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  #1  
Old 01-11-2017, 09:43 PM
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So, if you're carrying a 5-shot J-frame . . . So, if you're carrying a 5-shot J-frame . . . So, if you're carrying a 5-shot J-frame . . . So, if you're carrying a 5-shot J-frame . . . So, if you're carrying a 5-shot J-frame . . .  
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Default So, if you're carrying a 5-shot J-frame . . .

. . . and speed strips have six holes, do you load five or six in the strip to slip in your pocket?
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Old 01-11-2017, 09:47 PM
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So, if you're carrying a 5-shot J-frame . . . So, if you're carrying a 5-shot J-frame . . . So, if you're carrying a 5-shot J-frame . . . So, if you're carrying a 5-shot J-frame . . . So, if you're carrying a 5-shot J-frame . . .  
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I load 6 in the speed strip. No such thing as too much ammo.
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Old 01-11-2017, 09:49 PM
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6 just in case I lose one if I fumble the reload. Which I have done a few times during reload drills.
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Old 01-11-2017, 09:59 PM
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So, if you're carrying a 5-shot J-frame . . . So, if you're carrying a 5-shot J-frame . . . So, if you're carrying a 5-shot J-frame . . . So, if you're carrying a 5-shot J-frame . . . So, if you're carrying a 5-shot J-frame . . .  
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Four. Easier to reload with a space at each end and in the middle.
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Old 01-11-2017, 09:59 PM
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So, if you're carrying a 5-shot J-frame . . . So, if you're carrying a 5-shot J-frame . . . So, if you're carrying a 5-shot J-frame . . . So, if you're carrying a 5-shot J-frame . . . So, if you're carrying a 5-shot J-frame . . .  
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I load 6 in the speed strip. No such thing as too much ammo.
Ditto. Sometimes two strips.
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Old 01-11-2017, 10:01 PM
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So, if you're carrying a 5-shot J-frame . . . So, if you're carrying a 5-shot J-frame . . . So, if you're carrying a 5-shot J-frame . . . So, if you're carrying a 5-shot J-frame . . . So, if you're carrying a 5-shot J-frame . . .  
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Four. Easier to reload with a space at each end and in the middle.
An awesome response . . .
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Old 01-11-2017, 10:02 PM
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So, if you're carrying a 5-shot J-frame . . . So, if you're carrying a 5-shot J-frame . . . So, if you're carrying a 5-shot J-frame . . . So, if you're carrying a 5-shot J-frame . . . So, if you're carrying a 5-shot J-frame . . .  
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Five here.
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Old 01-11-2017, 10:07 PM
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So, if you're carrying a 5-shot J-frame . . . So, if you're carrying a 5-shot J-frame . . . So, if you're carrying a 5-shot J-frame . . . So, if you're carrying a 5-shot J-frame . . . So, if you're carrying a 5-shot J-frame . . .  
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While it's been a while since I've used strips, when I did I used 6 round strips and loaded 4 rounds.





My logic for doing so:

I have 5 chambers. With the 1st pair of cartridges I've got a 2-in-5 shot at getting those rounds chambered. With the 2nd pair of cartridges I've got a 2-in-3 shot at getting those rounds chambered. I can do that pretty quickly. If I had 5 rounds in the strip, that last round has exactly one chamber it can go in, which can be tricky under stress and takes longer to do than either of the previous pairs because it requires a little more precision. As soon as the rounds are chambered I drop the strip, so a 6th cartridge would just end up on the ground once I loaded all 5 chambers. By having the space in between the pairs it gives me a little more control and a little less likely to fumble the reload. By gripping it as I do in the photo I can get a good physical index between my hand and the cylinder to get the ammo loaded. This lets me reload without looking at the gun so I can keep my eyes on my surroundings.

So, my priority is to get the gun back in action quickly if I need to reload, and with as little potential for fumbling the reload as possible. After some experimentation with different combinations (6 rounds, 5 rounds, 4 rounds in different arrangements, etc.), I settled on 4 rounds in the strip. It works for me. I use speedloaders now, but I still practice occasionally with strips in case I need reloads with a lower profile.

