have determined i am going to carry , at times , my ruger sp101 357 . yes , of course , legally .
which would serve me better ... a speed loader or reload thru a speed strip ?

the speed strip my be a little less bulky but i am assuming the loader would be a tad quicker .
give your opinions/experience AND where is the best place to purchase either or both to serve my needs ?

thanks

With practice either will sped up your reload times. I prefer the speed strips, as they are easier to carry, either in your pocket or a belt pouch. Speed loaders may be a touch faster but as you said can be bulky.

Added: To locate just do a Google search, lots of places offer one or the other.

I prefer the strips, as well, due to the shape. They're not as slow as you might think with a little practice. If you go with a speedloader, make sure they are compatible with the grips you have on the revolver.

I'm probably in the minority here, but I feel that a revolver reload is more to make sure you're not standing there with an empty weapon after a shooting. I find it hard to picture a scenario where a CCW holder would reload and keep firing as opposed to leaving the area. Not saying it doesn't happen, just seems unlikely.

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Because of the metric system?

I sometimes carry a 3" 686+ in the winter in a a Lobo leather holster which I also ordered a speed loader pouch. But I also carry a speed strip in my pocket.
The loader is great for a complete reload and the strips are great if you're just reloading a few or all and it carries easier.

I tend to carry both when carrying just a revolver, but when my J-frame rides as a BUG it's normally just a speed strip in my pocket.

Don't know the best place to get them online, but the Bianchi speed strips have worked very well for me as well as the HKS speed loader.

I carry a speed strip in a hip pocket during the summer and speed loader in a coat pocket during cooler weather.

I agree with petepeterson here. If you end up reloading and continuing to fire, then you probably actually need an infantry rifle squad.

Both techniques have their advantages and disadvantages. I'd also add, speed strips and speed loaders aren't really that expensive. For $20 or so, you can try them both.

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Proud anachronism

I carry a speed strip when I CC my J-frame, It is easy to replace one or two spent cartridges with a strip, nearly impossible with a loader.

the dual speed loader carry pouch is bulky. the strips serve their purpose also. a choice would be the hks loaders, a pouch on the belt. but as replied ^^^^^ you should make the choice.

My normal urban cc is a 3913 w/ and extra mag........

but for woods walking it's a 3 or 4 inch Model 66. w/ one or two Safariland speedloaders in their "split six" belt pouch....... and a speed strip in my vest pocket in case I need to reload 1 or 2 rounds...... which is the most likely scenario.

My normal mode is the strip but you can use the speed loader (I do) in a jacket pocket in the cooler months. I did learn a lesson during my recent LEOSA qualification. Everyone around me was shooting the Glock 23 while I was shooting my Model 38 w/speed loaders. The revolver is cumbersome/slow to reload in comparison to the semi-auto even for me, an experienced revolver shooter.

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Old Cop
LEO (Ret.)

I like to use a speed strip due to ease of carry, I usually keep one in my jeans watch pocket. My game plan is to only shoot one time to stop the threat, if more shots are required I will be running for cover to reload.

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"Life is short, hunt hard"

When I carry (mostly IWB), I have a Safariland® Comp 1 speedloader in my right front pocket; and a pair of Bianchi® speedstrips banded together in my right rear pocket. Been carrying reloads like this for decades.

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David
CW3 USA (Ret) 1968-1990

I wouldn't consider carrying any revolver with only strips. At least ONE primary speed-loader. I keep two, one accessible to each hand. Don't really bother with the strips.

I carry 2 Bianchi Speed Strips.

I haven't done a speed strip since my wedding night...

But on a serious note...when it comes to reloading a revolver, I've found that I prefer speed loaders for full size revolvers, and speed strips for small revolvers. The speed loaders are hard for me to manipulate with a small revolver, for some reason. The speed strip also carries better.

Speed strips work for me.

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Keep on Chooglin'

Both have their uses. Speed loaders are faster but more bulky. Speed strips are easy to carry.
In warm weather its usually a speed strip in my pocket. Once jacket weather arrives its time to switch to speed loaders.
Geat some of both. You will use them.

Nothing beats a Speed Loader...except having your revolver modified to accept MOON clips...it's doable. Contact Welcome to TK Custom.com & Moonclips.com for more info.

Speed strips are a BETTER way to die in a firefight than single-loading of rounds.

IF you choose to carry a revolver for defense you should first go with Moon clips, and second Speed loaders. Yes they're more bulky than flat speed strips, but they're also 50 bazillion light-years BETTER!

