Anyone ever machine for moonclips?

[jrayborn]

I have a Smith model 625 .45 ACP revolver that of course uses moonclips and I really like how it works. I have seen that there are clips available on the market to use in modified revolvers that allow you to run the gun with the clips or without them as normal.

The problem is that I would have to ship the cylinder out to be machined, at a cost of about $100 plus shipping and then I'd be without the gun. So I decided to buy the clips and do it myself. I did two J-Frames, a model 60 and a model 642.

It came out pretty good and I really love it.

Here are a couple pics of the model 60.

http://i798.photobucket.com/albums/yy261/jrayborn32/357jframe004jpg.jpg
http://i798.photobucket.com/albums/yy261/jrayborn32/357jframe005jpg.jpg
http://i798.photobucket.com/albums/yy261/jrayborn32/357jframe006jpg.jpg
http://i798.photobucket.com/albums/yy261/jrayborn32/357jframe008jpg.jpg
http://i798.photobucket.com/albums/yy261/jrayborn32/357jframe009jpg.jpg

[EMC45]

Very nice!!

[scrapcan]

I have wanted to have this done to a S&W 15-3 for some time. I just have not had the scratch to send off the cylinder.

You did a great job. And how do you like using the moon clips?

[Dframe]

Very nice. Wish I had the ability to do that.

[roysha]

Forgive me for asking this stupid question, but what does the cartridge headspace on when the clip is not used? If the typical roll crimp is done and the cases are of random length, it seems to me that an occasional cartridge could go in a little to far. For mild recoil ammo I suppose a taper crimp in a revolver would suffice but I would have reservations about heavy recoil and a taper crimp.

[scrapcan]

roysha,

have a look at the following website, it will answer your questions.

http://www.moonclips.com/

[theperfessor]

Don't own one but I thought that the inner part of the cylinder face was left untouched so that un-clipped ammo would headspace off of it. But I could be misunderstanding the way it works.

Nice job in any case.

Edit to add: ManlyJT, you posted right before I did. After checking your link I see that it is the outer part of the cylinder face that is left untouched and the inner part is machined to clear the clip.

[imashooter2]

Don't own one but I thought that the inner part of the cylinder face was left untouched so that un-clipped ammo would headspace off of it. But I could be misunderstanding the way it works.

Nice job in any case.

Edit to add: ManlyJT, you posted right before I did. After checking your link I see that it is the outer part of the cylinder face that is left untouched and the inner part is machined to clear the clip.

It's the outer edge that is left full height. The inner and extractor are cut. You can see the ring of material left in the photos.

[jrayborn]

Thanks guys and you are completely correct that the outer diameter of the cylinder face is uncut so you still headspace on it. The clip actually "floats" under the cartridges and on top of the relief cut.

Its a bit of a set-up but seems incredibly easy to do. Now I just need to find a cheaper ($6 per clip???!!!!!!!!!) source of the clips and life will be good! I hope to do a Ruger SP101 and a model 64 Smith this weekend...

Jon

[garandsrus]

Jon,

Here are a couple sites with moonclips. I am not familiar with any of them, but their prices are quite a bit cheaper than $6/clip.

http://www.revolversupply.com/documents/moon_clips.html
http://www.sportsmansguide.com/net/cb/20-pack-45-acp-full-moon-clips.aspx?a=92137

John

[dragonrider]

I paid to have it done to my GP100 many years ago, it was a complete failure. Prior to machining my GP was 100% reliable. After I got 50% failures to fire. No matter what I did the failures to fire continued, finaly got another cylinder and am back to 100% Not knocking moon clips I love em, but like a fool I sold the only other gun I had that used them 20 years ago, A S&W 1917. Worst mistake I ever made.