Model 1917 moon clip source

[n5ama]

+1 on Ranch Products clips. They set the standard for proper tolerance and durability of moon clips.

I’m ordering a set today. Not really interested in using the 1917 for self defense but I’m more than ready to find something that will allow me to shoot it at the range.

The clips that don’t fit the 1917 work well in my 25-2 so I’m not out anything with the purchase. I never intended to shoot .45acp in the 25-2 but will give it a try.

Now all I have to do is keep the clips for the 1917 separated from the clips for the 25-2.

Thanks to all for the help!!

 

[StrawHat]

I’m ordering a set today. Not really interested in using the 1917 for self defense but I’m more than ready to find something that will allow me to shoot it at the range.

The clips that don’t fit the 1917 work well in my 25-2 so I’m not out anything with the purchase. I never intended to shoot .45acp in the 25-2 but will give it a try.

Now all I have to do is keep the clips for the 1917 separated from the clips for the 25-2.

Thanks to all for the help!!

I doubt you will be disappointed.

How many clips do you have that don’t work in the 1917? It may be less headache to move them down the road and just use the RPs. Or, separate range kits for each revolver and don’t take them both at the same time.

As for defensive use of the 1917, here is one of mine.

Kevin

 

[cmansguns]

I had some FTF (light primer strikes) with some full moon plastic and also with some real el cheapo stamped metal moons in my 25-2.

There was no issues with the gun itself, and what my gunsmith found was that there was a tremendous variance in moon clip thickness. I bought some factory S&W full moons, a BMT loader and have never had any problem since.

I dumped all the "offending" clips and never looked back. I don't have a Model 1917 (always looking though) so I can't tell if that may be an issue with your clips, but if you see the factory S&W moons for sale somewhere they are worth it in my opinion.

 

[JH1951]

............ Not really interested in using the 1917 for self defense but I’m more than ready to find something that will allow me to shoot it at the range........

I shoot my S&W 1917's with or without moon clips. On my 1917's the cases fall out after being fired, but I keep a chopstick handy just in case I need to extract a sticky one. (This will not work on the Colts 1917.)

 

[sodacan]

I use clips from Revolver Supply. They function perfectly in all of my guns (1950,1955, 625, 1917 and Colt 1917) and with every make of ammunition I have used. Also, you might want to consider the BMT moonclip tool. It's the best one available for loading and unloading the clips.

 

[Kinman]

My carry 1917 is loaded with factory full moon clip, reloading is done with 45AR in strips, they fit easily in any pocket unlike moon clips which require a large jacket or belt pouch, half moons are reasonable but I prefer the strips. At the bench I use 45AR exclusively and only shoot moon clips for initial loading for carry with factory +P ammunition, noone makes 45AR +P ammunition or I would carry that instead of moons.

 

[StrawHat]

I shoot my S&W 1917's with or without moon clips. On my 1917's the cases fall out after being fired, but I keep a chopstick handy just in case I need to extract a sticky one. (This will not work on the Colts 1917.)

You must have one of the few early models that had bored through chambers and was not fitted with a new cylinder.

Kevin

 

[Mlschnei]

I can’t decide which moonclips I need.
I have a TL HE .455 webley that was converted to
45 auto rim. The firing pin won’t reach the primer
of the new .455 mark 2 ammo I bought. The only
solution I can see is trying moonclips to act as a
shim. The center hub of my cylinder is round.
All the clips I find online (for 1917s) do not have a circular
center. Is my gun the same as a 1917?

 

[DWalt]

This is my first entry on the forum and it’s a request to fix a problem. Sorry

I have a newly acquired model 1917 and so far I’m batting 0% on finding moon clips that fit. I bought the Wilson Combat clips from Brownells and several sets of a different maker from Midway. They both fit my 25-2 with no problem but won’t make the last 1/4” from chambering in the 1917.

These are my full length resized reloads and the individual rounds drop in the cylinder with no problem unless they are installed in a moon clip.

I would like to find a source of either full or half moon clips.
Any help greatly appreciated.

Ditto from me on the Ranch Products clips. I use both 1/3 and full moon clips in my Colt and S&W 1917s. Never had a single problem with either type. I prefer the 1/3 moon clips, easier to carry in a pocket. But full moons reload more quickly if that matters. Take your pick. Never owned or used a single half moon clip.

 

[DWalt]

I can’t decide which moonclips I need.
I have a TL HE .455 webley that was converted to
45 auto rim. The firing pin won’t reach the primer
of the new .455 mark 2 ammo I bought. The only
solution I can see is trying moonclips to act as a
shim. The center hub of my cylinder is round.
All the clips I find online (for 1917s) do not have a circular
center. Is my gun the same as a 1917?

So you did actually determine that your TL had been modified for .45 AR. I was sort of suspecting that your firing pin was not long enough to impact the .455 primers due to the very thin .455 rim. I don’t know of a simple fix for that. I would expect that Third moon Ranch .45 clips might work, or rather could be modified to work, with .455 brass, but I couldn’t say without trying. Have you tried using any .45 Colt brass yet? Rims are thicker. You might contact Ranch Products to see if they could send you a few sample Third moon and full moon clips free. I’d bet they would, and if they will do that, contact me by PM and I will explain how I think they can be easily modified. Do you have access to a Dremel tool?

