I've a Horton M24-3 and want to use moon clips...

[Utah]

Being new to revolvers I am looking for recommendations as who would provide the best service/level of finish in machining my cylinder to accept the rounds and custom clips. All suggestions welcome.

Here's the revolver in question.

 

[Emerson]

I'm not sure you can use moon clips with a rimmed case.

In any event I couldn't recommend anyone simply because I think it would be a shame to do that to such a fine revolver.

 

[pmbiker]

http://www.pinnacle-guns.com/revolver.asp

 

[stoneman]

moon clips

Have not used either, but plan to have pinnacle perf. do some work for me in the near future.

http://www.pinnacle-guns.com/revolver.asp
http://www.moonclips.com/

 

[feralmerril]

Utah, why would you want to do that? I see no advantage and have many 44 specials. Do you think it faster than a speed loader? Its mostly done with a 45 auto cartridge. I know some alter the gun to do some cartridges, but I wouldnt do it or buy one where it had been done. Considering cost of alteration and trying to sell it later would be a financal mistake. I doubt it could be much and maybe not at all faster reloading than with a good speed loader. Not only that, but those clips would be more prone to hanging up and locking the gun up if sprung, dropped or not fitted up perfect. They can bend a little just loading and unloading the clips. Sounds like a extra thing to worry about, and even potentialy get your saddle sent home! Sounds like a bad bet to me. Yeah, I know they did it with the 1917s and I have one of those too.

 

[haggis]

The main disadvantage for moon clips with revolver cartridges is that the clips are very thin and prone to damage. Thickness for .44 Special clips is 0.022" while .45ACP clips are 0.040" thick.

The main advantage for moon clips is unloading the revolver - all the cases come out as a unit with little to no chance of getting a case caught under the extractor. Loading speed is not much different between moons and a Safariland speedloader, if you practice.

I have nothing against moon clips... in fact, I complete with clipped guns and have a couple for defensive carry. But mine are all .45ACP, and that's where a moon clip shines.

If you're set on the idea, TK Custom (moonclips.com) will sell you moon clips and alter your cylinder so that it can accept moons or individual cartridges without the clips.

BTW, Welcome to the forum.


Buck

 

[toroflow1]

For heaven's sake, please do not destroy that collectible revolver in that fashion (by cutting it for worthless moon clips).

 

[Texas Roots]

1+ for not doing this disservice to that Model 24. Find another gun to do it to.

 

[Utah]

...I've heard these concerns, but it's a revolver not an investment.

As an aside, if I were to wear it in a shoulder rig which maker would offer the best leather shoulder holster?

 

[feralmerril]

Once again my fellow utahan. For WHAT purpose do you want to do this thing? I love 44 specials, have 6 of em, been experimenting off and on for 40 years with em. I must have missed something, PLEASE educate me!

 

[Utah]

Speed in ejecting spent brass.

According to the folks at Clark Custom Guns this can be done and though it is one of there more expensive conversions they've done quite a few. Costs run $100 to hone (my term) the cylinder which comes with one clip, then an additional cost per clip.

http://www.clarkcustomguns.com/moonclip.htm

And machining can be done so as to allow the use of moonclips and still allow a rimmed cartridge to headspace.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WVfHKkAAE50


...how about a leather shoulder rig maker? Anyone have a recommendation?

 

[perrazi]

a reccommendation, yes i do. sell that nice 44spl. to someone who appreciates it for what it is and buy a 45acp revolver for moonies or if you are really worried about reloading speed, buy a high cap auto in your favorite flavor. for shoulder rigs, i like galco,but there are many more out there. your mileage may vary.

 

[Evil One]

Just wondering...
Does cutting it for the moon clips leave the base of the cartridge slightly unsupported?
If so... that could possibly be trouble in a higher pressure round... Not the the .44 special is high pressure.


Jim

 

[David Sinko]

I would NOT moonclip this revolver or any other .44 Special that I cared about. It can be done, but the clips are necessarily very thin to work with the rimmed cartridges. They bend very easily and are case brand sensitive. The only reason moonclips exist for rimmed cartridges is to give the competitive shooters (mostly ICORE shooters) a speed reload advantage. This does NOT translate into greater efficiency out on the street! If you attend your local ICORE match you'll see all kinds of problems with the moonclipped rimmed cartridges and their conversions. And ICORE is shot under the best of conditions! I am a huge fan of moonclipped revolvers in 9mm and .45 ACP because they were originally made to function properly with moonclips. To some extent the same can be said for .40 S&W/10 mm and even .38 Super, but not with any rimmed cartridge. If you want a moonclipped big bore revolver, get a .45 ACP 625, and preferably a -4 variation.

Dave Sinko

 

[Dashriprock]

Fight. The. Urge. That is way too fine a piece to hatchet up.

 

[feralmerril]

I dont see where it would be any faster unloading and or reloading. They would have to prove that to me. That ejector is going to kick out the emptys alike. Dropping a speedloader in or a full moon clip should also be the same. I doubt the differance if any would be a life changing event. However a slightly bent clip could be. If your serious, why dont you get ahold jerry milchuck he has to be the worlds best at the game and get his readout? If we were talking 45 ACP it would clear up the question, but 44 special? Where did you get the hots for the idea, from the guy who does the alteration? If nothing else I would demand to shoot one of his jobs first. I would try to shoot a gun that can handel both, and be timed each way. Find someone with a .45 acp in a model 25, use both the speedloader and the moons, and satisfy yourself before jumping in to altering your gun. I been wrong before---I think!

 

[EarlFH]

Model 24-3, and moonclips

Basphemy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[NE450No2]

Since the early 1970's I have used N framed Smiths in 44 Mag and 45 ACP.

I have carried both as work guns, using speed loaders for the 44 and half moon, then later full moon for the 45 ACP.

With training both work very well.

My feelings are, IF you prefer full moon, clips get a S&W in 45 ACP.

PS my favorite S&W is a 4" 44 Mag...

However RIGHT now I am wearing a S&W 325 NG, a 45 ACP/Auto Rim.

 

[Gun 4 Fun]

for heaven's sake, please do not destroy that collectible revolver in that fashion (by cutting it for worthless moon clips).

+100

In my opinion, outside of the .45 ACP, the current trend to moonclip everything is a passing fad. It would be a gross mistreatment of a fine and valuable piece to alter that gun for those worthless clips (outside of the rimless auto rounds in a revo).

 

[Smithhound]

Yes! Blasphemy indeed! Cats sleeping with Dogs and two headed calves! Hens won't lay and the cream won't clabber!
Spend your cash to buy a compact .45, load and eject all the rounds you want, but please don't maim that revolver.
Think of future generations my good man.
RD