Which Moon Clips

joespapa

joespapa

Well-known member
Joined
Mar 7, 2011
Messages
340
Reaction score
206
Location
Tulsa Oklahoma
A friend is about to purchase a model of 1917 45 acp. If it matters it’s a 1937 vintage. He asked me which moon clips to order? Any help would be appreciated .


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
 
The full moon clip was invented by S&W, twice. In 1915, it was a complex device that was not practical. Later in the century, they designed the full moon clip as we know it. They reached out to Ranch Products in Malinta Ohio to make it for them. S&W provided the drawing and specifications. Ranch Products still makes them. The best and, I believe, the least expensive.

Kevin
 
The moonclips from Revolver Supply have never failed to work in any of my five 45acp revolvers by both S&W and Colt, and with every brand of ammunition (probably at least ten different makers).
 
I use 1/2 moon clips or 1/3 moon clips with my 1917's. I find them easier to deal with than full moon clips (less bulky, easier to handle and load). With 1/2 moon clips I have always used USGI clips and never had a problem, and they have never worn out for me over the decades. I have read of people having problems with clips of other origins, so I just stuck with the old USGI. Until relatively recently USGI 1/2 moon clips have been somewhat readily available at gun shows, etc. But, it seems the supplies have now dried up.
There has been an individual here on the Forum selling USGI 1/2 moons and I suggest that you pick some up from him. Get some extras, as if you are like me, you will give some away and loose a few as time goes on.
Here is a picture of USGI original packaging and a WW1 carrier pouch:
IMG_6587.jpg
attachment.php


IMG_3667.jpg
attachment.php
 
I never tried RIMZ, but I've tried the three metal versions.

I like the third-moon clips which hold two rounds because they are easy to load and unload without tools.

Full-moon clips are great if you want a fast reload. They are probably the most robust version and can be reused countless times.

Half-moon clips were the original design, but since they were intended to be used once and discarded, they are pretty flimsy. Therefore, they are my least favorite.

attachment.php
 

Attachments

  • MoonClips.JPG
    MoonClips.JPG
    87.6 KB · Views: 516
JH1951 said:
…
Here is a picture of USGI original packaging and a WW1 carrier pouch:
View attachment 686241
attachment.php
Click to expand...

Here is another way the Army packed the half moons,

strawhat-albums-strawhat-ii-picture25036-10a32f24-24ac-4389-9967-d33de995fc32.jpeg


And the tool used to load the three rounds,

strawhat-albums-strawhat-picture24994-1-2-moon-clip-loader-1917-a.jpeg


And the patent for the original moon clip. I have never seen one nor a photograph. I believe they may have made a few to prove the concept but never went into production.

strawhat-albums-strawhat-picture24970-99b9aa35-bc84-44ab-837b-74f10e23883b.jpeg


Kevin
 
Last edited:
joespapa said:
A friend is about to purchase a model of 1917 45 acp. If it matters it’s a 1937 vintage…


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Click to expand...

Just curious, are you talking about a Brazilian Contract revolver (both contracts were stamped 1937 regardless of when they were made) or a Commercial Model from 1937?

Kevin
 
Truckman said:
The originals for the army issued gun were the half-moon clips...On a later gun with fatter grips I think they work better for reloads than the full moons...Just my opinion...:cool:...Ben
Click to expand...

Ben,

The half moons were used with Service stocks but after the introduction of the Magna stock, they worked well with that style also. I find full moons work well with Service and Magnas.

Kevin
 
The 1/3 Moon clips are better if you want to carry extra ammunition in your pocket. Actually clips are not essential for firing from a 1917 S&W or Colt. Not too difficult to remove fired cases from the chambers with your fingers. Or poke them out with a stick or pencil if they are tighter. Won't work on the very early Colt M1917s as cases do not headspace on chamber shoulders. To me the half moon clips are the least desirable to use, aside from their historic heritage.
 
Last edited:
Jack Flash said:
I never tried RIMZ, but I've tried the three metal versions.

I like the third-moon clips which hold two rounds because they are easy to load and unload without tools.

Full-moon clips are great if you want a fast reload. They are probably the most robust version and can be reused countless times.

Half-moon clips were the original design, but since they were intended to be used once and discarded, they are pretty flimsy. Therefore, they are my least favorite.

attachment.php
Click to expand...

Like Jack Flash, I have 2-rd, 3-rd, and 6-rd moonclips...mostly Ranch Products. They can be a little difficult to load/unload unless you have a tool. I'm planning on trying some of the RIMZ in both my Model 1917 and Model 25-2.
 

Attachments

  • P1000936.jpg
    P1000936.jpg
    85.2 KB · Views: 8
  • IMG_3434.jpg
    IMG_3434.jpg
    33.6 KB · Views: 9
My only experience has been with moon clips for TK Custom; they work great, but I would advise getting one of their moon clip loaders if you are going to use them. Also, I have seen their moon clips packaged with new S&W revolvers.
 
H Richard said:
Keep in mind that with full moon clips you want a ROUND NOSE FMJ to use. If you try and use SWC you will have to jiggle them quite a bit to load.
Click to expand...

Only if you are attempting extremely fast reloads.

The bullet on the left is one I have been using for years. The other two are being evaluated. The middle one loads as well, if not better than hardball.

strawhat-albums-strawhat-3-a-picture27328-img-8066-a.jpeg


Kevin
 
I prefer the Ranch Products full moon clips for durability and easy of use and have no problem removing cases from them with the simple, old fashion tool.
 
Tell him to just buy .45 auto Rim and skip the clips all together . I tried both 1/2 and full and did not care for fooling with either . I do keep one full in my coat pocket when I carry mine just incase I run into a pack of bad dogs while out walking.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

datsun40146
Moon Clip Conversion Issues
Replies
10
Views
383
datsun40146
datsun40146
M
S&W M1917 moon clips and pouch
Replies
9
Views
1K
JH1951
JH1951
E
45 Colt Half-Moon Clips
2
Replies
36
Views
2K
StrawHat
StrawHat
Rockrivr1
School me on Moon Clips
2
Replies
33
Views
3K
cmansguns
cmansguns
F
Outdoorsman/heavy duty/38/44, which one?
Replies
9
Views
1K
rct269
R

Latest posts

Back
Top