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Old 08-11-2017, 02:46 PM
JLM JLM is offline
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Default How many speedloaders / speedstrips

Hi All,
If you carry a revolver for self defense and/or outdoor activities like hiking or camping, how many speedloaders or speedstrips do you have on hand? As I find myself turning to a revolver more and more, I'm thinking about adding several more for each. They are inexpensive compared to extra magazines so why not?
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Old 08-11-2017, 02:50 PM
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I carry one speedstrip typically. Sometimes 2. Or one speedloader and sometimes I add a speedstrip with it.

Speedstrips are cheap and they break eventually with use. Buy a couple 2 packs. I have at least 4 and a few more I train with. Like 6.

Speedloaders are more expensive. I have one reliable one I keep clean for carry, one backup I do the same, and four I train with and don't mind dropping and beating up for each revolver.

For a grand total of 6 speedloaders and 6 speedstrips per revolver. I also do minimum 6 mags per semi if that matters. 2 for carry 2 for backup carry and 2 for training.

Last edited by eb07; 08-11-2017 at 02:52 PM.
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Old 08-11-2017, 02:51 PM
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full cylinder in gun and 2 speedloaders.....or 2 moon clips
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Old 08-11-2017, 02:57 PM
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I don't carry extra ammo in town.

If I can't solve a problem with what's in the gun, more ammo won't help.

I rarely carry a revolver in the woods, but when I do any extra ammo is carried loose.
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Old 08-11-2017, 03:01 PM
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I typically carry 2 Comp I speedloaders for my 642. On the rare occasion the speedloaders aren't discreet enough, I'll carry 1 or 2 speedstrips (I like the Tuff Products version).

Similar to eb07, I have a set of loaders/strips for carry and a set for practice. I've got around 6-8 of each, in total. It's always nice to have back-ups.
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Old 08-11-2017, 03:12 PM
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In the day when we carried revolvers as uniform patrol officers we had 18 rounds. 6 in the gun and 12 in drop pouches. Let that be your guide. We had 5 rounds for our Remington 870.

Last edited by VaTom; 08-11-2017 at 03:15 PM.
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Old 08-11-2017, 03:15 PM
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For me, at least a pair of either speedloaders or moonclips for each type of the two types of ammo load I carry.

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Old 08-11-2017, 03:57 PM
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Normally one speed strip along w/two speedloaders in the door pocket of my car.
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Old 08-11-2017, 04:05 PM
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Speed strips usually are sold as a set of two so that's what I carry. No point in leaving one empty speed strip at home.
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Old 08-11-2017, 04:06 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by VaTom View Post
In the day when we carried revolvers as uniform patrol officers we had 18 rounds. 6 in the gun and 12 in drop pouches. Let that be your guide. We had 5 rounds for our Remington 870.
+1 in the bag (or 23 including a backup M40, but no scattergun), plainclothes: 20 rounds in M36, M40 and two 'loaders. Most I ever had occasion to use was 12. I would expect an armed civilian to need fewer.
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Old 08-11-2017, 04:08 PM
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When I carry a revolver, I carry 2 speedloaders. When I carry a semi-auto, I carry 2 spare magazines. In the unwanted event that I HAVE to draw, I realize that I may have to lay down suppressive fire until my children or I get to cover, and an empty handgun is useless. This is the only time I can envision "spraying" any ammunition. After all, only hits count!
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Old 08-11-2017, 04:08 PM
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Two speedstrips and many, many speedloaders. I only use them at the range or in a field when plinking.
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Old 08-11-2017, 04:54 PM
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Only what's in the revolver most self defense situations don't go beyond 3 or 4 rounds. I'm not a LEO and I'm not getting into a firefight, at least not were I live.
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Old 08-11-2017, 04:58 PM
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When carrying off duty I have a speed strip in my coin pocket and one in regular pocket. At work I carry one spare speed strip as it's a BUG. When I travel I usually put 2 speedloaders in the door map pocket and keep the strips in my pockets as stated.
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Old 08-11-2017, 05:54 PM
Bill In Texas Bill In Texas is offline
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On my body I typically have a couple of speed strips. Offbody, I have another j frame and a couple of speedloaders.

I also have designated practice speedloaders and speed strips.
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Old 08-11-2017, 06:49 PM
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Hello, good question, I typically use the 2x2x2 carrier and a couple of speed strips. I don't carry speed loader unless in a jacket pocket.
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Old 08-11-2017, 07:03 PM
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"On hand" I have an average of four speed loaders each for J frame, K frame, and L frame revolvers plus an equal number for my .22LR Model 17, and my Service and Security Sixes.

That's largely based on being able to carry 3 speed loaders on practical pistol shoots, and having one more to load the revolver - since I practice a tactical reload during every reload.

I also have a couple speed strips each in 5, 6 and 7 shot sizes.

---

"On me" I usually carry a speed strip in the summer and a speed loader in the winter, when I'm usually wearing a vest.

The fact of the matter though is that it serves mostly as something to keep my hands busy, rather than in any expectation of ever needing it.

The statistics on self defense loads over whelming indicate that the odds of ever needing more than 5 rounds in an armed citizen self defense shoot are exceedingly remote. I still practice with a speed loader, but that's just to maintain a skill, and because I enjoy being able to shoot clean or nearly clean scores on pistol Q courses using a revolver.
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Old 08-11-2017, 07:09 PM
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Two Revolvers Two Speed Loaders or Speed Strips on me. If traveling, Eight Speed Loaders Four Speed Strips(not all on me). All are loaded with 135gr. Speer Gold Dot 38+P. In winter we go to Florida so a case of standard 38s go for fun days. Also a couple extra Snubs.
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Old 08-11-2017, 08:59 PM
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VATOM- yes, but you also had a radio to get help.

