357 Magnum Moonclip Conversion

[scarville]

While looking from something else I came across this site. Maybe it's an omen:

http://tenring.com/contact2.html

He does moonclip conversions for S&W revolvers as well as others. Unlike some other conversions I've seen this one still allows the revolver to be loaded without the clips. I've been playing off and on with the idea of having my 686P and J-frame hammerless modified. Mostly off but I recently bought a 625 in 45 ACP and I really like it so the urge to convert some other revolvers is coming back.

From shooting the 625 I can see a lot of obvious benefits. Anyone know of any down side to this conversion? Other warnings or advice?

[jmax]

No down sides when done by the right gunsmith. I have had an L-frame, a M21 44 special and an M15 38 special all done by Clark Custom and all allow loose rounds, moon clips or speed loaders. Outstanding work and excellent service, all of my Smiths are now mooned.

[eaglemike]

Nearly all S&W wheelguns can still use loose rounds and speedloaders after machining for moonclips.* Just be aware the .38/.357 clips are fragile compared to the rimless stuff like .45. 40/10mm/.38 super.

You will have to be choosey with your brass. In my experience W-W is for loose round and speedloaders only. Bent moonclips will cause a problem.

*I've shot loose .45ACP rounds from a 625 with better accuracy results than with moonclips. YMMV..... You obviously can't use .40 S&W without clips in a 610.....

all the best,
Mike

[scarville]

No down sides when done by the right gunsmith. I have had an L-frame, a M21 44 special and an M15 38 special all done by Clark Custom and all allow loose rounds, moon clips or speed loaders. Outstanding work and excellent service, all of my Smiths are now mooned.

Judging from what I've read so far, Clark Custom or TK Custom are THE places to go for the machining.

Nearly all S&W wheelguns can still use loose rounds and speedloaders after machining for moonclips.* Just be aware the .38/.357 clips are fragile compared to the rimless stuff like .45. 40/10mm/.38 super.

I see what you mean. The 45 ACP clips I have are about .040 inch thick whereas the clips for 38/357 are advertised at 0.022 inch. That is a consideration though it also depends on the steel.

You will have to be choosey with your brass. In my experience W-W is for loose round and speedloaders only. Bent moonclips will cause a problem.

I'm probably OK there. Virtually all my brass is Federal. If the flex tip ammo from Hornady works out in the lever action, I'll probably end up with some of that too.

Thanks to everyone who answered.

[tiko]

The 357/38 moonclip works only with the brass that have a recess ring by the rim, some brass do not have the recess therefore can not put on the moonclip.

[tigerhui]

You might want to check out Randy Lee over at Apextactical.com. He's based out of Morro Bay, CA. Randy works on a lot of ICORE revolvers and is hell of a revolver shooter.