[mbwtt]

I'm looking to purchase a Smith & Wesson 327pd soon, and was wondering if anyone knows if it accepts moon clips. I've read that the TRR8 and maybe another version DO, but haven't been able the find out for sure about the 327pd. Thank you in advance.

[JImbothefiveth]

A 357 magnum, if I'm correct, will not use moonclips, though you can use some speedloaders.

[mbwtt]

The longer cartridge may make reloading more difficult than a short cartridge, but you CAN use a moon clip for 357.

[ChristopherG]

Afraid you're not correct, Jimbo. As mbwtt states, several of Smith's factory offerings are cut for moonclips (and others can be aftermarket cut for them). Regrettably, Smith doesn't make it clear on their site which models do and don't. My 627 Pro, for instance, does come cut, but you can't tell it at smith-wesson.com.

TK Custom, on the other hand, manufactures moonclips for these guns--and they say the 327pd doesn't take 'em:

http://www.moonclips.com/cart/shopdisplayproducts.asp?id=154&cat=.38+Special%2F.357+Magnum+

I'd be inclined to believe them, but you can always call S&W to make sure.

[mbwtt]

How much would I be looking to spend to have the gun modified to use moon clips? Would there be any reason not to? Weakening or anything?

I'm not entirely sure I prefer moon clips over speedloaders as I honestly just don't have a whole lot of experience with either.

[Revolver Ocelot]

probably around 200 bucks all together if my memory serves me correctly

[mbwtt]

I'm wondering if Smith & Wesson wouldn't make one with a cylinder that is machined for it. I'm puzzled, because by what I can see the TRR8 IS machined for it and, as far as I can tell, is the same cylinder otherwise. I've got an email in to them to inquire.

[rcmodel]

Would there be any reason not to? Weakening or anything?Moon clips for rimmed revolver rounds are not nearly as thick & durable as those for the .45 ACP.

They are also not as fast to reload.
They are also not so hot for pocket carry as they are more delicate.

As someone mentioned, the added length of the .357 Mag, plus the flexi-flier nature of the very thin clips make for a sloppy reload compared to .45 ACP revolver moon clips.

rc

[mbwtt]

Thanks RC, I was thinking clips would be faster and better for concealed carry as they would be less bulky. But if it's going to be that they are fragile and not super fast, I'll most likely go with the speedloaders and skip all the modification to the gun. Seems like the benefits I had in my mind may not be in line with reality.

I am still curious why they'd make the TRR8 compatible with moon clips and not the 327pd. It would give the shooter an option and if nothing else save another few grams (oh how negligible that savings is though, if any at all since the clip will be added)

If I'm understanding correctly though, the clips should work well with the .38 +P, but not so much with the .357. I'm not sure what would work best for me, but want to have the option. I think some of this comes from my wanting the best of all worlds....reliability of a revolver, good capacity (8 rd), ability to fire two good calibers,and reloading speed comparable to a semi-auto. I'm no Jerry Miculek, but still, with practice I'd like to think I could get quick.

What's the fastest you've seen with a speedloader??

[mbwtt]

Looks like no one makes an 8 round speedloader. I'm screwed all the way around:banghead:
If anyone knows of ANY way to quickly load a 327pd I'd be much appreciative. I really like the safariland loaders they seem like they'd be as fast as a moon clip and would hold better when being carried. Maybe they'll get around to making one sometime.

[jcs271]

I have the 327 (scandium N frame, titanium cylinder and snubby barrel) and it uses the 8rd moon clips (it came with 3). Not sure why they would use a different cylinder on the "PD" than on the standard 327 and TR8 models.

[mbwtt]

yeah I can't wrap my little head around why they wouldn't, but it seems they did. I'm awaiting their response on the issue. I've also got an email in to Safariland.

[Avenger29]

Looks like no one makes an 8 round speedloader. I'm screwed all the way around
If anyone knows of ANY way to quickly load a 327pd I'd be much appreciative. I really like the safariland loaders they seem like they'd be as fast as a moon clip and would hold better when being carried. Maybe they'll get around to making one sometime.

The only thing I know is that Tuff Products makes 8 rd speed strips for .357/.38spcl. I'm a fan of speedstrips/quick strips. Somewhat slower than speedloaders or moonclips, but decently quick and carry well.

[Sam1911]

What's the fastest you've seen with a speedloader??

http://www.myoutdoortv.com/pdk/web/smith.html?feedPID=00zG15zm84msK0GbWemanhJ0KNWQYqM4

Click on the link for "Reloading" on the right. Near the end he does a speedloader type reload.

However, I've watched plenty of speedloader reloads in competition that were executed a LOT faster than that.

