Going to modify a 686P...and am trying to decide if this work should include modifying the cylinder for moon clips. Think it's a good idea as long as you have loaded clips handy...but when the clips run out the revolver cannot be safely fired without them. I'm thinking for a service revolver probably besat NOT to use the moon clips and keep the revolver as versatile as possible, for the usual speedloaders, or 2 at a time or whatever if need be....anybody use the moon clips on a service revolver and have any experience to share? thanks.
moon clips
- Thread starter gringolet
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model 649
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- Mar 16, 2005
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A friend of mine has his cylinders EDM'd to take both moon clips and normal rimmed cases. I think he paid $50.00 for the work. If you like I can find out more info. The outer ring of the cylinder face is left intact so it will still catch the rim of a case. Quite a cool idea.
Josh
Josh
burrhead
Member
"...but when the clips run out the revolver cannot be safely fired without them."
Huh? How is it unsafe?
Huh? How is it unsafe?
Guy B. Meredith
Member
Uh, you have it all backwards.
Rounds like .45 acp, .38 super and 9 mm require the moonclip. Standard revolver rounds do not. The 686P shoots just fine without moonclips as it uses standard rimmed revolver rounds (.38 SPL, .357 mag).
The revolver that shoots standard revolver rounds is more versitile WITH moonclip conversion.
Revolvers that use moonclips for .38 spl and .357 magnum are THE revolver of choice for revolver competition shooters. Just ask Jerry Miculek, Vic Picket and Jason Pettit among others.
Rounds like .45 acp, .38 super and 9 mm require the moonclip. Standard revolver rounds do not. The 686P shoots just fine without moonclips as it uses standard rimmed revolver rounds (.38 SPL, .357 mag).
The revolver that shoots standard revolver rounds is more versitile WITH moonclip conversion.
Revolvers that use moonclips for .38 spl and .357 magnum are THE revolver of choice for revolver competition shooters. Just ask Jerry Miculek, Vic Picket and Jason Pettit among others.
Just got back from the range...
My 625 JM .45ACP can be fired with or without moon clips.
The rounds chamber in the cylinder by the case mouth, just like any other autopistol round. Whereas, revolver cartridges such as .38/.357 rely on the case rim.
Without moon clips, the .45ACP cases cannot be extracted using the ejector. But a simple tap to the cylinder or flick with a fingernail is all it takes to get them out.
Of course, using moon clips allows the use of the ejector. And, it's a lot more convenient to load and eject six at a time rather than one at a time.
I just load all my clips before shooting, then use a de-mooning tool afterwards to clear the clips. Getting the empty cases out of the moon clips is a real b**ch without the de-mooning tool... best $16.95 I ever spent.
My 625 JM .45ACP can be fired with or without moon clips.
The rounds chamber in the cylinder by the case mouth, just like any other autopistol round. Whereas, revolver cartridges such as .38/.357 rely on the case rim.
Without moon clips, the .45ACP cases cannot be extracted using the ejector. But a simple tap to the cylinder or flick with a fingernail is all it takes to get them out.
Of course, using moon clips allows the use of the ejector. And, it's a lot more convenient to load and eject six at a time rather than one at a time.
I just load all my clips before shooting, then use a de-mooning tool afterwards to clear the clips. Getting the empty cases out of the moon clips is a real b**ch without the de-mooning tool... best $16.95 I ever spent.
any caliber/any revolver
just about any revolver may be modified to shoot with moon clips...
check out tkcustom for example as a company building a business and a reputation for this kind of work. the use of moon clips in modified S&W 357's is a growing phenom...not only does it permit fast reloads, but is also something different to show the guys at the gunshop. My question was whether anyone had experience with such a modification in a carry revolver for duty or service use and not just a range pistol...while speedy reloads are gained, versatility is lost as is not considered safe to fire without the moonclips are the cylinder is modified (the cartridge too unsupported in the cylinder without the clip)...check it out at tk and other custom pistoilsmith's offer the modification upon request such as ten ring precision in san antonio...
just about any revolver may be modified to shoot with moon clips...
check out tkcustom for example as a company building a business and a reputation for this kind of work. the use of moon clips in modified S&W 357's is a growing phenom...not only does it permit fast reloads, but is also something different to show the guys at the gunshop. My question was whether anyone had experience with such a modification in a carry revolver for duty or service use and not just a range pistol...while speedy reloads are gained, versatility is lost as is not considered safe to fire without the moonclips are the cylinder is modified (the cartridge too unsupported in the cylinder without the clip)...check it out at tk and other custom pistoilsmith's offer the modification upon request such as ten ring precision in san antonio...
A typical moonclip converstion allows for the loading of cartridges in the traditional manner, and retains the ejector star so that the rounds can be ejected normally as well. If your gunsmith is doing something that will prevent the safe loading of cartridges without a clip i would be very worried.
Guy B. Meredith
Member
gringolet,
There is absolutely no danger of any kind in firing any revolver converted for moonclips by a competent gunsmith with the current methods for the currently available moonclips. As mentioned above, if the conversion has made the revolver dangerous it was done incorrectly. Likewise if the rounds do not have enough cylinder to rest the rim on without a moonclip it was done incorrectly.
Moonclips do not decrease your options, they increase your options. Without moonclips you can load either individually or with speedloaders. After moonclip conversion you can load individually, with speedloaders or moonclips with no concern for changes in performance or safety.
After experiencing moonclips on my PC627 V-Comp I have decided that any revolver I have will be converted to be able to handle moonclips, but I shoot without moonclips for the most part. I have had my 686+ converted and just last month had my M66 converted.
There is absolutely no danger of any kind in firing any revolver converted for moonclips by a competent gunsmith with the current methods for the currently available moonclips. As mentioned above, if the conversion has made the revolver dangerous it was done incorrectly. Likewise if the rounds do not have enough cylinder to rest the rim on without a moonclip it was done incorrectly.
Moonclips do not decrease your options, they increase your options. Without moonclips you can load either individually or with speedloaders. After moonclip conversion you can load individually, with speedloaders or moonclips with no concern for changes in performance or safety.
After experiencing moonclips on my PC627 V-Comp I have decided that any revolver I have will be converted to be able to handle moonclips, but I shoot without moonclips for the most part. I have had my 686+ converted and just last month had my M66 converted.
Guy B. Meredith
Member
For the conversion I would recommend Clark Custom as the top of the line work.
scott45b
Member
Yes, the 686 can be modified to shoot moonclipped rounds. However, not all .38spcl or .357 mag brass like moonclips. You will probably have to sort your brass, i.e. Federal, Remington and Starline accept moonclips readily. Winchester does not. The relief groove that exists on the cartridges just above the rim is not the same size on all the cartridges.
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