I used a polymer scissors-style de-mooner twice with my first 625-8 in '02 before it became an expensive paper weight. When I stupidly sold my first 625-8 6/04, I got rid of my nutdriver style 'moon clip stripper' from Brownells, stock #352-197-000AB $14.36. I ordered my 625JM, after a long 6+ months without a .45 ACP revolver, from my pusher's on a Saturday in early 2/05. I ordered the replacement nutdriver style 'demooner', HKS speedloaders, etc, first thing Monday AM. The revolver arrived Tuesday - the parts, including a HiViz .250" height 'Classic/DX' front sight you see on it in the 'sea of moonclips' picture, got here a day later. The 625JM has a spring loaded front sight mount permitting tool-less changes in seconds - a great attribute!
BTW, a fellow offered me $200 over what a current 4" 625 cost at the pusher's that late June day... came in handy for a vacation, during which I missed my 625. A rumor persisted of finally a second batch of 625MG in .45 ACP, so I waited. I'd still be waiting had it not been for my spying the new 625JM on the S&W site that Sat AM. He ordered it for me for $569 - $10 less than his in-stock 4" & 5" 625s. Sadly, my CFO was standing behind me, having returned from the girley store, heard everything. "What did you do?", she quipped, "You just ordered a $600 gun like you would a 'Happy Meal'!". I had to buy her something more than a 'Happy Meal' that day... but I would get the toy!
The long period without my .45 ACP was unbearable. Sure, I had a 625MG in .45 Colt - and 24 & 629 for .44 Specials - and I reloaded. just something really neat about those moonclips... and enough 'thump' to let you know it fired. Ammo is available and affordable, if you don't reload, and is still a 'big bore'! Just fun.
Stainz