442 Moon Clip
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smitty704
Member
I have my eyes on that same gun. I have hearrd that the moon clip can be an issue, I may just go with the plain 442...
photoman
Member
I've never been satisfied with the moon clip guns I've owned.
These are selling for just a bit more than the standard gun so you might give it a try and see if you like it. If not, they still work just fine without the moon clips.
These are selling for just a bit more than the standard gun so you might give it a try and see if you like it. If not, they still work just fine without the moon clips.
Sparrowbird
Member
For those who don't care for the moon clips that come from S-W, take the time to fit your brass to the right thickness of moonclip and you just may change your mind. I'm set up with R-P brass and .025 clips from T-K in Rantoul Illinois and I am happy as a lark.
sonofthebeach
Member
I just picked up a 642 "Pro" last week, and I have to say that there's something special about this revolver...I can't quite nail it down, but I've been noticing some little things that have been done 'right' here.
I had a standard 642 that I purchased almost two years ago, and there wasn't much special about the gun. I traded that revolver not too long ago, and I can't say that I've missed it.
But I am a 'revolver guy' at heart, and so when I had the chance to order one of the "pro" 642's, I did, and I'm really quite pleased with this gun.
The rear of the barrel is cut cleanly, with a B/C gap of .007" measured from both sides. I notice a slight bevel on the inside of the frame window (just to the rear of the model and S/N), and the engraving/etching (or whatever it's called) of the S-W logo, Airweight designation, etc., is sharp and precise...more so than any other S&W revolver I've owned.
After running 50 rounds of lightly-loaded DEWC's, mixed with some Remington 158gr SWCHP +P's, I find it extremely easy to clean the barrel and chambers, and there's very little powder residue/blast crud under the top strap at the rear of the barrel.
The fact that this revolver has no internal lock, and also accepts moon clips is just 'icing on the cake'...when I ordered it I thought that those two features were the only non-standard items of the "Pro" series 642...now I'm not so sure.
This revolver appears to be exceptionally well-made, and I'm really happy with it. The action feels solid and the trigger is smooth.
The moon clips (3 of them) that came with my 642 measure .025" in thickness, and R-P and Speer brass loaded in the moon clips functions without any binding. For me, the biggest advantage to the moon clips is that extraction of all 5 empties is quick and precise, without any cases getting hung up with the short stroke of the ejector rod.
While I could use either speed strips or my HKS speedloaders for reloading the cylinder, I'd really like to find a good way to carry and practice using the moon clips, and then decide which method works best for me.
After my back surgery Friday, and when I'm back up to speed, I'm looking forward to trying out different loads in other brands of brass (Winchester, etc.), to see how they work in the moon clips. But even without the cylinder being cut for moon clips, this 642 (to me) is a very special revolver.
I had a standard 642 that I purchased almost two years ago, and there wasn't much special about the gun. I traded that revolver not too long ago, and I can't say that I've missed it.
But I am a 'revolver guy' at heart, and so when I had the chance to order one of the "pro" 642's, I did, and I'm really quite pleased with this gun.
The rear of the barrel is cut cleanly, with a B/C gap of .007" measured from both sides. I notice a slight bevel on the inside of the frame window (just to the rear of the model and S/N), and the engraving/etching (or whatever it's called) of the S-W logo, Airweight designation, etc., is sharp and precise...more so than any other S&W revolver I've owned.
After running 50 rounds of lightly-loaded DEWC's, mixed with some Remington 158gr SWCHP +P's, I find it extremely easy to clean the barrel and chambers, and there's very little powder residue/blast crud under the top strap at the rear of the barrel.
The fact that this revolver has no internal lock, and also accepts moon clips is just 'icing on the cake'...when I ordered it I thought that those two features were the only non-standard items of the "Pro" series 642...now I'm not so sure.
This revolver appears to be exceptionally well-made, and I'm really happy with it. The action feels solid and the trigger is smooth.
