Let’s Talk About Ruger Full Moon Clips SP101 9mm Luger 3-pack
Revolvers chambered in 9mm offer a unique blend of benefits: readily available ammunition and relatively mild recoil in a platform known for its reliability. However, rimless 9mm cartridges present a challenge in revolvers, leading to the ingenious solution of moon clips. Today, we’re diving deep into the Ruger Full Moon Clips SP101 9mm Luger 3-pack, essential accessories for anyone running a Ruger SP101 chambered in 9mm. These little metal circles promise faster reloads and more reliable extraction, but do they live up to the hype?
I’ve spent years fiddling with all sorts of firearms, from AR platforms to bolt-action rifles. I wanted a compact, reliable revolver for concealed carry. The SP101 in 9mm fit the bill perfectly, but I quickly realized that ejecting spent casings one by one was a major bottleneck. I needed a better way to reload quickly.
Upon opening the package, I was immediately struck by the simplicity of the Ruger Full Moon Clips SP101 9mm Luger 3-pack. They felt solid and well-made, despite their unassuming appearance. The metal had a reassuring weight to it, hinting at durability.
Compared to using speed loaders with other revolvers, these full moon clips seemed like a more streamlined solution. Speed loaders add bulk and complexity, while the moon clips are a low-profile and elegant approach to quick reloads. I also considered just manually loading each cartridge individually, but that’s hardly a speed option at all!
My first impression was one of cautious optimism. I was excited to see if these seemingly simple clips could truly transform the reloading experience of my SP101.
Real-World Testing: Putting Ruger Full Moon Clips SP101 9mm Luger 3-pack to the Test
First Use Experience
My first test of the Ruger Full Moon Clips SP101 9mm Luger 3-pack was at my local outdoor shooting range. I specifically chose a day with variable weather, a bit of wind and occasional sprinkles, to see how the clips would handle less-than-ideal conditions. The temperature was around 50 degrees Fahrenheit.
The performance was immediately noticeable, as loading and unloading became significantly faster. The 9mm rounds snapped into the clip with a satisfying click, and the entire assembly slid into the cylinder with ease. There were no jams or misalignments.
The only initial issue I encountered was removing the spent casings from the clips after firing. It required a bit more force than I anticipated, and I initially had to resort to using a small tool to pry them out. This wasn’t a deal-breaker, but it was something I needed to address.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of regular range trips, the Ruger Full Moon Clips SP101 9mm Luger 3-pack have proven their worth. They are now an indispensable part of my SP101 setup. I typically shoot around 100 rounds per session.
Durability has been excellent so far. Despite repeated use and handling, the clips show no signs of bending or deformation. There’s a slight bit of wear on the finish, but nothing that affects their function.
Maintenance is relatively simple. A quick wipe-down with a cloth after each shooting session is usually sufficient. The more stubborn carbon fouling can be removed with a nylon brush and a bit of solvent.
Compared to my previous experience with manually loading and unloading the SP101, these moon clips are a game-changer. Reloading is at least twice as fast, and ejection is far more reliable. They have transformed the SP101 from a fun plinker to a viable option for self-defense.
Breaking Down the Features of Ruger Full Moon Clips SP101 9mm Luger 3-pack
Specifications
- The Ruger Full Moon Clips SP101 9mm Luger 3-pack is specifically designed for the Ruger SP101 revolver chambered in 9mm Luger. This ensures proper fit and function.
- These clips come in a pack of three, providing a sufficient number for quick reloads at the range or in a self-defense scenario. Having multiple clips pre-loaded greatly enhances the speed of follow-up shots.
- They are made from a durable metal, designed to withstand repeated use and handling. The metal construction provides resistance to bending or deformation under normal use, ensuring long-term reliability.
- The clips feature serrations on the inside of the grip, supposedly to aid in gripping the pistol one-handed. I’ve found this to be minimally effective.
- Ruger applies a special coating to the clips, intended to resist corrosion. The coating helps protect the metal from rust and other environmental factors, extending the life of the clips.
