Moon Clips

[ChattCat]

I have recently bought a 625 which I'm very happy with. But accidently found out that you don't want to bend your moon clips. Those of you whom have owned or shoot frequently are used to this I'm sure, question is do you straighten them and go back to using or is it a waste of time trying? Also in shopping for moon clips I see there are several thickness you can get, what determins the correct thickness? Who has a reliable source for moon clips and does stainless over carbon steel make any diffrence? Thanks Tim

 

[BlueOvalBandit]

If you're looking at what I think you're looking at there are thinner moonclips 0.031" IIRC that enable using 45acp in guns with 45LC cylinders. For moonclips 625's in 45acp are not picky, just buy a bunch from ranch products.

When it comes to the 8 shot 38/357 revolvers, especially in competition, moonclips make a difference. That's when you pony up for the hearthco's.

 

[KLNC]

I've found it's pretty tough to straighten them out once bent. If you use a quality moon clip tool however, bending is unusual. I found the best deal at a company called Ranch Products--I believe they sell 100 for $35.00. If you don't need that many, arrange to split an order with a friend.

 

[nutsforsmiths]

I bought a de-mooning tool and Wilson Combat moon clips from Brownell's quite some time ago. I have never bent any of the Wilson Combat moon clips I have owned.

I did get some cheap and very thin ones from Numrich Gun Parts a long time ago and those were easily bent.

 

[amazingflapjack]

mooncliptool.com no more bent clips.

 

[Dale53]

I use both Ranch Products steel clips and Ezmoonclips.com polymer clips (also called Rimz clips). The new Model 25 polymer clips are nearly as sturdy as steel clips, but can be loaded and unloaded without tools. I can recommend them without reservation. They are my "new standard"...

I have a 625-6 (Model of 1989) and a 625-8 Jerry Miculek Special.

Dale53

 

[Mike Q.]

Greetings-

I would discard the bent moon clips. Straightening a bent clip would be difficult, I suspect.

Regarding the clip dimensions, mine all run between 0.040" and 0.043" in thickness. A friend bought some clips from an online source that were thicker - 0.050", I think. They were too thick for my guns.


Respectfully,
Mike Q.

 

[TAROMAN]

+1 What Flapjack said:

mooncliptool.com no more bent clips.

That tool just flat works.

 

[BobR1]

I second the "Original" Delux Moon Clip Tool mentioned above. Deluxe Moon Clip Tool
It has another advantage in that you can get additional mandrels for different moon clip guns. I have the normal 45 acp one, and a 10mm/40 S&W, an L Frame 38/357, and J Frame 38 to load clips for. If you have something exotic like a moon clip converted 480 Super RedHawk, you can get a mandrel for it also. If they do not stock it, they will make it.

Good advice on the Ranch Products clips also. They have the best price on moon clips. Dont worry about buying 100. They store well on a nail in the shop
The Rimz plastic ones are handy for no tool loading. I think they are made a little better now than the older version that I have.

For storing empty moon clips in your gun case a metal screw lid pellet can works pretty well. Our 4H shooting sports program generates several empty cans at the range every year.

Enjoy your 625.

Bob