Questions about the 642 and moon clips

[Skydog67]

First of all...greetings...I am new to the forum and this is my first post.

Second...I have several questions about the 642. I plan to purchase one soon, but can't decide which variation to choose. Hoping to get some feedback to assist with the decision.

From looking at the S&W website, there are at least three variations that I am considering:
1) The basic "plain Jane" model w/o the lock, and not cut for moon clips.
2) Performance Center Pro Series with no lock, black synthetic grip and cut for moon clips.
3) Another Performance Center version - but it's just listed as "Model 642" on the website - this one has some extra polishing, it's two tone, a wood insert in the grip, no lock, cut for moon clips, etc.

Questions:
Are the enhancements done for the Performance Center versions worth the extra money - what do I gain? I don't mind paying extra as long as it's worth it. Do the Performance Center versions have better triggers, etc.? Am I mainly paying for a trigger job as part of the Performance Center package?

For #2 and #3 listed above - are these basically the same gun, just cosmetic differences?

I've done a lot of research on moon clips, so I am somewhat informed on the pros/cons of using them. But I do have a few questions about NOT using them. If I get the 642 that is cut for moon clips, but DON'T use the moon clips...is there any disadvantage to this? I realize the gun will operate no matter how it is loaded, and it can be used without the moon clips, but is there any downside to using a gun cut for moon clips w/o the clips? If I don't intend to use the clips am I better off just getting the plain Jane version even if this means I am missing out on the Performance Center enhancements?

Thank you!

 

[326MOD10]

I have a basic 642 and a PC 442 Chattanooga model that I have carried and shot a bunch. Neither has moon clips but I do like the trigger on the PC 442.

I also have a 640 PRO with moon clips that I really like. I also had two other J frames converted to moon clips, both in 9mm but can still shoot .38 special. I like the trigger pull on them all okay and with work they all tended to smooth out.

I view the advantage of the moon clip as being the easier ejection of the cases after firing. The J frame has the short ejector and the clip keeps all 5 rounds together and pushes them out. Even if they don't clear the cylinder it would be easier to pull the clip as a whole than one casing at a time.

Then you can carry reloads on a strip clip for a reload without using the moon clip.

Just a thought.

 

[kaaskop49]

Welcome to the Forum! Always great to have new members, especially those interested in J-frames! I have been buying many 642/442 Centennial revolvers lately, and I have noticed that the characteristics which should be a function of QC, simply depend on the individual gun and not on the logo/etching (PC, etc.).

I have "Enhanced Action" revolvers with ragged trigger pulls. I have "plain vanilla" Centennials with heavy, but smooth pulls. Other guns have sideplate screws which work loose when firing. This should not happen. You get the picture. There are so many variants that it is difficult to categorize each one. My LGS has a plain-Jane blued 442 with zero enhancements that I would not hesitate to carry. See what I mean?

In your shoes, I would learn what to look for in the LGS, perhaps with a knowledgeable buddy, and pick the individual gun that "fits your pistol," as John Wayne once said. Anything really bad can be shipped back to S&W with their repair policy.

Does any of this help? Good shooting!

Kaaskop49
Shield #5103

P.S. Almost forgot: no problem using unclipped rounds in a gun with cylinder cut for moon clips. The ones in the box are flimsy beyond belief.

 

[Double-O-Dave]

Welcome to the Forum. My Model 642-1 was my 2nd J-frame (1st was my Model 432PD). I later acquired a Model 442 cylinder from a fellow Forum member that was cut for moon clips by TK Custom:

Welcome to TK Custom.com & Moonclips.com

I was able to swap out the cylinders without any problems, and for a while, it served as my EDC (Every Day Carry). As 326MOD10 noted earlier, the greatest advantage of the moon clips is that it allows quick and relatively sure ejection of the cartridges in the cylinder.

Once you start shooting a J-frame, you'll find that the down side to a small revolver is that ejection, as well as reloading it can sometimes be a bit tricky - rounds will get caught/stuck on the grips and/or cylinder release, and the short ejection rod doesn't help either.

I tried carrying a spare, loaded moon clip for a reload, but found it very awkward. Moon clips can be fragile, and they're okay for a jacket/vest pocket, but not so much for a pants pocket.

There are moon clip carriers, but they're pretty pricey, and also a bit bulky. I finally decided to carry the 642 loaded with a moon clip, and carried a fully loaded (8 round) speed strip for reloads. After an incident with a dog trying to cross a busy street to attack me, I decided I might actually have an occasion to need a precision shot. Thus, my EDC became a Model 38-0 (Bodyguard) which was backed up by a Model 638-1.

The Model 642 lives mostly in the safe now, but it is the preferred revolver by my young daughter, as well as my wife - both like its lighter and smoother trigger pull over the trigger pull of any other revolver I own.

By the way, the Model 442 is the blued steel version of the (stainless steel) Model 642 - same revolver, just a different color and material. The Model 442 and 642 have been the best selling handgun by S&W for several years for good reason. They're compact, (relatively) light weight, simple to operate, and very reliable. It would be hard to go wrong with buying one as your first J-frame.

Good luck,

Dave