Last edited by ContinentalOp; 01-11-2017 at 10:10 PM.
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Old 01-11-2017, 10:09 PM
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So, if you're carrying a 5-shot J-frame . . . So, if you're carrying a 5-shot J-frame . . . So, if you're carrying a 5-shot J-frame . . . So, if you're carrying a 5-shot J-frame . . . So, if you're carrying a 5-shot J-frame . . .  
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Michael De bettencourt wrote the instructional for tuff strips. I can't remember all the details but one thing I remember from him or John Farnham maybe is:

One bullet and the gun is loaded! (If an attacker is advancing close in)

Load 2+2 and get the gun back into action! The fifth round is more difficult and time-consuming to load.

That said, I carry six on a strip. Load four, gun back into action two go back in pouch.

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Old 01-11-2017, 10:10 PM
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So, if you're carrying a 5-shot J-frame . . . So, if you're carrying a 5-shot J-frame . . . So, if you're carrying a 5-shot J-frame . . . So, if you're carrying a 5-shot J-frame . . . So, if you're carrying a 5-shot J-frame . . .  
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Another awesome response . . .
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Old 01-11-2017, 10:15 PM
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So, if you're carrying a 5-shot J-frame . . . So, if you're carrying a 5-shot J-frame . . . So, if you're carrying a 5-shot J-frame . . . So, if you're carrying a 5-shot J-frame . . . So, if you're carrying a 5-shot J-frame . . .  
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Quote:
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I load 6 in the speed strip. No such thing as too much ammo.
Same. I see no advantage to do otherwise.
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Old 01-11-2017, 10:17 PM
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So, if you're carrying a 5-shot J-frame . . . So, if you're carrying a 5-shot J-frame . . . So, if you're carrying a 5-shot J-frame . . . So, if you're carrying a 5-shot J-frame . . . So, if you're carrying a 5-shot J-frame . . .  
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Quote:
Originally Posted by njr View Post
Michael De bettencourt wrote the instructional for tuff strips. I can't remember all the details but one thing I remember from him or John Farnham maybe is:

One bullet and the gun is loaded! (If an attacker is advancing close in)

Load 2+2 and get the gun back into action! The fifth round is more difficult and time-consuming to load.
Yup. I originally got the idea from Michael deBethencourt's blog.
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Old 01-11-2017, 10:25 PM
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So, if you're carrying a 5-shot J-frame . . . So, if you're carrying a 5-shot J-frame . . . So, if you're carrying a 5-shot J-frame . . . So, if you're carrying a 5-shot J-frame . . . So, if you're carrying a 5-shot J-frame . . .  
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Five. One complete reload available.
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Old 01-11-2017, 10:36 PM
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So, if you're carrying a 5-shot J-frame . . . So, if you're carrying a 5-shot J-frame . . . So, if you're carrying a 5-shot J-frame . . . So, if you're carrying a 5-shot J-frame . . . So, if you're carrying a 5-shot J-frame . . .  
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So, my priority is to get the gun back in action quickly if I need to reload, and with as little potential for fumbling the reload as possible. After some experimentation with different combinations (6 rounds, 5 rounds, 4 rounds in different arrangements, etc.), I settled on 4 rounds in the strip. It works for me. I use speedloaders now, but I still practice occasionally with strips in case I need reloads with a lower profile...



Now that I read your post and go over what deBettencourt et all have said, 2x2 probably makes more sense than a full six because most people switch hands when unloading and loading and by the third step when you're ready to close the cylinder returning the last two rounds to the pouch is wasted motion and another step to Fumble.

Reloading a revolver is harder and more time-consuming and attention focusing then using a speed loader and certainly putting a magazine into a semi auto well that said I guess if I have the time to reload hopefully I have the time to return the last last two to the pouch even if it is a bit more fumble prone than using magazines in a semi-auto. Because it's a revolver I like carrying a p32 as a backup with a ten round magazine.

