Moon clip Question

[DeaconKC]

Okay, I've got a 1917 S&W and they were originally made to use half moon clips back in 1917. However, no one currently makes the half moon clips now, just the full moon ones. Are full moon clips allowed in Zoot Shooting/ Just wanting to make sure so if I need to hunt up halfs I can. Thanks

[kahrnut1]

several listings for 1/2 moon on ebay. search 1917 half moon clips

[gb6491]

Numrich has them as well: http://www.gunpartscorp.com/catalog/Detail.aspx?pid=252670B&filter=Half+Moon+Clips&catid=0
Regards,
Greg

[Tilos]

When I had the dealer order a SW625 he orderd extra full moon clips from Smith for me.
And here:
http://www.brownells.com/.aspx/pid=20526/Product/S-W-REVOLVER-RIMZ-SPEEDLOADER

http://www.ezmoonclip.com/

Or even here:
http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Category4_750001_750051_757842_-1_757839_757837_image

[DeaconKC]

I love the full moon clips for everyday use, that's what it's loaded up with right now. I'm just wondering about the competition rules.

[Tilos]

The 3 round clips are easier to pocket and I would check Brownells or ebay.
I'd check the rules at the assoc. website...then you'll know.
Tilos

[DeaconKC]

I couldn't find anything in the rules regarding this. Hopefully you have better luck!

[vedearduff]

From the following quoted rule snippet, it looks like a strict interpretation would say no to the full clips. Were the full clips available in the '30s?

"All guns and loading devices must be of their period correct profile and may be loaded to their correct capacity prior to 1940"

If the half clips are not obtainable, I see no reason why the full clips could not be used. For that matter, I would have no problem with anyone using the full clips even if the half clips are readily available.

I checked the Numrich link posted above and it looks like they do have them ( (the half clips) in stock.

Vernon

[DeaconKC]

Hmmm, found a patent for a full moon clip from 1908, but not for 45 ACP cartridge.

[vedearduff]

Hmmm, found a patent for a full moon clip from 1908, but not for 45 ACP cartridge.

What cartridge and revolver is it for? The fact that there was a full clip at that time suggests that it is possible, perhaps likely, that one existed for your revolver.

The good thing about the half clips is that they would be easier to carry in a pocket than would the full clip. The ones in the Numrich link above are relatively inexpensive at $1.65 per pair.

Vernon

[JFootin]

For a 5 shot revolver, are the two half clips different sizes (2 and 3)?

[DeaconKC]

IT's for a 1917 S&W, actual US Army issued revolver. Yup, the halfs are easier to caryy, I just have a jillion full ones already.

[Tilos]

How about cutting the sixes in half:2eek:

Think dremel, cut off wheel;)

Sheeesh,
Tilos

[DeaconKC]

These are made from spring steel, I don't know how well that would work. JFootin, I have never seen halfs for 5 shot revolvers.

[JFootin]

These are made from spring steel, I don't know how well that would work. JFootin, I have never seen halfs for 5 shot revolvers.

The reason I asked is because so many revolvers are 5 shot. Of course 6 shot would solve the problem. I understand that you can have a modern revolver machined to accept moon clips, which might be a good solution for reload rather than fiddling with a speed loader.

[Tilos]

Doesn't sound like you are really looking for a solution here.
IT WORKS I'VE DONE IT.
I've added slots to full moons, between the cavities for easier loading, and used a dremel and cut off wheel.
I know they are spring steel...I didn't tell you to use a hacksaw or tin snips did I??

sheeeeeeeeeesh
Never mind then,
Tilos

[DeaconKC]

LOL, that is good news. Thanks! Did you use any type of special disc, the fiberglass reinforced one or just the regular thin ones?

[G Man]

Hustler asked me to weigh in here and give you an official AZSA answer to this question. The original design for moon clips was for a full moon clip. The design was changed to the two half moons at the request of the Army in an attempt to make the loaded clips easier to ship through the military supply system as well as easier and flatter to carry in a canvas case on a pistol belt.

While the half moon clip was by far the most common, full moon clips were available in both the U. S. and in Great Brittan during WW 1. Therefore the answer is spring steel (not the nylon/plastic) full moon clips may be used in AZSA events.

Hope that helps.

[G Man]

I fully understand why you would prefer full moon over half moon clips. AZSA is a competition after all and one clip will be much faster to load than two. If you just have to use the more common (at that time) half moon clips they are available.

If you don't mind dealing with E Bay and Pay Pal several listings for Half Moon Clips (such as the one below) can be found there.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/130651244279?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2648

[DeaconKC]

Great news as I have a ton of full moons, but of course as Murphy was an optimist, I recently was given a half dozen more half moons too!