Why 9mm in a revolver?
9mm is usually cheaper and more available than .38 Special or .357 Magnum. A 9mm revolver shares ammunition with most semi-automatic pistols, which makes it a practical backup or companion gun. It also gives new shooters a revolver in a caliber they may already own.
The rim problem
Revolver cartridges like .38 Special have a rim that the extractor star pushes against to eject the empties. 9mm is rimless, so there is nothing for a standard extractor to grip. Makers solve it in two ways.
- Moon clips: a thin metal clip holds all the rounds by the extractor groove. You load the clip into the cylinder as one unit and eject the empties together. This is fast and positive, but you need clips, and loading them takes a tool or practice.
- Spring extractors: Charter Arms designed a system in which individual spring-loaded extractors grip each case, so you can load and eject loose rounds with no clips.
Ruger LCRx 9mm
The LCRx is the exposed-hammer version of Ruger's lightweight LCR, with a polymer fire-control housing. The 9mm version is a five-shot revolver designed around moon clips. It is light enough to carry comfortably, with Ruger's well-regarded LCR trigger.
Ruger LCRx 9mm
9mm · 5-shot · moon clips
Charter Arms Pitbull 9mm
The Pitbull is Charter's rimless-cartridge revolver. Its spring extractor system means you load individual 9mm rounds just like .38 Special. That makes it simpler to feed, especially if you do not want to manage clips.
Charter Arms Pitbull 9mm
9mm · 5-shot · no moon clips needed
Convertible option
Charter also lists a revolver chambered for .357 Magnum, .38 Special and 9mm. Confirm the cylinder configuration on the listing. Our convertible revolver guide explains how convertible designs work.
Charter Arms convertible
.357 / .38 Special / 9mm listing
Comparison
| Ruger LCRx 9mm | Charter Pitbull 9mm | |
|---|---|---|
| Extraction | Moon clips | Spring extractors |
| Reload speed | Fast with a loaded clip | Loose rounds or speed strip |
| Hammer | Exposed | See listing |
| Best for | Clip users, fast reloads | Simplicity, no clips |
Tips for 9mm revolvers
- Keep moon clips straight. Bent clips cause binding. Store loaded clips in a case.
- Watch for bullet jump. Heavy recoil can pull bullets forward in their cases in light revolvers. Our crimp jump guide explains how to check your load.
- Test your defensive load. Confirm reliable ignition and extraction with the exact ammunition you carry.
Loading moon clips
Loading moon clips by hand works but is slow and can bend the clip. Inexpensive loading and unloading tools make the job faster and protect the clips. Keep a few spare clips, because a bent one can bind the cylinder. Moon clips are also why many competitive revolver shooters favor rimless cartridges: a loaded clip reloads the whole cylinder in one motion.
Bottom line
If you already shoot 9mm pistols, a 9mm revolver keeps your ammunition simple. Pick the LCRx for moon-clip speed, or the Pitbull if you want to load loose rounds.
Frequently asked questions
Do 9mm revolvers need moon clips?
Most do, because 9mm is rimless. Charter Arms' Pitbull uses spring extractors instead, so it does not need clips.
Is a 9mm revolver good for carry?
It can be, especially if you want to share ammunition with a pistol. Test your defensive load for reliability and bullet jump.
Can I shoot 9mm in a .357 revolver?
Only in revolvers specifically designed or configured for 9mm. Never fire 9mm in a .357 cylinder not made for it.
How many rounds does the LCRx 9mm hold?
Five.
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