Browns Fan
Member
I have heard some guys who have S&W Performance Center guns who use moon clips. I have a S&W M66 PC. Can I use moon clips or do I have to use speed loaders?
Can I use moon clips?
- Thread starter Browns Fan
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ChristopherG
Member
BF,
In factory configuration, you cannot use moonclips. There are good speedloaders available for your gun, however (read: Not HKS), and you will be surprised at how fast and handy you can get with them.
On the other hand, it is possible to have a 66 modified to accept moonclips. I have one so configured, and it is able to shoot either with or without moonclips with equal accuracy and reliability. The operation cost me under a hundred bucks including shipping.
I would try some decent speedloaders, though, before jumping in. What've you used so far?
PS--Okay, wait; you have a PC gun, so maybe I'm wrong. If you can use moonclips, there will be a ring around the outside rear of the cylinder that's raised .022" above the rest of the rear face of the cylinder (where it's been inlet for the moonclips, which are .022" thick). I doubt this is the case, but check, and let us know.
In factory configuration, you cannot use moonclips. There are good speedloaders available for your gun, however (read: Not HKS), and you will be surprised at how fast and handy you can get with them.
On the other hand, it is possible to have a 66 modified to accept moonclips. I have one so configured, and it is able to shoot either with or without moonclips with equal accuracy and reliability. The operation cost me under a hundred bucks including shipping.
I would try some decent speedloaders, though, before jumping in. What've you used so far?
PS--Okay, wait; you have a PC gun, so maybe I'm wrong. If you can use moonclips, there will be a ring around the outside rear of the cylinder that's raised .022" above the rest of the rear face of the cylinder (where it's been inlet for the moonclips, which are .022" thick). I doubt this is the case, but check, and let us know.
Guy B. Meredith
Member
A M66 PC??? A PC gun set up for moonclips usually comes with two or three.
http://www.tkcustom.com/machine.htm has vendors that will do a conversion on a K-frame. Clark Custom is a highly regarded shop and the son-in-law, Jerry Miculek, is already a legend. However, I did not receive a response when I last requested information on scheduling a conversion on my M66 so will possibly be trying out Pinnacle.
http://www.tkcustom.com/machine.htm has vendors that will do a conversion on a K-frame. Clark Custom is a highly regarded shop and the son-in-law, Jerry Miculek, is already a legend. However, I did not receive a response when I last requested information on scheduling a conversion on my M66 so will possibly be trying out Pinnacle.
Browns Fan
Member
ChristopherG,
I havent tried anything, except, the old one-at-a-time deal at the range. I was thinking about trying to use it in an IDPA match and I was wondering what my options are. No, my M66 PC doesnt have the ring on the cylinder.
I havent tried anything, except, the old one-at-a-time deal at the range. I was thinking about trying to use it in an IDPA match and I was wondering what my options are. No, my M66 PC doesnt have the ring on the cylinder.
ChristopherG
Member
In that case, get yourself some speedloaders and get ready for a good time. IDPA just instituted a new revolver class specifically for six-shooters like yours that don't take moonclips. I LOVE shooting my 66, with or without moonclips, and was delighted to have a new class just for it--without having to compete against the guys shooting .45 acp in moonclipped guns.
Bring it out and have a great time.
First, get yourself some 158 gr. LRN .38 ammo (which won't make the technically required power factor in factory configuration, but it'll be close enough for local matches) and three speedloaders (safariland comp III's are the fastest that are generally available, but they're kinda silly big too--and the comp II's are not much slower at all), along with a way to hold them on your belt, and you're good to go.
Bring it out and have a great time.
First, get yourself some 158 gr. LRN .38 ammo (which won't make the technically required power factor in factory configuration, but it'll be close enough for local matches) and three speedloaders (safariland comp III's are the fastest that are generally available, but they're kinda silly big too--and the comp II's are not much slower at all), along with a way to hold them on your belt, and you're good to go.
Guy B. Meredith
Member
I'll have to agree with ChristopherG that the M66 is a lark to shoot. I have a PC 627 and a 686+, but my 4" M66 is a challenge and just plain fun. I will be doing the moonclip conversion as soon as the budget allows (tax return?), but in the meantime find Comp IIIs to be okay.
The M66 is just the right weight, feels like part of your own anatomy. Gotta just love it.
Oh yeah, it also shoots the same loads faster than the other guns so I can save on powder.
The M66 is just the right weight, feels like part of your own anatomy. Gotta just love it.
Oh yeah, it also shoots the same loads faster than the other guns so I can save on powder.
Preacherman
Member
You can have your 66 converted to use moonclips: I've had a couple done by WildAlaska, and they work great. Another nice thing is that the conversion allows you to use standard ammo and speedloaders without moonclips, if you want to. Worthwhile conversion.
Browns Fan
Member
ChristopherG,
What kind of holster do you use/recomend for M66 in IDPA?
What kind of holster do you use/recomend for M66 in IDPA?
ChristopherG
Member
Depends on whether I'm feeling like a purist or not. If I'm trying to play to the 'spirit' of the game, I'll use a Dillon Master, a high-riding leather OWB pancake holster that is a good, realistic concealment holster. Being shortwaisted, however, carrying a 4" gun this high irritates my ribs and their associated flab 
, so I rarely actually carry this gun. Like so many, a j-frame is the compromise I land on in real life.
If I'm trying to win at IDPA and be comfortable (which is more often the case), I use a Fobus paddle holster, which is faster than the Dillon, easy to put on and take off, and costs less than half as much.
Of course, this applies to my gun, which is a 4". Is yours a 3?
, so I rarely actually carry this gun. Like so many, a j-frame is the compromise I land on in real life.If I'm trying to win at IDPA and be comfortable (which is more often the case), I use a Fobus paddle holster, which is faster than the Dillon, easy to put on and take off, and costs less than half as much.
Of course, this applies to my gun, which is a 4". Is yours a 3?
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