"If you want a 357, buy a 357".

Well said. As I mentioned earlier, I did the titanium cylinder and center pin for the weight reduction, not to get the magnum chambering. I did the 9mm conversion because the ammunition is significantly cheaper than .38 special, because I have a 9mm Browning Hi-Power, a Kimber Micro 9, and out of curiousity. Re +P, I'm not interested in the extra power, so regular .38 special is adequate for my puposes (using my other, unconverted titanium cylinder). When I want more power, I've always switched to my Super Blackhawk.

I've been using speed strips with my Chief's Special for years. I've already noticed the moon clips are much faster. Perhaps my speed strip technique has been wrong.

Good point about the blast shield.