Shot my new 640 Pro today, not bad, but I can't use the moon clips!?! >>>

[ThomasH]

I shot my new S&W 640 pro this afternoon, which is destined to be my carry pistol. It is a J-frame, 5-shot, .38 Special, DA only revolver, but what sets it apart are the actual dovetail sights with Tritium dots, and that the cylinder has been relieved so it can use moon-clips. (And no lock!)

Here are some groups I shot with it this afternoon, at 15 yards, two-hand offhand, slow fire. The ammo was Winchester 130 grain metal jacket "target" ammo.

I found a big problem though, it won't work with the moon clips! It seems like the extractor will not go in enough, as shown in the picture below, so the moon clips sit too high, and I can't close the cylinder! Bummer!

I checked for obstructions under the extractor, but found nothing! Sigh, so sad, but I guess it's going back to S&W. I hope they don't mess it up worse than it is! I think it shoots pretty good for a stiff DA only action, which is appropriate for a carry gun.

Anyhow, thanks for looking. I'll keep you posted on this 640 Pro problem!


- Thomas

 

[mrvco]

Don't the Pro Series guns say "Pro Series" on the side?... Edit... Now I see it, had to zoom in on the image.

Forgetting to cut the cylinder for moons seems like a pretty big oversight on a Pro Series gun... I'm sure they'll make it right though.

Regardless, that is a sweet J-frame.

 

[ScottRiqui]

I understand the function of moon clips with a cartridge like .45 ACP, but with a rimmed cartridge like .38 Special, is it just a convenience feature so that you can load all of the cylinders at once without using a speedloader?

 

[Webleymkv]

Are you using S&W factory clips or aftermarket ones? The reason that I ask this is that while S&W does not list any clips for 5-shot J-Frames on their online store, they do list two different thicknesses of moonclips for performance center .40 S&W revolvers. It is possible that there are two different thicknesses for your revolver and that you've gotten the wrong ones.

The other thing you might look at is to ensure that the ejector rod is tight. If the ejector rod starts coming unscrewed (a not uncommon problem for S&W revolvers) it can also cause the extractor to begin backing out. If the ejector rod seems tight, you might also check to make sure that there isn't some dirt or unburnt powder under the extractor that is preventing it from going all the way into its recess.

 

[Carne Frio]

Who made the moon clips ?

 

[Whirlwind06]

I understand the function of moon clips with a cartridge like .45 ACP, but with a rimmed cartridge like .38 Special, is it just a convenience feature so that you can load all of the cylinders at once without using a speedloader?

Moon clips are (or should be) faster reload.

 

[Webleymkv]

Quote:
I understand the function of moon clips with a cartridge like .45 ACP, but with a rimmed cartridge like .38 Special, is it just a convenience feature so that you can load all of the cylinders at once without using a speedloader?

Moon clips are (or should be) faster reload.

They also eliminate the possibility of a case "jumping" the extractor and tying up the gun. A drawback, however, is that they prevent you from "topping off" a revolver that's only fired one or two shots unless you're using half or third moonclips rather than the more popular full moonclips (I don't believe I've ever seen half or third moonclips for anything other than a 6-shot .45 ACP). With a full moonclip, it's an all or nothing proposition: you either eject all the cartridges, fired or unfired, or you eject none of them at all.

 

[fastbolt]

... you might also check to make sure that there isn't some dirt or unburnt powder under the extractor that is preventing it from going all the way into its recess.

First thing I'd check, too. Then the tightness of the extractor/ejector rod. I've had a new J-frame's extractor/ejector rod come loose pretty quickly after being first used. It can happen.

So can an occasional (not often) machining glitch slip through production.

The good news is that S&W's warranty support & free shipping/insurance is good.

Nice little 640, BTW. The only reason I didn't order one is because none of my other J's use moon-clips. Interesting idea for the night sights, though.

 

[wheelyfun]

Love the 640 Pro....

It is on my list of desired carry guns....can pair it up with my 340 M&P, and have a quick reload!

Please do keep us posted!