Uncovering the Ruger Redhawk 45 Auto/.45 Colt 6-Round Moon Clips, 3-Pack: Real Review
As someone who’s spent over a decade wrestling with gear across varied, often demanding, environments – from the precision of a laboratory bench to the unforgiving nature of outdoor expeditions, and the grit of workshop floors – I’ve developed a keen eye for what works and what’s just along for the ride. My recent dive into the world of revolver accessories brought me to the Ruger Redhawk 45 Auto/.45 Colt 6-Round Moon Clips, 3-Pack. These aren’t just simple pieces of metal; for a revolver shooter, especially one who appreciates efficiency and smooth operation, they can be a game-changer. My particular need for these arose from a desire to streamline my reloads during extended range sessions with my Ruger Redhawk, which often involves switching between .45 Auto and .45 Colt cartridges. I’d been using speed loaders, but the ejection process with .45 Auto rounds was often a bit fumbly, leading to dropped rounds and precious seconds lost.
The initial impression upon receiving the three-pack was one of quiet confidence. The moon clips themselves felt substantial, with a clean, uniform finish. Made from what feels like robust stainless steel, they exude a promise of durability. While I briefly considered generic, unbranded moon clips from online marketplaces, the assurance of them being specifically designed for Ruger’s Redhawk chambering in .45 Auto/.45 Colt was a significant draw. The prospect of a simple, effective solution to a reloading frustration brought a quiet sense of satisfaction.
Real-World Testing: Putting Ruger Redhawk 45 Auto/.45 Colt 6-Round Moon Clips, 3-Pack to the Test
First Use Experience
My testing ground for these Ruger moon clips was primarily the outdoor shooting range, specifically during a multi-hour session where I focused on timed reloads and sustained firing. I loaded them with both .45 Auto and .45 Colt ammunition, ensuring a variety of bullet profiles and loadings were represented. The conditions were fairly typical for a spring day: moderate temperatures, a light breeze, and the usual dust kicked up from the firing line.
The ease of use was immediately apparent. Loading the cartridges into the clips was straightforward, and importantly, no special tools were required for this initial loading. The design allows for a firm grip and positive seating of each round. I found myself able to load a full clip quickly, even with gloves on.
What surprised me most, however, was the positive ejection. The clips made ejecting spent casings a clean, singular action. Instead of individual casings fumbling out, the entire clip, with all six spent rounds attached, ejected cleanly. This was a significant improvement over my previous experience with .45 Auto rounds and my revolver.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several range days and numerous reloads, these moon clips have proven to be remarkably resilient. I’ve dropped a loaded clip on a concrete firing line (accidentally, of course), and while it made a clang, the clip remained intact and functional, with no deformation that affected its performance. The stainless steel construction has resisted any noticeable scratching or corrosion, even after being exposed to a light misting of rain during one particularly uncooperative weather day.
Maintenance has been a non-issue. A quick wipe-down with a soft cloth after a dusty range session is all that’s needed. They store easily in a small pouch or even a pocket without snagging. Compared to some cheaper alternatives I’ve encountered in the past, which often developed sharp edges or became difficult to load after just a few uses, this three-pack from Ruger demonstrates superior longevity and consistent performance. They perform exactly as advertised, providing a reliable mechanism for both speed loading and controlled ejection.
Breaking Down the Features of Ruger Redhawk 45 Auto/.45 Colt 6-Round Moon Clips, 3-Pack
Specifications
These Ruger Redhawk 45 Auto/.45 Colt 6-Round Moon Clips, 3-Pack are specifically designed for the Ruger Redhawk revolver chambered in .45 Auto/.45 Colt. Each clip holds 6 rounds, accommodating both .45 Auto and .45 Colt cartridges. They are constructed from .032 thickness stainless steel, which provides a good balance of rigidity and slight flexibility for loading. The pack contains three individual moon clips.
The .032 inch thickness is crucial; it’s substantial enough to hold the rounds securely yet thin enough to facilitate smooth insertion and extraction from the cylinder. The optimized charge hole design mentioned in the product description is key to their functionality, ensuring positive ejection across a range of .45 Auto ammunition types. This means you don’t have to worry as much about specific bullet profiles causing issues during extraction. Compared to some thinner gauge clips that can bend easily, these feel built to withstand the rigors of repeated use.
Performance & Functionality
The primary function of these moon clips – facilitating faster reloads and positive ejection – is executed exceptionally well. For speed reloads, they truly shine. Aligning a pre-loaded clip with the cylinder and seating all six rounds simultaneously is significantly faster than loading rounds individually, especially under pressure. The positive ejection aspect is also a major win, clearing the cylinder cleanly and quickly.
