Moon clip conversion for a 686

rollin_hot · #1 09-30-2009, 03:52 PM

Forgive me if this has been posted, but has anyone had TK do a moon clip conversion on any of there hand guns? If so, how did it turn out and what are the advantages and disadvantages in doig so? Thanks

OKFC05 · #2 09-30-2009, 04:13 PM

It works OK.
How well you like it depends on what you want it for.
If you plan to try to compete with the Model 625 in competition, forget it. The short .45 ACP cartridges practically jump into the cylinder.
Personally, I stick to Safariland speedloaders in the 686.

38-44HD45 · #3 09-30-2009, 04:21 PM

My PC 681+ guns are set up for moon clips. I love it, because one can choose to either use the clips, or not. Reloading is much faster for me with moonclips than with speedloaders, but OKFC is right; if the desire is to compete with the 625-users, you'd better get a 625!

Benefits of moon clips: More compact for pocket or pouch carry than speedloaders; faster to load into cylinder; more positive ejection of empties.

Downsides: Can get bent, potentially dragging on breechface or even preventing closing the cylinder; PITA to load ammo into and remove empties from clips; can't "top out" cylinder after shooting part of a clip-full.

safearm · #4 09-30-2009, 05:55 PM

I can't speak to the 686, but I had TK do a 637 in 9mm for me. The work is great, the price is reasonable, and the turnaround time was fantastic; just eight days from drop-off at the post office to return to my mailbox.

The cylinders are polished glass smooth and Tom even provides a full cylinder of dummy rounds in a moon clip when he returns the cylinder.

Revolver King · #5 09-30-2009, 06:33 PM

The 7 shot 686 will come close to loading as fast as a 625. My moon clipped 7 shooters suck in those moon clips better then the 6 shot.

Wayne M · #6 10-02-2009, 04:35 PM

Moonclips are great for getting loaded rounds into your gun and empties out but loading and unloading the clips themselves is a tedious process even with the right tools. Setting the gun up for clips will set you back only the cost and since you don't HAVE to use clips in it my guess is that after some time you'll find yourself just using speedloaders. Personally I'd save the money for ammo or components.