[10-Ring]

I have been told a simple screwdrivier will be okay or there are a couple of specific tools to use when working w/ moon clips. What is the best way to load & unload moon clips?

[ChristopherG]

There are devices to load them by hand, but I've found they're quite easy to load once you develop the technique of 'rolling' the cartridge in. Only the last one requires a bit of a shove.

For unloading, this is the 'screwdriver' people are referring to:

https://tp-commerce.techpro.com/moonclips/shopdisplayproducts.asp?id=47&cat=S%26W+%2D+Unloading+Tools

There are more elaborate ones out there, but this is almost effortless, foolproof, and pretty quick once you get the hang of it.

ChristopherG

[desmark6]

If you want to save yourself a lot of hassle try some of the new polymer moon clips. No tools required, no sore thumbs and rusty bent clips become a thing of the past! Honest! Check'em out at www.beckhamdesign.com or e-mail me at dans@beckhamdesign.com.

[4v50 Gary]

Looks promising. May have to buy a pack but if I do, I want it sent to NV. Fergit paying CA sales tax.

[ACP230]

I have a simple tool made from a piece of steel pipe.
It has a lip or step milled into it like the S&W Screwdriver tool has and a bit of knurling on the middle of the pipe to give a good grip.
Once the cases are out of the moon clips they slide down the pipe. If I have a cardboard box handy I do the declipping over it. Or let the pipe fill up and then dump five or six cases into a ammo box.

Simple, effective and three bucks or so from a surplus dealer who used to show up at the Second Chance Bowling Pin Shoot.

[BRS]

Longtime lurker here, 1st post.

I've fired M1917s and M25s for nearly 30 years and purchased Malinta full moons when they first became available. Ever since, I've used the same 5" long 7/16" diameter birch dowel rounded at both ends for ease of insertion into the case mouth no mattter how I pick it up. The size of the dowel is just under the ID of the 45 ACP case and the wood seems to grab the brass as I roll the cases out of the moon with the dowel.

BRS

[HogRider]

I bought this kit...

Moon Clips and Removal Tool (http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3637629023&category=36257)

...on Ebay a few month back. It works great for me. Used it about 700 times and have not bend a clip or damaged a case yet. It's small, cheap and efficient.

[Dr.Rob]

I have the same set up as harley..it's a 1917-ish design, works just fine.

[Matt G]

I just yank the barrel out of my 1911 for quick loading and unloading. Dad has an old bulged barrel from a squib load mishap that would be ruined for any other purpose, but is great for setting up FMC's for his 1917. If you've got an old ruined or shot out .45 acp barrel, they work great, assuming you're loading or unloading .45 FMclips.

[Round Gun Shooter]

Take a look at5 this tool. It loads and unloads moon clips.http://www.fototime.com/941386F01F53690/standard.jpg

Regards,

[scott45b]

Here is how I now load my .45 ACP's

[PlayTheAces]

I just roll them in by hand. Removing them, I use a small pair of channel lock pliers to grab the case and roll it out. Might not be the best removal method though if you plan on reloading them.

[10-Ring]

I'm looking for something that won't be rough on the moon clips so I don't have to worry about too much wear & tear, not have to worry about messing up the brass for reloads & look kinda cool when I whip it out to use :D

Oh, & not break the bank! ;)

[desmark6]

10-ring,
A good solution to your problem is to adopt a system that does away with the need for tools altogether. I f you want to know more come check us out at www.beckhamdesign.com. It will make shooting your revolver much easier and pleasurable!

[Dr.Who]

Moonie unloading, I use the tool that was a military issue with a 1917. it is about 3 inches long, bent like a spoon at one end with the sides cut off. approximatly 3/4 inch wide. At the very end of the spoon are two extensions that are used as a flucrom point to roll out each individual round or case. it can be used in either the left or right hand. I found mine at a military table during gun show, just a couple of bucks. Good value for the money and very quick to unload. My last one came with my S&W 625 PC. Don't see the need for something different. If it Ain't Broke... Don't fix it!

As for loading the full moon clips, twist and push gets it done. No special tools other than your fingers and hand strength.

Not too kean on the plastic moons which are suppost to be easier to use. Durability wise I'll stay wil the steel. Hell, I said that I never would own a plastic gun, now i have a G17.... Never say never.....