What is your preference? Pros and cons? I have been using moon clips with my 686 PC, but bought an HKS speed loader over the weekend. Unable to find a leather moon clip carrier, but found one for my speed loader. What do you guys think?
There is no intrinsic difference in loading speed between speed loaders and moon clips, but speed loaders require more practice to even them up. My main reason for liking them is what Robert B just said - they make unloading a more certain experience. Holders for moons are also less bulky to aid concealment.
Buck
Not only can you use moon clips in .38 and .357 cylinders properly cut for them, but you have the advantage of using that cylinder with or without the moon clips at your discretion -- they aren't required for proper headspace clearance.I didn't think you could use moon clips with rimmed cartridges such as .357. What about guns that have recessed bores? Please explain.
Thanks,
Greg
I didn't think you could use moon clips with rimmed cartridges such as .357. What about guns that have recessed bores? Please explain.
Thanks,
Greg
Speed loaders or moon clips?? Too simplistic a question with too many variables to factor in.
I think that moon clips for .45 ACP are absolutely the fastest. Big heavy round-nose bullet on a short case, practically loads itself. Moon clip fit is not too critical and cartridge jiggle doesn't adversely affect speed.
Full length .357's or even .38's are another story altogether. A long cartridge with loose fitting moon clips can be very difficult to load quickly. The same cartridges used in the type of speed loader that holds the cartridges rigidly makes them much easier, thus faster, to load.
I shoot a 586 using .38 Spl RN in IDPA. I use Safariland Comp III's, which I think are probably faster than loading the same round via moon clips. The speed loader holds the cartridges rigidly and the body of the loader gives you a sure grasp for good cartridge to charge hole alignment. That combined with chamfered charge holes in the cylinder make for fast reloads. Unfortunately, Comp III's are rather large for concealed carry.
I shoot a 627-4 (.38 Super) in USPSA and evaluated 4 different brands of moon clips before I found one that held the cartridges rigidly enough to make loading fast and easy - still not as fast as a .45, but on par with my 586 with Comp III's.
You also have the differences with speed loaders. HKS and 5-Star use the insert and twist the knob mechanism - that's fine for casual loading at the range, but since they require two separate and distinct motions (insert then twist) are slower than speed loaders like the Safariland Comp II (sized more suitably for carry) that only require the insertion motion and release the cartridges on (firm) contact with the extractor star - no separate motion.
With either option, as has been pointed out, practice is mandatory to become proficient.
Adios,
Pizza Bob
I'll respectfully disagree.There is no intrinsic difference in loading speed between speed loaders and moon clips, but speed loaders require more practice to even them up. My main reason for liking them is what Robert B just said - they make unloading a more certain experience. Holders for moons are also less bulky to aid concealment.
Buck
I'm a data point of exactly one -- and all that that impliesFor sport they are great, but the clips themselves are simply too fragile to consider defense use IMO. Plus they kill the ability to do a partial reload.