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S&W Revolvers: 1980 to the Present All NON-PINNED Barrels, the L-Frames, and the New Era Revolvers


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Old 08-27-2016, 02:26 PM
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Default 9MM Revolvers

Have an itch to own a 9MM revolver. Looking at a S&W 940 or a Taurus 905. Lot of difference in price! If you have experience with either or both please share your opinion.

THANKS!
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Old 08-27-2016, 02:39 PM
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When you get an itch, you get an itch and just have to scratch it.
I've had plenty of those.

But wait a bit and think about getting yourself a really nice .38 Special, say a Model 15 or some other K-frame.

I guess a plus for a 9 mm is the easy availability of ammo and
the fact you may own 9 mm autos. But the noise is terrible out
of a revolver and you might be surprised by the recoil.

Have you tried a rental 9 mm revolver?
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Old 08-27-2016, 02:43 PM
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Not the two you mentioned, but I have and LCR 9mm (Ruger)
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Old 08-27-2016, 02:55 PM
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I have a S&W 940 for carry. It is quick and easy to load/unload and a extra clip for a reload is small and easy to carry. It has plenty of power to reasonably deal with any situation.
Having said all of that, it is an absolute beast to shoot and really hammers my hand. I am not particularly recoil sensitive and can shoot 38+P's in a J-frame all day long but, for me at least, the 940 is meant to be carried a lot and shot a little.
It would seem that your decision be tied to your intended use.
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Old 08-27-2016, 04:29 PM
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I actually am in the same position;I own a Blackhawk .357 with a 9mm cylinder and like it.I think having a DA revolver in 9mm would be nice.I'm considering the S&W but must add that I've had the pleasure to try an Alpha and,looking at the innards,found it to be quite well made.The frame is smaller than a K frame but larger than a J.While the action is not S&W smooth,it still is pretty good.I'd say if you can live with the action of a DA Ruger,you can live with that one.And the price is considerably lower(not a quality issue but rather exchange rate;they are manufactured in Czech).Like I said,still hesitating!
Qc
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Old 08-27-2016, 04:40 PM
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Thanks for the feedback! Well, this itch may not get scratched after all since I have a few.38 Specials, K and J frames. My Ks are a M10, M14, M15 and the J is a M642.

Home defense and a truck gun would be the two uses of a 9MM. The availability and price of ammo is reason too for thinking about a 9MM revolver. A M3906 is a favorite semi-auto.

I need to find a range that has a rental 9MM revolver. Convinced I need to fire one before buying one.
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Old 08-27-2016, 04:49 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by UncleEd View Post
When you get an itch, you get an itch and just have to scratch it.
I've had plenty of those.

But wait a bit and think about getting yourself a really nice .38 Special, say a Model 15 or some other K-frame.

I guess a plus for a 9 mm is the easy availability of ammo and
the fact you may own 9 mm autos. But the noise is terrible out
of a revolver and you might be surprised by the recoil.


Have you tried a rental 9 mm revolver?
Wow I have a K frame revolver (547 3'') and the noise is no big deal. As far as recoil, for me I find it much better than the couple 9mm autos I had/do now own. FWIW since I got the 547 I have not shot my autos and I do have a good bit of 9MM at the house.
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Old 08-27-2016, 04:51 PM
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I'm a big fan of J-frame snubbies. Shoot a 50's era Centenial often. I fired a 940 several years ago, very snappy recoil, lots of muzzle flash. Good enough accuracy but second shot recovery was tough. Didn't get one, got a 9mm Ruger Speed 6. Really like that one.
Good luck scratching that itch.
DB
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Old 08-27-2016, 05:15 PM
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The first time I touched off a round in my LCR 9mm I was surprised. Ouch.

I replaced the grips with a larger Hogue grip that is shipped on the LCRx 3" model:

Ruger LCR No Finger Groove Rubber Tamer Cushion Grip Black | Hogue Inc.

That grip made the gun usable for me. But it's larger in your pocket.

Another issue with the Ruger (18 oz gun) is crimp jump with some types of ammo.

Fortunately the problem is only with a few ammo types, and most of the leading SD ammo works fine. I don't know if crimp jump is a problem with the slightly heavier M940.

