I was thinking of adding another J-Frame to my roster. I've been checking out Bud's Guns and was planning on getting a 442 N/L but saw this M642 Pro for not much more, and the idea of the moon clips intrigues me. Carrying those would be easier and less bulky then a speed loader and faster then a speed strip.

S&W M642 PRO 38SP+ 2 MCLP Stainless $423.00 SHIPS FREE

Does anybody have experience with this model? How reliable is it? Any reported issues? Can it be loaded without the moon clips? Does in come with no internal lock? The picture shows none but it doesn't say in the description.

I kind of wanted something a little more unique in terms of a J-Frame, but not so unique that I wouldn't want to carry it for SD.

What say you? Stick with the original plan of the 442 or go with with M642 Pro?

I have a 642 Pro. Yes, you can shoot it without the moonclips and it works just fine. I shoot mine that way about 99% of the time. Yes, the Pro comes without the IL.

The problem I have with the moonclips is that they only ship you 3. If you want more, you have to go find them on the internet and they cost $8 A PIECE. However, if you want super-fast reloads, and don't mind spending a few bucks on moon clips, then go for it.

For that reason, if I were doing it over, I would just get the no IL model cuz I'm never going to spend another $100 beans on moonclips.

But I totally recommend the 642/442. You're really going to like it if you haven't had an airweight before.

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But then, what do I know?

They offer the 442 Pro as well that is cut for moonclips.

Moonclips are not $8 each everywhere. Midway sells Ranch Products moonclips, which are excellent 8 for $12.99. Once you go moonclips it is hard to go back. They are simply the fastest way to load and unload a revolver. Much faster than a speedloader.

Kentucky Gun Company has significantly better prices and a bigger selection of S&W revolvers than Buds as well.

How well are the moon clips made? Would they need to be replaced often? Really, I would only need a half dozen or so at most.

I already have a 642. I wanted to get another J-Frame. Don't know if I want one with the same finish as my 642. If the M642 Pro came in black I would get one for sure. As of now, I haven't decided yet.

I own a 640 Pro which is cut for moon clips and it came with 3 steel clips in the box from S&W. These are the same clips shipped with the 642/442 Pro models, so my comments are directed to my experience with moon clips and their use.

You can load these revolvers with:
- Single rounds, just like any other revolver.
- Standard speed loaders, just like any other revolver.
- Speed strips, just like any other revolver.
- And finally moon clips, unlike standard revolvers.

In the months I have used and carried these moon clips they seem to be pretty tough and resiliant. That is not to say you couldn't bend one, however you would have to really try to inflict damage to it. The big advantages are less bulk and they can result in a faster reload than standard speed loaders.

I did a quick check of Midway and they don't appear to carry any moon clips which will work with a 38/357 J frame. The only place I have found clips for the 38/357 J frames is TK Custom. They are proud of their clips and charge $32.50 for a 5 pack (+ shipping).

I think you will like the 442 or 642 Pro with the moon clip option. Although the basic 442 model has a carbon steel cylinder, the S&W web site shows the 442 Pro models are made with stainless cylinders which are obviously coated with a black finish. I wonder if they also use the 642's stainless barrel with the same coating.

Edmo

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I carry a 640 Pro and strongly recommend that. You get better sights and the option of loading 357 Mag. It is a bit bigger and heavier than the 38 only options, but I prefer the greater weight for shooting and do still pocket carry much of the time.

As for moon clips, be aware the OEM S&W clips do not play well with all ammunition, including my preferred Speer Gold Dots. TK offers thinner (0.020") clips that will work.

Since you already have an airweight snubbie, why not get creative and find a 3" Model 60 in .357?

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Because of the metric system?

[QUOTE=Georgia1911;138264903]I carry a 640 Pro and strongly recommend that. You get better sights and the option of loading 357 Mag. It is a bit bigger and heavier than the 38 only options, but I prefer the greater weight for shooting and do still pocket carry much of the time.

I can second the 640 Pro. Great sights, smooth trigger, and the option of using 38's rather then 357's.

I also have the 60-15 3 " that another poster mentioned. I bought it with the intention of carrying it. But then I found the 640 Pro and it became a safe queen. It does seem like a great target gun, adjustable rear sight, etc, but I perfer to carry the 640 Pro.

I don't use the moon clips so I can't give you an opinion on them.

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You will not need to replace them unless you damage one; they're not a wear item like magazines.

They're well machined but thin; sure they can be bent, but it seems most of the people who don't like them haven't actually used moon clips in any meaningful way, or tried to load and unload by hand. Purchasing a quality moon clip tool is the best investment toward long, happy moon clip use.

I carry moon clips daily, have for years and am still using the originals. Check them at the range every couple months and they shoot true.

And they do make 642 Pro in black; it's the 442 Moon Clip, as others have stated, formerly also called the Pro. I know, confusing.

The beauty of S&W's moon clip offerings is they're about $30 more than their non moon clip counterparts but don't require the moon clips to work; it's cheap added capability if you like them, and no loss if you don't.

I'm not quite sure why a $10 price tag on a moon clip is an issue, but the same price tag on a speedloader isn't. To me, they're cheap, terrific, and you don't need but a few.

Lastly, this question's been asked a lot; search function'll get you good reading.

Brownells has the TK five packs for the same price.

Price, that's why.

So they do make a Pro in black? Thanks, this is great to know. This may be the deciding factor to go with the Pro over the standard 442.

Having no experience with that model, but have experience using moon clips in an old 1917 DA, I like the clips. They are spooky fast to reload with & an easy way to carry spare ammo. Others said they work fine without them so it's kind of a non issue. Once you have the clips you have them.
it's a nice trim sleek little gun without the lock, I'd say get it.

PS: I really like the J frames!

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US RIDE FOR THE BRAND OR LEAVE

Thanks for the tip about KGC. The prices were a bit better on most models. How well are they to deal with? The great prices don't mean squat to me if they have terrible customer service.

Wow! That's really great to know! It has irritated me to no end that the moon clips ran $8 a piece...

I was about to have a big pile of them custom made somewhere.

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But then, what do I know?

My 442,new no lock $355. O'herrons Danvile il. Police supply store most all available to anyone except new Glocks. Nice store nice web sight great prices. 50 year old business doubt it's news to most here.

I know this my be controversial on a Smith forum but my nest snub will be the 2" Ruger LCRx. I say this while owning a 442 no lock, a 360PD HiViz, and a 60-9. Obviously I am a big fan of the Smith Jframe but my recent experience with a 3" LCRx and its innovative and truly fantastic double action trigger has me clamoring for another.
The clincher was my cleaning session with the 3" LCRx today-it literally wiped clean with a little hoppes oil and a patch. The frame and cylinder finish is awesome.
I was and will always be a Smith revolver guy. Ruger always made solid, functional products but i did not have a lot of use for one since Smith always seemed to offer a similar product with better features and better fit and finish.
In this case the LCRx trigger just really gives me a reason to branch out. Also, while not a huge difference, the LCR is 1.5 oz. lighter than the 442. With the hammer recessed in the channel, even the LCRx version will pocket carry easy.
At least check one out

The 442 standard is black, as is the 442 Moon Clip (formerly known as the 442 Pro).

If you want black, durable, and the most bang for your buck, get a 442 Moon Clip.

The 442 looks nice! I just don't know if I would do moon clips, they seem like such a hassle unless you were really in a gun fight.

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