The moon clips (3 of them) that came with my 642 measure .025" in thickness, and R-P and Speer brass loaded in the moon clips functions without any binding. For me, the biggest advantage to the moon clips is that extraction of all 5 empties is quick and precise, without any cases getting hung up with the short stroke of the ejector rod.
While I could use either speed strips or my HKS speedloaders for reloading the cylinder, I'd really like to find a good way to carry and practice using the moon clips, and then decide which method works best for me.
After my back surgery Friday, and when I'm back up to speed, I'm looking forward to trying out different loads in other brands of brass (Winchester, etc.), to see how they work in the moon clips. But even without the cylinder being cut for moon clips, this 642 (to me) is a very special revolver.
photoman
Member
Sounds like you got a great gun SOTB. I completely agree about the full extraction of all shells with the moon clip. Probably the biggest advantage to a moon clip revolver in my opinion.
Sorry to hear about the back surgery and hope all goes well!
Sorry to hear about the back surgery and hope all goes well!
Best wishes for a full and speed recovery from your back surgery, SOTB.
Thank you very much for your comments. I look forward to reading your after action report on the 642 as soon as you are up again.
sonofthebeach
Member
Thanks for all your well-wishes about my surgery in the morning.
Maybe if I smuggle my 642 into the room after the surgery, I can practice some reloads
while waiting for discharge.
Or maybe I'll just have to wait till I get home for that.
Any of you come up with a great way to carry either a speedloader or a loaded moonclip on the belt without making it look like I'm a terrorist planted with explosives on my belt?
Have a great day tomorrow, and have a great weekend.
--Andy
Maybe if I smuggle my 642 into the room after the surgery, I can practice some reloads
while waiting for discharge.Or maybe I'll just have to wait till I get home for that.
Any of you come up with a great way to carry either a speedloader or a loaded moonclip on the belt without making it look like I'm a terrorist planted with explosives on my belt?
Have a great day tomorrow, and have a great weekend.
--Andy
Combat_Diver
US Veteran
I got one of the first 442 Pros, Jun of last year. You still have the option of running it with the moon clips, speedloaders, speed strips or loose rounds. Granted I only fired mine less then 50 rds as I'm still deployed. IIRC Winchester and Starline brass is not recommended by TK.
Welcome to TK Custom.com & Moonclips.com
CD
Welcome to TK Custom.com & Moonclips.com
CD
imashooter2
Member
The problem with moon clips for self defense is that the clip itself is pretty fragile. Subjected to the rigors of daily carry they can easily bend. If subtly bent, they can still drop into the cylinder enough to close it but then drag on the recoil shield and tie up the gun. I love my moon clipped 686, my 627 and 625 for games, but it's speed loaders for me when serious business is afoot.
Moondancer
Member
I bought a 442 Pro last August. Admittedly the 'no lock' was the primary selling point for me, but the moon clip feature was an additional selling point.
Having said that I have found NO ammunition yet that works well. Three different boxes of R-P, a couple boxes of Speer Gold Dots and a box of something else. At least with the R-Ps I can get the cylinder to close but they bind something fierce. The other brands I can't even get the cylinder to close.
Don't get me wrong, I love this little gun. It's become my primary CCW for most days. My reloading options though are HK speedloaders in the winter months and Speed Strips / Quick Strips in the summer, though.
Having said that I have found NO ammunition yet that works well. Three different boxes of R-P, a couple boxes of Speer Gold Dots and a box of something else. At least with the R-Ps I can get the cylinder to close but they bind something fierce. The other brands I can't even get the cylinder to close.
Don't get me wrong, I love this little gun. It's become my primary CCW for most days. My reloading options though are HK speedloaders in the winter months and Speed Strips / Quick Strips in the summer, though.
So what did you finally settle on as your CCW ammo?
Moondancer
Member
The ever popular Speer Gold Dot 135-grain +P JHP carried in speed strips.
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