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Old 08-27-2016, 05:36 PM
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I bought 2 of the little Taurus 9mm to use together. A pair of fellow sophisticates. I had to send both back 2 times and when they failed again I sold them with full disclosure. They both would freeze up and Superman couldn't pull the trigger. As with most Taurus revolvers they are head and shoulders above everybody in concept just not too much at QC. The only 3 I have left are my wife's chicken pen Judge [snake, possum, coon killer] a Light Weight 2 inch 45 Colt, and a View loaded with shot that I carry for Mr. No Shoulders. I always thought if they charged $75 more and worked out the QC problems they would have a product to match concept.
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Old 08-27-2016, 05:45 PM
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I never understood 9mm revolvers. Having to use moon clips or some other means of extraction just made the whole concept seem sort of odd. When a 38 or 357 is about the same or a lot more I just never got it. However different things make the world go round.
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Old 08-27-2016, 06:32 PM
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I have the same itch and am in the process of scratching it.

One of the posters here had a 360J converted to 9mm and speaks highly of it. Hopefully he will be along soon to add to the conversation in regard to recoil, etc.... since his is on the scandium frame.

Following his lead I just had the cylinder on my 360J pulled to be sent in to TK for a conversion. Going to have it installed and then add a Big Dot sight.

I also purchased an unfluted cylinder from a forum member and plan on having it done as well and placed into a 649.

Ironically after committing to all this I stumbled into a 940 for $650.00 total cost. Haven't had the time to take it to the range yet but am thinking about adding some different grips first to lessen the bite. Currently has the UM boots on her.

I guess I can't add much to the conversation now but hopefully will be able to in about a month.

I do know that I have a problem with itching and have to figure out a cheaper way to scratch it.
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Old 08-27-2016, 08:20 PM
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I would love to find a S&W 940 from a dealer at a reasonable price, but I have given up for now. I would hold out for the S&W or go 38 special. There are those who swear by their Taurus guns, but I am not one of them.
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Old 08-28-2016, 03:12 PM
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I have had two 940's and recently a Ruger LCR 9mm. I like the niche they fit, as I went exclusively to 9mm self defense weapons. The guns recoil is pretty harsh. The LCR did crimp jump on me once, with cheap ammo. For me, installing a larger grip on the gun took away from the purpose of having the thing, concealment.

There are a lot of folks out there who like the 9mm's revolvers, and the supply is drying up. Good luck
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Old 08-28-2016, 04:46 PM
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I have a 940 and don't find the recoil or muzzle blast objectionable, but then both are a subjective matter dependent on the person firing the gun. As far as Smith vs Taurus, you get what you pay for! The Smith will increase in value, the Taurus will depreciate.

Plus with Taurus you can buy a dozen and your lucky if 25% shoot! A buddy is a dealer and he has found this to be the situation with Taurus guns. All the time shipping new guns back to the factory for repair!

My 940 is a 3" barrel model, quite rare! Nice gun and a great buy!

Just my opinion.
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Old 08-28-2016, 07:28 PM
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As others have stated, the 940 recoil is not what I would call punishing, but "sharp", and bites you right at the base of your thumb. I put Pachmayer compacts on it and it handles the recoil very well. The original grips are just too small and don't fit very many shooters hands very well.
The 940 is the top left in this picture. The top right is a 640 and with the Altamont grips is a pleasure to shoot, and the blue one is a Mod 40.

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Old 08-28-2016, 07:56 PM
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I like the concept of a 9mm revolver and had contemplated getting one a few times over years, but after some research and asking a few knowledgable instructors whose opinion I highly respect about them, I decided against getting one. They just come with too many issues and potential problems for a defense gun IMO and it is with good reason they aren't very popular. YMMV
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Old 08-28-2016, 09:40 PM
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I have two S&W 9mm revolvers, a 940 and a 547. The 940 has a 2" barrel and the 547 has the 4" heavy barrel, and both have the factory grips that came on them. I have no problem with the recoil or noise from either. The rubber grips that came on the 940 fit my large hand very well.
i did my qualification for my CWP with the 547 and scored 100%, but feel that I would have had no problem qualifying with the 940.
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Old 08-28-2016, 10:22 PM
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I have been shooting 9MM and other rimless autoloading cartridges, out of Smith and Wesson revolvers for decades.

