Smith & Wesson Forum

Advertise With Us Search
Go Back   Smith & Wesson Forum > Smith & Wesson Revolvers > S&W Revolvers: 1980 to the Present

Notices

S&W Revolvers: 1980 to the Present All NON-PINNED Barrels, the L-Frames, and the New Era Revolvers


Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 03-14-2014, 09:53 AM
skrazo's Avatar
skrazo skrazo is offline
Member
Reloading Moon Clips Reloading Moon Clips Reloading Moon Clips Reloading Moon Clips Reloading Moon Clips  
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: gone
Posts: 1,001
Likes: 801
Liked 2,743 Times in 564 Posts
Default Reloading Moon Clips

Been reading some posts about the "Pro" series revolvers. They look enticing. How difficult is it to place cartridges in the clips? Is there some special tool required? Does one need a special pouch to carry the clips comfortably/effectively?

Last edited by skrazo; 03-14-2014 at 09:55 AM.
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 03-14-2014, 10:01 AM
Holden6v8's Avatar
Holden6v8 Holden6v8 is offline
Member
Reloading Moon Clips Reloading Moon Clips Reloading Moon Clips Reloading Moon Clips Reloading Moon Clips  
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Texas Hill Country
Posts: 146
Likes: 0
Liked 65 Times in 31 Posts
Default loaders

Brownells has some tools, as does TKCustom.com
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 03-14-2014, 10:03 AM
murphydog's Avatar
murphydog murphydog is offline
Moderator
Reloading Moon Clips Reloading Moon Clips Reloading Moon Clips Reloading Moon Clips Reloading Moon Clips  
Join Date: Jun 2007
Posts: 26,911
Likes: 991
Liked 19,043 Times in 9,316 Posts
Default

You can use the Pro series revolvers with single rounds. The metal clips are usually easy to load but need some extra leverage to unload, and there are several tools on the market to do this. There are also moon clip belt holders but if you mean for (concealed) carry use that is a different question.
__________________
Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 03-14-2014, 10:09 AM
skrazo's Avatar
skrazo skrazo is offline
Member
Reloading Moon Clips Reloading Moon Clips Reloading Moon Clips Reloading Moon Clips Reloading Moon Clips  
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: gone
Posts: 1,001
Likes: 801
Liked 2,743 Times in 564 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by murphydog View Post
There are also moon clip belt holders but if you mean for (concealed) carry use that is a different question.
Good point! I should have clarified that. I was referring to concealed carry for the clips.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 03-14-2014, 12:45 PM
murphydog's Avatar
murphydog murphydog is offline
Moderator
Reloading Moon Clips Reloading Moon Clips Reloading Moon Clips Reloading Moon Clips Reloading Moon Clips  
Join Date: Jun 2007
Posts: 26,911
Likes: 991
Liked 19,043 Times in 9,316 Posts
Default

The loaded clips are pretty big and may rattle; don't know if anyone carries them concealed but someone here probably does and can let you know how.
__________________
Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 03-14-2014, 12:50 PM
MrTrolleyguy MrTrolleyguy is offline
Banned
Reloading Moon Clips Reloading Moon Clips Reloading Moon Clips Reloading Moon Clips Reloading Moon Clips  
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: PA
Posts: 2,081
Likes: 3,653
Liked 2,255 Times in 750 Posts
Default

Can I add a questions to the thread. I saw one producer was charging $64 for 10 moon clips. Is that the going price for a good quality product?
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 03-14-2014, 01:14 PM
b_san's Avatar
b_san b_san is offline
Member
Reloading Moon Clips Reloading Moon Clips Reloading Moon Clips Reloading Moon Clips Reloading Moon Clips  
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: MN
Posts: 1,428
Likes: 1,523
Liked 1,534 Times in 588 Posts
Default

TK charges an awful lot for his clips, his are the only quality J frame 5 rounders though so I bite the bullet (pardon the pun) for my 442 Pro. For my other calibers (7/8 round .357 and 6 round .45), I use ranch products or the ones from Mr Clint Walker of Mooncliptool.
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #8  
Old 03-14-2014, 01:15 PM
625 Shooter's Avatar
625 Shooter 625 Shooter is offline
Member
Reloading Moon Clips Reloading Moon Clips  
Join Date: May 2004
Location: Nevada
Posts: 158
Likes: 83
Liked 79 Times in 42 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by MrTrolleyguy View Post
Can I add a questions to the thread. I saw one producer was charging $64 for 10 moon clips. Is that the going price for a good quality product?
Depends on what you want.

