What do you guys think of the 2 new S&W 9 mm revolvers?

[forrestinmathews]

I believe that the groove in rimless is not always the same. I have a bear of a time getting .40s&w Win brass into ranch clips for my 646. Nickel or brass, the same struggle. Rem and Fed work great! I don't fully buy into the fact that the Saami spec is being adhered to so closely all around in the rimless.

Another positive vote for Hearthco moonclips. I buy the real deal from the man himself. I have had some custom batches done up by Dave for my 610 and some in .38 Supercomp for a toy I am still building. I specifically spec'd the web to be widest possible so as to make the clips as strong as possible to resist the evil stompers. So far it has worked. I expect the .38's to be invincible...well nearly.

Side note: I admire all of you that take it in stride when someone steps on your moonclips. I may never master this grace so please watch where you step after I have just finished a stage. My five 8$ moonclips are just as important to me as your 50-150$ magazines are to you. Cheers!

 

[chalawa]

I wonder would it be possible to shoot 9mm major with this new 929?

 

[625 Shooter]

Am not an authority on shooting Major with the 9mm.

But I suspect you easily could.

 

[forrestinmathews]

I wonder would it be possible to shoot 9mm major with this new 929?

Respectfully there is no point. Major is limited to six shots and time and time again we have seen folks get the open bump on the seventh shot. Mainly the 625 is so much easier to reload with the big .45 holes that it makes no competitive sense to do the slightly slower reload for the risk of an open bump and a sharper recoil impulse.

Personally I'm a weirdo and have settled on .40 major in a 610 classic. I still have a pair of 625's for really getting down to speed work. I am more accurate from 5 to 50 with the 610, but finding pointy jacketed bullets is a PITA.

On an odder note I'm working on a six shot major gun based on the .38 supercomp that should be a lot of fun to play with. Trying to sneak into major with heavy bullets and slow velocity. Tinkering is so much fun.

 

[Stainz]

I remember the competitive crowd at the FOP Range in Pleasant Grove having a devil of a time making their expensive 'race guns' work with 9mm +P machine gun ammo just to make 'major' classification (PF>165). I recall letting one of their better shooters shoot my 696 one day with 240gr LRNFP making just under 700 fps (Major PF!) from the 3" barrel - a real 'poof' load - and from .44 Russian brass, too. Now - go to a 127gr 9mm pill - it would have to make >1,300 fps - pretty extreme chamber pressures. The Ti cylinder likely was chosen for normal 9mm pressures, thus the 7/8 holes... I'd certainly rethink the 'major' PF use - unless the PC Shop will state it's okay.

I understand the 646's need for Ti, but it would seem, considering how many 627 8-shot .357M's they've made that stand up fine, it would seem overkill in a consumer gun - perhaps not in a competitive revolver - and I think that is the niche for the 986 Pro & JM PC929. My needs are met with 627's - moonclips or not.

I am not saying I don't like bottom-feeder rounds in a revolver - that would be heresy! After all, I keep 240+ Ranch Products moonclips full of my homebrew .45 ACP ball ammo - mostly in two ammo cans - for my 625JM and Governor, my first line defense against Zombie attacks. Besides, S&W has made revolvers that would chamber that round since 1917. BTW, my Zombie deterrence works pretty well... I still haven't seen one.

I will await a .40 S&W version - a la the 646 - hopefully less the Ti cylinder, whose care is too involved and use too tenuous for me, based on my eleven years ownership of a 296. Still - it's good to see new revolvers from S&W - thanks for the thread!

Stainz

 

[TJHuxley]

I like the new 9 mm 8 shot revolvers for how their spread in popularity may lead to improved availability and price for used, well cared for 8 shot 38 special N-frame revolvers.

 

[625 Shooter]

Respectfully there is no point.QUOTE]

Unless, of course, he plans to shoot in Open Div with a revolver with optics!

 

[Nicksterdemus]

I hope they sell well and lead to cylinder/frame window specific J-frame models in 9mm/40 that aren't all snubbies. I bought one of the New Vaqueros, SS no less, in 45 Colt though some bemoaned the smaller frame w/XR3 stocks that couldn't withstand Ruger only loads.

