new S&W 929 as my range gun?

[socalbeachbum]

I want a new gun specifically for use at my local indoor range. I'm looking at the S&W 686 7" 357 as one possibility. Also considering the 929 9mm 6.5"

I'm curious about inherent accuracy and pros and cons of a rimmed revolver cartridge like .38 special vs use of 9mm in a wheel gun. I know the 929 is cut for moonclips but I think I was told the use of moonclips is optional? So I'm asking, in the 929 does the 9mm round locate off the mouth of the brass? And is that a less accurate than with a rimmed cartridge? or maybe I'd never know the difference unless tested from a Ransom Rest?

I've considered the R8 and the Pro Series 686+ also.

Presently I shoot a Pro Series S&W 60 3" and love it but it's pretty light at about 25 oz for a day at the range.

 

[ljnowell]

It's not less accurate. It's how all 9mm headspace in semi-autos.

 

[MrBorland]

I know the 929 is cut for moonclips but I think I was told the use of moonclips is optional?

As ljnowell noted, the round headspaces on the case mouth, so you can shoot it without moons, but ejecting the empties is another matter. Without a moonclip or rim, you'll likely have to pull or push each one out individually.

As far as accuracy of the 929, I'll wait and see. I'm not so much worried about it being a moonclipped gun as I am about the barrel's bore: IIRC, S&W made a 627 in .38 Super that had accuracy issues because rather than make a barrel with a .356" bore, they used a .38/.357 barrel, which has a .357" bore.

 

[slickracer]

According to JM, they are .355 bore with broach cut rifling.