westczek

I've been working up a load for my new to me S&W 627 in 38 Super... umm working down a load actually. I thought I would use the same load I was using in 38 Short Colt for my 686s. However, I am using it for Steel Challenge, so no need to meet USPSA minor power factor. I figured the extra case capacity would mean a less velocity. I used a roll crimp. That gave me about 900 fps with a 158 grn poly-coated bullet. Then I tried a tapper crimp, about 875 fps. Change one thing at a time... have some idea what it does. Westczek

I'm not sure about the Blade-Tech for a 6 inch 686. I use one of the regular models for a 4 inch, its ok, but I don't feel is any slicker than my Safariland Worldcup 002. I've read some feedback here about the Blade-Tech open front competition model that was critical of proper tension for holding a revolver. I have become more satisfied with my Safariland Worldcup 002 competition holster over time. Yes break-in is an issue, but the price is good. After the break-in it works well. I bought it for a 6 inch 686, but I am now also using it for a 5 inch 627. You can't use the Blade-Tech for both frame sizes. Westczek

I stuck a piece of 2x4 in mine and left it for a few months. I think some heat applied with a hairdryer or limited use of a paint stripper may speed the process. Stick with it. It's not a bad holster. I use it for a 6 inch S&W 686. Westczek

Ok, just want to share. I'm pretty impressed with myself. I have manage to setup my press to load 9 mm Lugar and 38 Short Colt with only the change of the shell plate, sizing die and seating die. I'm using 3.6 grns of Solo 1000 for both, a 147 grn bullet for 9 mm and 158 grn for the 38. Westczek

Isn't removing the plunger lock and eliminating the drag on the cylinder the main benefit? Westczek

At $4 the anxiety would be considerably less... these are about $6. Oh but they are so goooood... Westczek

I haven't lost any yet. This is more an issue of being proactive. It could speed up my locating them and reduce any possible HMCLA, Hearthco moonclip loss anxiety... Westczek

Ok. let me say that I put small 38 short colt gold bits on my moon clips and being an L-frame not a lot of the shiny stainless steel clip showing. If you try the duracoat, let me know how it goes. Westczek

Has anyone tried painting moon clips? I was thinking a high visablity color would make it easier to spot my clips on the ground after a stage. Westczek

My 9mm Luger range brass bucket seams to be getting more and more 380 auto/9mm Browning in it. Kind of annoying, but hey what do I want for free. One got through my pre-tumble sorting and inspection. It was a R-P 9mm Br headstamp, looks a lot like R-P 9mm Luger. I found it while inpecting finished rounds. anyone have any tricks for keeping the 9mm short varieties out, before loading, other than my current visual inspecction? Westczek

I don't have any of those brutes. I don't think it would be long enough, but I see if I can try a couple at the match Sunday. There is a standard order short post version made for 45 acp only. The longer version is needed for 38 special. Westczek

Forrest, Powder, what powder? I don't need no stinking powder. No, really they make power factor. I call it 9 mm rimmed, 158 grn bullet, 3.6 grns solo 1000 and a tight tapper crimp at 1.10 in OAL. Velocity 800-825 fps. If you're going to shot minor, you might as well shot minor. Westczek

I just wanted to share my new North Mountain moon clip holder with everyone. It has short posts just tall enough to double stack 38 short colt. Since I use a S&W 686 the posts had to be turned down with a lathe (done by Bob at the factory). It is about an inch short than the original standard unit I have been using for the last two season. I mounted in in the middle of the Tek-Lok hangers, about 3/4 inch above and below the CR Speed belt. It makes it a little easier to pull the moon clips off the posts, especially the bottom moon clip. It also makes bending and squating less ackward. But most of all, it looks nice and trim. Enjoy the picture of Bob Perdue's (http://www.4wheelguns.com/) excellent work. The photography was done by my daughter. The gun in the photo, a 4 inch S&W 686 has been riding in my range bag as backup since last summer. It may get a chance to play this year. I usually shoot a 6 inch, but wondered what it would be like shooting the 4 inch. The trigger is not as light, but good enough for me. It also goes along with the theme... shorter. Westczek

If everyone shoots what they signed up to... It will be the largest revolver turnout I've seen in the VA-MD area in long time. I'm looking forward to it. Westczek