The Safariland "Comp 3" speedloaders will give you the fastest possible reload, short of a moon clip, and I'd say it's nearly a wash. They have a big stud on the back that gives you a nice handle so they're very easy to line up and all you have to do is push straight in. When you compress the mechanism against the face of the cylinder, the loader ejects the cartridges forward into the chambers. Very fast.

Now, if they'd ONLY make them for .44s...

-Sam

[kanewpadle]

There is an 8 rounds speed loader. Use them on my M&P R8. This gun also uses full moon clips. Yes they are thin and not as good as 45 acp clip. For a fast reload when using hollow points I use Corbon DPX. The copper rounds come to a more agressive "point" and feed better.

http://www.speedloaders.com/

[earlthegoat2]

If they can use moonclips they will come with them as well. Use this info for whatever you see fit but it has come in handy for me in the past.

[medfordscot]

Hey, JCS- I just registered onto this site to ask you a question. I was recently given a model 327 and I can't figure out what kind of frame it is. I would like to get crimson trace grips and give it to my wife. any knowledge or suggestions you could pass on?

[General Geoff]

N-frame, scandium alloy

[imoXu]

M&PR8 has SS cylinder the 327PD has a titanium cylinder
M&PR7 and TRR8 are cut for mclips, the PD is not

Real 8 shot speedloader here (not those rubber ones, but these cost a lot)
8 shot speedloader (http://www.thunderranchinc.com/8shot.html)

more on the difference between M&PR8 and TRR8 here
http://www.woodscustomrifles.com/id34.html

[MrTuffPaws]

I have a 327 Night Guard. I just got my cylinder back from TK custom. The cost of getting the cylinder machined was $100 plus $8.50 for return shipping.

TK custom does excellent work and the turn around time was amazingly short. I kinda bummed though that he only does S&W. I have a few Taurus revolvers that could stand some moon clips as well.

[danbrew]

I wouldn't waste my time getting a .357 moonclipped. I have a 327PC snubbie and it came with a few moon clips. First & foremost, you don't "need" them since it is a rimmed cartridge. Second, loading a .357 moonclipped revolver with a moonclip full or rounds is night and day difference between doing the same with a .45, or even a .40. I'd go experiment with a .357 moonclipped gun before spending the coin to convert a non-moonclipped .357.

:)

[rogertc1]

Comes with Mood Clips. Pictue of my 327 snubie
http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c248/rogertc1/SW627Pref.jpg

[Stainz]

The 327NG comes with a black SS cylinder, not a problem to machine. Ti, like that 327PD's cylinder, is tougher to machine than SS - and galls easily. Choose your machinist carefully. I'd call S&W - 800-331-0852 - and ask them what they'd charge. Of course, a vestige of the original cylinder's back is left on the outer circumference to support/headspace the ammo. Also, the inner edge of the extractor star should be 'eased' to assist reloading.

If you like the 8-slot moonclips that came with your S$W X27, consider ordering more from the manufacturer - Ranch Products. They are $50/50 or $75/100 delivered, in blued steel. Starline brass loads easily - Remi's are nearly as easy. Not everything will even 'fit'. The Remi R38S12 .38 Spcl +P 158gr LHPSWC load fits and reloads faster than the .357 Magnums. Of course, if you've been spoiled by a 25/625 in .45 ACP, like my 625JM and .45 ACP ball ammo - which loads as if it was on a tractor beam, the spindly spider legs are aggravating - as someone suggested, like trying to push wet rope - and take some time. For 'carry', you definitely need a protective sleeve - stiff leather at a minimum.

BTW, I have had a 5" JM PC627 V-Comp for some years - added a 4" 627 Pro 5/08. That 4" 627 Pro is the 'keeper' of the pair. I keep four food containers loaded with 14 loaded moonclips, 125gr JHP poppers in .357 Magnum cases, each for range use - and have a few moonclips with those +P Remingtons loaded for emergency 'home' use. Fewer .38s fit the clips easily than the .357 Magnums. I use the long Brownells nutdriver-style de-mooner - it'll hold eight empty .357Ms inside - fast de-mooner. At ~$15, it wasn't much - and looks better than a hunk of pipe in your range bag.

Stainz

[Tim L]

A great mooner/demooner tool is the mooncliptool (http://www.mooncliptool.com/) I've got one for a 325 and it is great and easy to use. A 327 is definitely on my list in the future.

[danbrew]

Amen - the mooncliptool is freaken' awesome. I use one for a 625/325 and it is the bee's knees. Got one for a 610/310 and it's ok. Got one for a 327 and it's kind of a waste of time - for all the reasons I posted above.

not at all a reflection on the mooncliptool, but the whole .357 vs. 40/45...