I also don't really notice a big difference between 4 and 6 on the strip because I just tend to grab the whole thing gross motor and pinch the first two rounds on the gap between my forefinger and thumb and then index into the first two holes. After that I just rotate the cylinder clockwise for the next two strip close ready to go. I like loading 6 because it gives me more to grab onto gross motor. regarding speed strips in vs speedloaders I carry one strip on the Belt in a tuffs velcro pouch. It's much lower profile than anything carrying a speed loader and easier to thread on a belt.

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Last edited by njr; 01-11-2017 at 10:52 PM.
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Old 01-11-2017, 10:52 PM
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So, if you're carrying a 5-shot J-frame . . . So, if you're carrying a 5-shot J-frame . . . So, if you're carrying a 5-shot J-frame . . . So, if you're carrying a 5-shot J-frame . . . So, if you're carrying a 5-shot J-frame . . .  
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I load 5. It gives me a little better purchase on the strip compared to the little tab only on the end. But, I do like the idea of 4, leaving a gap between the pairs of rounds. Good idea, I may try that.
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Old 01-11-2017, 11:11 PM
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So, if you're carrying a 5-shot J-frame . . . So, if you're carrying a 5-shot J-frame . . . So, if you're carrying a 5-shot J-frame . . . So, if you're carrying a 5-shot J-frame . . . So, if you're carrying a 5-shot J-frame . . .  
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5 Here mainly because I mostly carry The Strip in My Watch Pocket (Blue Jeans) if it has 6 sometimes the Top Cartridge is visible to others.
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Old 01-11-2017, 11:20 PM
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So, if you're carrying a 5-shot J-frame . . .  
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Two Strips 6 rounds each or Two speed loaders. Two Snubs.
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Old 01-11-2017, 11:25 PM
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Two speed strips - 6 rounds each of the same load in the revolver.
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Old 01-11-2017, 11:34 PM
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So, if you're carrying a 5-shot J-frame . . . So, if you're carrying a 5-shot J-frame . . . So, if you're carrying a 5-shot J-frame . . . So, if you're carrying a 5-shot J-frame . . . So, if you're carrying a 5-shot J-frame . . .  
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Speed Strip | blog by Michael debettencourt. Long but informative.

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Last edited by njr; 01-12-2017 at 12:25 AM.
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Old 01-12-2017, 12:03 AM
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So, if you're carrying a 5-shot J-frame . . . So, if you're carrying a 5-shot J-frame . . . So, if you're carrying a 5-shot J-frame . . . So, if you're carrying a 5-shot J-frame . . . So, if you're carrying a 5-shot J-frame . . .  
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Six, since my "J-Frame" CCW is really a K-Frame, actually often two of them.

But when I do carry a "real" J-Frame it is still 6!
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Old 01-12-2017, 12:10 AM
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So, if you're carrying a 5-shot J-frame . . . So, if you're carrying a 5-shot J-frame . . . So, if you're carrying a 5-shot J-frame . . . So, if you're carrying a 5-shot J-frame . . . So, if you're carrying a 5-shot J-frame . . .  
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5 in my speed strip, but if I really need them, I'm in deep $XXX anyway..
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Old 01-12-2017, 12:22 AM
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So, if you're carrying a 5-shot J-frame . . . So, if you're carrying a 5-shot J-frame . . . So, if you're carrying a 5-shot J-frame . . . So, if you're carrying a 5-shot J-frame . . . So, if you're carrying a 5-shot J-frame . . .  
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I usually carry the five cartridge strips, but if I have 6 rounders, I fill all of the holes. As some have said above, you can't have too much ammo, even if it leaves one round in the strip. I load 2, 2 and 1 from them, regardless of whether they are 5 or 6 rounders. I never carry less than two reloads, be they in speed loaders or strips.
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Old 01-12-2017, 04:46 AM
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So, if you're carrying a 5-shot J-frame . . . So, if you're carrying a 5-shot J-frame . . . So, if you're carrying a 5-shot J-frame . . . So, if you're carrying a 5-shot J-frame . . . So, if you're carrying a 5-shot J-frame . . .  
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I only load five in the speed strip even though it holds six. The extra space helps me get a better hold on the speed strip. It's why I don't buy 5 round speed strips. So, I still have a full reload while still having a better grip on the strip. Just my strategy.


