Question for you moon clip guys?

slabside2 · #1 02-16-2021, 01:10 PM

I just got my S+W 442 cylinder back from TK customs drilled out for 9mm ammo. I bought 10 of there moon clips but they are $$$$. The question is will moon clips for the S+W 940 work? They are so much cheaper.
Thanks

steelslaver · #2 02-16-2021, 01:50 PM

As the 940 is a 5 shot J frame 9mms they should work in your 5 shot J frame 9mm. Try finding some for a 6 shot K frame LOL

Loyaljeeper · #3 02-16-2021, 02:09 PM

They should work. Here is my experience: when you are taking about moonclips caliber matters a bunch. My 45s will take the cheapest moonclips with ease. My 10mm is only somewhat finicky. People with 38’s pull their hair out over moonclips because of case dimensions. With 9mm, you may have to search different brands of ammo.

slabside2 · #4 02-16-2021, 02:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Loyaljeeper

They should work. Here is my experience: when you are taking about moonclips caliber matters a bunch. My 45s will take the cheapest moonclips with ease. My 10mm is only somewhat finicky. People with 38’s pull their hair out over moonclips because of case dimensions. With 9mm, you may have to search different brands of ammo.

Yep you are correct. Sig.ammo will fit in the moon clips but the cylinder won’t close. All the other ammo I tried work fine.

slabside2 · #5 02-16-2021, 02:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KLYDE

Don't think so.....I believe the standard 940 and Ruger clips (same clip) are much thicker than the TK conversion clips.

I'll mic one and get back to you.

Klyde

Great 👍
Thanks

slabside2 · #6 02-16-2021, 02:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KLYDE

I edited my post above. .036 on the standard moons.

Measure yours....anything close you could probably get by. A significant thickness difference and there would most likely be binding on the blast shield.

Those TK moons are brutal. I bought a load a few years back for my Ruger Speed Six 9mm. Forget what I paid but it was steep. I don't even think they sell them anymore for the Speed. I sold the gun like an idiot....still have the moons.

If you measure....fill us in. Inquiring minds want to know. Thanks.

Klyde

The TK ones are .032 so I guess the the 940 clips should work. If not I’ll send them to you😃
Thanks

slabside2 · #7 02-16-2021, 03:18 PM

Will do
Thanks

Jim Watson · #8 02-16-2021, 03:25 PM

I was just reading about competition 929s on Benos.
Variations in clip thickness, case rim thickness, extractor groove width and depth, and in the guns themselves make a lot of difference.

Don't buy a lot of clips just because they are cheaper, try a few.

steelslaver · #9 02-16-2021, 04:10 PM

Get some 80 grit emery cloth and clamp it tight to 2 pieces of flat bar. Lay clip in between and go to rubbing and you will end up with a thinner clip. A machine shop with a surface grinder could thin a lot of them in a hurry.

Murdock · #10 02-16-2021, 04:28 PM

TKs will work in the 940. The S&W 940 clips will not work in the TK-modified J-frames (too thick, cylinder won't close).

I discussed this with TK Custom on the phone before I sent my M60-4 cylinder in for the modification, because I had intended to use clips from my 940. The TK clips are pricey, but easier to load/unload without a tool than the S&W clips.

slabside2 · #11 02-16-2021, 07:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Murdock

TKs will work in the 940. The S&W 940 clips will not work in the TK-modified J-frames (too thick, cylinder won't close).

I discussed this with TK Custom on the phone before I sent my M60-4 cylinder in for the modification, because I had intended to use clips from my 940. The TK clips are pricey, but easier to load/unload without a tool than the S&W clips.

Thanks you saved me some money.

JimCunn · #12 02-16-2021, 10:57 PM

I've got three TK modified cylinders.
I use Range moon clips for about $2 per clip.
Thickness is fine, but O.D. is a bit large.
I grind them down to correct diameter with a Dremel cutoff wheel while watching TV.
Takes about 4 to 5 minutes per clip.

YkcorCal · #13 02-17-2021, 01:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by slabside2

Yep you are correct. Sig.ammo will fit in the moon clips but the cylinder won’t close. All the other ammo I tried work fine.

I shoot a S&W 625 .45 with moon clips so it is of course different. That said, depending on how bad you want to use full moon clips you always have the option of taking the gun to a "top qualified gunsmith" to have the cylinder cut for use with whatever full moon clip you desire. That will solve the cylinder closing problem and said gunsmith can make sure it functions properly at the same time. Do you have chamfered chambers for faster more reliable speed loading of your full moon clips? If not you might want to consider that also. Hope that helps!

I am looking to get all that work done to a S&W Performance Center 629 .44 Magnum 2.6" as for some unknown reason the S&W factory does not see fit to do that on the S&W Performance Center 629 .44 Magnum 2.6" while it does on the S&W Performance Center 627 .357 Magnum 2.6" 8-shot in their lineup. I checked with the factory and S&W does not offer to have the work done to the S&W Performance Center 629 .44 Magnum 2.6" through their "custom shop" before delivery new either. Its a shame you have to have a Performance Center handgun sent to an outside gunsmith to perform the same options they do to other Performance Center revolvers in-house.

slabside2 · #14 02-17-2021, 07:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by YkcorCal

I shoot a S&W 625 .45 with moon clips so it is of course different. That said, depending on how bad you want to use full moon clips you always have the option of taking the gun to a "top qualified gunsmith" to have the cylinder cut for use with whatever full moon clip you desire. That will solve the cylinder closing problem and said gunsmith can make sure it functions properly at the same time. Do you have chamfered chambers for faster more reliable speed loading of your full moon clips? If not you might want to consider that also. Hope that helps!

I am looking to get all that work done to a S&W Performance Center 629 .44 Magnum 2.6" as for some unknown reason the S&W factory does not see fit to do that on the S&W Performance Center 629 .44 Magnum 2.6" while it does on the S&W Performance Center 627 .357 Magnum 2.6" 8-shot in their lineup. I checked with the factory and S&W does not offer to have the work done to the S&W Performance Center 629 .44 Magnum 2.6" through their "custom shop" before delivery new either. Its a shame you have to have a Performance Center handgun sent to an outside gunsmith to perform the same options they do to other Performance Center revolvers in-house.

Thanks for that info. Yes the chamber’s are chamfered.

slabside2 · #15 02-20-2021, 10:15 AM

I just had a chance to shoot my my 442 TK Custom 9mm recut cylinder since I got it back and happy to report it fired perfect. If you’re on the fence about having it done and you have the bucks go for it. Lots of fun. Case you’re wondering with the copper fitting is for it’s to remove the empty cases from the moon clips and storage of the clips.

Tanners Owner · #16 02-20-2021, 10:33 AM

I went in a different direction with my 627. Had Mark from Pinnicle High Performance machine and fit an additional cylinder chambered in 356TSW (IIRC) that will chamber 9mm, 38 super, 380, and others, I’ll likely never shoot.

This way I can shoot 357s and 38s as well as 9mm. He did superb work and I recommend him.

https://pinnaclehighperformance.com/

Here is the thread I started on my journey- pics of my converted 627 is on post#31

Converting my 627 to shoot 9mm

Bhfromme · #17 02-20-2021, 11:45 AM

I emailed Smith to see if they would cut my 386 Night Guard for moon clips and they never even responded. TK Customs got right back to me and will do it in about a 2 week turnaround.

I love moonies. I keep a bunch all loaded up and carry them in a double speedloader pouch. Yes, a semi with two or three extra mags is a lot of fire power but give me a seven shot revolver with four extra moon clips and I'm good to go!