These specifications matter because they directly impact the performance and reliability of the SP101. The proper fit ensures smooth loading and ejection, while the durable materials and corrosion-resistant coating guarantee long-term use. The enhanced grip is supposed to improve handling, though the effectiveness of this feature is subjective.
Performance & Functionality
The Ruger Full Moon Clips SP101 9mm Luger 3-pack significantly enhances the functionality of the SP101. They make reloading much faster and more reliable than manually loading individual rounds or using other speed-loading methods.
The biggest strength is the speed and ease of reloading. A fully loaded clip can be inserted into the cylinder in a matter of seconds, allowing for rapid follow-up shots. The major weakness lies in the difficulty of extracting spent casings from the clips.
These clips definitely meet expectations. They have transformed the SP101 from a slow-reloading revolver to a much more practical firearm for both range use and self-defense.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality of the Ruger Full Moon Clips SP101 9mm Luger 3-pack is excellent. The metal is sturdy, and the overall construction feels solid and well-made. They are lightweight and add minimal bulk to the revolver.
The clips are relatively user-friendly, but there is a slight learning curve to effectively extract spent casings. With a bit of practice, however, the process becomes much easier.
Durability & Maintenance
These clips are designed to last for years with proper care. The durable metal construction and corrosion-resistant coating ensure long-term reliability, even under harsh conditions.
Maintenance is simple and straightforward. Regular cleaning with a cloth and occasional use of a nylon brush and solvent are all that’s needed to keep them in good working order.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Ruger Full Moon Clips SP101 9mm Luger 3-pack themselves don’t offer many customization options. The primary accessory is a moon clip tool, designed to aid in the removal of spent casings. These tools vary in quality, and I suggest getting a well-reviewed steel one.
The clips are compatible with any Ruger SP101 chambered in 9mm Luger, as well as any aftermarket accessories designed for that specific model.
Pros and Cons of Ruger Full Moon Clips SP101 9mm Luger 3-pack
Pros
- Dramatically faster reloads compared to manually loading individual rounds.
- More reliable ejection than relying on the SP101’s ejector rod alone.
- Durable metal construction ensures long-term reliability.
- Simple design makes them easy to use and maintain.
- Relatively inexpensive upgrade that significantly enhances the SP101’s functionality.
Cons
- Spent casings can be difficult to remove from the clips without a dedicated tool.
- Only compatible with Ruger SP101 revolvers chambered in 9mm Luger.
Who Should Buy Ruger Full Moon Clips SP101 9mm Luger 3-pack?
The Ruger Full Moon Clips SP101 9mm Luger 3-pack is perfect for:
- Owners of Ruger SP101 revolvers chambered in 9mm Luger who want to improve reloading speed and reliability.
- Competitive shooters who need to reload quickly during matches.
- Concealed carry holders who want a faster and more reliable self-defense option.
- Anyone who appreciates the simplicity and elegance of a well-designed accessory.
Those who should skip this product:
- Owners of revolvers chambered in calibers other than 9mm Luger.
- Individuals who are comfortable with manually loading and unloading their SP101.
Must-have accessories: A good quality moon clip tool is essential for removing spent casings.
Conclusion on Ruger Full Moon Clips SP101 9mm Luger 3-pack
The Ruger Full Moon Clips SP101 9mm Luger 3-pack are an indispensable accessory for anyone who owns a Ruger SP101 chambered in 9mm Luger. They provide a significant improvement in reloading speed and reliability, transforming the SP101 from a decent plinker into a truly capable firearm.
At $16.99, the price is more than justified. This is a small investment that yields a significant return in terms of performance and usability.
I would wholeheartedly recommend the Ruger Full Moon Clips SP101 9mm Luger 3-pack to any SP101 owner. They are a must-have upgrade that will enhance your shooting experience and make your revolver a more practical and versatile tool. Invest in a set today, and experience the difference for yourself.