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Old 01-12-2017, 06:58 AM
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So, if you're carrying a 5-shot J-frame . . . So, if you're carrying a 5-shot J-frame . . . So, if you're carrying a 5-shot J-frame . . . So, if you're carrying a 5-shot J-frame . . . So, if you're carrying a 5-shot J-frame . . .  
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I only load five in the speed strip even though it holds six. The extra space helps me get a better hold on the speed strip. It's why I don't buy 5 round speed strips. So, I still have a full reload while still having a better grip on the strip. Just my strategy.


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My answer, as well, although I would add probably the least logical thing...the gun holds five rounds, so I carry five extra. Reading these well-thought out responses, I'm shamed!

I do use the 6th hole for an extra shotshell if I'll be out in the wild.
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Old 01-12-2017, 07:38 AM
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So, if you're carrying a 5-shot J-frame . . . So, if you're carrying a 5-shot J-frame . . . So, if you're carrying a 5-shot J-frame . . . So, if you're carrying a 5-shot J-frame . . . So, if you're carrying a 5-shot J-frame . . .  
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I do 3 space 2
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Old 01-12-2017, 08:59 AM
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So, if you're carrying a 5-shot J-frame . . . So, if you're carrying a 5-shot J-frame . . . So, if you're carrying a 5-shot J-frame . . . So, if you're carrying a 5-shot J-frame . . . So, if you're carrying a 5-shot J-frame . . .  
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6....I may have a J frame, or K frame. Mag rounds in gun, specials on the strip to eliminate the need to sort/parse which strips go to which guns.
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Old 01-12-2017, 09:05 AM
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So, if you're carrying a 5-shot J-frame . . . So, if you're carrying a 5-shot J-frame . . . So, if you're carrying a 5-shot J-frame . . . So, if you're carrying a 5-shot J-frame . . . So, if you're carrying a 5-shot J-frame . . .  
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. . . I do use the 6th hole for an extra shotshell if I'll be out in the wild.
I hadn't considered this. Interesting idea . . .
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Old 01-12-2017, 09:12 AM
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I hadn't considered this. Interesting idea . . .
One word of caution with the shot shells - the plastic is more fragile than regular rounds and you can end up with a pocket full of #9 shot if the capsule breaks
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Old 01-12-2017, 09:15 AM
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So, if you're carrying a 5-shot J-frame . . . So, if you're carrying a 5-shot J-frame . . . So, if you're carrying a 5-shot J-frame . . . So, if you're carrying a 5-shot J-frame . . . So, if you're carrying a 5-shot J-frame . . .  
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If you load four rounds in a five round cylinder, you have an empty chamber. Hopefully the empty chamber doesn't come up first.

If I was concerned about being able to shoot more than five rounds rapidly, I'd carry my Shield. For my "area of operations," a 5 round revolver is fine.
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Old 01-12-2017, 09:30 AM
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One word of caution with the shot shells - the plastic is more fragile than regular rounds and you can end up with a pocket full of #9 shot if the capsule breaks
Oh, I know. I once dropped a speedloader full on the deck . . .
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Old 01-12-2017, 09:59 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ContinentalOp View Post
While it's been a while since I've used strips, when I did I used 6 round strips and loaded 4 rounds.





