442 pro.

[jimbo555]

Thinking of getting a s&w 442 pro 38spl. It's cylinder is cut for the use of moon clips. Anyone have this model and how do the moon clips work for you?

 

[ArchAngelCD]

I own a M442 and a buddy owns a M442 Pro. Reloads with moon clips are very fast so if reloading time for revolvers concerns you, moon clips are your thing. Very fast!

 

[jimbo555]

Thank you, that's what I was wondering.

 

[cfullgraf]

I recently got a 442 Pro. I like the moon clips. I found if the grips get too large, speed loaders are difficult to use but the moon clips still work fine.

Check out BMT Mooner clip loaders/unloaders. A bit pricey but lots easier and faster than loading or unloading rounds one at a time.

http://bmtequipped.com/index.php

Note, not all brands of 38 Special cases work in the moon clips.

I'm seriously considering getting my 437 machined for moon clips.

 

[jimbo555]

Thanks cfullgraf. Good info!

 

[gotboostvr]

Also remember, Just because it works with moonclips dosent mean they're required.

You can use speed loaders, or speed strips, or single load if you prefer.

I really do like using moonclips in my 625 though I rarely use them in my 627pro.

 

[BSA1]

Do you have to pluck one round out of the chamber at a time without moon clips?

Whereas HKS speedloader will accomplish a quick reload without modifying the cylinder.

 

[gotboostvr]

BSA, you only have to flick out empties if it's a rimless case like a 45acp, 38/357s will extract like normal without clips.

 

[cfullgraf]

Do you have to pluck one round out of the chamber at a time without moon clips?

Whereas HKS speedloader will accomplish a quick reload without modifying the cylinder.

The choice between moon clips and speed loaders is a personal preference thing in my opinion. Both do their job well.

I have a couple revolvers that shoot rimless cartridges and using speed loaders is a given for efficient operation of the gun. These are where I learned to use moon clips and their advantages and disadvantages.

I got the 442 Pro machined for moon clips to try it out. With rimmed cartridges, it gives another option for loading. Also, for me, i have found a grip I like for my J-frames. It is a little larger than the factory grips and interferes with the operation of a speed loader. Moon clips work fine.

as gotbootstvr said, with a moon clip capable revolver that uses rimmed cartridges, you can single load, speed loader load, or moon clip load. Cases eject just like any other rimmed case revolver. But, when using moon clips, the cases eject en bloc.

 

[340PD]

jimbo555:
I have the 640 Pro which is cut for moonclips. The thin moonclips needed on rimed cartridges, plus the longer casings will not give you Miculik like reloading speed but they are a guaranteed complete extraction.

I load my 640Pro with moonclipped rounds and carry a speed strip as backup.

 

[gotboostvr]

I don't care all too much for moonclips with long narrow cartridges like the 357. There's a lot of wiggling to get them in. With 45acp ball ammo though they seem to be pulled into the chambers with those short fat round cartridges. SWC's like to get caught on the shoulder a bit

 

[jimbo555]

Thanks 340pd and everyone for the replies. I like the idea of an additional option so I'm going to order one.

 

[edknn]

I have the 442 pro. I liked the moon clip feature, but they are a pain to carry for reloads. I used an old cell phone case that fit the clips perfect, but it would catch on things like the steering wheel of the car and send the rounds flying. I now just carry speed strips. One advantage to the pro version is that it has a stainless steel cylinder like the 642 instead of the carbon steel in the regular 442. I wouldn't spend the extra $100 that the moon clip pro cost if I did it all over again.