9mm J-frame Moonclip Profile Compared to 9mm LCR Moonclips

[Screwball]

Just wanted to see if anyone had both styles of moonclips for comparison, or at least the LCR, that I can check to see how much dimensionally the two differ. I have J-frame moonclips, as well as a micrometer.

I'm thinking the biggest difference between the two is size of the inlet for the extractor star. Looking at carriers for moonclips, Revolver Supply lists the post for the LCR as 5/16"... and the J-frame one as 3/8". Can't see that 1/16" making the cartridge spacing that much different.

I do know the cylinders for both are similar to their respective .38/.357 versions, and since both use the same HKS speedloaders, they should be close. I guess I could always compare cylinders with my father's .357 LCR.

Question is coming up for a carry solution for 9mm moonclips. I currently have Del Fatti carriers... which are great, but want to try out other methods. I'm considering the Revolver Supply carriers (more of a competition solution, as they just openly hang out there; ok in cooler months with more clothes, if they retain), but these also interested me...

9mm Moon Clip Case - 2 pack-ShopRuger

For the price, I really shouldn't care... but with the first two reviews, I rather not waste $21 (shipped), and if it doesn't work, being stuck with them... as return shipping would probably make it not worth to return. Don't have anything else to buy for my Rugers (LCP, 10/22 Takedown, New Vaquero, SR1911, and the Deerstalker .44 rifle... that ShopRuger doesn't have anything for), so can't just add it on an order.

Thanks for taking a look.

 

[mditurno]

I had the LCR in 9mm. It was a good gun in all aspects but I struggled with an easy and effective way to carry spare moon clips. Usually I use speed strips with snubby revolvers because they are easiest to carry without creating any bulges. It eventually had to go because I never carried it. Regarding the 2-pack moon clip case - I bought them and was very unhappy with them. They held the moon clips so tightly that in order to get the clip out under stress you basically had to use both hands and take your eyes off the threat. For me it was just not a good set up.

 

[JimCunn]

I carry three 5-round 9mm J-frame moonclips in each Walmart pill bottle.
The Walmart Pharmacy will usually give you 5 or 6 bottles for free.

 

[Bwilli88]

I have a S&W 642 with a 940 cylinder installed, it will use both S&W clips and Ruger SP-101 clips. I prefer the SP-101 clips as they are sturdier.

 

[BB57]

I have a S&W 642 with a 940 cylinder installed, it will use both S&W clips and Ruger SP-101 clips. I prefer the SP-101 clips as they are sturdier.

Sturdy is important. A bent moon clip won't keep the cartridges aligned so that they will drop in the chambers - that's just inconvenient on the range, but it's a real problem for self defense. And of course if you plan on using moon clips for a self defense reload, you should also be using them on the range.

The fragility of moon clips, and the difficulty in carrying them, are the two major reasons I stopped using them. The speed advantage over a speed loader is not all that great, and is more than offset by the downsides - even in 9mm.

 

[two-bit cowboy]

I guess I'm the primitive one here. When I carry my 940 into the woods I simply toss a moonclip in each lower vest pocket. My vests are thick so the clips don't "print" and neither to they get bent. Nothing to "open" if I need one in a hurry.

I do the same if I carry my 640 Pro into the woods.

Based on statistics and the law of averages, I don't carry the clips unless I'm going into the woods because I truly don't perceive a two-legged threat up here.

 

[Screwball]

Just noticed this old thread being bumped up... but for the record, I've come to the conclusion that Del Fatti carriers are the best for 9mm moonclips (they offer them for .38/.357, as well).

The Ruger ones work, but very poorly executed design. Just not easy to use (think of a bad belt clip, whether a cell phone or something else). Second best was the holders from Revolver Supply (3/8" short posts), but those are not really well concealable.