I was looking at a 586 L-Comp and it is able to use moonclips. I've read postings on the net saying that you don't need to use moonclips on the later model Smiths that are able to use them. However, when I called S&W, the rep told me that that they didn't recommend using the revolver without them. If it isn't advisable that will take these moonclip enabled revolvers off the table for me.
Thanks for any opinions.

The edge of the cylinder provides all the support needed. My 686PC is machined for MoonClips and I shoot loose rounds all the time with it. No difference at all.

I second what bigwheelzip said. I have the 686 Pro and 686PC and have shot with and without the clips. Enjoy your gun!

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Dan
Ps 96 SWCA 2930 SWHF 524

I have never heard that it isnt advised to shoot without moonclips on the rimmed cartridge moonclipped guns such as the 586 L-comp. The cylinders on the L-comp and other performance center 357s are designed and cut to be used without moonclips if desired.
On the other hand non rimmed cartridge moonclipped guns are different. Not that its dangerous, but a non rimmed cartridge without moonclips do not eject with the ejector and depending on how well the shoulder is cut in the chamber, may not have 100% reliable ignition.

S&W has a sweetheart deal with TK customs. I have been searching high and low for the 3 original Moonclips that came with my gun. I bought 10 from S&W made by TK and they are not what I was looking for. I called S&W and was told they only use TK. I was very confused. I finally called Ranch Products, and was told he was their distributor for S&W for years and years. TK has only been in business for 2 years (don't know for sure)
I have come to believe that S&W will tell you BS just to sell the very overpriced TK Moonclips.

My 986 (9mm non rimmed) is positively useless without moon clips as without moon clips the case indexes on the case mouth & for some reason the 986 cylinder is bored for at least 9x21 ammo & maybe even 9x23 ammo (very deep holes anyhow)

Cylinder seems like they must be leftovers from a earlier 38 super or 9x21 gun of some sorts.

My NEW 929 came with moon clips STAMPED:"TK"

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Terry
SWCA, SWHS, IWLA, NRA

I think the rep was confused between the 9mm and the .357 cartridges. Besides, they don't send enough moon clips with the gun to really bother with!

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Richard Gillespie
FBINA 102

Then those are in fact TK's
The 3 that came with my gun have no markings...
After talking to the gentleman at Ranch Products, I'm pretty sure he is the maker of my original 3. My original 3 has fit every single ammo manufacturers that I have tried.
The TK's only fit my Remimington, and at an extremely high cost.

My 686 PC also runs absolutely fine without moon clips. It's 2015 production and the clips it came with have no markings but are definitely not Ranch. I bought a multi-pack of the Ranch clips and they are much thinner and bend much more easily than the OEM clips that came with it. I have not been able to demoon a single Ranch clip without bending it, while the OEM's are absolutely fine.

My 442 shoots fine w or w/ moon clips. Only use the clips to hold my SD ammo when I remove it to shoot range ammo. Then drop the SD ammo back in when ready.

Two of my revolvers are cut for moon clips, my 640 Pro, and my 686 PC 2½" barrel.

I carry conceal both, and I don't use the moon clips on either.

On the 686 you can see the rounds on the left side of the revolver and they slide to and fro. It does not seem to affect function however.

My problem is that I cannot seem to find a way to successfully carry a loaded moon clip in a carry conceal situation. I cannot slip it in the pocket loose and a belt clip to hold them is way too bulky.

I've noticed that the rounds slide, too ... especially if the muzzle is pointed upward. I've wondered if that would screw up a shot if, for example, you were on your back and had to aim very high to fire at an assailant standing over you, meaning, would the firing pin have enough force to push the round back into the cylinder and still ignite the primer?

My model 63 (.22) has issues with some ammo. The casings back out of the cylinder and prevent it from rotating to the next chamber. I have not experienced that with the centerfire revolvers but I guess it could be possible.

How are you "demooning" the clips? What tool are you using? I've shot thousands of rounds using Ranch Products clips (.45 ACP) and have never bent a clip during either charging the clip or "demooning" it.

I use the Deluxe Moon Clip Tool for charging my .45 clips and the notched tube type demooner. Since then, I discovered the BMT tool which is fantastic.

Something isn't right if you are bending clips - essentially the only way I've ever bent a clip is by stepping on it during a course of fire.

Adios,

Pizza Bob

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NRA Benefactor Member

To the OP, what do you have against moon clips, passing on any gun that requires them? I bought a 25-2 about a year ago and originally thought I would buy some 45 auto rim brass for reloading. The seller included some of that brass along with a dozen moon clips. I love them, quick and easy to use. I bought the BMT tool and it too is a gem. Yes, a little expensive but will last a life time and who doesn't like an excuse to buy a new tool? I like that I can load up the moon clips at home before I ever go the range and if I wanted to I could take the BMT to the range with me. Surely it is your choice but moon clips just shouldn't be a deal breaker.

Just using a standard, hook-ended demooning tool. Works fine on the OEM clips, which are rigid, but the Ranch clips just seem to take next to nothing to bend them.

So who makes them?
I've tried S&W, they ship TK's.
I called S&W, they inform me they only use TK's
Every TK I've seen, is clearly stamped TK.
I've tried every size (.025 .022 .020) from Revolver Supply, Those are clearly marked RS and the size.
Called Ranch, he claims he was dealing with S&W for years, and also doesn't stamp his.

At this point, all I want are more clips, like the 3 that came with the TRR8. Those 3 are the only ones that work with my Hornady .357 Magnums. Ranch is sending me samples, I really hope his are what I'm looking for?

How much are they from Ranch? I couldn't find any real information on their website.

I have bought moon clips in 50 and 100 count packs from Speed Bees on Amazon for my 627/327,929,625 and have had zero trouble with them. I do not separate brass either. Am using the BMT tools for all 3.

For my TRR8 he quoted me $75.00 for 100 + shipping. He does sell smaller quantities also.
Website doesn't have much info, I called him.