I have several 940s at the moment. All of mine have had their chambers opened up so that they can now shoot 38 Super, 38ACP, 9x21, 9MM Luger, 380ACP as well as every other cartridge that fits in the moonclip


I also have a pair of the Performance Center 940 Specials. These are chambered for 356TSW. The Performance Center 940 Specials can also shoot 9x21, 9MM Luger, 380ACP, etc.


I even ordered a NY Reload holster for myself


And it is not just the J-frames. I have two of the K-frame snubby 547s as well.


Plus I have converted a second cylinder for my N-frame Pinto 627. The stainless cylinder is the original 357 Magnum cylinder while the black cylinder has been chambered for 9x23 Winchester. This allows the gun to safely fire 9x23 Winchester, 38 Super, 38ACP, 356TSW, 9x21, 9MM Luger, 380ACP and more.


Sorry, I never felt the need to try the Taurus 905 since I already owned several S&Ws

If you already own a S&W built on the modern J-Magnum frame that is chambered in 357 Magnum or 38 Special, consider having a second cylinder converted for it.

I am about to re-chamber a model 60 cylinder for 356TSW to make a convertible J-frame.

Mark at Pinnacle can do this re-chambering for you. He is very good.

So go and scratch that itch.
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Old 08-29-2016, 01:20 AM
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Glad to see I'm not the only person thinking of getting a 9mm revolver. I'm set on finding a S&W model 547 to use as a shooter


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Old 08-29-2016, 06:28 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by twodog max View Post
I never understood 9mm revolvers. Having to use moon clips or some other means of extraction just made the whole concept seem sort of odd. When a 38 or 357 is about the same or a lot more I just never got it. However different things make the world go round.
The moon clip and, the shorter 9MM case give you a more positive extraction/ejection. But, they are a different animal.

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Old 08-29-2016, 09:17 AM
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GREAT feedback!!! OK, the 905 is no longer an option. Since I have and love my K frames a M547 is on my shopping list, likely near the top. The 940 is an option if a super deal pops up.

Thanks to all for the info, etc.
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Old 08-29-2016, 10:48 AM
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Not mentioned, but a possibly, are the Charter Arms Pitbulls. They come in 9mm, and .40 S&W. Neither 1 uses moon clips. I have the .40, 2.3" barrel. It is light & snappy. Certainly manageable. My 1st 1 went back twice, and was then replaced by a new gun. (C.S. was good!) New gun has been flawless so far, and does what it is supposed to do. Bob
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Old 08-29-2016, 11:11 AM
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For the S&W factory scouts that read this forum, consider the popularity of the 9mm and how a new 940, a 942, and a 647 would sell. Were there problems with the 547's extraction system that caused S&W not to carry on this feature to the original 940s? I don't have anything against moon clips, but the advantage of a revolver is that under extreme circumstances, a shooter can load standard rim cartridges straight into the cylinder from a pocket. The 547 didn't require moons for the semi-rimmed Luger cartridge. Anyway, a new j-frame series in 9mm with the option of moons or just being able to to load or extract either way, and pinned/dove tailed sights such as as the Trijicon HD or XS... And a reliable white light grip option that isn't terribly bulky.

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Old 08-29-2016, 03:09 PM
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The biggest issue with the 547 extraction system was the manufacturing cost. The system itself was rugged and reliable.
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Old 08-29-2016, 05:43 PM
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Somebody say 9mm revolver? The 940 and the 547 are excellent! At least mine are.

4" 547 and 2" & 3" 940. You need one, or two!
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Old 08-29-2016, 06:42 PM
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I wanted a 9mm revolver for a BUG at work. I bought the LCR in 9mm

I now carry a 640 as back up and the LCR is in the safe. Not for me.
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Old 08-29-2016, 06:55 PM
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Ruger has some Speed Sixes in 9mm. I got a guy trying to trade me out of a Colt Detective for one. Definitely not a J frame sized revolver, however.