Just MHO

I like both personally. One or two speedloaders and a speed strip in the opposite pocket.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I carry two revolvers normally, with 2 speed loaders for both. On the
rare occasion I carry one revolver I carry 4 speed loaders. In either
case they fit into my one shirt pocket, which I could reach with either
hand. I have also carried a small compact container on occasion of
about 10 or 20 rounds of ammo usually for my 44 Special.

I don't plan to encounter an enemy army or nothing like that, but I
could see an encounter exchanging fire for awhile, and I am neither
able nor willing to run. I can't shoot very well either if I am running
away, while being shot at.

I carry a S&W .500 Magnum LOADED with TWO speedloaders!
I carry in a Alienware rig that supports the gun perfectly.

I carry the .500 because I want the person I have to shoot to STOP WHAT THEY ARE DOING IMMEDIATELY!

That's all.

"Back in the day" while on duty we used to carry speed strips in our Safariland drop boxes for our model 19's. Same rig we shot in PPC matches. With a little practice you can load two at a time with the speed strips.

Have used both strips and cylinder loaders and still lean towards the speed strips.

With the speed loaders I prefer the safariland type that will ONLY drop the rounds into the revolvers cylinder. With the twist to release knob types, if you twist the knob at the wrong moment (in an excited/panic state) your bullets could end up on the ground. My steel challenge/bowling pin groups do not appreciate/allow the extra time req'd for speed strips. For a J frame CC I use the strips, they are MUCH easier to conceal/carry with light clothes. If I need to reload in a self defense situation, revolver or semi, I think I'd either be victorious or dead/shot.

Speed loaders here, and like hangnoose I prefer Safariland for the same reasons.

I'm skeptical of speed strips in a stress reload...

I'll second that Hans, Had mine cut for moon clips. Best dough I ever spent. All the competing revolver shooters use them, throw those "speed?" loaders away. JMO

Speed loaders have the edge for competition, but I've not found a good way to carry them for self defense. You could carry a J-frame in one pocket, and a couple of speed strips in another, nobody the wiser. I've carried speed loaders in a jacket pocket, but it kinda' sags on that side.

The benefit of the speed strip is for a tactical reload. When you've just fired two and want to "top off" the speed strip is king and the speed loader is useless.

Other than that, the speed loader is much faster.

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Freedom isn't free.

With a well-placed hit that should work.

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Oh well, what the hell.

Hmm, that's about two weeks in the year here in Vegas. Speed strips for me, because I'm skinny and I can't hide round things.

5 Star Speed Loader for my LCR. Just can't beat the quality of those loaders!!

NC

I have been carrying my SP101 for several months now, and I have also been shooting it in SNUB Division in our local handgun matchs.

SPEED STRIP: Way better than loose rounds, or no reload at all. They are flat and easy to conceal. I have several, but do not use them for a primary reload.

TURN KNOB SPEED LOADERS: That would be HKS and 5 Star. They both work fairly well. The 5 Star being designed to unlock in the reverse direction of an HKS was a stupid move in my opinion. I probably own over 50 HKS speed loaders all added up. I have been using them for around 40 years. While the 5 Star is the Cadalac of turn knob speed loaders, it turning backwards to release is a show stopper for me.

Now for the Good Stuff.

SPRING DRIVEN SPEED LOADERS: That would be the F Model Jet Loader. This is THE speed loader for an SP101, or a J Frame. The F Model is a scaled down version of the K and L Models. The Jet Loader releases when the center trigger makes contact with the center of the cylinder. The main spring Powers the ammunition into the chambers.


SP101, Pancake holster, Belt Carrier and F Model Jet Loader



View of Speed Loader Belt Carrier from 3 sides.


The belt slot is 1.5 X .25 to give you an idea of the overall size of the carrier. The HKS will also work in the same speed loader carrier.

I normally carry one speed loader on the belt left side behind center behind my cel phone. Yesterday I went to the city, and put a second one on my belt infront of my holster.

Bob R
Big Creek Kydex Speed Loader carriers

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ICORE MO2908

I carry extra ammo either in a speed strip or in a leather ammo pouch on my belt. I find that practice with either method results in fast re-loads. I sometimes (while practicing) re-load faster from my ammo pouch than with the speed strip but I never carry speed loaders as their bulk is just to much for most of my dress.

The other reason I do not use speed loaders is that I had custom oversized Ivory grips made for my M60 (my EDC) and the HK speed loaders are just to large to smoothly fit into position. Other than for competition shooting (PPC) I don't like speed loaders much - but that is strictly a personal thing. YMMV.