I don't know what others think, but I had a reminder this weekend why I changed my latch, when shooting a new to me gun. The OEM latch digs a bloody hole in the knuckle of my right hand thumb. I use a California Competition Works latch that I have ground the bottom side round and polished it. I find it helps prevent unwanted skin and blood loss with a high hold grip. I also preform weak hand reloads. I think the Hogue would work well. Westczek

E5MC, Ummm, I'll step in this. In the spirit of full disclosure I shoot a 686, I had it cut for moonclips and I shoot USPSA almost exlusively. I started with the 686 because I had one. Now all my gear is setup for them. And I bought another... I'm also heavily invested in moonclips now and have paid to have a few cylinders cut. Oh, the short colt brass too. The 625 is the gun for USPSA, so I'm told, and I have to say I don't doubt it. Moonclip ready, cheap moonclips and major power factor without even trying. I may have gone this route if I had bought my revolver with USPSA in mind. There are speedloaders for the 686, this is good for IDPA and ICORE retro and you can do it in USPSA too. But one of the benifits of revolver division is getting your brass back. Depends on what you would shoot the most and what you already reload for too. Westczek

I like smooth grips. The grooves never seem to be spaced right for my fingers. Westczek

Bobtorre, The original post was about moonclips for a 6-shot L-frame (686). I have no experience with the 8-shot N-frame (627). Westczek

Holding the extractor from the end did seam like a bad idea to me too. And personally I have the tools I need. Small multi-tools tend not to do any of the jobs they do particularly well. However, I think you all are missing the point of me posting items about tools. It costs money to make these things. I can't help think that it is amazing that folks put the time and money into making products like these for a niche like revolver shooters. Useful or not. Westczek

I hadn't seen this before, not sure if it is new. Although I don't ussually buy them, I always think little multi-tools are cool. This tool from Samson-mfg has two screw driver bits for S&W revolvers, a tool for the rebound spring and an extractor rod wrench. I watched the video and was a little confused. It is marked with "off" and an arrow. I expected that to be for those who were confused about reverse threads, but the video seamed to show it being used the opposite direction to remove the extractor rod... http://www.samson-mfg.com/ar-15_html/product/SPDTool-SW.html Westczek

Forrest, I think speedloaders are comparable in prices to mags and holster for a 4" gun is basic Blade-tech. Speedloader holders maybe a little more dear, especially when all is multiplied by 6 for USPSA. However, it is nothing compared with the cost of ammo, which never ends. Forrest, I'm surprised you didn't make a crack about the PF on my 38 Short Colt loads Westczek PS -- They always knock down the steel if I hit it,

Wild Gene, Thanks, I didn't even know there was an IDPA section on the forum. I read through the whole thread. I honestly wouldn't want to lower my PF, because I'm already shooting minor in USPSA and can't see any value in going below 125 PF is you are reloading. However, I probably would have started shooting revolver earlier if I could have purchased low end ammo which was likely to make the required PF. Westczek

I was reading that IDPA is lowering the power factor for Stock Service Revolver to 105 to give shooters a better supply of off-the-shelf ammo for competition. I think this is a great idea. I don't shoot IDPA, but I bought a CZ75 (My 686 was my first gun) and delayed my entry into USPSA revolver division for years until I began reloading. There wasn't a comparable option for 38 special as 9mm white box that made power factor, and I try to follow the rules even if there is no chrono. I can't be alone, right? I really think if folks could by 38 Special reloads, like Georgia Arms, or other low cost options, it would take one barrier down for new revolver shooters. USPSA should do it too. I don't imagine that revolver division would grow to the size of production, but it might bring in a few and maybe some more casual or occasional revolver shooters from other divisions. Lots of folks have a 38 Special gun. Westczek

Happy birthday Bob. Westczek

Hello all, Even with the snow the match went on. Black Creek is lovely when covered with an inch of the white stuff. It was a fun match, but not for the ammunition challanged. I could not have shot a match like this during the great primer shortage of '09! We had a great revolver squad. I always figure five is pretty good for revolver turnout. I have to salute Eric and Mack who ground there way throught this marathon steel match with speedloaders. Oh, and Eric had no sights (being he was shooting a model 10). Always good to shoot with Forrest to most enthusiastic and gung-ho shooter I think I have ever met. And congradulations to Virginia, as a beginner, for soldiering through an exhuasting match in the cold. I was having a hard time even ejecting 38 Short Colt cases by the last stage (Number 8). I don't even want to count my brass to see how far above the 240 round count I went. Westczek (Mike)