Every outing isn't a bear hunt nor social discourse a crazed methhead combatant. I appreciate the Redhawk 44 mag weight/built like a tank when I touch off rounds one-handed. There's a spot for many niches. In me best/worst limey/Cockney/Telly down under ad accent I offer, "'ello Gov'ner" as support to claim.

Some prefer wheelguns to bottom feeders. I need to limit my carry to the more petite five holer. I'd prefer options that included a five/5.5 inch tapered brl. I'm excited/hopeful that the Mod 69, combined w/969 will encourage S&W to give due consideration to a J-frame 9mm and/or 40.

I feel the Charter Arms 3" 44spl was the ultimate in concealed carry incorporating a lot of firepower in a small package. I've no interest in various 2" offerings. Not everything in a five round package needs to carry in cargo shorts. For that I have an Airlite 22mag, loaded w/1 shotshell and six 45gn WRF flatnose, that carries well and beats throwing rocks.

I bought a Mod 60-15 w/magnum frame in 3" and I can see it in a 40 w/moonclips. A tad too healthy a build for the nine. In a 10mm it would be a fire breathin' dragon w/o being sized as a Dragoon.

That's right, shoot those cheap 40 value packs for practice/plinkin' and save the 10 for packin' a wallop. That should be in the same neighborhood as the 5 rnd L frame 44 mag Mod 69 recoil wise.

But, for the time being I'd gladly purchase a 9/40 in a 5 rnd pkg in something over 3". I like the 969 love the 5" brl I just don't need seven rnd/L frame.

I don't think the 969 will dip low enough in price, so I'll probably throw my ltd financial support to the Mod 69 as it is a 5 rnd has a ever so slightly longer than 4" brl and it adheres to a large rnd/smaller platform. Plus, it's merely a hop, skip & jump from there to 40 w/moonclips. Albeit the L frame is not the compact carry of my desire.

I might even settle for the brl extending into the frame window, yet if cylinder length/window specific I'd be prone to buy two. The five rnd J-frame moonclip 40 will become the new & improved bulldog if offered in various brl lengths including a 3-3.5" up to a 5-6".

I'll find a way to carry an extra 1 1/2" or so before I'll give up the muzzle energy. That's why I own no snubnose save semi-autos that measure 3 1/4-1/2" from the back of the cartridge. I overlook that as they're flat. If I'm going to deal w/wheel bulge then I want at least three beyond the cylinder.

 

[forrestinmathews]

Unless, of course, he plans to shoot in Open Div with a revolver with optics!

He ain't Roger Davis. So that probably won't happen. You know that guy classified pretty well in Open with his revo, a comp, and a dot?

@nicksterdemus:
Buy a 646 and get some Hearthco clips for it. You won't be sorry. That little magnum is going to bite. Big time. I'm resisting the urge to get one because of the need for the extra reloading supplies and adding a new caliber. Please don't try to talk me into it. I've got enough problems debating between a matched set of shorty birds head vaqueros and a USPSA setup and 929.

Excellent reference between the two vaqueros! Have you tried carrying an RX3 as opposed to an old model? It's very different indeed. About like the spread between L and N frame. Cowboy action shooting makes these models very familiar in either hand. Eagle gunfighter grips, very nice and worth the cost.

Getting back to S&W's, I don't know about the .40/10mm. I own each and I think Smith feels a little bitten by the lack of warm reception of the Nightguard. I think if they did a titanium cylinder and made an Lframe .40/10 it would be a hit. The short N-frames were just so clunky looking and the rear s-i-ght left something to be desired. Maybe a bowman rough country rear s-ight instead?

 

[Nicksterdemus]

Seems the 646 wasn't exactly welcomed w/open arms. Been a while, so maybe they'll give a five rnd 5" brl a whirl. Even though I have a few larger wheel guns I prefer small-medium frames for the most part. I finally broke down and purchased a 25-5 45acp last year. Nice, but still one rnd too many for me.Looked at a 610, have ammo & 1006, but it was almost as huge as a Redhawk 45 Colt. Or so I recall.

