I'm a big fan of carrying reloads for my carry guns... and when I had my S&W 642-1 shooting .38s, I went through a few options before sticking with HKS speedloaders. They worked the best for me, and was happy with them.

Fast forward to me converting my J-frame to 9mm... HKS speedloaders aren't the answer. Being my cylinder was converted by Pinnacle, and originally .38, I have to use moonclips. That is given, so I needed to see what works to carry them. Just tossing them in a pocket can work, but also an easy way to bend the moonclip.

For me, I prefer carrying 15 rounds (total) at a minimum. That is how I tend to carry my Ruger LCP and SIG P938 (7+1 in the gun, another 7 rounder as a reload; Magguts conversion for the LCP's standard magazine... and if they do one for the SIG, I'll squeeze some more rounds in it). So, five in the gun, and at least two reloads...

First option is the Ruger Moon Clip Case. You can get these in pairs at ShopRuger and Brownells. Not very expensive, and for how it is designed, I'd hope it wouldn't be. I checked, and the loaded 9mm LCR moonclips are slightly wider than J-frame moonclips (about 1mm larger in diameter). Reviews for 9mm LCR moonclips said they were extremely tight... which I did not feel these were that bad. They weren't that loose, either.



I've yet to see a specific right way to carry these, but you have two options; pocket or on a belt. The belt way loops the case around the belt, and the pressure holds it on the belt... with the moonclip/ammo closing off the top. In the pocket, you have this long tail on it... which isn't that great.





Personally, I am not a fan of these. The moonclip is held, but I rather have more retention. Or at least a more standardized retention. If you look at the holder without a reload in, there is a lip that goes under the extractor groove on the outside round, and a lip keeps the two inside rounds/moonclip from rising. Feel they are too easy to pop them out of, especially if you don't take care to set them right.

Second option is more of a winter, open, or competition carry... even though the last one is a little odd for a J-frame. These are from Revolver Supply Company, and for the 9mm J-frame... you want the short 3/8" posts. They are available in double posts, which you hold two moonclips per post (total of four with a double post holder). I got two of the singles, as it is more comfortable for carry.





Uses a standard belt, which would be fine if I have a cover garment that would hide it. The company says that you can use a heatgun to adjust the retention. Pretty much, heat the curved part for the base, and bend back/forward for retention. I took mine, and once heated, I pushed the post against the wall to get the most retention possible (it will come forward a tad). Will not shed a moonclip, even if just a single one on the post.

For a belt option, I really do like these. They do seem cheapish, until you toss it on. I like fitting the retention for your need, and I haven't seen them get loose. They are a little costly, but if you have the ability to utilize them... very good option.

My third option is actually the one I tend to carry. Again, they cost a little bit of money... but for quality gear that works, I feel it is definitely worth it. These are available through Del Fatti Leather. They are black, with two options; a short 9mm, and a long .38/.357.



There is a screw that goes from the retaining post to the base, which controls retention by expanding a bushing. Very easy to adjust, but the beauty of this design is how you release the carrier...





The post extends past the base of the moonclip, so easy to get the reload into the right orientation. Put your thumb and middle finger around the moonclip, and press the post with the trigger finger... case goes flying and you are ready to reload.

Personally, I am a fan of this the best. Toss two or even three of them in a cargo pocket, and I'm at/over my number of rounds. I also think it brings me back to how I carried the HKS speedloaders, which might be a subconscious view of it. My SIG tends to go in a cargo pocket, and my LCP goes in a back pocket... but I really don't carry the J-frame as a pocket gun. While I'm sure it can, drawing a J-frame from my pocket isn't easy with my hand size. It is a similar reason why I can't draw the SIG from a standard pocket... especially with the seven rounders (even with the flush six rounders).

I carry my J-frame IWB, with a White Hat MicroTuck holster. I have been using the LaserMax weapon light with the revolver, so need a holster that accepts it. With the gun on my belt, the reloads can have their own dedicated cargo pocket with no issue.

Anyways, I'm big on getting different views on things like this... as I feel we always have something to learn. In my research, I've seen people say they use pill bottles... and while I'm sure it can work, I feel it is a little too involved to get a reload out. I do have some blue pill bottles, which are pop open... but not something I really would want to carry reloads. I actually use those for storing my moonclips.

If you have different versions to carry these reloads, and even .38/.357 moonclips, definitely post them up. Figured would definitely make an interesting discussion.

When I carried an lcr 9mm, I didn't carry spare moonclips. But I did buy a .327 speed strip and carry a spare 5 9mm rounds in that I know ejection would be questionable without the moon clip, but if I fired 5 reloaded and fired another five, either the BG or I should be getting the heck out of dodge. I personally don't like to carry the bulkiness of moonclips or speedloaders. I prefer a strip. Just my preference.