Which Moon Clips??

kev74

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I have a certificate for free moon clips from TK Custom, and a new S&W 929.

Trying to figure out which moon clips to pick for this revolver. They have blued steel, stainless steel, .035", .040" and weird looking clips with split ends.

Any guidance is appreciated. Thanks!
 
From the website:
We designed our 929 .040 .380 moon clips thicker for tighter headspace allowing you to reduce your double action trigger pull.

We re-designed the 929 moon clips with slits to make them easier for loading and unloading.

FWIW, until I was sure of needing something different, I'd go with the OEM model.
 
Free is free - take a shot, but if you want the most useful, hassle-free moon clips for your 929, use these...

https://ezmoonclip.com/Rimz 929.htm

Any metal moon clip only holds the cartridge by the extractor groove so the fit between that and the ammunition you intend to use is crucial. But once you find the optimum fit, that means that you are stuck with using that exclusively.

The RIMZ poly clips not only hold the cartridge by the extractor groove, they also surround the cartridge head, lending additional support - less cartridge wiggle. I have been using RIMZ clips with my 929 for USPSA for about the last four or five years. No hassle - works with all headstamps. Wiggle free and less prone to damage should an over-zealous RSO step on one while following you through a COF.

Here is a picture that shows the rebate in the clip...
moon-clip-RIMZ-2021-03-28-15-09-59-UTC.jpg


Easier to load and unload the clips too.

Adios,

Pizza Bob
 
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kev74, the different thickness moonclips are meant to work with different brand 9mm ammo and brass. If you search the TK Custom's website there is a chart showing brass brand vs. moonclip size. Unfortunately there are no SAAMI standards on the dimensions of the rim groove width and diameter of each caliber, hence the different models. I think the website also describes the brass brand(s) best used with each different moonclip type in their descriptions. TK MOONCLIP INFO

Blue steel vs stainless is really about cost and aesthetics. Blue steel are cheaper, but can corrode if you ignore them. SS are easier to clean IMO. You'll see some that have an extra cut between each round; these are meant to be easier to load/unload w/o tools.

I've had about 100 of the blue steel TKC 929 moonclips for 9 yrs. To date I've lost one, mostly because I stepped on it and bent it while moving during a reload. They're really quite durable, but use the tools to load and unload them to avoid.

I believe TK makes the S&W factory moonclips (blue steel) that come with the 929's.
 
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In my experience, with rimmed cartridges you do indeed have to match the clip to the case. With rimless semi auto cartridges though, 9mm, 10mm, and ,45 acp I use whatever clips I can find and have never had any issues whatsoever.
 
I use TKC's "Smith & Wesson 929 9mm Moon Clips Stainless Steel STD S/S" in my 929 and they work with all the ammo that I tried. Stainless is good, they get dirty easily. Also, I recommend the loading tool.

Can you kindly make recommendation on moon clips for my S&W Performance Center Model 325 Thunder Ranch, 45 ACP? I also need recommendations on a good quality moon tool; I only want to buy the best tool first time. My need is based on the issues I have with finger strength when hand loading and unloading the factory SW moon clips. Blessings!
 
kev74, the different thickness moonclips are meant to work with different brand 9mm ammo and brass. If you search the TK Custom's website there is a chart showing brass brand vs. moonclip size. Unfortunately there are no SAAMI standards on the dimensions of the rim groove width and diameter of each caliber, hence the different models. I think the website also describes the brass brand(s) best used with each different moonclip type in their descriptions. TK MOONCLIP INFO

Blue steel vs stainless is really about cost and aesthetics. Blue steel are cheaper, but can corrode if you ignore them. SS are easier to clean IMO. You'll see some that have an extra cut between each round; these are meant to be easier to load/unload w/o tools.

I've had about 100 of the blue steel TKC 929 moonclips for 9 yrs. To date I've lost one, mostly because I stepped on it and bent it while moving during a reload. They're really quite durable, but use the tools to load and unload them to avoid.

I believe TK makes the S&W factory moonclips (blue steel) that come with the 929's.
Hoping that TK sells moon clips for S&W Performance Center Model 325 Thunder Ranch , 45 ACP. I also need to find recommendations on a quality moon loading tool for loading them up and after range unloading. Recommendations? TY
 
For loading I just use a pair of pliers and gently squeeze them in.
 
Can you kindly make recommendation on moon clips for my S&W Performance Center Model 325 Thunder Ranch, 45 ACP? I also need recommendations on a good quality moon tool; I only want to buy the best tool first time. My need is based on the issues I have with finger strength when hand loading and unloading the factory SW moon clips. Blessings!

Hi there,

I use Speed Beez Moon clips in my 325 TR:

1782916197027.webp

They come with a simple de-mooning tool.

Speed Beez also makes a good Kydex holster for the 325 TR, BTW.

For moon clip loading, the best tool, IMO, is from TK Custom:

1782916318892.webp

Not cheap, but worth it, IMO. They also have a better de-mooning tool than the free Speed Beez one.

Hope this helps,

Roland.
 
The only answer is to buy a sample of all, to see what works best with your gun your ammo and your loading tool.

Otherwise you will always wonder if the other type works better.
 
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There is a tool available that will load moon clips with a twist of the wrist, all six. Reverse the process and the moon clip is empty. I can not recall the maker. Perhaps another poster can help. It is pricey but it works well.

As far as clips are concerned, I have been happy with the original producer, Ranch Products.

https://www.ranchproducts.com/

Kevin
 
There is a tool available that will load moon clips with a twist of the wrist, all six. Reverse the process and the moon clip is empty. I can not recall the maker. Perhaps another poster can help. It is pricey but it works well.

As far as clips are concerned, I have been happy with the original producer, Ranch Products.

https://www.ranchproducts.com/

Kevin
Found it!

http://www.bmtequipped.com/purchase.php

Pricey but does everything you asked for in the Opening Post.

Kevin
 
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I have reported on another thread that the moonclip depot design which has split arms for ease of installation and removal of brass is not able to handle typical stresses. I bent clip arms simply carrying a loaded one in my sportcoat pocket. Five of the seven rounds fell out.

I have successfully used the plastic clips. I use them mostly for basic range use.

I purchased the PC986 ten clips and tools set from TK Custom. Best thing I ever did. Nice thick clips, cartridges fit well, and the tool is ideal for insertion.
 
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This reminds me: this guy on ebay 3D prints some nice “moon clip carriers”. You can put on your belt or remove the belt clip and put in your pocket. I have them for 325, 986 and 929, for 3 clips each. No connection other than being a happy user.

1784488913483.webp
 
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