Let’s see your homemade mooning/demooning tools !

[PatriotX]

Hi folks,

I remember seeing some pics of a clever moon clip tool made of some flat stock, a drill notch, and a couple of nuts and washers. It looked like it worked as well as any boutique offerings.


I thought of that tool as the bargain barrel of golf clubs at the local sports store beckoned to me, and an hour later a new ‘magic wand’ was born !







It is sized for .38/.357, and holds 8 of either comfortably in the shaft for a quick dump into container. Next up is a .45acp-sized version holding 6.


With the talented folks here, I hope to see some neat tools. Anyone have some homemade, one-of-a-kind stuff ?!?

 

[Old_Cop]

I used a 9" long 1/2" copper pipe, notched it like yours and wrapped the handle end with electrical tape (covering the hole). The golf club is far more classy.

 

[PatriotX]

I used a 9" long 1/2" copper pipe, notched it like yours and wrapped the handle end with electrical tape (covering the hole). The golf club is far more classy.

Any pics? Very interested.

 

[Ivan the Butcher]

I'm with Old Cop, half inch copper about 9" long to De-Moon. For "mooning" I grabbed a 8" piece of crown molding (you can get it by the foot at home Depot and the like) and a 8" piece of 7/16" dowel rod. Line up 6 rounds nose to rim, place the slip over extractor notch and press on using the dowel rod in the clip's center hole, rotate and repeat until full! I always check that the loaded mood clip will seat properly and allow the cylinder to rotate.

I have two commercial de-mooners. One is from Brownell's and is like what we see in the above photos, but with a plastic screwdriver handle. (MSRP $20, got mine for $10 NIB)) The other is like a backward plyers or scissors. Dillon's #PT77-18169 $19.99. My Review: Eh, works OK, but hollow style is faster!

Both styles will bend the tines. I check clips on glass or plexy-glass. I mark repaired clips and throw away if they need fixed a 4th time!

I've been using full moon clips in my 1917 Brazilian Contract since 1986 and my 625 since 1995. I buy clips in the 100 pack from Brownell's and usually have at least 100 loaded!

Ivan

 

[DwayneV]

It took about the same amount of time to make this thing as it did to photograph and write about it. I hope this is helpful to someone here.

Parts List:
¾”x 2 ½” x 8” hickory lumber
¼”x3/4”x7” aluminum flat bar
5/16”x 1 ½” carriage bolt
5/16” nylon lock nut
3/8”x 1 ½” carriage bolt
3/8” nylon lock nut
3/8” plastic washer 0.660” O.D., 0.030” thick made from the lid of a Berger bullet box.
Imgur: The magic of the Internet
Imgur: The magic of the Internet
I stopped by the St Vincent De Paul thrift store today and asked them if they had any old golf clubs. They did. I bought a left-handed #4 iron for $5. Once home I cut the shaft and ground the end for a first class moon clip unloading tool.

 

[jcelect]

It took about the same amount of time to make this thing as it did to photograph and write about it. I hope this is helpful to someone here.

Parts List:
¾”x 2 ½” x 8” hickory lumber
¼”x3/4”x7” aluminum flat bar
5/16”x 1 ½” carriage bolt
5/16” nylon lock nut
3/8”x 1 ½” carriage bolt
3/8” nylon lock nut
3/8” plastic washer 0.660” O.D., 0.030” thick made from the lid of a Berger bullet box.
Imgur: The magic of the Internet
Imgur: The magic of the Internet
I stopped by the St Vincent De Paul thrift store today and asked them if they had any old golf clubs. They did. I bought a left-handed #4 iron for $5. Once home I cut the shaft and ground the end for a first class moon clip unloading tool.

Hey DwayneV
On Imgur pics, select the "BBCode" copy button and then paste in your post! The pic will load directly to your post!
jcelect

 

[DwayneV]

Here they are, thanks.

 

[opr1945]

this was not my first thought when i saw "mooning" in the title.

 

[PatriotX]

Here’s un updated .45acp version, and it docks with the 38/357 one. The next one will be double-sided, with 38 on one side, 45 on other, grip in middle. Reversible end cap to keep brass in tube.

 

[DWalt]

Corner of a GI steel ammo can for case removal. I can load moon clips just fine with my fingers without using any tools

 

[PatriotX]

My shooting buddy lucked his way into a 610, so here’s a tool for 10mm I made for him:

 

[peh_7]

Moon/Demooning Tool

When I needed a tool for use with my Governor I went a bit more complicated and time consuming. I got the idea from a commercial tool a friend of mine had. It's probably overkill but let me practice a number of processes with my lathe and milling machine. I also saw a design made from a piece of aluminum angle, a hex to fit the moon clip, and a large knob on the bottom that looked very interesting.

peh_7

 

[peh_7]

Another Tool

Here's the idea of the loader I mentioned in my previous post.

peh_7

 

[jag22]

I like to come up with a clever tool as much as anyone, but seriously, if you shoot a lot revolvers with moon clips the BMT is the only way to go. A little expensive but so worth it. Since you can't spend your money on ammo these days buy a BMT Mooner.

 

[rockquarry]

Or dispense with the tools and use Auto Rim brass. Much easier.

 

[BC38]

Here's the idea of the loader I mentioned in my previous post.

peh_7

I LIKE this one, I'm going to make one out of a piece of steel angle.

 

[vonn]

Lots of good ways to skin a cat here! Thanks to all.