I have an 8 shot model 627 pro. Its cut for moon clips, but does anyone have any experience with the Thunder Ranch speed loaders. $60 is steep for one but if they would be better for plain clothes law enforcement use, then I will consider them. What do you all think?
moon clips or thunder ranch speed loader...
- Thread starter tjhennin
- Start date
Register to hide this ad
BUFF
SWCA Member, Absent Comrade
I have never seen the Thunder Ranch speedloaders in person, so I can't comment on their quality. Clint Smith usually knows what he is talking about and doesn't recommend junk, so I bet they are okay.
For less money, about half, though, you can buy aluminum loaders for the 8 shot .357 from here: [email protected] . They have been out of stock the few times I have tried to buy them, but others on the site have gotten some and like them. Check out their web site.
I did buy some from there for the 5 shot S&W Model 500. Why I bought them, I'll never know, but they are a very nice bit of kit! And if I am ever attacked by small waves of more than 5 grizzly bears at a time, while carrying that cannon, I may have a fighting chance!
Generally, moon clips are fine for range games but often get a bit bent when carrying them on your person on a regular, day-in/day-out basis. The extractor grooves on .357 Mag brass are thinner than on, say, .45 ACP brass so the .357 moon clips are also thinner and less resistant to betting bent.
For less money, about half, though, you can buy aluminum loaders for the 8 shot .357 from here: [email protected] . They have been out of stock the few times I have tried to buy them, but others on the site have gotten some and like them. Check out their web site.
I did buy some from there for the 5 shot S&W Model 500. Why I bought them, I'll never know, but they are a very nice bit of kit! And if I am ever attacked by small waves of more than 5 grizzly bears at a time, while carrying that cannon, I may have a fighting chance!
Generally, moon clips are fine for range games but often get a bit bent when carrying them on your person on a regular, day-in/day-out basis. The extractor grooves on .357 Mag brass are thinner than on, say, .45 ACP brass so the .357 moon clips are also thinner and less resistant to betting bent.
bronco45
Member
I'm not sure what a speedloader is for a 45 acp revolver. I use metal full moon clips for serious social work. They are a bit of a challenge at times getting them to take the cartridge but nothing insurmountable.
For plinking and practice I use the RIMZ plastic moonclips. I would never use the RIMZ for duty carry or any situation where I thought the weapon would be needed in a self defense situation.
HKS Makes a speedloader for the 45 Autorim, for 45 ACP revolvers. Those would be a great piece of equipment for someone carrying the rimmed version of the 45 ACP.
For plinking and practice I use the RIMZ plastic moonclips. I would never use the RIMZ for duty carry or any situation where I thought the weapon would be needed in a self defense situation.
HKS Makes a speedloader for the 45 Autorim, for 45 ACP revolvers. Those would be a great piece of equipment for someone carrying the rimmed version of the 45 ACP.
They really do look great!!!!
scott625b
Member
I use the RIMZ 25 for 45ACP carry and the RIMZ 610 for serious transport. Neither has failed me.
exfebee
Member
I use the STAR Speed loaders with my 627PC snubby.
Also use the DeSantis Speed loader pouches. Their model series is the "2nd Six", however if you take out the two screws at the bottom they then become the "2nd Eight". Here is a pic of the STAR Speed loader. Don't bother to get the STAR pouches as they are too big bulky.
Also use the DeSantis Speed loader pouches. Their model series is the "2nd Six", however if you take out the two screws at the bottom they then become the "2nd Eight". Here is a pic of the STAR Speed loader. Don't bother to get the STAR pouches as they are too big bulky.
I'm curious about this. I have never used the RIMZ moonclips but am going to get some for my 625 fairly soon. I understand that they are easier to load and unload. Are they flimsy? I would think that once one is in the gun it would work just as well as a steel clip. I suppose that carrying spares for SD might be problematic as they wouldn't be as rugged and if you dropped or fumbled one at a critical moment it might result in rounds falling out moreso than a steel moonclip would.
gr7070
Member
- Joined
- May 6, 2010
- Messages
- 1,047
- Reaction score
- 234
dwever
Member
The first of the two reviews listed below directly addresses moon-clips and speed loaders for the 627 5", but does not get into speed loader brands. The second might, I have not read it in years.
