I'm thinking of getting another Airweight 442 or 642, and was thinking that the moon-clip cut-out in the "pro" models might be a good idea if a reload was needed (easier extraction of all 5 rounds and quicker insertion of another 5).

Anybody own one of these, and any comments?

Could I load rounds without using moon clips and still have reliable ignition?

Also, in deciding whether to get the carbon or stainless steel cylinders and barrels, do the black gun frames still have a "protective coating" on them like the silver frames? I worried about using Hoppes #9 to clean my last 642 because of possible frame/finish damage from the stuff.

Thanks.

I got one of the first 442 Pro last summer. You have the option of using the moon clips (No Starline or Winchester Brass), standard speedloaders, speedstrips and loose rounds. So you have every means to reloading with. I only shot mine a few times before I went back to Astan but not problems. Gun did come with two ILS keys but there is no lock on the gun. The 442 model has a blackend stainless steel cylinder with a carbon blue bbl marked +P rated. Frame is alloy and came with three clips.



TK custom for addition clips
http://www.moonclips.com/cart/shopdi...ch=Yes&sppp=10

CD

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Combat_Diver, thanks for the reply and for the link for extra moon-clips.

Thanks also for your service...a special gift to all of us.

I'll have to check with my LGS to see if they can get a 442 like yours...especially since I could use all of those many ways to reload the cylinder.

Thanks again.

I'll have to add a caveat here. I bought a Pro last August, mainly for the "No Lock" feature but partly for the ability to use moon clips. To date, the only rounds I've tried that even let me close the cylinder have been Remington +P LSWC HP and even they drag when cycling. I have the moon clips put away for now and rely on speedloaders / speed strips for reloads.
Of course, YMMV. I would expect some variation gun-to-gun and am operating on the assumption that mine might be relieved on the shallow side of spec. Doesn't make me love my Centennial any less, but it would be nice if I could actually use the moon clips.

The only issue I find with moon clips is that they bend easily and tend to collect pocket lint, etc. Sometimes the rounds pop out in my pocket too. More so than speedloaders anyway. If your going to carry, plan on keeping moon clips in a pill bottle for protection.

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Dave

Thanks all for your replies. So, it looks like the moon clips can be case sensitive (no Starline or Winchester brass), might make cylinder rotation difficult, and can be "iffy" in a pocket (requiring more than normal carry precautions for lint-free and cartridges staying-clipped reloads).

Since I have a couple of HKS speedloaders, and two or three speed strips, maybe I should consider just a plain ole 442/642, and work on improving my blazing speed in revolver reloading without the moon clips.

I really wanted to give Jerry at S&W some pointers on speedy revolver shooting too, but I guess I'll have to wait on that idea.

BTW, any of you note a difference in durability between the finish on the 442 vs the 642?

Thanks again for your input.

My ex had a 9mm S&W years ago that of course used moon clips. They were a royal pain in the ***. Always bending, cylinder didn't seem to turn smoothly. Just junk as far as I was concerned. Luckily it was hers and she's gone along with it.

I just hate the lack of clearance with speedloaders and the 442. Maybe something other than HKS would work. Or practice and practice with strips.

IslayMalt,

which grips are you using? My first 442 had Uncle Mikes Boot Grips and never had a problem with speedloaders. New ones even though look just like them do hang up.

CD

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The trick to J frames and speeloaders is grips. Another reason I like the Uncle Mike's Combat grips. They clear all the types of speedloaders I use.

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Centennial Every Day

I'll try some different grips. I haven't changed them from stock.

I know this is an old thread, but has the topics I wish to inquire about. Found it searching! yah!

Try the 5Star - J2 speed loaders. They have more clearance, IMO.
http://www.5starfirearms.com/J2-357_...s/products/18/

BTW, for those of you with Ruger SP101s and 642s, my friend and I noticed that the J2 will work with both, whereas the J1 only works with the SP101...FYI.

So on 642 vs 642 PRO are the only real differences
1) no internal lock
2) cylinder cut for moon clips
3) >>>/??? (did they do any trigger work from the factory such as lighter spring???)

Thanks!

Its been noted that the current grips do interfere with HKS speed loaders. The orginal Uncle Mikes didn't.

You about nailed the differences. Now on the 442's there is also a difference in cylinder metal as the 442 is Stainless Steel with a matte black finish instead of blued carbon steel.


CD

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After a trip back to Ruger, my LCr still has a somewhat stiff cylinder latch.
I guess if Ruger thinks it's fine than I'll have to live with.

I've had some interest in the 442 Pro, but like with this thread..
too many problems with the moon clips.

Having made a trip to a local store and asked to look at a 442.

They had both the 442 and a 642 for me to handle, along with the
XD-S models in 9mm and .45 ACP.

The 442 was nice in the hand and had a good DAO trigger pull.

The smaller grips looked like both it and the 642 would conceal
in a pocket easier than my LCR with the Tamer grips.

Although I was impressed with S&W quality.

This thread makes me wonder about using speed-loaders and
the current 442 grips?

Safariland speed loaders clear the S&W "fish scale" grips on current 442/642s.

Have a 640Pro and a 442 no lock, love em both. It's been my experience that moonclips for the J frame are "fragile" and require extra care. Don't bend them even a small amount or they won't fit or cycle freely.

I keep the 640 loaded with a moonclip full of 357 and several speedloaders loaded for the J frame.

I prefer the speedloaders, either HKS or Safariland.

That is why I have "upgraded" all of mine that shipped with the current boot grips. I'll take the old Uncle Mike's any day.(as far as "goodyears" go)