of what you’re getting yourself into.
Meet the Experts
Heading up this article is Pew Pew Tactical author Travis Pike. Travis spent a lifetime shooting and hunting before joining the United States Marine Corps, where he spent five years as an infantryman. Travis is also an NRA-certified instructor and concealed carry instructor in the state of Florida.
Editing this article is Scott Murdock. Scott is a Marine Corps veteran who competed and qualified as a rifle and pistol expert while in service. In addition to shooting, Scott has written for a variety of publications, testing, researching, and evaluating guns and gear. He brings that knowledge and skillset to this article, editing and fact-checking for accuracy.
Editor-in-Chief Jacki Billings runs our experienced team of reviewers. She is a National Rifle Association Basic Pistol Instructor as well as a member of the Society of Professional Journalists, ACES: Society for Editing, and the Professional Outdoor Media Association. Jacki has a bachelor’s degree in journalism and has worked as a media professional for close to 20 years, specializing in gun media for almost 10 years. With 2,000+ articles to her name, she uses her professional journalism and editing experience to set testing protocols and editorial standards for Pew Pew Tactical.
Final Thoughts
A gun that can shoot just one caliber can be boring. Being able to quickly and efficiently shoot a variety of calibers can be a huge benefit and is a great selling point to some.
There are other great multi-caliber capable guns out there, these are just a few that I like.
What’s your favorite multi-caliber weapon? Let us know in the comments below. Not sure what calibers to look for? Check out our guides on Handgun Calibers and Rifle Calibers!
Latest Updates
May 2025: Moved Sig P320 to honorable mentions.
28 Leave a Reply
Don’t overlook a firearm that is chambered for .327 Federal Magnum (a very potent round). Without any conversion it will also fire .32 H&R Magnum (which is no slouch round either), S&W .32 Long, S&W .32 Short, and in a pinch .32 ACP. I DO like that versatility.
Always something to learn. I was not aware of the Taurus 692. Always stuff to learn. I was aware any revolver that fires 357 magnum will fire a 38 special The diameter is 9.01 millimeter which is .357 inches. A 9mm is diameter 9.07 milometer. The pistol does not change the barrel so a bit of a fudge factor. There is no shortage of choices. A perfect ONE CHOICE? There was that ad for potato chips. No one can stop at just one. Concealed carry.I have the Taurus 856 38 spec plus P 6 shots. 357 mag in a concealed carry pistol what can you say but OUCH.
Six shots of .357 is a persuasive argument!
Glock 22, 23, 31, & 35 are the best multi-cal pistols (IMO). All you do is change the barrel with a conversion barrel chambered in 9MM, 40MM and/or .357 Sig. Very simple. I am not a Glock "end all, be all" type guy, there are a lot of excellent gun manufacturers in the industry but for simplicity, you can't beat these options.
The modularity of Glocks, even independent of caliber swapping, is well established. Thanks for the read!
Just ordered a FK Brno 7.5 PSD-C and the optional 10mm/40S&W barrel (all use the same mags and recoil spring). A 9mm kit will arrive the end of summer. FOUR types of ammo out of one gun.
Let us know how that goes Clinton!
Now that Thompson/Center is back in business, the Encore is a very versatile platform, with multiple centerfire calibers, 12 and 20 gauge slug barrels, and a muzzle loading barrel. And there are multiple custom barrel makers that will chamber a barrel in many other calibers, at any length you want.
We are very excited about that return!
Thank goodness, and thanks for bringing that up!
How could you not include the FK BRNO 7.5/10mm/40 Cal/ 9mm PSD in this lineup? It should be at the front of the list!
Because nobody can own it perhaps?
Alfred, we have an organizational value of trying to write about products we've had experience with. The FK BRNO hasn't been one of those experiences yet.
S&W M&P40, hands down! With a 40 to 9mm conversion barrel and 9mm magazines you have added a 2nd caliber. With the 357 SIG barrel you now have a 3rd, and you can use the 40 S&W magazines... They are even marked as "357 SIG 40 S&W"!
Well said! We like the M&P around here. I suspect this features was based in many LE agencies changing calibers over the years.
Keep in mind that there may be additional changes, at least with the Glock, where there may need to be a change the ejector and EDP plunger for maximum reliability, when doing any caliber change.