I've used both speedloaders and speedstrips over the years.

While both devices have their advantages & disadvantages, I'd suggest finding a skilled and experienced revolver shooter who could teach you how to properly and effectively manipulate a DA revolver for loading (same thing as reloading ).

Then worry about whichever of the loading devices might better suit your level of skill & experience, as well as how you plan to carry whichever one you choose.

Having a "faster" loading device may not be quite as helpful if you're unable to consistently and deftly handle the revolver during the loading process.

Having spent so many years carrying revolvers on & off-duty, using 2 different speedloaders as well as speedstrips, I find using all of them to be somewhat too ingrained to debate subtle nuances between them.

Speedloaders are faster, but bulkier to carry and may not work well with all left-side grip stocks.

Speedstrips are easier to carry, but slower to manipulate.

I've actually carried both at the same time, on both my uniform duty belt and on my person, on my own time.

Sometimes anticipated circumstances may dictate equipment. Sometimes the most probable tactics anticipated may dictate equipment. Sometimes you may want (or require) ease of carry of the equipment.

Sheer speed? Speedloaders (and pick whichever offers you a shade of speed and manipulative advantage).

Handiness of fitting in tighter pockets, and carrying maybe more of them? Speedstrips.

Both are better than loose rounds ... mostly ... however, a skilled & practiced user of a belt holder which lets them grasp loose rounds in "pairs" might not find themselves at quite as much of a particular disadvantage as some folks might think.

I remember when our revolver qual course-of-fire involved firing 10 rounds in 25 seconds, meaning you had to reload with 4 rounds (loose, partially full speedloader or speedstrip) AND index the "next" live round to come up under the hammer to get off the last 4 shots without getting a "click" between any of the live rounds.

It helped motivate people to learn how their revolvers operated, and how to load them both fully and partially (if ever needed), under live-fire conditions.

Obviously, speedloaders make it just as fast to load with 6 rounds (or 4 or 5 rounds) as fast as with 1 round, but there's still probably some time & place for revolver shooters to still know how to load without any loading devices ... and perhaps under stress.

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Ret LE Firearms inst & armorer

For long periods from home, BOTH.

Two speedloaders and and 2-4 speed strips.

i find the speed strips work best for me. they lay flat, and are almost as quick. i do have a bunch of safariland loaders but still prefer the strips. i get tough products 8 rounders and load 5. it leaves me a nice tab to hold onto.

Each has its advantages. I've used and trained with both for over 30 years. Currently I keep a speed strip in the watch pocket of my jeans - there's room there for it and the watch - and another in the "credit card" pocket of my cell phone holster. Like Scott I have been known to drop a speed loader in my jacket pocket in cooler weather. I also mounted a 2-speed loader pouch inside the console of my primary vehicle.

Why so many reloads? Because I am a forgetful old f@r+. My wife used to ask as we left the house "do you have your keys?" and I'd reply "If I'm wearing pants, I have my keys". Now when we leave the house I ask her "Am I wearing pants?"


Whoever said the purpose of reloading a SD revolver is to avoid standing around with an empty gun was spot on.


The main thing is to have additional ammo available. The real-world scenarios where an armed citizen will have to fire more than 5 rounds and will survive long enough to do so are minute. Doesn't mean you shouldn't practice reloading, including against the clock. It just means that it is a skill that takes a decided backseat to situational awareness, familiarity with your firearm, effective concealment, situational awareness, presentation, trigger control, accuracy and situational awareness, whether you are carrying a 5-shot .38 or a 19-shot 9mm.

Practice the action until it becomes second nature, but practice it standing, sitting or on your back (WITH DUMMY ROUNDS). If you think you are going to have time to reload standing up like you do at the range while taking fire, you'd better be bulletproof. When I used to watch the tactical shows on TV I noticed that none of the speed-reloads were practiced while lying in the dirt behind a trash can shaking like a leaf.

My opinion and worth exactly what you paid for it.

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I need ammo, not a ride.

Speed strips always in the pants pockets. When wearing a jacket, a speed loader in each front pocket as well.

I do this for two reasons
1- for more ammo
2- reading "No Second Place Winner", Bill Jordan advises that using a hip sway to facilitate the draw from under a coat, it is a good idea to put some rounds in the jacket pocket to add some weight to the pocket.

I picked up some good tips from this video.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pMAXlT3ZLzs

I read that 40 years ago. It works.

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I need ammo, not a ride.