Learn me up real quick somebody. Did they not step the cylinder because of costs? Or what is the reason they decided that was a good idea to use the clips, does it have to do with reloading? Like a speed loader of sorts?
Yup, the moon and half-moon clips are faster to load and unload. S&W had a patent on them.
https://patentimages.storage.googleapis.com/53/54/b7/1504a16c3c5e28/US923068.pdfI believe the historical events were:
US: We can’t make the M1911 fast enough to fulfill our needs dudes.
US: Bro, who can make pistols quickly, chambered in .45 ACP?
Colt and S&W: We can totally convert our heavy frame revolvers to take .45 ACP by using a different cylinder and barrel!
US: Awesome dudes, do it!
S&W: We can use half-moon clips for faster reloads and easy carry of cartridges!
US: Great, do it and it’d be brotastic if you let Colt use your patent!
S&W:
buzzkill dude...but yeah, okay for the flag and all, we got yer back bro!
US: You know these are totally awesome and we love the half-moon clips so much that we made a three compartment pouch for up to three full reloads.
Colt and S&W: but...?
US: ...but dudes, it would be rad if you could load individual cartridges if necessary.
Colt and S&W: Okay, that’ll take a little longer to machine the chambers of the cylinder but we can do that.
US: Cool!