Is buying a Revolver that can use Moon Clips worth the cost ?

[CaseHardened]

I'm too old.

I'm having huge difficulties racking Slides anymore. That means I need a REVOLVER.

Actually I need Ammo, too. Which may be a bigger issue than buying the gun !!!

Anyhow, a good CC Revolver is likely to be a 5-shot - not enough IMHO.

I'm thinking, right or wrong, that most Revolvers that can utilize Moon Clips will be a premium of $200 over those that do not.

Advice ?

 

[Vapor]

There's a .357 shorty that smith makes that takes moom clips and holds 8.

It ain't cheap though.

 

[CaseHardened]

There's a .357 shorty that smith makes that takes moom clips and holds 8.

It ain't cheap though.

The S&W 610 10MM ?

But should I buy any gun when no ammo for it is available ?

Part of me says buy what you can, when you can. The other side says WTF - $1K for a gun you can't fire ?

 

[fnfalguy]

If you can find it, and depending on how you intend to use it, Ruger LCR in 9mm. It’s a snubbie though.

i never should have traded off my S&W 625. Another choice if you can find one.

 

[cgrutt]

Hmm like this?

 

[Parzival]

Why not just carry a couple speed loaders or speed strips?

S&W EZ 9mm would also be an option.

 

[cgrutt]

Seriously, for SD I believe moon-clips and/or speed loaders will put you at serious disadvantage to modern pistol. Not sure what mag limit is in MA but even with one 10-round mag aren't you better off than say revolver with 2 5 or 6 round moon clips? Certainly better with 2 ten-round mags vs 2 5/6 round moon clips both in capacity and amount of time it takes to reload. Racking a slide should not be consideration in SD scenario as it should already have been racked.

Look how much time it takes to reload revolver, even with moon clips.


This is with J-frame was interested as I have a Model 60, which I don't carry for SD BTW...

 

[Vapor]

The S&W 610 10MM ?

But should I buy any gun when no ammo for it is available ?

Part of me says buy what you can, when you can. The other side says WTF - $1K for a gun you can't fire ?

Smith and Wesson 327

Smith & Wesson Model 327 Revolver

Smith & Wesson Model 327 Revolver -Performance Center guns originate from standard designs or are created from the ground up. From hand-cutting and fitting to fine tuning for precision, these firearms are top performers. Products from the Performance Center are the ultimate expression of...

www.sportsmans.com

 

[Vapor]

 

[dsdmmat]

The S&W 610 10MM ?

But should I buy any gun when no ammo for it is available ?

Part of me says buy what you can, when you can. The other side says WTF - $1K for a gun you can't fire ?

I have the 610, with moon clips you can run the .40 S&W or 10mm

 

[dsdmmat]

Seriously, for SD I believe moon-clips and/or speed loaders will put you at serious disadvantage to modern pistol. Not sure what mag limit is in MA but even with one 10-round mag aren't you better off than say revolver with 2 5 or 6 round moon clips? Certainly better with 2 ten-round mags vs 2 5/6 round moon clips both in capacity and amount of time it takes to reload. Racking a slide should not be consideration in SD scenario as it should already have been racked.

Look how much time it takes to reload revolver, even with moon clips.


This is with J-frame was interested as I have a Model 60, which I don't carry for SD BTW...

I used to shoot with a couple of guys that could shoot 6 rounds reload and shoot 6 rounds on multiple targets before most guys could shoot 12 rounds from a semi

 

[cgrutt]

I used to shoot with a couple of guys that could shoot 6 rounds reload and shoot 6 rounds on multiple targets before most guys could shoot 12 rounds from a semi

Curious did they have trouble racking a slide?

 

[dsdmmat]

Curious did they have trouble racking a slide?

Curious did they have trouble racking a slide?

That was with a revolver but I am sure they would not have had a problem. I also shot with a guy who was pretty fast with a single action revolver and he could reload (replace cylinders) almost as fast as most could reload an auto. Practice. It all boils down to practice.

 

[cgrutt]

That was with a revolver but I am sure they would not have had a problem. I also shot with a guy who was pretty fast with a single action revolver and he could reload (replace cylinders) almost as fast as most could reload an auto. Practice. It all boils down to practice.

I get it but my response was directed at OP specifically.

 

[dsdmmat]

I get it but my response was directed at OP specifically.

Reloading a revolver while it nay take a few more steps is much easier than racking a slide for many people with arthritis or reduced hand strength. If you take the model 610 (as mentioned) it can be reloaded quickly. Especially if ones uses 40 S&W.