My logic for doing so:

I have 5 chambers. With the 1st pair of cartridges I've got a 2-in-5 shot at getting those rounds chambered. With the 2nd pair of cartridges I've got a 2-in-3 shot at getting those rounds chambered. I can do that pretty quickly. If I had 5 rounds in the strip, that last round has exactly one chamber it can go in, which can be tricky under stress and takes longer to do than either of the previous pairs because it requires a little more precision. As soon as the rounds are chambered I drop the strip, so a 6th cartridge would just end up on the ground once I loaded all 5 chambers. By having the space in between the pairs it gives me a little more control and a little less likely to fumble the reload. By gripping it as I do in the photo I can get a good physical index between my hand and the cylinder to get the ammo loaded. This lets me reload without looking at the gun so I can keep my eyes on my surroundings.

So, my priority is to get the gun back in action quickly if I need to reload, and with as little potential for fumbling the reload as possible. After some experimentation with different combinations (6 rounds, 5 rounds, 4 rounds in different arrangements, etc.), I settled on 4 rounds in the strip. It works for me. I use speedloaders now, but I still practice occasionally with strips in case I need reloads with a lower profile.
I use 4 in the strip also. Pretty sure I saw the idea posted here (it's been a while, it may have originally been you). When I practiced with it using snap caps, I found I fumbled a lot less. I've thought about getting the 8 cartridge strips instead of the 6 cartridge ones so I could carry 5. The gap really helps.
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Old 01-12-2017, 10:00 AM
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So, if you're carrying a 5-shot J-frame . . . So, if you're carrying a 5-shot J-frame . . . So, if you're carrying a 5-shot J-frame . . . So, if you're carrying a 5-shot J-frame . . . So, if you're carrying a 5-shot J-frame . . .  
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I carry 6 and load 5. The idea of 4 and back in the game is interesting but then you have to index so you're not pulling the trigger on an empty round. Whichever you choose you better be practicing because under pressure you'll be relying on gross motor skills to preform the reload and come up ready to fire, quickly. I like to carry at least one speed loader and two speed strips for this reason.

This whole "what if" game is what led us to semi autos in law enforcement in the first place. A quick reload with a magazine and back in the fight. Play the "what if" game long enough and you end up with a 12 ga. Riot Gun or a Service Rifle.
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Old 01-12-2017, 10:02 AM
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So, if you're carrying a 5-shot J-frame . . . So, if you're carrying a 5-shot J-frame . . . So, if you're carrying a 5-shot J-frame . . . So, if you're carrying a 5-shot J-frame . . . So, if you're carrying a 5-shot J-frame . . .  
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Telecaster View Post
If you load four rounds in a five round cylinder, you have an empty chamber. Hopefully the empty chamber doesn't come up first.

If I was concerned about being able to shoot more than five rounds rapidly, I'd carry my Shield. For my "area of operations," a 5 round revolver is fine.
Well it's actually faster to click to the next chamber and fire a round then it is to try to load the 5th round. See the deBettencourt link I posted.

As for snubbies and area of operations the CIA carried snubbies in Civil War Lebanon so that oughta tell you something. Although I live in the big corrupt violent city so I do carry a p32 as back up.

