I purchased these speed loaders a week or so back and thought I'd share my feelings so far.

First I'd like to say, they do come in all different colors, I just happen to be into the zombie thing so I chose the green with red spatter. They do offer black if you want to go classic.

My experience with speed loaders up until this point had been limited to hks loaders. The 5star loader twists counter clockwise while the hks rotates clockwise. I've always felt clockwise was a bit awkward and have to say, learning to rotate the other way was very easy. It feels much more natural for me.

The workmanship is outstanding, the finish is nice and smooth, completely void of any machining marks and the color is vibrant, it's very pleasing aesthetically. But most importantly, the smooth finish aids in the rounds dropping free from the loader. With the hks I sometimes have to wiggle it to get them to drop free. 5star also went with a different release knob, it is shaped like a bolt head rather than round and knurled. The large head and big facets actually provide a better purchase and make it less likely to slip during the reloading process. The detent lock is smooth with no hitch in it's giddy up, it has just the right amount of resistance.

They are spendier than hks loaders but for what you get I feel it's worth every penny. These particular loaders with shipping were $56, a small price to pay when you consider what a good quality mag is going to cost you for a semi auto pistol.

Very nice. Yes top quality for sure.

Very good review and photos, thanks for sharing the information.

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"Life is short, hunt hard"

I'm also a fan of the five star speed loaders - as well as their range blocks.

I agree with all of the above but one to add one more item.

The smooth finish helps the rounds drop free, but more importantly the rounds have a bit more play as they fall out of the speed loader than is the case with an HKS speed loader.

A side benefit of this is that fewer sizes are needed. For example if you own a S&W K frame (Model 10, Model 15, Model 19, etc) and a Ruger Security/Service/Speed Six, you'll need a HKS "10" and an HKS "Mk 3" to accommodate both revolvers, where the same 5 Star speed loader will work great with all of the above models.

That makes the 5 Star speed loaders no more expensive than the HKS speed loaders over the long term.

I love mine too, really well built and sturdy.

I have been using 5 Star in 500 S&W, 8 shot 357 and 5 shot 38/357. I have the range blocks in 5 shot 38/357 and 8 shot 357. They are first rate all the way. The 5 shot work with the Ruger LCR with the Hogue grips. Other speed loaders won't clear the grips.

My main duty rig carries 4 speed loaders and 4 moon clips for my 627 Pro Series. My light weight admin rig carries 5 speed loaders plus 12 rounds in loops for my 3" model 60 target. The LCR is the backup for both rigs.