There are less expensive clips available. And there are even clips available that don't require tools to load/remove the brass.

Personally, I use Hearthco moon clips in my M627 (8-shot). These clips hold the brass more rigidly for quicker/more positive loading into the cylinder. More expensive? Yes. But worth it! (And does require a tool to load/remove.)

Note that if you want the brass held rigidly, the moon clips are manufactured at specific thicknesses to accommodate specific brands of brass. I use Starline brass in my Hearthco moon clips.

If you don't mind brass being a bit floppy in the moon clips, the less expensive clips will probably be just fine. They are thinner and will likely accommodate about any brand of brass.

You will most likely WANT/need a tool to load/remove the brass.
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 03-14-2014, 01:16 PM
LostintheOzone's Avatar
LostintheOzone LostintheOzone is offline
US Veteran
Reloading Moon Clips Reloading Moon Clips Reloading Moon Clips Reloading Moon Clips Reloading Moon Clips  
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: WA.
Posts: 4,451
Likes: 4,511
Liked 4,492 Times in 2,190 Posts
Default

Moon clips are easy and cheaper than magazines. I have a 625 and load about 50 clips for every range session. I believe the price gets down to less than a buck apiece when you order 20 or more.

I have to wear gloves when I load the metal clips because they are tight and require some pressure. Also you will need a tool to extract them after they are fired. All of this is done at home so no down time at the range.

I've heard several people complain about how hard it is to manage moon clips but I think they are great for the range. Speed strip works better for a carry gun.

This place sells most of the gear.
The Revolver Supply Company. Supplies for the revolver enthusiast
__________________
That's just somebody talkin.
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #10  
Old 03-14-2014, 02:14 PM
Lou_NC Lou_NC is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Raleigh, NC
Posts: 565
Likes: 105
Liked 402 Times in 163 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by skrazo View Post
Been reading some posts about the "Pro" series revolvers. They look enticing. How difficult is it to place cartridges in the clips? Is there some special tool required? Does one need a special pouch to carry the clips comfortably/effectively?
I am an absolute NUT for moonclip-fed revolvers. I have "several" of these S&W models:
22-4 (.45 ACP)
625 (.45 ACP)
610 (10mm/.40 S&W )

Now, I'm a frugal guy by nature, but I absolutely, positively recommend this tool for loading AND unloading the moonclips. It was well worth the cost:


Other tools may work, but I have an earlier version of the above tool (without the "arch" in the grip), and I have arbors for both .40 S&W and .45 ACP moonclips. It's a GREAT setup.

Regarding carry of loaded moonclips, I use "speedloader pouches" to carry mine. I can fit TWO loaded moonclips per "pouch" if I use the "large" nylon/velcro pouches.



I don't attempt to "conceal" my N-frames, but I suppose if you could conceal an N-frame revolver, you could find a way to conceal the speedloader pouches as well!

Lou
__________________
NRA Certified Instructor & RSO
Reply With Quote
The Following 2 Users Like Post:
  #11  
Old 03-14-2014, 03:22 PM
Fackler Rebel's Avatar
Fackler Rebel Fackler Rebel is offline
Member
Reloading Moon Clips Reloading Moon Clips Reloading Moon Clips Reloading Moon Clips Reloading Moon Clips  
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Hazel Green Alabama
Posts: 140
Likes: 170
Liked 116 Times in 33 Posts
Default

I own a 325PD the first revolver that I have ever owned that needed moon clips. I use the RIMZ 25 made in the USA by Beckham Product Design in Newport Beach, CA. This are made of some kind of plastic component, head space properly, and are easy to load and unload by hand, but hold the rounds securely.

