SIGforum
Picked up a new S&W R8
April 27, 2018, 09:10 PM
trickedtrixPicked up a new S&W R8
I recently had hand surgery and what better way to celebrate temporary loss of a hand than to buy a new wheel gun. Pics soon, but in the meantime i need to pick up some 8 shot moon clips - any recommendations??
*Handguns are fine, Shotguns are final
April 27, 2018, 11:05 PM
patwI don't know about the moon clips but you picked a great gun. Congrats and hope the healing is quick.
April 27, 2018, 11:42 PM
bearverineI picked up one of the 8 shot redhawks awhile back. It's a hoot!
There's a man with a pointy stick at the door!
April 28, 2018, 05:23 AM
4MUL8RTK Moonclips. Factory Moonclips. I just shot without them and carried two moons on social outings.
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Trying to simplify my life...
April 28, 2018, 06:35 AM
rbert0005All of my clips come from Ranch Products.
Enjoy,
Bob
I am no expert, but think I am sometimes.
April 28, 2018, 06:51 AM
BadhammerCongratulations! Can't recall who made them, probably one or both of the manufacturers mentioned in the proceeding posts but I have both the steel and plastic full moon clips for my S&W .45 ACP revolvers and the steel for my S&W 610 revolvers in 10mm and neither brand/style have caused any problems.
The plastic clips make for easier loading and unloading of the rounds on the actual clip, (I just use a piece of wooden dowel to remove the empty cases).
April 28, 2018, 09:44 AM
Pizza BobIf you just want to use moon clips, at the range, for convenience, then any one will do. The least expensive would probably be Ranch. I would backtrack on that "any one will do" statement, as you have to insure that the brass you intend to use will fit the clip. There are no SAAMI dimension specs for the groove ahead of the rim, on rimmed cartridges - some don't even have a groove. So you have to insure that your ammo will fit the clip. Again, Ranch will probably fit the widest assortment of headstamps, albeit loosely in some cases.
This becomes much more critical if you are going to compete with this gun. In that case a wiggle-free fit between case and clip is desirable and may only be found by trial & error and confining yourself to one headstamp. Most people that compete with the 8-shot .357's do so using shorter cartridges like .38 long or short Colt, to facilitate fast reloading.
AFAIK, there are no RIMZ (poly) moon clips for the 8-shot .357's.
Adios,
Pizza Bob
NRA Benefactor Member
April 28, 2018, 03:14 PM
trickedtrixno aspirations of competition - just a solid fun gun at the range
*Handguns are fine, Shotguns are final
April 28, 2018, 04:45 PM
Pizza BobForgot to mention, buy a BMT tool for loading and unloading the moon clips. Expensive, but will save you lots of time, injuries, swearing and heartache - trust me! For your application, Ranch clips should work fine. You can buy them direct. Their website only gives-up a phone number. You have to actually call them and talk to a real live human being to order.
Have fun.
Adios,
Pizza Bob
NRA Benefactor Member
April 28, 2018, 04:58 PM
Sea BassWelcome to the club

I use Speedbeez moon clips only bc they are relatively inexpensive and widely available. Have been thinking of getting some more speedy ones and see if they load faster.
SB
"Shohna ba Shohna - Shoulder to Shoulder"
April 29, 2018, 02:32 PM
RichardCNot what you asked for but alternative to moon clips.
Excellent quality products.
https://www.5starfirearms.com
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April 30, 2018, 12:58 PM
trickedtrixNow the next question - owb holster
*Handguns are fine, Shotguns are final
May 05, 2018, 09:49 AM
trickedtrixFinally got to shoot her last night - only left handed, but she shot great - a real kitten with .38's and plenty manageable with full power .357. Sight picture is great and it balances well. Love the trigger. I'm looking at moon clip loaders - what's the forum favorite?
*Handguns are fine, Shotguns are final
May 05, 2018, 10:07 AM
Sea BassI have two holsters for mine:
1) Safariland 002 cup challenge. I like it bc it’s fast and the open design allows for red dots.
2) Safariland 568 custom fit paddle holster for 5 inch N frames. This holster isn’t much to look at but works well when you don’t need or can’t use a speed holster. I compete with mine and if I shoot at a particular club that focuses on “tactical” over competition they do not allow the 002 cup holster.
As for moon clips I have speed beez...I don’t have the info on me now but do a google search for fitting certain thickness moon clips to certain brands of brass. Believe it or not .38 spc and .357 don’t have standard brass designs and the gap near the rim varies per brand by a few thousandths.
I don’t use a moon clip loader but I do use the $4 Wilson de-mooner as the edges of the clips can be sharp and hard to manipulate.
Glad you like your R8, they are awesome!
SB
"Shohna ba Shohna - Shoulder to Shoulder"
May 05, 2018, 11:31 AM
rbert0005A pair of old pliers.
Bob
I am no expert, but think I am sometimes.
May 05, 2018, 08:31 PM
trickedtrixHa, pliers is exactly what i used earlier today, and a failed attempt at using a strap wrench. Thanks for the holster suggestions
*Handguns are fine, Shotguns are final
May 06, 2018, 12:26 AM
smpsmpNo suggestions on moon clips, but congrats on the r8. Dont know if they do still, but they made one without the rail. Its been a want gun for awhile for me. Whats not to love about an 8 shot 5 in wheel gun.