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Old 09-27-2016, 06:04 PM
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I borrowed a 940 for while and I relay liked it, but it is an all steel gun it got to be a bit heavy over time and it was on loan so it went back to its owner.

I bought a 9mm Ruger LCR, great trigger, lighter, manageable reconcile with 124g +P Gold Dots, shoots with or without moonclips, moon clips can be loaded and unloaded without tools.

I have tried it with a bunch of different grips. They all work well depending on your choice of carry.

All in all a great little revolver in 9mm if that is what you are looking for.

I bought another one for friend but she ended up "borrowing" my Glock 43.

So I have a new 9mm LCR sitting in my safe. "Free to good home" if any one has an itch. I am sure we can work out a price that works for both of us.
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Old 09-27-2016, 07:12 PM
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Don't pass up a Ruger nine if you see one. The Speeds are very nice and won't break the bank. The SP makes for a solid carry option also. I put a DAO hammer on my 3" and it is my go to carry revolver.
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Old 09-28-2016, 06:15 AM
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Many arguments can be made as to why a snub is the best cc gun; easy to use, jury friendly, visually more intimidating from the business end and really all that one needs for the typical self defense scenario (this includes available ammo capacity) but these are somewhat subjective attributes. Objectively it is correct to state that in terms of ballistic performance from a snub all that can be intelligently argued is the degree of superiority that the shorter cartridge 9 has over the much longer black powder designed.38 and yes even the .357 with the latter being perhaps the most damaging with respect to liability exposure should one have to fire the weapon for self protection, which some say is very unlikely.
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Old 09-28-2016, 09:04 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by tekarra View Post
The biggest issue with the 547 extraction system was the manufacturing cost. The system itself was rugged and reliable.
Right my son (a pistol shooter) is also a CNC programmer and foreman at a large machine shop has said that that system had to take a bit of time and expense to build.

FWIW he has shot my 547 a few times and likes it.
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Old 09-28-2016, 10:07 AM
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I have owned a couple of 940's over the years. One had the problem of spent shells would not eject. Had to do the reamer thing borrowing the device from a forum member. The second had no problems. I also had a Ruger LCR and it had the situation where the bullet in opposing chambers separated from the casing while shooting, pretty messy. I wanted to have the 9mm revolver as I have gone explicitly to 9mm pistols and thought the revolver in 9mm would serve as a good back up. They do have pretty good felt recoil, especially if you use the more "concealable" grips. Good luck finding a 940!
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Old 09-28-2016, 06:14 PM
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range, if I shot an lcr 9, then shot the 940 with the same loads, which would I think had more kick? And which would be likely to be carried more often??
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  #35  
Old 09-28-2016, 10:54 PM
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Originally Posted by Mister X View Post
I like the concept of a 9mm revolver and had contemplated getting one a few times over years, but after some research and asking a few knowledgable instructors whose opinion I highly respect about them, I decided against getting one. They just come with too many issues and potential problems for a defense gun IMO and it is with good reason they aren't very popular. YMMV
Do tell... how about filling us on the issues and potential problems of 9mm revolvers?


The 9mm revolver using moonclips is nothing more than a smaller version of the 1917 and M25 .45ACP revolvers using moonclips. The 9mm is a very efficient cartridge and it compliments snubby revolvers nicely, falling between the .38spl +P and the .357mag in performance (closer to .357 than .38) but without anywhere near the muzzle blast and recoil of the .357mag.

I've owned the Taurus 905, S&W 940s, and a Pinnacle custom 9mm 360J. The Taurus suffered from poor quality issues, the 940s were fine revolvers but too heavy, and my 360J has been just right for about 8 years now.

All of the factory 9mm snubby revolvers prior to the Ruger LCR9 were steel and ran around 22oz empty. When the 360J came out in 2008 I bought one for a 9mm conversion project primarily for it's lightweight scandium frame. I had Pinnacle do the conversion and, like colt_saa's guns, mine will function with a number of different calibers, though I usually limit it to 9mm and .38 Super. At a bit over 13oz it makes for a great pocket or ankle gun and it gets carried regularly. I've found the recoil to be similar to a .38spl +P round, never been an issue and I've never had any trouble with "crimp jump". Last year I had Pinnacle fit a titanium .38spl cylinder to my gun making it a convertible and adding to its versatility. IMO, if your interested in a 9mm revolver, go for it. There are several different options available, all too heavy, IMO, but good guns, I'm sure you can find something to meet your needs. I would just avoid the Taurus guns if I were you.