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Old 01-12-2017, 10:04 AM
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So, if you're carrying a 5-shot J-frame . . . So, if you're carrying a 5-shot J-frame . . . So, if you're carrying a 5-shot J-frame . . . So, if you're carrying a 5-shot J-frame . . . So, if you're carrying a 5-shot J-frame . . .  
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I load my Bianchi Speed Strips with 6 rounds of .38 Special. With my Model 642-2, if I get to the Speed Strips, I load 2, look, then 2 more. The last 2 stay in the Strip which I hold in my teeth until/if they are needed.
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Old 01-12-2017, 10:10 AM
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So, if you're carrying a 5-shot J-frame . . . So, if you're carrying a 5-shot J-frame . . . So, if you're carrying a 5-shot J-frame . . . So, if you're carrying a 5-shot J-frame . . . So, if you're carrying a 5-shot J-frame . . .  
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I carry 5, with the empty slot near the grip tab.
The extra space makes getting a grip on the strip a lot easier.
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Old 01-12-2017, 10:15 AM
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So, if you're carrying a 5-shot J-frame . . . So, if you're carrying a 5-shot J-frame . . . So, if you're carrying a 5-shot J-frame . . . So, if you're carrying a 5-shot J-frame . . . So, if you're carrying a 5-shot J-frame . . .  
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I am new to CC and the Smith Forum. I carry a Mod 60 no dash. This is one of the best thought provoking posts that I have read. So thanks
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Old 01-12-2017, 10:20 AM
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So, if you're carrying a 5-shot J-frame . . . So, if you're carrying a 5-shot J-frame . . . So, if you're carrying a 5-shot J-frame . . . So, if you're carrying a 5-shot J-frame . . . So, if you're carrying a 5-shot J-frame . . .  
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Quote:
Originally Posted by elm_creek_smith View Post
I load my Bianchi Speed Strips with 6 rounds of .38 Special. With my Model 642-2, if I get to the Speed Strips, I load 2, look, then 2 more. The last 2 stay in the Strip which I hold in my teeth until/if they are needed.
Interesting, piratey. OTOH, moving to cover might allow me to put the strip back in the pouch.

Otherwise pull the 32.

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Old 01-12-2017, 10:28 AM
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So, if you're carrying a 5-shot J-frame . . . So, if you're carrying a 5-shot J-frame . . . So, if you're carrying a 5-shot J-frame . . . So, if you're carrying a 5-shot J-frame . . . So, if you're carrying a 5-shot J-frame . . .  
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Quote:
Originally Posted by retiredbadge8091 View Post
I carry 6 and load 5. The idea of 4 and back in the game is interesting but then you have to index so you're not pulling the trigger on an empty round.
I would think snapping on an empty chamber then pulling again would be faster than trying to index the empty chamber.
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Old 01-12-2017, 11:01 AM
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So, if you're carrying a 5-shot J-frame . . . So, if you're carrying a 5-shot J-frame . . . So, if you're carrying a 5-shot J-frame . . . So, if you're carrying a 5-shot J-frame . . . So, if you're carrying a 5-shot J-frame . . .  
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Reloads:
old with minimum fine motor skills- two HKS speed loaders
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Old 01-12-2017, 11:27 AM
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I did the Bentecourt thing for a while. I am not a fan of his snub reload technique either. Really it is no big deal to have all of the holes filled. I see no real difference in manipulation and it keeps my form consistent from revolver to revolver. I have never had an issue loading the last round of 5 with 6. Since I consider the speed strips a take your time reload or a solid cover top off. If it is a primary open fight, then it would be pop on 2, pull trigger 5 times.

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Old 01-12-2017, 11:44 AM
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So, if you're carrying a 5-shot J-frame . . . So, if you're carrying a 5-shot J-frame . . . So, if you're carrying a 5-shot J-frame . . . So, if you're carrying a 5-shot J-frame . . . So, if you're carrying a 5-shot J-frame . . .  
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This Winter, I have been carrying my Smith&Wesson Model 60 stainless 357 Magnum. Yes,,,a hand cannon.
I like the 3 feet of fire it blows out the barrel.
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Old 01-12-2017, 12:55 PM
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So, if you're carrying a 5-shot J-frame . . . So, if you're carrying a 5-shot J-frame . . . So, if you're carrying a 5-shot J-frame . . . So, if you're carrying a 5-shot J-frame . . . So, if you're carrying a 5-shot J-frame . . .  
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Muss Muggins View Post
. . . and speed strips have six holes, do you load five or six in the strip to slip in your pocket?
I load 5 leaving more space on the strips for my big clumsy thumb and fingers. Some of the others here have some interesting
alternatives to consider.
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Old 01-12-2017, 04:31 PM
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So, if you're carrying a 5-shot J-frame . . . So, if you're carrying a 5-shot J-frame . . . So, if you're carrying a 5-shot J-frame . . . So, if you're carrying a 5-shot J-frame . . . So, if you're carrying a 5-shot J-frame . . .  
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I've spent a fair number of years practicing with Bianchi Speed Strips. (Some of my older ones had to be replaced because they'd become brittle and were breaking apart in my pockets. )

Anyway, when I carry them for my 5-shot revolvers, I carry 5 rounds in them.