 

[fnfalguy]

One other thought I had is if this is a bed side gun, go with one of the larger capacity revolvers like a 627 and run 8 rounds of 38+p and have one jet loader ready to go for the reload.

 

[cgrutt]

Reloading a revolver while it nay take a few more steps is much easier than racking a slide for many people with arthritis or reduced hand strength. If you take the model 610 (as mentioned) it can be reloaded quickly. Especially if ones uses 40 S&W.

Question posed by OP was that he is getting old and having difficulties racking a slide so he needs a revolver. Went on to inquire about moon clips for self defense. My opinion on this is he would be better off with a modern pistol with one 10 round (or more if MA allows it) mag than a revolver with say two 5 or 6 round moon clips IN A SELF DEFENSE SCENARIO. Thought process is 1. slide should already be racked while carrying for SD so while it may be difficult that difficulty doesn't really come into play during a SD incident, 2. one ten (or more) round mag (so say, 10+1 equals 11 rounds in gun) is better than having to reload a 5 or 6 round cylinder and 3. if he's having problems racking a slide, I believe extracting a cylinder, pulling out a moon-clip with new rounds and reloading under duress is likely to also be problematic.

Just my opinion take it for what it's worth.

 

[71velle]

IMO the best thing about moon clips is that ejection of shells would be better. With my j frame getting all five out is a little iffy, likely a training issue tho. I dont worry about it since I dont carry a reload.

If you feel moon clips are an advantage in your defensive carry system $200 is not a bad premium.

 

[dsdmmat]

Question posed by OP was that he is getting old and having difficulties racking a slide so he needs a revolver. Went on to inquire about moon clips for self defense. My opinion on this is he would be better off with a modern pistol with one 10 round (or more if MA allows it) mag than a revolver with say two 5 or 6 round moon clips IN A SELF DEFENSE SCENARIO. Thought process is 1. slide should already be racked while carrying for SD so while it may be difficult that difficulty doesn't really come into play during a SD incident, 2. one ten (or more) round mag (so say, 10+1 equals 11 rounds in gun) is better than having to reload a 5 or 6 round cylinder and 3. if he's having problems racking a slide, I believe extracting a cylinder, pulling out a moon-clip with new rounds and reloading under duress is likely to also be problematic.

Just my opinion take it for what it's worth.

Depends on the level of disability and the level of practice. I do not share your view because it does not take into account the weapon malfunctionand having to perform a tap, rack and bang drill.

Many autos will malfunction if they are held improperly, limp wristed induced Malfunctions will require the slide to be racked.

The Ten rounds you are counting on could turn into one and a jammed pistol. For this reason a revolver would be better for a person who has problems manipulating the slide.

A friend of mine in his late 70s cannot shoot an auto loader any longer. He was a state trooper and on their shooting team, with a lot of championships under his belt. After his cancer treatments he no longer has the ability to manipulate slide on an auto loader. he can shoot his double action revolver and reload it without issues.

These are the reasons I disagree with your assessment of the situation. It is not that my opinion is more or less as valuable or correct than yours, just different.

 

[cgrutt]

Depends on the level of disability and the level of practice. I do not share your view because it does not take into account the weapon malfunctionand having to perform a tap, rack and bang drill.

Many autos will malfunction if they are held improperly, limp wristed induced Malfunctions will require the slide to be racked.

The Ten rounds you are counting on could turn into one and a jammed pistol. For this reason a revolver would be better for a person who has problems manipulating the slide.

A friend of mine in his late 70s cannot shoot an auto loader any longer. He was a state trooper and on their shooting team, with a lot of championships under his belt. After his cancer treatments he no longer has the ability to manipulate slide on an auto loader. he can shoot his double action revolver and reload it without issues.

These are the reasons I disagree with your assessment of the situation. It is not that my opinion is more or less as valuable or correct than yours, just different.

No worries and fair enough. Personally I've experienced more FTF with my S&W J-frame than any other gun LOL. Bad timing brand new out of the box took three return trips and several months back at S&W to straighten out.

 

[Phazer]

I'm having huge difficulties racking Slides anymore. That means I need a REVOLVER.

I guided an older relative, with the same hand strength issues, to the S&W EZ 380. They couldn't easily manipulate the slide on their Shield any longer.

They love the EZ platform. Heck, I like the EZ pistol. We got a performance center model for my wife.

Check them out.

 

[dsdmmat]

No worries and fair enough. Personally I've experienced more FTF with my S&W J-frame than any other gun LOL. Bad timing brand new out of the box took three return trips and several months back at S&W to straighten out.

Yeah the 10mm is a L Frame. My experience with the L frame is vastly different with your experience with a J Frame.