My favorite muti caliber firearm platform is the AR 15. It’s versatility from home defense to hunting and plinking can save , sustain and strengthen your life.
When I saw the title I immediately thought of Contender. Almost every caliber made can be fired from one platform.
The RIA .22 TCM9R and 9mm swap is very easy. Just swap the barrel and recoil spring, and you're good to go. Same slide, magazines, and lower frame assembly. I have the CCO-size setup (model 56630), which I primarily bought to get a 9mm in CCO configuration, but it runs both calibers flawlessly. This gun is set up for the .22 TCM9R round, which is slightly different from the original .22 TCM, but it will also run .22 TCM rounds from a .38 Super mag.
I'm curious as to why you don't include the 25 acp and the 32 ACP in your bullet line up? Both are historical cartridges and still popular today.
My two-gun survival mode consists of a 992 Taurus Tracker with two 9 round cylinders in 22LR and 22 Mag in stainless steel. This revolver would also handle 22 Long and short. My rifle is a single shot Rossi Breztech break open 308 win. with a mounted 4x9 scope. I also have a 9 round leather cartridge holder strapped to the stock for 308. The second barrel that came with it is a 12 gauge. This firearm is a basic copy of the H&R Handi-rifle no longer produced. The rifle breaks down and stores in a case and holds both barrels. The Taurus Tracker is one of my favorites. It's heavy and the 22 magnum is a great round. The pistol is so well made it will last for a very long time. A shotgun and a 22 are a must. And with the single barrel shotgun the barrel inserts just expand the possibilities for ammo.
Rock Island also has the Rock Ultra that shoots .22TCM (2000fps. round) and 9mm.
I can’t believe you left out Wyndham Weaponry’s innovative caliber changing AR-15 platform and Daniel Defense’s Delta 5.
I love the article, but I think you missed the mosty obvious, cheapest and most versitile multi-caliber handgun! The Glock 23 is a 40 caliber platform, but very easily converts to 9 mm and 357 sig with a simple barrel exchange and a magazine change for 9mm, but can use the same magazines for 357 sig! For well under $1000, you can have 3 fine Glock handguns in one!
I would even go a bit further and say the Glock 27/33 is the ultimate transformer with the use of X-grips and 23/22 (and 19/17 or 32/31) mags. The 27 can use the compact length slide from a 32 (357sig) and 23 (40 S&W) with the current 9round mags. It can easily take the barrel from a 357Sig in a 40S&W slide and vice versa. With an Xgrip and a compact sized mag, it can mimic the grip size of a compact sized model with the compact or subcompact slides. Swap the slide to a 26 or 19 upper and use 9mm mags, and you have yourself a compact or subcompact in 9mm, or even just use a 40S&W to 9mm conversion barrel. Track down one of Brownell's 19L slides and a Gen 5 17 barrel, and the Xgrip for 17mags with now you have the equivalent of the Glock 17. You technically can use a Gen 5 Glock 34 barrel in the slide as well. I personally have not tried the 19L slide (or the 33 slide) but I own the 19, 23, 26, 27 and 32 and can confirm all other configurations. I know you can't use a regular 17 slide on the subcompact due to the slide stop cuts, but iirc Brownell's 19L is cut like a 19 slide. So that's 3 calibers across 2 different sizes, but up to a 3rd and 4th size with a Gen 5 17 and 34 barrel.
More than 30 yrs.ago I bought a Ruger New Model Blackhawk in 357, which can also shoot .38 Specials. My Blackhawk was what they called the Convertible model, as it came with another cylinder, chambered for 9mm. Well before Taurus had come up with their convertible model. The Ruger , though a single action pistol, is built like a tank, very strong, capable of handling +P loads and well beyond. Some loading books have a special section for loading hotter than usual loads in Ruger Blackhawks.
I do like my Ruger REDhawk in .45 Colt. With moonclips it also handles .45 ACP, which, on occasion, can be arguably be more available than the long Colts.
Another easy conversion is to buy a Lone Wolf 9mm conversion barrel for a Glock model 22, and you can shoot 9mm through it. I even was successful using a 40 S&W mag to shoot 9mm, until I finally bought a few inexpensive KCI 9mm mags for it.
also surprised in discussing various calibers that can be swapped in a AR-15,
no mention was made of the 7.62 X 39.. it's my favorite upper in the AR-15 format.