Reb
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 03-14-2014, 04:14 PM
WhitleyStu WhitleyStu is offline
Member
Reloading Moon Clips Reloading Moon Clips Reloading Moon Clips Reloading Moon Clips Reloading Moon Clips  
Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: NE Indiana
Posts: 185
Likes: 59
Liked 120 Times in 61 Posts
Default

I have a BMT loader tool for both my PC 625 and 640 Pro. They make loading moon clips so easy it's almost fun... BMT Equipped, Inc.
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #13  
Old 03-14-2014, 04:50 PM
warf73 warf73 is offline
Member
Reloading Moon Clips Reloading Moon Clips Reloading Moon Clips Reloading Moon Clips Reloading Moon Clips  
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: Haysville, Kansas
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time in 1 Post
Default

Deluxe Moon Clip Tool
Clint, is fast to answer questions if you have any. I sent my MO out for the moon clip tool and moon clips. I look forward to receiving my order and using them both in conjunction with my 627 pro.
As for CC I don't plan on carrying extra clips when/if I carry it.

Warf
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #14  
Old 03-14-2014, 09:28 PM
jimintheburg jimintheburg is offline
Member
Reloading Moon Clips Reloading Moon Clips Reloading Moon Clips Reloading Moon Clips Reloading Moon Clips  
Join Date: Jul 2012
Posts: 77
Likes: 10
Liked 28 Times in 18 Posts
Default

Home made moonclip loader
I have a wood shop so I had the scrap wood and a drill press.
Think I got this from you tube. Clamp 2 pieces of 3/4"(or can be thicker) wood together ( good hard wood like maple, ash or oak ) and using a ½" drill bit ( flat bottom bit ), drill a hole about 1½ " deep.
At the bottom of the hole, cut a kerf by setting your saw blade on a table saw( use a blade with carbide teeth as it will be thicker ) not as deep as the hole. Put the rim of the case in the saw-blade kerf and then push down so that the shell mates w/ the clip. It is usually fairly easy to seat the shell. I seat .45 auto as well as 10 mm. I drilled 12 holes so I can load two clips .
You can make a demooning tool form a piece of thin wall conduit.
Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 03-15-2014, 12:00 PM
H Richard's Avatar
H Richard H Richard is offline
US Veteran
Reloading Moon Clips Reloading Moon Clips Reloading Moon Clips Reloading Moon Clips Reloading Moon Clips  
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: West Central IL
Posts: 22,808
Likes: 18,558
Liked 22,429 Times in 8,278 Posts
Default

I use the mooncliptool for both 45 and 9mm. The 9mm (S&W 940) clips are from Ranch Products from Dillon. No problems. The "tool" is a godsend for loading and unloading the clips.
__________________
H Richard
SWCA1967 SWHF244
Reply With Quote
  #16  
Old 03-15-2014, 12:11 PM
parsonbw parsonbw is offline
Member
Reloading Moon Clips Reloading Moon Clips Reloading Moon Clips Reloading Moon Clips Reloading Moon Clips  
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Piedmont NC
Posts: 288
Likes: 810
Liked 156 Times in 55 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Fackler Rebel View Post
I own a 325PD the first revolver that I have ever owned that needed moon clips. I use the RIMZ 25 made in the USA by Beckham Product Design in Newport Beach, CA. This are made of some kind of plastic component, head space properly, and are easy to load and unload by hand, but hold the rounds securely.

Reb
I use those type brand as well. Never had a problem. My model 640-1 will also work without the clips. Just my experience.
Reply With Quote
Reply


Posting Rules
Forum Jump

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Moon Clips - idea for storage/transportation of loaded clips Engieman Ammo 25 04-01-2019 07:13 PM
Problem reloading my 625 with moon clips/ solved I think buttsm S&W Revolvers: 1980 to the Present 10 03-20-2017 04:41 PM
Reloading for 9MM Moon Clips avery53 Reloading 3 03-10-2015 07:39 PM
WTT 10MM/45 ACP Moon clips for 40 cal L Frame moon clips. Retired LTC, USAR Accessories/Misc - For Sale or Trade 1 05-09-2014 10:18 AM
Reloading the Governor 'moon clips' rockyrider Reloading 2 02-10-2013 10:49 AM

Powered by vBadvanced CMPS v3.2.3
smith-wessonforum.com tested by Norton Internet Security smith-wessonforum.com tested by McAfee Internet Security

All times are GMT -4. The time now is 11:15 PM.


Smith-WessonForum.com is not affiliated with Smith & Wesson Holding Corporation (NASDAQ Global Select: SWHC)