[IMG]https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/NB5k3h2_JxCrOnixr-Tz39zpTOvWuwVH8nK4VexHr_8BDnHmlwGlQglJW6uyuQxFSOYqtgtZe21u69B6Aik-Y6_lfaXmYQnhQr4kTVn-HAKpcVTHuX15vcpZr837KabhNUN3tzh1ij6cZs1QpEPCZYh_-fhdjKlLfnk2MmqBHIBJrAG__SCsBHfwU7sIUoNKwHwLKS758X-JY2NBmiCf45lyKdNa1aNf4vEhpQRCgY8TyCNgaPWMfVikjfv2UIS_Egpf8mN5o1I7Tr_RDBXv**k-8gv7yGfWsDEBa-DMC-ulpRLJMvTY7fFi0k0zxxqyzbznwHGz8fNpplPzK90CuSYwxqN8d6tBijgz_TQmTQP8Evnk0P5er5Bf-vJdwCOIzHfCZU55GJUt_CbfbXux1JsmFroiiao7jTuKxc3DDrjbPM7phZEzz4VQgNPUOUBmHptKeUQ0g_X6zfn_CgriIiiNAhM_03Oqs3W8uzUDn1VlfcWhNZxL2XPWsJhUdBph3vjuCEJM2djULzLGqd_ErTvr29WKdzLwm_i8sFYL2zKPPbJWqoH_C3jESAYCk7P0JCPPmTPG1qdbjp2RSZHda6W6o5ZCaZugsLgtlOOz42LQU02X2g=w988-h651-no[/IMG]
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  #36  
Old 09-28-2016, 11:35 PM
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Do tell... how about filling us on the issues and potential problems of 9mm revolvers?
I have pretty much zero hands on experience with them myself, but countless men whose opinions I highly respect(like Massad Ayoob, Grant Cunningham, Chuck Haggard, Michael de Bethencourt) have steered me away from them due to their own experiences of extraction and ignition issues, bent clips binding up the gun and crimp jump problems. I would love the idea of a functional 9mm revolver to compliment my 9x19 autoloaders, but I just hear about too many problems for me to go forward and buy one.
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Old 09-29-2016, 12:06 AM
Kifaru Kifaru is offline
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Originally Posted by Bonkers View Post
I think the 9mm in a compact revolver is a great idea because it's a high pressure round using a small powder charge that is much more efficient from snubby barrels than the .38 Spl. and the .357 Magnum.
The only problem is nobody is capitalizing on the COAL of the 9mm and building cylinders and frame openings specifically to fit it which would make a J-frame much more compact. Economics is one reason, consumer perception and demand another.

Yes the 9mm does produce more muzzle blast than a .38 Spl...it should, even with anemic domestic "underloads" the 9mm is still loaded very close to the .357 in terms of pressure, so yes it will also out kick a .38 Spl...but it's the BETTER choice between the .38 Spl and .357 Mag.

Having said that I like the Ruger LCR...it doesn't cost a fortune to acquire, and has an improved lock design.
I agree with nearly everything you have said. The 9mm does not lose nearly as much velocity as the .357 in a short barrel. Ballistically, the 9mm seems about the sweet spot in a snub revolver, and there are some loads available that are not currently cataloged for .38 Special, Federal's excellent HST 124 grain for example. And the LCR is a good buy compared to tracking down a scarce S&W 9mm carry revolver.
However, there is a revolver currently on the market that takes advantage of the shorter Cylinder Overall Length afforded by the 9x19. You are forgetting about the German revolver maker, Korth. They have entered into a partnership with Nighthawk Custom who is importing the Korth Sky Marshal as the Sky Hawk. This K-Frame sized package integrates a shorter cylinder for a very handy package that does not use moon clips. Unfortunately, the styling is as shocking as the price (STARTING at $1699.00). For that kind of money, I could afford to look for a nice 547 and have plenty of dough left over to buy several cases of 9mm.
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Old 09-29-2016, 07:12 AM
gsn gsn is offline
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The topic of moon clips seems to come up often, yesterday I did look at the lcr 9 at a shop and really it was nice. The counter guy who claimed to have fired one a lot did say that the recoil was definitely there but this was to be expected with the performance of the 9mm AND he commented that the revolver can be used without the clips saying at least half will shake out and the other can be taken out quickly with only your finger tips.

