Revolver Guys - speedloaders

[glocksmith]

I know there are a few of us wheelgunners here so - have any of you used the newer Safariland speedloaders, and if so, what is your overall opinion of them? I finally bought one to test out, but it's still in the box and it appears it will be awhile before I can get a chance to play around with it. I was just curious if they were really so much faster than the old HKS style. YT videos and tests seem to point to the Safariland being much superior once you get used to using them.

[Morne]

They do seem to be what the competitors choose if they are not using moon clipped guns.

I've never used them. HKS or Tuffstrips for me. I also like moon clipped guns.

[Brian D.]

Of course the HKS loaders are totally gravity-dependent, while at least some of the Safariland models are spring assisted. But regardless of that there is much practice of good technique required to get really fast, and best results are always achieved with the muzzle held as close to straight down as possible during the reload.

Another thing you want to get into the habit of doing is have the muzzle as close to straight UP as possible when dumping out the empties, and not just to make the cases themselves fall out freely. It's also important because that way most all of the small specks of residue get out of the chambers and don't get stuck under the extractor star. Those little pieces of crud will sooner or later prevent the cylinder from closing easily.

Two other things to ponder: Chamfering the edges of the cylinder holes is helpful to a quicker, sure reload, especially when using bullets with any sort of flat/hollow front end. You can get the proper tool and do it yourself, or any decent gunsmith can handle the job at a reasonable price. Also, a VERY good habit for double action revolver users to get into: After loading the gun and closing the cylinder, take a second to pull the hammer back just far enough to check that the cylinder will indeed turn freely, none of that aforementioned dirt is binding up the action. Probably not so critical if the gun is clean as a whistle at the time, but after some shooting has taken place, it's a very important practice that every serious wheel gunner I've ever known does without even having to think about it. Naturally you want to perform that check that following all rules of range safety, match regulations, etc.

[Whirlwind06]

I like the Safariland style myself. I don't have any of the spring loaded types. I usually carry a reload in my front right pocket.

[glocksmith]

Thanks for the info. The reason I asked is that I'm new to speedloaders and have recently purchased both styles - but haven't tried em out yet. I suppose that when I do, I'll find which works best for my hands and coordination. I hadn't heard of the Safariland design until recently, so I'm guessing they are relatively new on the scene and haven't been time tested. The HKS style has been around at least a few decades.

[glocksmith]

They do seem to be what the competitors choose if they are not using moon clipped guns.

I've never used them. HKS or Tuffstrips for me. I also like moon clipped guns.

Morne, if you were going to CC a moon-clip capable revolver...would you load it up with a moon clip for the first cylinder full...or would you load em in loose? Guess my point is for the initial, "at home" loading you don't really need a moon clip - so which would be best in terms of emptying the cylinder under the pressure of a SD/gunfight situation?

[Morne]

They do seem to be what the competitors choose if they are not using moon clipped guns.

I've never used them. HKS or Tuffstrips for me. I also like moon clipped guns.

Morne, if you were going to CC a moon-clip capable revolver...would you load it up with a moon clip for the first cylinder full...or would you load em in loose? Guess my point is for the initial, "at home" loading you don't really need a moon clip - so which would be best in terms of emptying the cylinder under the pressure of a SD/gunfight situation?

I have carried moon clipped guns. They always, ALWAYS, have moonclips in them. The moon clip aids in positively extracting all of the casings together.

Moon clips are inexpensive and wonderful. Use them for any large bore (think .45 ACP) gun whenever possible. The small bore guns, like a 9x19mm revolver, benefit less from them but they still benefit. You need a fat casing to really aid in reload time.

Somewhere above someone mentioned about getting chambers chamfered. That is something I need to get done.

[Whirlwind06]

They do seem to be what the competitors choose if they are not using moon clipped guns.

I've never used them. HKS or Tuffstrips for me. I also like moon clipped guns.

