Speed Loader for 38 sp 14-4?

[chiltech500]

Can anyone steer me in the right direction, is there one of those grip the bullets and drop'em in type loaders for the 14-4?

I don't think those rings where you press the bullet in and drop the ring in would fit this target pistol but that is a question too?

Thanks in advance for your help.

[Black Knight]

HKS and Safariland both make speed loaders for the K-frame .38 Specials. I do not know the model for the Safariland but for the HKS check the 10-A. Most gunshops should have them. If not then check Brownell's. Brownell's has them for $9.99 each plus shipping.
I have used both but prefer the HKS as they were the first speed loaders I ever tried.

[chiltech500]

Wow that was fast.

Thanks

[growr]

Depending on your grip cutout where a speedloader would go, you may or maybe not use the HKS 10A speedloader.....If you have a scallop in the left side of your grip you are good to go.

If not....Might have to change your grip to one that will allow a speedloader.

Randy

[Protocall_Design]

I like the Safariland ones the best, as they push straight in. On the HKS ones you have to twist the knob the right direction to drop the shells. Safariland also has the loading block. It will work with either kind of loader.

[9mmsubgun-m11]

You want the HKS 10.

[just plain joe]

When I came on the job, revolvers reigned supreme. I carried two Safariland speed-loaders for my K-Frame Model 15. I preferred them as they only needed to be pushed forward when loading the cartridges into the cylinder (think gross-motor skills). Also, when I dropped them onto the deck, they still retained the cartridges. I still have these speed-loaders and they still work. In law enforcement, we consider this a "clue".

I can't comment on the HKS as I never used them in the course of my duties. I have heard from others that they consider the HKS as "top-tier".

Others may know more though.

HTH.

Joe

[VNK971]

My duty weapon was a Model 64. I tried the HKS and Dade back then, 1970s, and settled on the Dade which was a similar design to the Safariland. I didn't like the HKS because gravity dropped the rounds into the cylinder after twisting a knob. The Dade, and now Safariland push the rounds into the cylinder. Dade isn't around anymore.

[Pizza Bob]

Depends on whether you want speed or convenience. HKS is fine for convenience, but requires two motions (insert / twist knob) to activate, and as pointed out, relies on gravity to get the cartridges into the chambers.

Safariland makes three different speed loaders - the Comp I, II & III. The I & II also rely on gravity, but only take a single motion (insertion) to release the cartridges (the release bears against the extractor star). The II as a larger knob on the top making it easier to grab from whatever carrier you use. The III also is activated by insertion, but uses a spring to push the cartridges into the chambers - much more positive and faster. A favorite of competition shooters. Has a large top knob for fast easy grasp, but makes not suitable for concealed / duty carry.

Jet loaders are similar to the Comp III's in regard to being spring loaded. There are other brands out there, but the HKS and Safariland are the most common and easiest to find, and both are quality products. I think that you will find that any manufacturer of speed loaders will have offerings for K-frame .38's.

To expand on grwr's post #4 - S&W Target grips came three ways over the years. No relief cut at all (the earliest). Extractor relief, also known as "Football" grips, and speed loader relief grips on which the top of the left grip panel is scalloped to the metal to provide clearance for the speed loader body. These were not produced concurrently, but on a timeline as listed above. There are other S&W grip variations, but these are the ones most commonly encountered in target grips. Most aftermarket grips provide speed loader clearance.

Extractor relief grips (Football)


Speed loader relief


Adios,

Pizza Bob

[chiltech500]

Wow thanks for all the detailed replies. Pizza Bob you are awesome. I do have the scalloped grip as shown in the bottom pic.

I would like to push the rounds in VNK971, since I use reloads for target with the 14-4 sometimes they need a littlepush if it's a tight squeeze. Speed is not necessary per se.

Is it the correct for me to say the Safariland III is the only one that pushes? Thanks

[Pizza Bob]

Jet Loaders are also spring powered.

Since speed isn't a factor, I'd recommend you just go with the HKS. Once the knob is twisted and you remove the loader itself, you can manually push in any sticky rounds (but I'd look for a new size die if you are having this issue). The HKS are about half the price of the Comp III's.

Speed Beez makes a loader also that has fingers that push the rounds into the chambers of the cylinder. There is a coil spring that goes around the exterior of the body of the speed loader that holds the rounds in the loader. The individual fingers bear on the back of each cartridge and are connected to the central knob. When you push on the knob the fingers push the rounds past the circumferential spring into the chambers - more of a controlled feed.

Speed Beez Loader


But they are even more expensive (by quite a bit) than the comp III's and I don't know how secure the retention is for competitive purposes (not a concern of yours).

Good luck with whatever you choose.

Adios,

Pizza Bob

[Biggfoot44]

I've used both, greatly prefer the HKS .

[chiltech500]

I wanted to thank all replies, you have been extremely helpful.

[Fishbread]

Having used both I much prefer the Safariland Comp 2's over the HKS. No cartridge wobble in the Safariland and faster to load. I have 15 that are in my current rotation. Never had any problem with them. HKS is pretty durable too, no complaints there. With Safariland I don't need to re-position my fingers/hand when loading like I do with the HKS. Just press and go.

[YeshuaIsa53]

I agree the 10 works better than the 10-A.

[TANKLEGACY]

5StarFirearms makes some nice ones....they even made me one for my S&W 500 (50cal)....with a nice block to hold 5 speed loaders.

[CajunBass]

If speed isn't really a factor a handfull of speed-strips might be all you nend. Cheap, convenient, secure ,and durable, they're the ones I actually use.

[JGR_LV]

Speed strips are handy to put in your pocket, but if you want a reliable speed loader, get the Safariland, not the HKS. I've seen too many people accidentally twist that knob on the HKS and scatter rounds all over the firing line. The Safarilands don't release unless something, generally the ejector star, pushes on that little plunger in the center of the ring of cartridges. The Comp 2 and Comp 3 are both available for a K-38. The Comp 2 is for duty or concealed carry, with a low profile. It's very secure and is spring-loaded so it actually pushes the rounds into the cylinder when it triggers The Comp 3 is intended for competition use, so it's got a long handle that makes it easy to grasp and a stronger spring tension that will fire the rounds all over if you trip it by hand. I've never had one trip or drop rounds by accident.