Question about 6 shot 357 moon clips, avalable?

[scooter123]

I've been kicking around the idea of picking up a new 686 Mountain Gun. Fact is that I find a 4 inch half lug tapered barrel to produce the best balance in a revolver and really like the "traditional" lines of this configuration. Also think that S&W is foolish in not having this particular model as a standard, IMO it's just lovely.

Since it's a 6 shooter in the current iteration my thought is to have it converted to run on moon clips and set it up as an IDPA revolver. Basically, an old fogey's answer to the 686 SSR.

Problem is the only 38 caliber moon clip on S&W's site for a 6 shooter is listed as being for 38 super. So, I know that we have some other moon clip fanatics here and put the questions forward.

First, sources for moon clips specific to 357/38 spl. casings. I'll probably try giving Ranch Products a call later this morning but I'm not sure they're working on Saturdays.

Second, recomendations for who can cut the cylinder for moon clips. I know that I could probably search past posts for this but my "search-Fu" skills are poor. So far what I've found are Clark Custom and TK gunsmithing. Any other recomendations?

BTW, my search did reveal that 6 shot 38/357 moon clips are available but holy smoke those puppies are expensive. Hopefully, Ranch Products is set up to make these moon clips. At nearly 6 dollars per clip I could have a local source laser cut them for less from sheet stock.

 

[m657]

plus the cost of machining the cylinder to accept the moon clips....

I decided to rely instead on the old-school speed loaders, as I have some readily available.

 

[TSQUARED]

Ranch Products makes a 6 shot 38/357 moonclip which will fit some but not all of the no dash 586/686 but not any of the dashed models. I found a no dash 586 and have been using the $75/100 Ranch Products moonclips. I refuse to pay $4 to $6 for a single moonclip.
I shoot a 6 shot 686 in 38 Super and a 646 in 40 S&W alll with RP moonclips. If you only want to shoot 38/357 then RP makes 7 shot 686 and 8 shot 627 moonclips.
The other option which provides the spediest reloads is a S&W625 in 45ACP using RP moonclips for ca $25/100.
Clark and TK custom both do excellent work on machining cylinders to accept moonclips. The local butcher who machined my cylinder did a sloppy machining job with lots of toolmarks on the ejector.

I've been kicking around the idea of picking up a new 686 Mountain Gun. Fact is that I find a 4 inch half lug tapered barrel to produce the best balance in a revolver and really like the "traditional" lines of this configuration. Also think that S&W is foolish in not having this particular model as a standard, IMO it's just lovely.

Since it's a 6 shooter in the current iteration my thought is to have it converted to run on moon clips and set it up as an IDPA revolver. Basically, an old fogey's answer to the 686 SSR.

Problem is the only 38 caliber moon clip on S&W's site for a 6 shooter is listed as being for 38 super. So, I know that we have some other moon clip fanatics here and put the questions forward.

First, sources for moon clips specific to 357/38 spl. casings. I'll probably try giving Ranch Products a call later this morning but I'm not sure they're working on Saturdays.

Second, recomendations for who can cut the cylinder for moon clips. I know that I could probably search past posts for this but my "search-Fu" skills are poor. So far what I've found are Clark Custom and TK gunsmithing. Any other recomendations?

BTW, my search did reveal that 6 shot 38/357 moon clips are available but holy smoke those puppies are expensive. Hopefully, Ranch Products is set up to make these moon clips. At nearly 6 dollars per clip I could have a local source laser cut them for less from sheet stock.

 

[wantmoresmiths]

You may want to double check the IDPA rules, but I believe any guns with moonclips must shoot ESR. ESR guns must make the 165 power factor, which means you will need to shoot full power magnum loads.

Most of our local revolver guys shoot SSR using Safariland Comp III speedloaders, and are equally as fast as the guys loading moonclips. I have also heard something about a new spring loaded type speed loader. Looks interesting, but I haven't seen anyone use them.

http://www.bobmacs.com/documents/PressRelease-SLVariant11-10-2010_001.pdf

 

[scooter123]

Thanks for the heads up on the rules, obviously I'll have to read them a bit more closely. If I have to hit a 165K power factor going with a 625 or 4 inch 610 would be a much better option. Actually, I've been wanting a 4 inch 610 but have pretty much given up on finding one that's affordable.

 

[wantmoresmiths]

I've been toying with the idea of buying a 610. I never realized that the 10mm approaches the .41 magnum in power so I might be able to use it for hunting. I still need to do more research to be sure it will meet my needs.

 

[scooter123]

You'll have an easier time of finding a 41 Magnum at the current time. I have a 6 1/2 inch 610 and since S&W dropped the 610 from the catalog prices for the 610 have moved into what I consider the "stupid" category. Should have bought 3 of each when they were available, that way the profits from selling the spares would have netted me 2 totally free 610's.