Moon clip tool

[P.A. Myers]

I got this off eBay a couple of years ago [the picture not the tool]. It is a good picture, so I made one. Works great. I use snap ring pliers to remove the empty cases. This obviously is for 'full' moons. Half moon clips should be thrown away. I don't know if something like this is available retail.

[StrawHat]

Interesting tool.  I made something similar.  Apparently you don't like half moon clips.  I bet you have the same opinion about 1/3 moon clips?  They hold two shots.  I found them ideal for using in the woods when I might only fire one or two shots at a time.  It allowed me to keep the revolver loaded with six.  Half moons could be used for the same purpose.  Now, I load the 45 AR case and use them for my first six.  Still have all my full moons, half and third moon clips and find I use them about as much.  Mostly for recharching the revolver.

[P.A. Myers]

My problem with the partial moons is they are hard to load or reload. I had to clamp them in a vise. I also use the 'no moon' clip, the auto rim. Full moons are the best speed loader.

In the serious defense mode, I don't use ARs because the thin ejector on the Model 25 will often miss one.

[StrawHat]

My everyday carry piece is a S&W M28 I reworked to 45 ACP.  For SD I use full moons and full moons for recharging.  When I am in the woods is when I use the ARs.  Never had a problem with them ejecting.  Get the barrel pointing at the sky and they fall out.  I load to about 900 fps with many of my loads so they are not powder puffs and they eject well.

I understand about unloading the 1/2 and 1/3 moons, not at all fun.  I have a tube that helps,  made from 1/2 thin wall tubing.  Just cover the case and roll the tube.  Not too bad.