S&W Custom Shop 642 Ideas

[Imaposer]

Matt Del Fatti sells a pocket moonclip carrier. If it's like everything else he makes, it should be top notch.

Hmmm... Depending on how quick and easy it is to extract the clip from the holder, and how securely it keeps it in place at the same time, this could be the answer to my reservations about carrying a spare moon clip. I know that with my 625 I absolutely love loading and unloading it with the moon clips. It works very well with the shorter .45 cartridge. I've never tried them on a J frame .38/.357, but I know that on my 627PC the longer cartridges don't line up very easily with the chambers when using the factory supplied clips. On that gun, with the cases that I've used, and with the factory clips, I've never found the feature very useful. I've read of better aftermarket clips that hold the cases tighter to line up better, but I've never tried them since for my uses for that gun the feature isn't that important to me. Of course I would assume that the 5 round J frame would be easier than the 8 round 627. And I would also assume that with the right cases and clips it probably works very well.

But, WOW! I see that he also offers these holders for the .45 guns as well! I'll have to order one and see how they work for me.

Thanks for the info on these!

 

[sipowicz]

Matt Del Fatti sells a pocket moonclip carrier. If it's like everything else he makes, it should be top notch.

Now all you need to do is remove the clips, the bottom holder, and put a knob on it...

 

[Imaposer]

Now all you need to do is remove the clips, the bottom holder, and put a knob on it...

While I do see your point, I know that for me at least, loading my 625 with moon clips works much quicker, smoother, and fumble free than any speed loader I've ever used. I also admit that i see more utility for these for guns like my 625, or a 690, etc, that uses rimless pistol cartridges and require moon clips for extraction.

Personally, unless I had a 640 pro or some such that was already cut for moon clips, I don't believe I'd spend my money having it done. But, different folks have different ideas and perceive the relative advantages of different equipment in different ways.

I do think that those holders could be useful for my 625 though. Still pondering on whether to spend the $25 + shipping for them though, since I don't really carry that gun anyway.

 

[tom-tom]

Although I rarely carry either of my J-frames, I like the idea facing off the rear of the cylinder for moonclips. The only changes I've made on my 642 and (ancient) Model 38 are Hogue monogrips. The little bit of extra distance with the enclosed backstrap helps me with the short trigger reach.

 

[jwk]

Loading 38s or 357s in moonclips is not as easy as in a 625. 38/357 is a skinny long cartridge. .45ACPs are short and fat with rounded noses even with HP ammo. When I shot IPSA with a wheelgun, I quickly found out that if I was going to shoot a .357, I needed to load round nose bullets to have any chance at a fast reload. When I started shooting a 625 I could throw a clip at the cylinder and know that those short round nose bullets would find the charge holes.

My advice would be to upgrade the sights with an AO big dot set up and a basic action job. Having it silky smooth is a whole lot more important than weight. Find some grips that feel good to you and make sure that they will let the empties clear and the use of a speedloader and you're good to go.

 

[Imaposer]

Loading 38s or 357s in moonclips is not as easy as in a 625. 38/357 is a skinny long cartridge. .45ACPs are short and fat with rounded noses even with HP ammo. When I shot IPSA with a wheelgun, I quickly found out that if I was going to shoot a .357, I needed to load round nose bullets to have any chance at a fast reload. When I started shooting a 625 I could throw a clip at the cylinder and know that those short round nose bullets would find the charge holes.

My experience exactly.

 

[tchick]

My wife and I carry a 642 (hers) and a 442 (mine). The only change I made to them was putting Crimson Trace Laser grips on them. Perfect carry guns in most situations.

Bingo. CT grips are the only upgrade I can think of it needing.

 

[hotrod150]

Wndering a bit off-topic, but I don't care for the moon-clip idea for myself. Just a speedloader that's easier to twang out of shape. One probalem with speedloaders or moon-clips is that maybe you're not recharging the whole cylinder, just topping it off. I carry a 5-round quick-strip in a nifty little leather belt pouch I made. I like single-loading but it's awful easy to fumble loose rounds, even when you're not in a stress-fire situation-- it's not quite as easy (but not impossible) to droip a quick-strip.