thinking about a moon clip conversion for a .38/.357

[Lou_NC]

I've been thinking about a moon clip conversion for a .38 or .357 revolver. I checked out the TK Custom website and would appreciate hearing feedback from anyone who've used them to do one of these conversions.

I'm also not sure whether I'd have it done on a K-frame or L-frame. I'm certain that whatever revolver I convert will be a six shooter (not a 7-shot L-frame, for example). But, I'm not sure whether there's a reason to go with one frame size over the other.

So, what you you all think of these conversions? I really do like moon clips, love them in my 625 and would like to try a smaller version too.

Lou

 

[buckspen]

TK Custom

Lou - It's not a 38/357 but I sent a Model 629 to TK Custom a few years back for conversion to moonclip use. It worked out just fine. The way he does it, you can still use the revolver in the tradition way without the moonclips, too.
He does qualiry work.

- Buckspen

 

[epj]

I have an 8 shot 627 that came moon clip ready. It doesn't load as quickly or easily as a 6 shot 45, but beats single loading loading by a lot.

 

[hayseed]

The stubby, round nosed .45ACP cartridge- 625 revolver - moon clips - just about as slick as it gets for speedy recharging of the cylinder.

The .38 Spl/.357 - not so much. The longer cartridges have an inherent wiggle factor that can be frustrating from time to time. However, there is a convenience/handy factor about moon clips that over-rides just about any argument against them.

Go for it...

(I have a 625, 686+, and 627 set up for moon clips... handy, very handy.)

 

[samIam]

I had a Model 19 cylinder cut for moon clips by TK Custom.
They do excellent work.I love shooting the 19 with moon clips.
The only down side is the clips are kinda expensive.
I will be doing another one when I find another 19 shooter.

 

[.357 mag]

I to am looking to get moon clips for my 66-2. I didn't know it until I looked at the website but TK lives only 15 minutes from me. I here he does great work and thats who I will be sending my cylinder to.

 

[Lou_NC]

I had a Model 19 cylinder cut for moon clips by TK Custom.
They do excellent work.I love shooting the 19 with moon clips.
The only down side is the clips are kinda expensive.
I will be doing another one when I find another 19 shooter.

Sam, did TK Custom re-blue the cylinder from your mod 19, or did they leave that up to you to do?

Thanks,
Lou

 

[Double-O-Dave]

Lou,

While not a K or L frame, I bought a TK Moon Clippped converted cylinder for a Model 442 from a fellow forum member for my Model 642. The cylinder exchange was done without any problems and resulted in what some would call a "Bubba Pinto" gun. The moon clips are much thinner than those for my Model 625, but reloads are very quick. Unfortunately, my camera and computer don't get along, so I'm unable to provide photos. If interested, please email me and I'll send photos to you.

Best of luck,

Dave

 

[safearm]

TK Custom did a conversion of my 637 to 9mm moonclips. The work was outstanding and it only took 10 days from the day I sent off the cylinder until I received it back. I highly recommend Tom's work.

 

[adweisbe]

I had mine done by TK custom as well. He did a great job and the turn around was fast. Less than 7 days for me. His clips are OK, they are .22 thick if I recall and a little flexible. So far I haven't bent a clip even though I shoot outdoors, drop em, step on em etc. I have also tried the Hearthco clips which are stainless and .25. The Hearthco clips are more rigid and make for an easier reload. No durability experience with the Hearthco clips yet. The Hearthco clips are significantly more expensive.

The recommendation to use Remington or Federal brass is a good one and makes a huge difference.

 

[RHINOWSO]

Crazy question, but if you convert a cylinder to 9MM, can you still use it for 38/357?

 

[HEADKNOCKER]

Crazy question, but if you convert a cylinder to 9MM, can you still use it for 38/357?

No you can't..
The case fill fire form to the cylinder & be almost impossible to extract..
A new cylinder to ream would be the answer..

 

[SaberOne]

Ok, I'll add to the growing list of satisfied 'TK' mooned madness. My 640 was done in combination with a few other tweaks that included a black powder chamfer, extended firing pin, tuning, etc. The operation is about as good as it gets. However, I'll second the notation regarding costs for mooning. I purchased a set of moons, reloading tool, the puller, and flatness tester, and it does add up! Granted, you only buy the tools once, but still. I'll likely have my 686 done as well, but I need to give my hobby budget a rest...

 

[dghuppert]

Here's a revolver I just got a few weeks ago that had a TK moonclip conversion. So far I'm likin' it.