Cut for moon clips? PC PRO SERIES® MODEL 686 PLUS SKU: 178038

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Roberthas

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I am unclear why this firearm would be "cut for moonclips" ?
PERFORMANCE CENTER® PRO SERIES® MODEL 686 PLUS
SKU: 178038
It states it is .357, yet it also states the part about moonclips. Does this mean that it adapts to an ACP cartridge, as this is the only knowledge or reason I have ever had of a Moonclip on a wheel gun.
Another note, this is the 5" gun. The 4" SSR doesn't have this "feature" listed. Could it be a misprint or typo?
Could someone please explain?
and thanks in advance,,,
Robert
 
Moonclips on Performance Center .357's is a standard feature.

Their use is not required, as the cartridges headspace off the cylinder rim. It's just an optional convenience for ease of loading.
 
The 4" gun is used in IDPA with speedloaders, and the 5" gun was able to compete in ICORE with moonclips. A few years back, ICORE changed their stage format from 6 shot friendly to 8 shot friendly.
The 7 shot Pro was fine years back when it was 6 shot friendly, but now with 8 shot portions, the 686 Pro is doing a standing reload for one shot.
The 686 Pro is still fine for Steel shooting, but many shooters choose a 929 or 627 with 8 shots.
 
I was wondering if someone was going to inform me that it enables you to shoot .38 super in a .357 or something that i was not aware of?
So, this is just a "speedloader" type device, for .357?
Thanks,
 
Generally, the IDPA shooter will speed load 38 spl cases. They drop and sometimes shooters don't even pick them up. With the moonclipped ".357" revolvers, many shooters use Colt Short cases, that are about the same length as a 9mm. This aids in a faster reload, and more important is the spent cases leave the gun faster without "maybe" getting hung up.
Colt Short is just a shorter 38 spl. 38 super is more of a special round for a 1911. It would be more complicated to use 38 super, but could still work.
 
I am doing LOTS of homework, with intentions of buying two new revolvers. Both in SS, instead of blued. I am selling my blued one. I want to get a 357 and a 22. It looks like the the SSR and the 617 4" would make a good combo. I do not shoot competition, but would like to keep it open as an option. Is there a better "universal" choice in the .357's to consider?
 
Your first choice of Performance Center Pro is on my list, because it's lighter than my 4", with a longer sight radius and target sights and grips, plus the Performance Center action work.

If your "Universal" needs include carry, a 3" is a good all-rounder.

For reference: A 4", 3", 2 1/2" PC.

 
Ignatz, thanks for your input.
Bigwheelzip, I currently own a 342 (Airlite Ti .38) and your middle gun (586-4, 3"), but in blued.
It is what is leaving to obtain, a couple more in stainless. I like the size, but have always wanted a 4 or 6 inch in stainless. After doing all the research I have, I have came to the choices I have, of both in 4". One in .22 and one in .357.
I am going to go study up on this 627 PC that Ignatz mentioned.
Thanks to all again,
Robert
 
Roberthas said:
I was wondering if someone was going to inform me that it enables you to shoot .38 super in a .357 or something that i was not aware of?
So, this is just a "speedloader" type device, for .357?
Thanks,
Click to expand...
Welcome to the Forum

Smith and Wesson has been shipping the moon clip enabled 357 Magnum revolvers for over two decades now. As already stated, since this is a rimmed cartridge it is not necessary to use them.

Personally I love them. On the day before shooting I will load 10-20 or more moon clips with ammunition. As a shoot and load these help keep my empty cases nice and organized plus loading the firearm is less time consuming.

If you do not hand load and just leave your brass, I can see using moon clips as a hindrance.

As to shooting rimless and semi-rimmed auto loader cartridges, this can be accomplished with a second cylinder.

627%209x23-2.jpg

My second cylinder is a 357 Magnum that has been rechambered for 9x23 Winchester. This allows the firearm to chamber and fire 9x23 Wincester, 38 Super, 38 ACP, 356TSW, 9x21, 9MM Luger, 380 ACP and others.
 
Colt SAA, Excellent information! I was not aware of a lot of these things. I shoot often and have for decades but I have my own land and do not mingle with others that would make me aware of these things. (not un-sociable, just worked out this way) :)
I do not reload and leave it lay. I am just now starting to enjoy the revolvers. After active duty, I wanted all autos, now I am getting into the wheel guns a little more. I have had few over the years but now intend to get a couple of NICE ones.
This is a large sport and so much more to learn all the time. I have been WAY overboard into the air side of things. I have some of the finest pre-charged pnuematic and spring-air rifles and pistols there are! They can be more expensive than powder burners.. I also have some nice powder burners but as I said, most are autos, both long-guns and handguns.
I really like the second magazine idea to accept a whole slew of different ammo!. It sounds like to me for now, I wont benefit from moon clips though
I do thank you very much for the insight to a different aspect of shooting life!
Thanks,
Robert
 
I have three .357 S&W revolvers which take moon clips. In addition to the recessed cylinder, the chambers are chamfered for easy entry. They are a dream to use with moon clips or speed loaders. Since the cartridge is supported on the rim, you can shoot without moon clips.

There are several thicknesses of .357 moon clips, which cannot be wider than the groove just ahead of the rim. Mine are 0.038" thick, for compatibility with Starline brass. They are sometimes a little loose with other brands, but all that does is slow down loading somewhat.

You need a moon clip loading tool too. You can generally load all but the last round by hand, but the last one can be very difficult to do without bending the clip. It is actually harder to remove the spent cartridges, but there are several tools which make that job easy. I use this (Deluxe Moon Clip Tool), which does both, and has parts available for several calibers. I do .357 in 7 and 8 clips, and .45 ACP in 6.
 
Last edited:
Do all of the Performance Center guns have this ability, or only the ones that specifically state it?
I can definitely see an advantage to pre-loading and speed loading.
The 627 Pro does not state this feature.
Thanks,
Robert
 
Roberthas said:
Do all of the Performance Center guns have this ability, or only the ones that specifically state it?
I can definitely see an advantage to pre-loading and speed loading.
The 627 Pro does not state this feature.
Thanks,
Robert
Click to expand...
Many, though not all, of the Performance Center revolvers chambered for 357 Magnum are pre-cut at the factory to function with moon clips.

It is almost always mentioned in the features/specifications on the factory website if the firearm is moon clip enabled
 
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