The New Vaquero fits me as a glove. Short fat fingers on a medium hand. I bad wanted a Night Guard and was waiting for the price to drop a bit. Didn't realize they were going to can the project. The 396 was calling my name, but the length of the brl was not.

Sadly, it would appear that beyond the J-frame I'm looking at South America w/ or w/o an Italian flair for larger caliber 5 rnd wheelguns. I have an old Charter Arms Bulldog and a Rossi 720C. However, I would enjoy a S&W in a five rnd.

My main carry was a Kahr CW45. Reasonably light/flat and concealable w/6+1 45acp DAO striker fired. It's as if the world is awash in semis & snubbies.

 

[adams484]

I'm not sure they offer anything of practical value in the real world, but revolvers chambered for semiauto cartridges are always interesting and unique!

I wish S&W would make the J frame in a 9mm with a SHORT CYLINDER to match the cartridge which of course would mean an overall shorter gun.

Now this is an idea I would really like to see. But being that a J frame is already short enough for me I would like the cartridge length difference appliied to the barrel to give the slug a precious millisecond or two behind the gasses for maybe a little bit more velocity from the already fast 9MM load. A 9mm J frame with moon clips just makes sense to me as well.

 

[S&WIowegan]

I have direct experience with the 646...bought one used from a guy who couldn't stand the pounding. Shooting major in that gun is painful. Carmoney and I experimented with 646 minor loads for IDPA and it worked very well. Then Bill Wilson changed the revolver rules and the 646s went away. I sold mine(which was the PC version) to a PC revolver collector for a significant profit.

Carmoney had two of the non-PC version....only difference being front sight.

 

[J. R. WEEMS]

Just when I thought I didn't need any more revolvers. Interesting to say the least. Just read the new policy as above-- sure is about time.

 

[Nicksterdemus]

Maybe I'll run across a 646 one of these days. However, the price will more than likely be a mite rich for my blood.

I have a CS40 and it's kinda snappy w/cartridge included 3 1/4" brl.

 

[silentflyer]

Rather have a 8 shot 627, make mine .357

 

[forrestinmathews]

I have direct experience with the 646...bought one used from a guy who couldn't stand the pounding. Shooting major in that gun is painful. Carmoney and I experimented with 646 minor loads for IDPA and it worked very well. Then Bill Wilson changed the revolver rules and the 646s went away. I sold mine(which was the PC version) to a PC revolver collector for a significant profit.

Carmoney had two of the non-PC version....only difference being front sight.

Yeah, let's leave IDPA out of this. They sure can screw up a shooting match and alienate a moonclip gun that can be easily concealed.

Mine gets some use with major from time to time. It's an awesome steel gun and I got a sweet trigger pull with the titanium cylinder and toothpick hammer inspired by Mike.

 

[jaymoore]

I asked that question 357 or .355 because my LGS and the gun smith said that S&W made a 9 mm rev. once and the bullets were all over the place on target. It was not a good shooter.

Late reply, but having just read this, my suggestion is that it might be time for you to find a different gunsmith!

Not only did S&W make two different 9x19 models, the J-frame 940 and the K-frame 547, but accuracy was NOT the major drama with either! Quite the contrary.

Best shooting 3" barreled S&W I've ever had.

And the little 9mm 940 is carried regularly partly because it outshoots any small auto that I've tried. It's shot regularly at 25yards, and has dispatched a beaver at almost 50yards!

 

[Nicksterdemus]

Nice.

Real nice.

 

[shipwreck2]

Late reply, but having just read this, my suggestion is that it might be time for you to find a different gunsmith!

Not only did S&W make two different 9x19 models, the J-frame 940 and the K-frame 547, but accuracy was NOT the major drama with either! Quite the contrary.

Best shooting 3" barreled S&W I've ever had.

And the little 9mm 940 is carried regularly partly because it outshoots any small auto that I've tried. It's shot regularly at 25yards, and has dispatched a beaver at almost 50yards!

Looks like a fun gun.

 

[rwsmith]

Maybe because it's PC

Maybe it's because it's PC but that seems like a lot for a 9mm revolver that roughly equivalent to a .38.