[DDGator]

Can anyone had their 686 or equivalent model S&W machined to accept full moonclips?

If so, who did the work and how much?

Will the gun still function without the clips?


Considering doing this for my game gun. Thanks.

[Poohgyrr]

I've read quite a few posts (probably on IDPA forums and www.smith-wessonforum.com) on this; most folks wanted faster reloads and liked it quite a bit. The only "bad" thing I've read referred to the moonclips getting bent. IIRC, IDPA no longer officially allows this conversion, although it may be OK at the local level.

[Wildalaska]

Hi moon clip conversions are laid out at The Moon Clip Website (http://www.moonclips.com). The smiths doing conversions are listed on the web site.

WildmyrevolverismoonclippedAlaska

[Jim Watson]

I have a clip conversion done by Dick DeVittorio in Tampa. I think it was $75 plus clips and an action job, total of $240.

It works, physically, but those long skinny .38s do not drop in and punch out like .45ACPs in clips. We had a revolver-only shoot that allowed clip conversions and I blew two reloads, plus the clip that would not seat. It was not bent, I swapped shells around and it worked ok the next day. A mystery malf. I should have cylinder checked all clipped ammo.

I would not do it again.

Fortunately, the gun retains some cylinder face and will still take loose ammo and speedloaders.

[DDGator]

Hmmm. Jim you may have me rethinking this. Anyone else have a similar experience?

Maybe I need to put the money toward a 625?


(How would I get in touch with that gunsmith in Tampa?)

[Wildalaska]

Hi we have Moon Clip converted over 50 revolvers in all calibers with no problems at all. The TK moon clips that we use are pretty impervious to bending under normal use. Of course you can always use the gun without moon clips.

Here is a pic of my Moon clippped cylinder (http://www.wildwestguns.com/Pistolsmithing/Moon_Clip_Cylinder.jpg)

WildacliphereaclipthereAlaska

[jdkelly]

DDGator,

I don't think you can use a non-factory production moon clip guns in IDPA, if that's what you are thinking. You can get a factory 686 in .38 super but they are expensive. You could buy the 625 with a 4" barrel if you want to shoot IDPA. Or you could try a 4" 610 in 10mm and shoot 40 S&W in it, if you can find one. I’ve been told that the larger the caliber the easier it is to load moon clips.

I shoot a 625 with a 5.25 inch barrel in Pin and Plate matches and Combat matches and like it. But I can't use it in IDPA shoots.


jdkelly

[MR.G]

DD
I don't know what guns you are allowed to use in competition, but I have a S&W 627, 3", 8 shot that takes moon clips.
If you want a local smith, call Bob Cogan at Accurate Plating & Weaponry in Safety Harbor. They can do about anything to a gun.

[DDGator]

Thanks for the ideas everyone. I did realize that the moonclip mods would be illegal for IDPA. I shoot informal IPSC and the occasional pin shooting.

But, I may look at a 625. Looks like a nice package -- but not cheap.

[Bren]

I'll 2nd the 610 with 10mm and 40 options. :D