Sure, it might be handy to have that 6th extra round someday, somewhere, somehow ... but then I'd have to practice either retaining the strip after using it, or going back to pick it up where I'd dropped it after loading the snub with 5 fresh rounds. Neither practice is something I care to add to my training manipulations.

I dropped speedloaders after using them to recharge revolvers, and dropping speedstrips seems a quick way to free my hand to close the cylinder and get the gun back into operating mode.

Oddly enough, I came across a video of Mas demonstrating the same technique I use. Go figure. We both came up carrying revolvers and trying different loading tools and methods over those revolver years, so it's not surprising we apparently discovered the easiest & fastest way ... for us ... to get the small 5-shot guns recharged and ready.
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Old 01-12-2017, 04:44 PM
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So, if you're carrying a 5-shot J-frame . . . So, if you're carrying a 5-shot J-frame . . . So, if you're carrying a 5-shot J-frame . . . So, if you're carrying a 5-shot J-frame . . . So, if you're carrying a 5-shot J-frame . . .  
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FWIW, I did try the 2X2 method some years ago, but quickly decided I was unwilling to give up a round, meaning having a "dead" charge hole in a freshly recharged snub.

Back when we used to run service revolvers we had a part of the qual course-of-fire where we had to run to the 15yd line from 25yds, shoot 6 rounds, then reload with 4 rounds (either loose or a partially loaded speedloader, of whatever we preferred) and finish for a total of 10 rounds fired. (Don't ask, it was just the way it was, and I wasn't part of the FTU back then ).

Anyway, however you decided to load 4 rounds into a 6 round cylinder, and then fire those last 4 rounds for score, on the clock, you either closed the cylinder so the "first" live round came up under the hammer (and we had folks carrying Pythons and various S&W revolvers), or you started pulling the trigger hoping to get off all 4 live rounds, in time, while encountering those 2 dead charge holes in whatever order occurred due to sequence when the cylinder was closed.

I preferred to see the live rounds and close the cylinder so they came up with the first 4 trigger presses.

In an actual situation, I'd not wish to have that "dead" charge hole come up under my J-frame's hammer when I desperately needed a live round firing.

To me, having that 5th round (versus the 1st, 2nd, 3rd or 4th trigger press "finding" that hole where the missing 5th was supposed to live??) is worth the continued effort needed to effectively manipulate the 5-rd speedstrip ... and drop the empty speedstrip, closing the cylinder and getting the gun recharged.

Everybody's got to figure out their own abilities and limitations, though, and hope any shortcomings or shortcuts don't cost them in the wrong circumstances.

Have a reason for what you decided to do, and make it a good one.
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Old 01-12-2017, 06:15 PM
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So, if you're carrying a 5-shot J-frame . . . So, if you're carrying a 5-shot J-frame . . . So, if you're carrying a 5-shot J-frame . . . So, if you're carrying a 5-shot J-frame . . . So, if you're carrying a 5-shot J-frame . . .  
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The Snubby Revolver: The ECQ, Backup, and Concealed Carry Standard





Description
About the Author
Ed Lovette is a retired CIA paramilitary operations officer. He was also a captain in the U.S. Army Special Forces and is a 10-year law enforcement veteran. He has a long association with Combat Handguns magazine, for which he currently writes the Last Shots column.
Product Description
In this book, former CIA operative and Combat Handguns columnist Ed Lovette pays homage to the short-barreled revolver, or snubby, holding it up as the timeless standard in concealed carry, backup and extreme close quarters (ECQ) defensive weapons. He addresses the four most common complaints about the snubby - grip, front sight, trigger and ammo capacity - and presents viable ways to remedy those issues based on his personal experience. Lovette devotes the second half of the book to defensive tactics, running the gamut from basic personal defense to strategic planning for extraordinary situations such as surveillance and carjackings to considerations specific to the use of the pocket revolver. This book is a must for anyone seeking objective, practical insight into the snub-nose revolver's enduring value.

