Why Get a 40-caliber Revolver?

[mavracer]

AFAIK, the ONLY double action revolvers that are advertised as chambered for a certain rimless caliber that CANNOT be used without a moon clip is the Ruger Redhawk .45 Colt/.45 ACP and the S&W Governor.

IIRC the 1917 Colt at least early production required the clip for headspace. My 1917 is a late production Smith and is fine without a clip.

For some reason Ruger has not and their 10mm revolvers have had occasional issues with 40S&W not headspacing correctly on the moonclip.

The factory clips are too thin IMHO rimz makes them for an L frame they fit my match champ like a glove.

 

[cfullgraf]

What about that moonclips "tend to be bulky, turn rounds loose at inopportune times and . . . get bent in ways that can tie up the gun."
"Coming Around Again" by Tamara Keel in Shooting Illustrated Jan 2023

In addition to what mcb said, not all moon clips work with all brass for a given cartridge. The base and rim design of cartridges varies from manufacturer to manufacturer.

I know TK Custom sells two different thickness moon clips for different brands of 38 Special cases. One if for RP, Starline, and one or two other brands and the other is for WW and a few other brands.

Also, for my S&W 610, The moonclips I got at first did not work well with the 10mm cases that I have, all WW, but did with 40 S&W. I got a different brand of moonclips that works with my 10mm cases.

I think the 45 ACP and 9x19 moonclips are not as particular. I've had fewer issues using odd cases with my moonclip ammunition for these revolvers chambered in these cartridges.

But, once you find a moonclip that works with your cartridge, your good to go.

I have three S&W 38 Special J-frames modified for moonclips as well as revolvers that use 10mm, 45 ACP, and 9x19 ammunition. I'd rather carry moonclips for reloads than speedloaders but the moonclips do require some protection while carrying to prevent damage. There are a number of modes that can be used for that.

 

[tallpaul]

One of the best reasons affected who was brass cost next to nothing. Not sure about the last couple years. I almost daughters semi and a revolver in it for that reason alone

 

[Hokkmike]

a 40 caliber is, to me, like a buxom blonde who chews gum and talks too loud in public. But, hey - if you can handle her !!!!

 

[ECVMatt]

I am not too sure about the .40, but what I would like is a .41 Special GP100. At some point I am going to have to give up and just get the 10MM.

 

[TTv2]

Has Ruger ever made a .41 Double Action before? I could see it in the Redhawk for .41 Mag, but Ruger would be hesitant to do one in the GP100, especially in .41 Special.

 

[mcb]

Ruger does a 44 Special on the GP100 frame it would be easy to do 41 Special and I suspect there would be enough cylinder wall there to do 41 Mag.

 

[TTv2]

Ruger does a 44 Special on the GP100 frame it would be easy to do 41 Special and I suspect there would be enough cylinder wall there to do 41 Mag.

It wasn't about strength, which I'm sure the GP100 can do .41 Special with no problem (Magnum I definitely question) it's about sales. There is a reason Ruger stopped making several versions of the .44 Special and it was likely due to low sales. The .41 would have sales just as low because not every prospective gun owner reloads and not every gun store carries .41 ammo and those that do probably charge $60 a box.