Moon Clips - "De-mooning" - WTF?

yskippy · Sep 6, 2010

Took my S&W 325 (45 ACP) to the range this weekend. IT was fantastic to shoot...much more accurate than I expected...just an excellent all around handgun :s0155:

....now the problem....I can't get the empty shell casings out of the moon clips. :angry::angry:

I've seen some posts in other forums and looked at some of the tools out there for "demooning" the clips, but there has to be a better (i.e. no cost) way to get the spent casings out.

Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated.

BillM · Sep 6, 2010

Got an old metal shaft golf club laying around? Chop the shaft off at a point
where the inside diameter is about 1/16" bigger than a 45 case.
Cut down one side of the open end about 1/8". Just like the commercial
de-mooning tool that has a handle like a big screwdriver.

There ya go---a "custom" de-mooning tool for the price of a junk golf club
and 10 minutes time. Use it just like the commercial one.

swampertwo · Sep 6, 2010

A piece of copper pipe-1/2"-will work, too. Tape the hand end or put a kids bicycle grip on it to catch the brass. Should be 9-12" long so all the brass goes in. Cut away the end that slides over the cases and you're ready.

ch139 · Sep 8, 2010

I bought the Brownells tool before I knew better, probably still would spend the $20 or whatever it was as I like it. A lot of folks just use the methods as stated above, there is also a little GI tool you might be able to find a t a gunshow or something that just pries them off. Pics are from Google of what was mentioned above. Just twist!

twoclones · Sep 9, 2010

I found it difficult to get the rounds into the moon clips for my TRR8 so bought the moon clip tool. I don't regret spending the money at all. Works great!

PinkhamR · Sep 18, 2010

Ever consider trying the half moon clips?

PinkhamR · Sep 18, 2010

I have only seen the half moons for the .45 so far .....

Here is a source that I just found for the 1/3 moon clips for 10MM. Good luck! $8.99 for a 25 pack!

http://www.midwayusa.com/viewproduct/?productnumber=192393

PinkhamR · Sep 18, 2010

Glad I could assist. Good luck ... Not sure how far Bethel is .... I think the other side of OKC? I am waaay down in the southwest part of the state. BTW, thanx, I do tyr to list good items on the site ....