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Good explanation as to why the revolver with the 2 inch or less barell can be effectively used for home/self defense. Gun makers are pushing for semi autos with large capacity magazines to the public. This author makes it clear that if you take the time to practice with this gun, 5-6 shots will be all you really need. If you are still apprehensive then just buy two snubbies! Police use the snubby as a backup because it will save a life. If it is good enough for police, then it's good enuf for you.

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Old 01-12-2017, 06:17 PM
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So, if you're carrying a 5-shot J-frame . . . So, if you're carrying a 5-shot J-frame . . . So, if you're carrying a 5-shot J-frame . . . So, if you're carrying a 5-shot J-frame . . . So, if you're carrying a 5-shot J-frame . . .  
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Shooting to Live With the One Hand Gun



One of the most influential combat shooting books ever published, Shooting to Live is the product of Capt. W.E. Fairbairn's and Capt. E.A. Sykes' practical experience with the handgun from their many close-quarters gunfights while working for the Shanghai Municipal Police in the 1930s. This expanded edition contains a new foreword by British World War II combatives expert Phil Mathews, which sheds new light on the career of E.A. Sykes - the "forgotten hero" of the Fairbairn-Sykes duo - as well as previously unpublished photos.

Hundreds of actual incidents provided the basis for this first true instruction manual on life-or-death shootouts with the pistol. In clear, concise terms, the book teaches the concepts, considerations and applications of combat pistolcraft. A foreword by Col. Rex Applegate explains how Fairbairn and Sykes introduced their groundbreaking methods into American military training circles at the height of World War II.

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Old 01-12-2017, 06:30 PM
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So, if you're carrying a 5-shot J-frame . . . So, if you're carrying a 5-shot J-frame . . . So, if you're carrying a 5-shot J-frame . . . So, if you're carrying a 5-shot J-frame . . . So, if you're carrying a 5-shot J-frame . . .  
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As Ed Lovette points out 80% of the snubby is accuracy, 20% is reload. As Sykes points out most of combat accuracy is point shooting within 12 feet. Four positions in their system depending on distance.

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Old 01-12-2017, 06:42 PM
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I have something maybe better you be the judge. it is a grip panels made by: Ares named Redi-Load grips they hold 4 extra rounds in the grip panels.
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Old 01-12-2017, 06:44 PM
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So, if you're carrying a 5-shot J-frame . . . So, if you're carrying a 5-shot J-frame . . . So, if you're carrying a 5-shot J-frame . . . So, if you're carrying a 5-shot J-frame . . . So, if you're carrying a 5-shot J-frame . . .  
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Quote:
Originally Posted by petepeterson View Post
I would think snapping on an empty chamber then pulling again would be faster than trying to index the empty chamber.
Neither is optimal, I'm not sure you want to draw down and hear a click, unless you're training to just repeatedly pull the trigger (and yes, we trained to shoot until the threat was stopped, but generally we didn't just empty the gun.) That might be a sticking point in court. I guess it's a personal decision. I'm just saying reloading a partial cylinder and then trying to guess when your gun is going to fire doesn't seem like the answer. Like I said the "what if" game will always lead to semi autos with effective cartridges and multi round magazines.
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Old 01-12-2017, 11:48 PM
Richard M Richard M is offline
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So, if you're carrying a 5-shot J-frame . . . So, if you're carrying a 5-shot J-frame . . . So, if you're carrying a 5-shot J-frame . . . So, if you're carrying a 5-shot J-frame . . . So, if you're carrying a 5-shot J-frame . . .  
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I buy the 5 shot strip and load 5. I have seen people use the 7 shop strip and load 2 space 2 space 1.
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