I recently scored a 640 pro on this forum. I have resisted using the moon clips, primarily, because I only got two with the gun. My questions: best tool to use (moon &de-moon) , which brand of clips to use? Really like this little “pocket rocket” and want to start carrying it. All input from those experienced with 38/357 moon clips appreciated.


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For a while, my EDC was a Model 642-1 with a Model 442 cylinder that had been cut for moon clips (TK Custom) that I bought from a fellow Forum member. I like moon clips for the ability to simultaneously eject all the ammo from the piece with one push on the ejector rod. What I found was that carrying loaded moon clips was no fun at all. They're bulky, and can twist fairly easily. I know there are custom made moon clip carriers out there (del Fatti I think makes them), but they're pretty pricey. Me being a cheapskate, I found an empty plastic pill bottle worked, but made reloads a slow proposition. I finally went to the NY Reload - a Model 38-0 and a Model 638-1 and the Model 642 is in the safe for the wife when I'm away from home.

Regards,

Dave

The best moon clip tool is the BMT. It's pricey but it is the quickest & easiest to use. I'm using the clips that came with my M640 pro. So far, I have not managed to bend or twist one despite a lot of pocket carry.

I went on the cheap with a piece of 1/2 inch copper pipe with a end cap soldered on and a notch cut on the other end. The empty rounds just drop into the pipe as you remove them. It doesn't help for installing live ammo but I don't have problem doing that by hand.

P.S. I use Wilson Combat full moon clips.

For best results with moon clips they should be paired with the brand of brass they fit best - that is, has the least amount of cartridge jiggle. Some moon clip manufacturers will have recommendations or charts that indicate what thickness clip works best with what headstamp. You should still test to insure that they work for you.

The groove at the base of a rimmed cartridge is not specified by SAAMI, so different ammo will have different shape, grooves - some have none at all.

Keep in mind that the longer the cartridge the more the jiggle is magnified, so you may want to consider using .38 Spl +P rather than .357 Mag in your SD gun - if it is chambered for .357.

The BMT tool is the Rolls Royce of moon clip tools.

All of the above being said - I think that moon clips are great for a competition gun, but for a SD J-frame, I'd use Safariland Comp 1 speed loaders. They hold the rounds with little jiggle and are easier to align with the charge holes. There is also a myriad of holders out there that will make carrying them easy.

Good luck with whatever you decide.

Adios,

Pizza Bob

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NRA Benefactor Member

The best, and least expensive, de-mooners I have tried were ones I made out of Goodwill-bought golf clubs. You want the cheapest sort of steel-tube-shaft clubs. Don't bother with whether it is a wood, iron or putter -- it's the shaft you're after. Cut off the handle plus an inch or two of the shaft. File half of the end of the shaft down about 1/4", making a lip going around half of the end. Place it over a cartridge case, lever it right out -- or in to -- the clip.

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Pisgah

I have the S&W Model 986 (7shot 9mm) for USPSA Matches... I use the BMT “Mooner” and TK Customs moon clips... They both work great for me!


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Look at this Thread: I think I've gone and bought a Frankengun. Update! Range report post #55

I made a mooner and showed a de-mooner in Post #'s 16, 49 & 50 of that thread.

It only took 10 or so minutes and cheap using scrap materials. There are plenty of pictures and pretty much self explanatory. There are also YouTubes from which I got my idea.

I use the EZ Moon RIMZ polymer moon clips in my 625. They dont require tools and work well for me. I sold a bunch of metal clips and the mooner/demooner tools on ebay to go with the RIMZ. ffr1910

Groo here
Check with Ranch Products [Ohio]
And see if they make some for that model..
Get by the 50 or 100.