I'm a big fan of carrying reloads for my carry guns... and when I had my S&W 642-1 shooting .38s, I went through a few options before sticking with HKS speedloaders. They worked the best for me, and was happy with them.
Fast forward to me converting my J-frame to 9mm... HKS speedloaders aren't the answer. Being my cylinder was converted by Pinnacle, and originally .38, I have to use moonclips. That is given, so I needed to see what works to carry them. Just tossing them in a pocket can work, but also an easy way to bend the moonclip.
For me, I prefer carrying 15 rounds (total) at a minimum. That is how I tend to carry my Ruger LCP and SIG P938 (7+1 in the gun, another 7 rounder as a reload; Magguts conversion for the LCP's standard magazine... and if they do one for the SIG, I'll squeeze some more rounds in it). So, five in the gun, and at least two reloads...
First option is the Ruger Moon Clip Case. You can get these in pairs at ShopRuger and Brownells. Not very expensive, and for how it is designed, I'd hope it wouldn't be. I checked, and the loaded 9mm LCR moonclips are slightly wider than J-frame moonclips (about 1mm larger in diameter). Reviews for 9mm LCR moonclips said they were extremely tight... which I did not feel these were that bad. They weren't that loose, either.
I've yet to see a specific right way to carry these, but you have two options; pocket or on a belt. The belt way loops the case around the belt, and the pressure holds it on the belt... with the moonclip/ammo closing off the top. In the pocket, you have this long tail on it... which isn't that great.
Personally, I am not a fan of these. The moonclip is held, but I rather have more retention. Or at least a more standardized retention. If you look at the holder without a reload in, there is a lip that goes under the extractor groove on the outside round, and a lip keeps the two inside rounds/moonclip from rising. Feel they are too easy to pop them out of, especially if you don't take care to set them right.
Second option is more of a winter, open, or competition carry... even though the last one is a little odd for a J-frame. These are from Revolver Supply Company, and for the 9mm J-frame... you want the short 3/8" posts. They are available in double posts, which you hold two moonclips per post (total of four with a double post holder). I got two of the singles, as it is more comfortable for carry.
Uses a standard belt, which would be fine if I have a cover garment that would hide it. The company says that you can use a heatgun to adjust the retention. Pretty much, heat the curved part for the base, and bend back/forward for retention. I took mine, and once heated, I pushed the post against the wall to get the most retention possible (it will come forward a tad). Will not shed a moonclip, even if just a single one on the post.
For a belt option, I really do like these. They do seem cheapish, until you toss it on. I like fitting the retention for your need, and I haven't seen them get loose. They are a little costly, but if you have the ability to utilize them... very good option.
Fast forward to me converting my J-frame to 9mm... HKS speedloaders aren't the answer. Being my cylinder was converted by Pinnacle, and originally .38, I have to use moonclips. That is given, so I needed to see what works to carry them. Just tossing them in a pocket can work, but also an easy way to bend the moonclip.
For me, I prefer carrying 15 rounds (total) at a minimum. That is how I tend to carry my Ruger LCP and SIG P938 (7+1 in the gun, another 7 rounder as a reload; Magguts conversion for the LCP's standard magazine... and if they do one for the SIG, I'll squeeze some more rounds in it). So, five in the gun, and at least two reloads...
First option is the Ruger Moon Clip Case. You can get these in pairs at ShopRuger and Brownells. Not very expensive, and for how it is designed, I'd hope it wouldn't be. I checked, and the loaded 9mm LCR moonclips are slightly wider than J-frame moonclips (about 1mm larger in diameter). Reviews for 9mm LCR moonclips said they were extremely tight... which I did not feel these were that bad. They weren't that loose, either.
I've yet to see a specific right way to carry these, but you have two options; pocket or on a belt. The belt way loops the case around the belt, and the pressure holds it on the belt... with the moonclip/ammo closing off the top. In the pocket, you have this long tail on it... which isn't that great.
Personally, I am not a fan of these. The moonclip is held, but I rather have more retention. Or at least a more standardized retention. If you look at the holder without a reload in, there is a lip that goes under the extractor groove on the outside round, and a lip keeps the two inside rounds/moonclip from rising. Feel they are too easy to pop them out of, especially if you don't take care to set them right.
Second option is more of a winter, open, or competition carry... even though the last one is a little odd for a J-frame. These are from Revolver Supply Company, and for the 9mm J-frame... you want the short 3/8" posts. They are available in double posts, which you hold two moonclips per post (total of four with a double post holder). I got two of the singles, as it is more comfortable for carry.
Uses a standard belt, which would be fine if I have a cover garment that would hide it. The company says that you can use a heatgun to adjust the retention. Pretty much, heat the curved part for the base, and bend back/forward for retention. I took mine, and once heated, I pushed the post against the wall to get the most retention possible (it will come forward a tad). Will not shed a moonclip, even if just a single one on the post.
For a belt option, I really do like these. They do seem cheapish, until you toss it on. I like fitting the retention for your need, and I haven't seen them get loose. They are a little costly, but if you have the ability to utilize them... very good option.