As a former PC 627 5" owner, I suggest that if you are loading .38's, than the moon clips are faster than a speed loader (mine were S&W full moon clips bought from their web site); however, if your loading .357 magnum, those loads are too long and heavy, and the moon clips are not stout enough to hold the bullets relative position to the eight chambers because they collapse towards the center. With .38 this is not an issue at all.
I competed successfully with the 627 in IDPA with full moon clips in Anniston, AL, but it was unofficial because the 5" barrel exceeds the maximum allowable, and I didn't follow the 6 shot maximum for revolvers. I was just working on proficiency. People loved to look at and shoot that revolver.
I'll also tell you that at least two reviews have noted that with moon clips the pistol is slightly more accurate, but would probably only be an issue with hunting applications. I never noticed a difference. The trigger action was pretty good as delivered, but I had it tuned some more.
I bought the cheaper of the two Perf Ctr holsters made by Desantis for the weapon off of the S&W web site, worked very well. Very intimidating gun compared to the Glock 22 my agency requires, but I never used it in an LE context.
Finally, I found Jerry Miceluk's (spelling) instructional DVD indispensable for firing a wheel gun fast.
A very positive review of your revolver is at: Handguns Magazine and another that is critical of the weapon for IPSC speed gun competition but otherwise favorable is at December, 97 IPSC.
As a former PC 627 5" owner, I suggest that if you are loading .38's, than the moon clips are faster than a speed loader (mine were S&W full moon clips bought from their web site); however, if your loading .357 magnum, those loads are too long and heavy, and the moon clips are not stout enough to hold the bullets relative position to the eight chambers because they collapse towards the center. With .38 this is not an issue at all.
I competed successfully with the 627 in IDPA with full moon clips in Anniston, AL, but it was unofficial because the 5" barrel exceeds the maximum allowable, and I didn't follow the 6 shot maximum for revolvers. I was just working on proficiency. People loved to look at and shoot that revolver.
I'll also tell you that at least two reviews have noted that with moon clips the pistol is slightly more accurate, but would probably only be an issue with hunting applications. I never noticed a difference. The trigger action was pretty good as delivered, but I had it tuned some more.
I bought the cheaper of the two Perf Ctr holsters made by Desantis for the weapon off of the S&W web site, worked very well. Very intimidating gun compared to the Glock 22 my agency requires, but I never used it in an LE context.
Finally, I found Jerry Miceluk's (spelling) instructional DVD indispensable for firing a wheel gun fast.
A very positive review of your revolver is at: Handguns Magazine and another that is critical of the weapon for IPSC speed gun competition but otherwise favorable is at December, 97 IPSC.
Last edited:
Sparrowbird
Member
I prefer moon clips. It is very important to match the moon clip thickness to your brass.
S&W WHEELNUT
Member
627 V-comp
Moonclips........ are the way to go. On the 38/357 rim thickness is VERY important . I like the moonclip , you can load a a lot of them up and just keep them in you bag at the match's. Go with with the clips..... Love those S&Www.:cool:
Moonclips........ are the way to go. On the 38/357 rim thickness is VERY important . I like the moonclip , you can load a a lot of them up and just keep them in you bag at the match's. Go with with the clips..... Love those S&Www.:cool:
Attachments
Stainz
Member
I keep 8-holer 'clips loaded with Remington R38S12 +P 158gr LHPSWC for my 627's - possible use defending the home. I buy my 'clips from Ranch Products - $50/50 or $75/100 - delivered. The .45 ACP 625JM's 'clips are $35/100 delivered. Both style loads easiest with Starline brass - or Remington. It felt weird ordering new .357M/.45 ACP Starline brass, with all of the range-sweepings I have obtained, but - at $114/$138 delivered per thousand, it didn't hurt too badly... and they are prettier, too!
The problem with loading 8-legged moonclips is akin to the speedloader loading - it isn't fast - and as if on a 'tractor beam', like RN .45 ACP's in a 625JM. Still, I can afford a bunch of 'clips for what an 8-holer speedloader goes for. Of course - my use is for 'fun', too.
Stainz
The problem with loading 8-legged moonclips is akin to the speedloader loading - it isn't fast - and as if on a 'tractor beam', like RN .45 ACP's in a 625JM. Still, I can afford a bunch of 'clips for what an 8-holer speedloader goes for. Of course - my use is for 'fun', too.
Stainz
Similar threads
