I have my first 1917. I bought some half moon clips on the net and I am having trouble getting the cartridges in and out. They are really tight. Is there some secret to this, or do I just have some bad-fitting clips? Appreciate your help.

the cartridges usually go into the clips without much trouble but they are hard to get out. you need a clip unloader,easy to make out of a small piece of tubing that will just allow a 45 case to slide down the inside. just cut part of the tubing off so you have a lip at the top a little less than the diameter of the tubing, just slide onto the cases and twist. i make mine out of steel but i have heard some people use pvc tubing.
i use these on full moon clips never tried them on half moon clips
UP DATE I TRIED THE TOOL ON HALF MOON CLIPS AND YOU HAVE TO USE IT ON THE INSIDE OF THE HALF MOON AS OPPOSED TO THE OUTSIDE OF THE FULL MOON CLIPS

Thanks Ronnie. One more question. I was told to use half moon clips in this 1917 (mfg. 1918). Can I also use full moon clips? George

Yes, you can use full moon clips. That is what I use in my 1917. I use the polymer ones from RIMZ and don't need tools to load or unload them.

I followed someone here's suggestion and bought a 2$ golf club and GoodWill and cut the handle off with a hacksaw to make a de-mooner similar to the one pictured above. The advantage is the handle has a nice grip and catches the brass inside.

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Revolver luvin' Mountaineer

I have a 25-2 and I found the full moon clips easier to deal with and just like a speed loader when using them. I did buy a tool to remove the spent cases and it works slick.

tbury's golf club tool is also a preey slick idea as well and very cheap compared to what I bought.

most of the time i don't even use the clips if i am just plinking, turn the gun upside down and most of the time the shells will fall right out when they don't it only takes a flick of the fingernail.
another alternative is to use auto rim shells.

In the mean time when waiting for your new tool, if you turn the cartrage at the sametime you applly pressure down the cartrage will pop in the halfmoon. At lest for me it does and reverse the procedure to remove. The demooner works well.

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De Oppresso Liber Μολὼν λαβέ

I just use an old shot out .45 ACP barrell from a 1911 colt that I had laying around. Works good for me. Have Fun!!

I went to the search area and typed in moon clips. I found a thread that showed a piece of 1/2 copper tube with a relief cut or notch cut on one end I made one in about 30 minutes worked like a charm. I would like to take credit for the idea but I wont. There are even pictures. It cost me about 5 dollars to make. If you have a plumber friend you can get by cheaper.