FN Barracuda - Ok to shoot 9mm with out moon clips?

[gotime242]

Hey all, I have a FN Barracuda with the two wheels (.357/9mm)...but I do not have the 9mm moon clips.

The 9mm rounds move around quite a bit while the wheel is rotated.

Is it safe to shoot 9mm without the moon clips, or are they required?

Thanks

 

[rcmodel]

Look inside the 9mm chambers and see if there are chamber length headspace shoulders in there.
I rather guarantee there will be though.

If so, you can shoot them without clips.

If you get constant misfires, you can't.

You will have to dig the empties out with your fingernails one at a time though.

rc

 

[Old Fuff]

If the 9mm cartridges headspace correctly you should be O.K., and I suspect they will. If the clip is necessary to hold the round in place, rather then have it positioned by the chamber at the front you'll have to use the clips.

 

[Inebriated]

Moon clips are more for the extraction process, than anything else. Though it's possible that they are there to keep the cartridge in place, I agree with rc... it likely has headspace shoulders in the chambers for that, and the clips are for extraction.

 

[tekarra]

Try it and see. The 9mm is a tapered case and without moon clips a fired case may set back against the recoil shield and bind the cylinder. If this happens, the moon clip will prevent setback of the case.

I am envious of your Barracuda, thanks for the photo.

 

[gotime242]

Thanks all for the info. I think it should be ok to try at least and see how it goes.

tekarra - That was actually just a picture off google. But here is a picture of mine, next to my FNP-9.

Two FN Herstals...30 years apart.