JLM, you kinda need to figure that one out yourself. The big question, as I hinted above, is: How far away, miles & time, is help and are you sure you can reach them? The national (NYPD dominates) stats are 3.5-4.7 rounds one on one with a BG in a shooting. In an actual gunfight, it goes up to 6.2-8.? one on one. More than one BG? More in both. I certainly wouldn't do less than two. Out in the back country, more. Remember you may need to signal people if you need help.

If you do speed strips, get more than you initially need. I found I lost a lot in coin pockets, they worked their way out. They also go through the wash/dry cycle a few times unless you're really careful. Also, if you're using them, keep them in a pocket/pockets with nothing else. You don't want to be sorting change from ammo in front of a stop & rob cashier or if you need to save your neck (admittedly not likely, but you don't want to be on the short end of the stats).

Last edited by WR Moore; 08-11-2017 at 09:06 PM.
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Old 08-11-2017, 09:11 PM
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Zero in town; where I live and go locally, the crime rate is pretty much zero.
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Old 08-11-2017, 10:24 PM
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Typically two. Unlikely to need them but if you need the gun the odds have already gone against you.
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Old 08-12-2017, 07:14 AM
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Mostly one, sometimes two. Out in the woods or fishing during snake season always one speed strip with spare shotshells.
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Old 08-12-2017, 07:37 AM
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Usually just 1 reload.
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Old 08-12-2017, 12:32 PM
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Worked uniform patrol for years carrying a 6-shot revolver and 12 rounds on my belt. Worked plainclothes for years carrying a 6-shot revolver and 6 rounds on my belt. Carried a box of ammo in my briefcase, kept in the car, but never had need to dig into that.

Locked in the car trunk I usually had a Remington 870 (4 rounds 00-buck in magazine, chamber empty, extra box of 5 rounds) and a 1943 Inland M1 Carbine (30-round mag loaded, chamber empty, 2-15 round mags in a stock pouch). Only time I ever used either was to put down deer that had been hit by cars on the road.

Switched to semi-auto pistols in the late 1980's. Seldom carry revolvers for defensive use anymore, but when I do I carry one reload (either a speed strip or in a pouch).

Humped combat patrols in Vietnam with a M16 and 5-20 round mags and M1911A1 with 3-7 round mags. That was in addition to my rucksack (40-50 pounds including rations for 2-3 days, 2-quart water carrier, a Claymore mine or two, smoke grenades, signal flares, 200 rounds of 7.62 for my M60 gunner, clean socks, toothbrush, etc) and my web gear (2-one quart canteens, knife, couple of frag grenades, extra headset & batteries for my PRC-25 radio operator, first ad gear, etc). Add the flak vest and steel helmet and I probably had 75-80 pounds loaded on my skinny 19 year old body. More ammo? No thanks. Nice canned Danish ham or good summer sausage from home, okay I'll make some room for that.

So far I haven't felt undergunned or lacking ammunition.

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Old 08-12-2017, 12:39 PM
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When woods walking, I wear a petite Freedom Arms Model 97 45 Colt. In one of my (Wes Daems, 7X Leather, Ennis, Montana) "Klein Special" 12-cartridge McKeever Box-like carriers I have 10 bulleted cartridges and two CCI 45 Colt shot shells.

Hope this helps.
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Old 08-12-2017, 03:09 PM
Old Arkansawyer Old Arkansawyer is offline
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Carry 6 shot .44 special or 7+1 .45 acp mdl 11, both with 5 shot .22 bug.
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Old 08-25-2017, 11:20 PM
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For everyday carry, one FULL speed strip.
( for some reason, lots of guys think if they have a 5-shooter, they have to leave one hole in the Speed Strip empty and use only 5 of the holes. I figure I might really need that sixth extra round if things go bad ).

If out walking around in fields or the woods where I might take a few impromptu shots at targets of opportunity, or on a camping trip, will carry two full reloads or more.
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Old 08-25-2017, 11:33 PM
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Two speedloaders with my revolvers or two magazines with my autos. It's just habit with my revolvers, with my autos I've had enough problems with magazines that with one in the gun and two in my pocket I figure at least one will make it through if I need it to.
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Old 08-25-2017, 11:40 PM
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For concealed carry, I usually add one speed strip for a revolver, or one extra magazine for a pistol. Quick loaders are too bulky for easy concealment. I carry extra ammunition for self defense for a strategic reload. If you get into a shootout, rather than a shooting, you've done something wrong, and even a quick loader won't get you out of it.

In the woods, I usually use a shoulder holster which has a holder for two extra magazines, two quick loaders or two loaded moon clips. A light jacket or vest is sufficient for concealment. I don't open-carry even when it's permitted. Scares the horses, as Ayoob would say.
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Old 08-26-2017, 01:15 AM
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I carry two J frames daily. With that, I carry two speedloaders & two speedstrips; thus, two guns & 30 rds of ammo.
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Old 08-26-2017, 08:27 AM
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My Tuff pocket holster has a pouch for an extra speed strip. Have two more in a pocket carrier. That's 20 rounds, counting the 5 in the cylinder. If that's not enough, I shoulda stayed home.
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