Morne, if you were going to CC a moon-clip capable revolver...would you load it up with a moon clip for the first cylinder full...or would you load em in loose? Guess my point is for the initial, "at home" loading you don't really need a moon clip - so which would be best in terms of emptying the cylinder under the pressure of a SD/gunfight situation?

Most revolvers with moon clips are for shooting semi auto rounds in a revolver. So without the moon clips you need to poke out the empty cases with a pencil. So you need to use moon clips or face a very slow reload.

A revolver that has been modified for moon clips (38/357/44 etc) , I'm pretty sure you can still use without moon clip.

[Morne]

They do seem to be what the competitors choose if they are not using moon clipped guns.

I've never used them. HKS or Tuffstrips for me. I also like moon clipped guns.

Morne, if you were going to CC a moon-clip capable revolver...would you load it up with a moon clip for the first cylinder full...or would you load em in loose? Guess my point is for the initial, "at home" loading you don't really need a moon clip - so which would be best in terms of emptying the cylinder under the pressure of a SD/gunfight situation?

Most revolvers with moon clips are for shooting semi auto rounds in a revolver. So without the moon clips you need to poke out the empty cases with a pencil. So you need to use moon clips or face a very slow reload.

A revolver that has been modified for moon clips (38/357/44 etc) , I'm pretty sure you can still use without moon clip.

A good point. The 357 revolvers I have that are cut for moonclips I do not carry with moonclips. Maybe I should, though...

[Tweed Ring]

Like any skill it takes patience and practice. I worked with a range guy – all we had were revolvers. He could reload with a speed loader almost faster than the eye could see. He demonstrated the technique to students dozens of times a week for years. Dude was very, very fast.

[glocksmith]

The moon clip aids in positively extracting all of the casings together.

That answered my question. Thanks.

[Mr. Glock]

I like the Safariland style myself. I don't have any of the spring loaded types. I usually carry a reload in my front right pocket.

Are you carrying the 44 Magnum today or are you just happy to see me?

[glocksmith]

I've seen demos on YT, but it just dawned on me (Duuh ) that the one I bought is a "Comp III" and looks a lot different. http://www.safariland.com/revolver/spee ... ml#start=1 It is spring loaded, and I'm not sure if I like that - one false push when removing it from your pocket and six rounds shoot out in midair and clatter on the pavement. Since I'm thinking CCing applications, the older HKS style design may be more suitable - as it is more simple and reliable, albeit slightly slower. The Comp III involves a spring and more working parts, so maybe more prone to malfunction. Sorry guys, just ignore me, I'm just thinking out loud and mulling over what is best for revolver CC/SD.

[Atilla]

If you can find them, SL Variant speedloaders are amazing. Each round is spring loaded and the rounds can be canted inboard or out to the sweet spot for your gun and manipulation. You could almost reload upside down. Bobby Mac's carries them but he's always backordered.
I have a couple for J and K frame.

That said, I carry Bianchi Speedstrips more often, due to size and concealability.

http://bobmacs.com/products/speedloaders" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

SL Variant at 3:45 in this video on speedloaders:
http://youtu.be/N9N6xwEHJJQ" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Another thing with any cylindrical speedloader, the left grip must have clearance for a straight insertion into the chambers. Especially on smaller j and k frames.

[DontTreadOnMe]

I've seen demos on YT, but it just dawned on me (Duuh ) that the one I bought is a "Comp III" and looks a lot different. http://www.safariland.com/revolver/spee ... ml#start=1 It is spring loaded, and I'm not sure if I like that - one false push when removing it from your pocket and six rounds shoot out in midair and clatter on the pavement. Since I'm thinking CCing applications, the older HKS style design may be more suitable - as it is more simple and reliable, albeit slightly slower.

The comp 3's are really only suitable for competition. Just get a comp 1 (j frame) or comp 2 (k/l frame) and you'll be fine. I carry those regularly and have never had a problem.