 

[CaseHardened]

Honestly, I do own a Tokarev, and, perhaps due to the size, I can rack it easily. It's a bit large to CC, IMHO.

But I went and ordered an Ankle Holster for it today. I like Ankle because they are comfortable, and I can wear even a Tee shirt with one.

As a person who has never liked shorts, Ankle Holsters are perfect.



It's not an ideal solution, but I own the gun; I own the ammo.

And I have fired the Tokarev, and found it fun to shoot and relaible.

 

[BDinPutnam]

Whats easier to reload- a locked back auto or an empty revolver?

 

[CaseHardened]

I guided an older relative, with the same hand strength issues, to the S&W EZ 380. They couldn't easily manipulate the slide on their Shield any longer.

They love the EZ platform. Heck, I like the EZ pistol. We got a performance center model for my wife.

Check them out.

You've sold me on the EZ.

What caliber should I look for ? Especially considering ammo availability ?

I understand nothing seems available now .

It looks like S&W EZ are readily available on GB for under $400.

And all S&W are on the infamous Massachusetts Handgun Roster.

GB claims a local (to me) FFL will do a transfer for $25. I'm calling them tomorrow, then ordering the handgun tomorrow.

With Dementia Joe, there is no time to lose.

 

[dsdmmat]

Whats easier to reload- a locked back auto or an empty revolver?

What is easier to unload Or clear a misfire? When you have a disability you have to look at all sides of the issue

 

[Saltwater60]

I thi

You've sold me on the EZ.

What caliber should I look for ? Especially considering ammo availability ?

I understand nothing seems available now .

It looks like S&W EZ are readily available on GB for under $400.

And all S&W are on the infamous Massachusetts Handgun Roster.

GB claims a local (to me) FFL will do a transfer for $25. I'm calling them tomorrow, then ordering the handgun tomorrow.

With Dementia Joe, there is no time to lose.

I think they only come in .380 and 9mm. .389 has been nearly impossible to find and 9mm is only slightly less impossible to find. 9mm has been running $0.50-$0.60/round and .380 has been running $0.80-$1.00/round so I’d say 9mm. Better self defense caliber and cheaper ammo when not crazy demand anyway.

 

[Shoots100]

If your worried about reloading, buy another handgun, especially if your contemplating a revolver.
Once the first gun is empty, switch to your second loaded handgun.
It doesn't take much training to learn how to drop an empty gun and pull a loaded one, especially when under duress.
It's easy to reload any type of weapon at the range, when your not being shot at, in the dark, tight quarters, running , or..........
It's called a NY reload.
In the immortal words of the NY reload founder, "The best way to carry spare ammunition, is with a gun wrapped around it."
From a trainers point of view, if your having issues racking the slide of a semi auto, I could see pulling the trigger of a double action revolver multiple times and hitting what your aiming at becoming an issue too.
Takes a lot less muscle to pull the trigger of a semi auto.
As was mentioned, if you shoot a semi auto dry and the slide locks back, swapping mags and pressing the slide release might be an easier task to accomplish than the operation and dexterity needed to reload a revolver, even when using using moon clips.
They make extended mag releases for most semi auto's to help accomplish that task.

 

[Phazer]

You've sold me on the EZ.

What caliber should I look for ? Especially considering ammo availability ?

I understand nothing seems available now .

It looks like S&W EZ are readily available on GB for under $400.

And all S&W are on the infamous Massachusetts Handgun Roster.

GB claims a local (to me) FFL will do a transfer for $25. I'm calling them tomorrow, then ordering the handgun tomorrow.

With Dementia Joe, there is no time to lose.

Excellent.

Let us know what you think of it.

I really enjoyed shooting the EZ 380. (I know 9mm will always be easier to find.)

Mags are also easy to load since they are 22-style with follower pull-down tabs on the sides.

 

[CaseHardened]

Excellent.

Let us know what you think of it.

I really enjoyed shooting the EZ 380. (I know 9mm will always be easier to find.)

Mags are also easy to load since they are 22-style with follower pull-down tabs on the sides.

Well, after realizing I can rack a Tokarev easily, a Seecamp with difficulty, and a P-64 hardly at all (but that POS is f*cked up), I thought mebe things are not quite so bad as I thought.

So I opted for a S&W Bodyguard with Crimson Trace .380 (9mm are just not available).

$462 including Shipping to my local FFL.

I probably overpaid a little, but with Dementia Joe taking charge in ten days, I am frantic.

It will be my first modern, new Handgun. First plastic Handgun, too.

Pretty sure it will fit the bill - until the confiscations begin.