IF this is the case what is the big deal about 'clips'? these guns are after all for self protection.
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Old 09-29-2016, 09:17 AM
dwever dwever is offline
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The topic of moon clips seems to come up often, yesterday I did look at the lcr 9 at a shop and really it was nice. The counter guy who claimed to have fired one a lot did say that the recoil was definitely there but this was to be expected with the performance of the 9mm AND he commented that the revolver can be used without the clips saying at least half will shake out and the other can be taken out quickly with only your finger tips. IF this is the case what is the big deal about 'clips'? these guns are after all for self protection.
GSN, what did 'counter guy' say about the 9mm being a tapered case and inevitably backing out and locking up the cylinder? A 9mm without moon clips is virtually impossible without very specific engineering in the gun design which the revolver platform has rarely seen; and, when it has, it has added significant complexity.

You have to figure out how to extract the cases - This actually saw an answer under an Israeli - S&W contract years ago where an extractor assembly for rimless cartridges technology was developed. Instead of the usual "star" type extractor (see picture), the S&W Model 547 featured a horn-shaped extractor with small beryllium-copper spring tabs that grab the rim of each case. This assembly is for extraction only; the cartridges headspace on the mouth. The device is reported to have worked really well; so well in fact, very early on Israel cancelled the contract and the remaining 10,000 plus weapons were sold by S&W to the general public. However, most owners do seem to love them.

But don't even think about that working with a modern 929 or 986 without moon clips.

The second problem I mentioned before, the tapered cases will back out and lock up the cylinder. This issue killed the Model 53 revolver if I'm not mistaken. S&W overcame this in the above mentioned 547 by adding a pin (above the firing pin) that prevents the fired case from backing up, more complexity and expense and another part to fail. It was an expensive solution but one that has reportedly worked well.

The 547 also had a floating pin. While this is common now to most new S&W revolvers, it was unique at that time.

Here's a forum discussion about that revolver: Contemplating a model 547 9mm revolver.

In the second picture is the same Ruger snub in .357 and then 9mm. Notice the 9mm is cut for moon clips. Because it has to be or you carry a dejammer.

So even living with moon clips I love the idea of the 9mm revolver. The dramatic increase of ballistic performance of the 9mm over the last ten years as well as costing two thirds of similar .38/.38+P rounds. For me, the somewhat ballistic advantage offered by the 9mm over the .38 ammo isn’t worth the trade-off in recoil in a light-frame scandium J Frame; however, in a steel frame and especially a 37 oz. N Frame (627) snub or 37 oz. L Frame (586 L-Comp) snub, the 9mm would be easy to shoot painlessly. I like moon clips for defensive carry and competition, but having to use them for everything is extra hardware and cost.

Unfortunately, for a number of reasons, with the S&W 9mm in a revolver it remains a bit of a work in progress, but if you want to be an early adopter and don't mind the possibility of having to dial some things in, it is a great way to go. I just want a snub nose N or L frame, and I personally would love to see the 627 2.625" barreled UDR or a 586 L-Comp in 9mm, at that point I may be in with the 9mm, because as Glock knows, 9mm is an an exceedingly good cartridge in a short barrel.
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File Type: jpg Ruger.357&9mm.jpg (83.2 KB, 54 views)

Last edited by dwever; 09-29-2016 at 10:13 AM.
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Old 09-29-2016, 02:46 PM
tekarra tekarra is offline
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S&W 547 with side plate and transfer bar removed. Note the limit pin above the firing pin.