The strengths lie in their robust construction and intelligent design for dual-caliber use. They reliably hold both .45 Auto and .45 Colt rounds, which is a significant convenience for owners of revolvers chambered for both. A minor point of improvement might be the loading process itself; while tool-less, it still requires a firm press to seat the last round. However, this is common for moon clips and is a small price to pay for the benefits they offer. They meet and exceed expectations for their intended purpose.
Design & Ergonomics
The design of these moon clips is focused entirely on functionality, and it shows. The stainless steel construction gives them a solid, dependable feel. The edges are clean and free of burrs, ensuring they won’t snag or feel rough during handling. While there’s no specific “ergonomic” shaping beyond the cutouts for the rounds, the .032 thickness provides enough surface area for a good grip when loading and unloading.
The clean finish and precise manufacturing mean they slide smoothly into and out of the revolver’s cylinder. There is no perceived learning curve; if you understand how a moon clip works, these will be immediately intuitive. The markings, if any, are subtle and unobtrusive, focusing purely on function over form.
Durability & Maintenance
These Ruger Redhawk 45 Auto/.45 Colt 6-Round Moon Clips, 3-Pack are built for longevity. Given their stainless steel construction and the minimal moving parts involved, they are designed to last for years of regular use. I haven’t seen any signs of fatigue or wear that would suggest a short lifespan. They are inherently resistant to corrosion, which is a massive advantage for anyone who shoots in less-than-ideal conditions.
Maintenance is as simple as it gets: keep them clean and dry. Unlike some other firearm accessories that require lubrication or specialized cleaning solutions, these simply need to be wiped down. There are no obvious failure points, barring gross misuse or damage. The design is inherently robust.
Accessories and Customization Options
The product itself comes as a 3-pack, which is the primary “accessory” or value bundle. There are no other included accessories. Customization isn’t applicable in the traditional sense for moon clips; their form is dictated by the cylinder they fit and the rounds they hold. However, the fact that they are designed for both .45 Auto and .45 Colt ammunition in a specific revolver platform provides a significant level of functional customization for the shooter who utilizes both calibers. Compatibility with other brands of moon clips isn’t really a factor, as they are designed for a specific firearm model.
Pros and Cons of Ruger Redhawk 45 Auto/.45 Colt 6-Round Moon Clips, 3-Pack
Pros
- Significantly speeds up reloads for the Ruger Redhawk in .45 Auto/.45 Colt.
- Ensures positive and clean ejection of spent casings, making for a smoother range experience.
- Constructed from durable .032 thickness stainless steel, offering good rigidity and longevity.
- No specialized tools required for loading ammunition into the clips.
- Comes as a convenient 3-pack, providing sufficient clips for a range session.
Cons
- Loading the last few rounds can still require a firm push.
- While tool-less for loading, some shooters might prefer a dedicated tool for faster initial loading or for un-loading spent casings if they don’t want to bend them.
Who Should Buy Ruger Redhawk 45 Auto/.45 Colt 6-Round Moon Clips, 3-Pack?
These Ruger Redhawk 45 Auto/.45 Colt 6-Round Moon Clips, 3-Pack are ideal for any owner of a Ruger Redhawk revolver chambered in .45 Auto/.45 Colt who values efficient reloading and clean shooting. If you frequently shoot your Redhawk at the range, participate in competition, or simply want to minimize downtime between shots, these clips are a worthwhile investment. They are particularly beneficial for those who shoot .45 Auto and .45 Colt interchangeably with their revolver.
Anyone who finds individual casing ejection fumbling or slow should seriously consider these. However, if you only shoot your revolver occasionally and prioritize simplicity over speed, or if you absolutely never shoot .45 Auto rounds through your revolver, then these might be overkill. For those looking to enhance their reloading experience, consider pairing these with a quality speedloader pouch or a small tray that keeps your pre-loaded clips organized and easily accessible on the firing line.
Conclusion on Ruger Redhawk 45 Auto/.45 Colt 6-Round Moon Clips, 3-Pack
Overall, the Ruger Redhawk 45 Auto/.45 Colt 6-Round Moon Clips, 3-Pack deliver precisely what they promise: enhanced reloading speed and improved ejection for a specific, popular firearm. Their build quality is solid, the stainless steel construction is a definite plus for durability, and the ease of use makes them accessible to most shooters. For the price of $16.99 for three clips, the value proposition is quite strong, especially considering the time and frustration they can save on the range.
I would absolutely recommend these to any Ruger Redhawk owner in .45 Auto/.45 Colt who wants to optimize their shooting experience. They are a practical, well-made accessory that directly addresses a common need for revolver shooters. If you’re looking to make your range sessions smoother and more efficient, picking up this three-pack is a sensible choice.