BTW, I do not know for sure as I have no TL, but I believe the ratchet in the TL cylinder would be exactly the same as for the 1917 revolvers. Moon clips should work OK in your TL.

 

[Mlschnei]

So you did actually determine that your TL had been modified for .45 AR. I was sort of suspecting that your firing pin was not long enough to impact the .455 primers due to the very thin .455 rim. I don’t know of a simple fix for that. I would expect that Third moon Ranch .45 clips might work, or could be modified to work, with .455 brass, but I couldn’t say without trying. Have you tried using any .45 Colt brass yet? Rims are thicker. You might contact Ranch Products to see if they could send you a few sample Third moon clips free. I’d bet they would, and if they will do that, contact me by PM and I will explain how I think they can be easily modified. Do you have a Dremel tool?

Yes I considered colt 45 brass, much too long. I thought about
shortening them to AR length and reloading them. But their rims
are not much thicker than the webleys (.045-.06). With rims .09
thick AR is probably my best loaded option, since that is apparently
what this pistol was converted to. I’ve ordered some low pressure
ammo from Steinel to try. I was going to try the moon clips so
I can shoot up the webleys I bought, but know nothing about
them. I live in the armpit of Oklahoma and can’t walk in
anywhere to put my hands on anything. So it’s strictly ordering
online and hope it works.

Martin

 

[steelslaver]

When I conceal carry one of my snub 325s I prefer the 1/2 moons. Way less bulk for carrying reloads and if need be you could do a partial reload. I always stage they cylinder so the first trigger pull will fire the first round in a clip, so you could fire 3 and reload. I also have a few 2 cartridge clips. I must have 100 full moons

 

[T112-4]

My 17 moved on down the road because of " Arther " and I have some moon clips you can have.
Bill
[email protected]

 

[StrawHat]

I can’t decide which moonclips I need.
I have a TL HE .455 webley that was converted to
45 auto rim. The firing pin won’t reach the primer
of the new .455 mark 2 ammo I bought. The only
solution I can see is trying moonclips to act as a
shim. The center hub of my cylinder is round.
All the clips I find online (for 1917s) do not have a circular
center. Is my gun the same as a 1917?

If your New Century was modified to 45 ACP, it most likely had the rear of the cylinder shaved to make room for the clip. As you mentioned, the 45vAuto Rim cartridge has a much thicker rim than the 455 Wesley rim. In order to use the Wesley ammunition you will need to find a shim to hold the cartridge back closer to the firing pin.

They were made a long time ago but a machinist may be able to fabricate one for you.

Kevin

 

[Mlschnei]

My 17 moved on down the road because of " Arther " and I have some moon clips you can have.
Bill
[email protected]

Thank you Sir, email sent.

 

[JwesleyN]

I can’t decide which moonclips I need.
I have a TL HE .455 webley that was converted to
45 auto rim. The firing pin won’t reach the primer
of the new .455 mark 2 ammo I bought. The only
solution I can see is trying moonclips to act as a
shim. The center hub of my cylinder is round.
All the clips I find online (for 1917s) do not have a circular
center. Is my gun the same as a 1917?

I have 2 S&W .45 acp revolvers and use the TK moon clips. Not knowing much about the .45 auto rim cartridge I’m not sure if the moon clips would fit over the rim on that case? Moon clips were designed to fit into the extractor groove on a .45 auto a smaller diameter than I think you would find on the auto rim. An alternative would be to find a smith that could make a custom fit hammer nose type firing pin that’s longer.

 

[JwesleyN]

I have 2 S&W .45 acp revolvers and use the TK moon clips. Not knowing much about the .45 auto rim cartridge I’m not sure if the moon clips would fit over the rim on that case? Moon clips were designed to fit into the extractor groove on a .45 auto a smaller diameter than I think you would find on the auto rim. An alternative would be to find a smith that could make a custom fit hammer nose type firing pin that’s longer.

Now that I thought about it TK may make a 6 rd moonclip for .45 Colt that requires that caliber gun to be machined on the back of the cylinder to except it but in your case that wouldn’t be necessary. You may be able to get one and try? I love my Triple lock!

 

[Mlschnei]

Now that I thought about it TK may make a 6 rd moonclip for .45 Colt that requires that caliber gun to be machined on the back of the cylinder to except it but in your case that wouldn’t be necessary. You may be able to get one and try? I love my Triple lock!

Thanks. I’ll check them out

 

[mtgianni]

Because of this thread I ordered from Ranch products. I left a message with someone and within 5 minutes got a reply from a lady who said "What did you want?" When I told her she said "OH, were somewhere in the south headed for the shot show". I know we have the first ones in stock but I am not sure how many 10 mm/40's we have. I said to send me what they had if they couldn't make up a full order and she told me that she was sorry but it wouldn't ship until they were back on Tuesday. It was great to deal with real people.

 

[chiefdave]

My 1917 received a factory rework in 1954 and the cylinder was replaced with one with straight thru charge holes. The bad news is without the shoulders it is no longer capable of shooting 45 ACP without the moon clips. The good news is that using the thin TK clips it functions with 45 Colt. Not a bad tradeoff.