Last edited by tekarra; 09-29-2016 at 02:48 PM.
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Old 09-29-2016, 02:49 PM
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[URL=http://s196.photobucket.com/user/tekarra_photo/media/PC230006.jpg.html][IMG]

With the transfer bar in place.

Sorry, having problems with photobucket.

Last edited by tekarra; 09-29-2016 at 02:52 PM.
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Old 09-30-2016, 04:03 PM
EugeneNine EugeneNine is offline
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Originally Posted by colt_saa View Post
I have been shooting 9MM and other rimless autoloading cartridges, out of Smith and Wesson revolvers for decades.

I have several 940s at the moment. All of mine have had their chambers opened up so that they can now shoot 38 Super, 38ACP, 9x21, 9MM Luger, 380ACP as well as every other cartridge that fits in the moonclip


I also have a pair of the Performance Center 940 Specials. These are chambered for 356TSW. The Performance Center 940 Specials can also shoot 9x21, 9MM Luger, 380ACP, etc.


I even ordered a NY Reload holster for myself


And it is not just the J-frames. I have two of the K-frame snubby 547s as well.


Plus I have converted a second cylinder for my N-frame Pinto 627. The stainless cylinder is the original 357 Magnum cylinder while the black cylinder has been chambered for 9x23 Winchester. This allows the gun to safely fire 9x23 Winchester, 38 Super, 38ACP, 356TSW, 9x21, 9MM Luger, 380ACP and more.


Sorry, I never felt the need to try the Taurus 905 since I already owned several S&Ws

If you already own a S&W built on the modern J-Magnum frame that is chambered in 357 Magnum or 38 Special, consider having a second cylinder converted for it.

I am about to re-chamber a model 60 cylinder for 356TSW to make a convertible J-frame.

Mark at Pinnacle can do this re-chambering for you. He is very good.

So go and scratch that itch.
Can you do this with ant S&W 357? I was looking at the Ruger Blackhawk since it has the two different cylinders.
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Old 09-30-2016, 06:14 PM
OPinOKC OPinOKC is offline
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Default 9mm rimmed

I got interested in 9mm revolvers about 15 years ago because they were, well, a niche where you could actually come close to a complete collection. Naturally they were almost all out of production. Eventually I got S&W 940 and 547, Ruger Speed 6, SP 101, Blackhawk Convertible, later when they started making them Taurus snubby, and then recently LCR, Charter PitBull 9mm, S&W 929, 986.

But back years ago there was another option: 9mm Federal (rimmed) in the then PitBull. I spent some time trying to figure out how to shoot 9mm PB in the PitBull using single round "moon clips" to make a rim; never occurred to me to try the 9mm Federal in the moon clip revolvers and I wouldn't now. Original boxes of 9mm Federal are collectors items now (so I don't shoot it), but I wonder if that idea should be resurrected, namely a rimmed 9mm to use in moon clip revolvers without moon clips. 9mm Federal was 9mm PB loads in 38 S&W cases if anyone braver than me wants to experiment.
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Old 09-30-2016, 07:31 PM
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Does the 940 work without the clips, can anyone describe the trigger action-ideally compared to the lcr and did the 940 have a purpose built barrel or was it borrowed from a .357 ?
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Old 10-01-2016, 07:46 AM
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Thumbs up Forget the caliber.......

Having run police ranges for many years, there were so many issues with Taurus revolvers and semi autos I simply had to ban them from the off duty qualification range, and therefor off duty carry. In this order, stick with S&W, Ruger or Colt revolvers and you should run trouble free with few exceptions. This is not my opinion but my experience.
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Old 10-01-2016, 09:03 AM
Lee's Landing Billy Lee's Landing Billy is offline
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Originally Posted by dawggunner View Post
Have an itch to own a 9MM revolver. Looking at a S&W 940 or a Taurus 905. Lot of difference in price! If you have experience with either or both please share your opinion.

THANKS!
I had 2 of the Taurus 9s. I had to send them BOTH back twice. When they returned I sold them with full disclosure and all paper work. Not kicking the brand, just this 9mm gun. I am carrying 2 Taurus Views on occasion now, With 130 grain FMJ for penetration, loaded they weigh 11.8 ounces.
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