5 Star speed loaders

blackpowder · Apr 24, 2011

After hearing a lot of good feedback about the speed loaders from 5 star firearms, I bouhgt a couple to see how they compare with the ones from HKS I've been using for the past 20 years.
Now I am really disappointed.

First, the cartridges, when in the locked position, remain very loose and it is a bit difficult to line up the rounds with the chambers. Second, if your'e not careful or in a hurry, the aluminum will scratch your grip panels. Third, the most popular speed loaders in use release upon twisting the nob clockwise. These release when turned counterclockwise (try to keep this in mind when under stress!). I just dont see what's so good about them. Perhaps other folks out there using the 5 star loaders have better experiences with them? Any comments are appreciated? Thanks.

(before I forget: The only real positive feature is the fluted body. This allows me to use them on my little J-Frame Charter Undercover where no other loader will work because they don't clear the left grip panel.)

Joe Kent · Apr 24, 2011

I have to respectively disagree. I went to them to get 8 shot speed loaders for my N-frame 357's and could not be more pleased. I originally bought 8 shot loaders from Clint Smith's company and can tell you that they also are well made but I could not get use to them after many years of liking and using HKS loaders. When I talked to the good people at 5 Star and expressed my concerns about using the release{opposite of HKS} they said "no problem" and made my order to release the same as HKS. Placed the order and two weeks later rec'd 8 loaders and a matching range ammo holder for fast reloads of the speed loaders. As things go, the order was shipped very fast, the quality is superb, and the people very nice to talk to on the phone. I am sure they will work to resolve any issues you may have. All my best, Joe.

-db- · Apr 24, 2011

I just looked at a 5 Star I have to see if there was an easy way for the user to reverse the rotation of the twist knob but there isn't. However, it's good to know the company will build them right-twist-to-release if requested.

Len · Apr 24, 2011

I recently got them for a 686P and a TRR8 and am totally pleased with them.

I think the rotation direction throws a lot of people off who've been used to months and years of the other speed loaders going clockwise.

I really like the fact that a counter clockwise activation means that you're working the action in a way that doesn't tend to move the cylinder closed.

It would be a hassle though, if you're used to the opposite, and I understand the problem....

Len

photoman · Apr 24, 2011

Now that they have fixed the rotation problem, I'll have to buy some more and give it a go. A lifetime of clockwise release could get a guy into some serious trouble if grabbing a speedloader that releases counter-clockwise.

TLG · Apr 24, 2011

Strange.....I purchased a Five Star loader and the block that holds two 5 round loaders last Summer. (Aug. of 2010) I just checked for myself and it releases the same way as my HKS speedloader. (That being a clockwise turn). My model is for the J-Frame.

Never thought about it till now. It always worked the same as the HKS.

Oh Well.....

TLG

photoman · Apr 24, 2011

TLG said:
Strange.....I purchased a Five Star loader and the block that holds two 5 round loaders last Summer. (Aug. of 2010) I just checked for myself and it releases the same way as my HKS speedloader. (That being a clockwise turn). My model is for the J-Frame.

Never thought about it till now. It always worked the same as the HKS.

Oh Well.....

TLG

Interesting TLG. I bought two along with the loading tray when they first came out and was very dissapointed to find out they release counter-clockwise. Sold them here on the Forum to that guy that took all the great Model 40 pics.

sipowicz · Apr 24, 2011

Speedloader Shmeedloader. You kids today...always in a hurry.

photoman · Apr 25, 2011

sipowicz said:
Speedloader Shmeedloader. You kids today...always in a hurry.

Yes... We all know you are a big fan of those Bianchi Slowstrips....

ProShooter · Apr 25, 2011

You want the best speedloader on the market?

The S.L. Variant, hands down.

Joe Kent · Apr 25, 2011

ProShooter, do they make 8 shot loaders?

TLG · Apr 25, 2011

Photoman44 said:
Interesting TLG. I bought two along with the loading tray when they first came out and was very dissapointed to find out they release counter-clockwise. Sold them here on the Forum to that guy that took all the great Model 40 pics.

I just looked at it again. I have the loader beside me. It is a clockwise release like my HKS. The model # is 38/357-05J. Like I said, "I bought the loader and block back in AUG. of 2010". I never liked it much because it scratched a brand new Altamont grip that I had just installed on my 442. As of now it is just a show piece on my desk. I would not waste the money again. At least the plastic loaders don't scratch your grips.

TLG, the old guy from WV.....

blackpowder · Apr 25, 2011

ProShooter said:
You want the best speedloader on the market?

The S.L. Variant, hands down.

Perhaps. But the question here is: Does it work on a J-frame? Most speed loaders, like the HKS, are to bulky to clear the left grip panel, so you can't line them up straight. The 5 Star works because of its fluted construction.

Someone mentioned you can ask 5 star for loaders that twist clockwise. Fine, that takes care of one negative aspect.

Leaves only one more drawback as someone else correctly observed. They dont go easy on your nice wood grips unless youre real careful.

Joe Kent · Apr 25, 2011

The very problem that I had in finding 8 shot loaders that will work is corrected by the reduced thickness of the 5 Star. I actually prefer HKS but they cannot make them thin enough. Besides, my "working guns" normaly have nicked and bruised stocks already. If you do not need them for the given reasons above you are better off with non-marring brands.

ProShooter · Apr 25, 2011

Joe Kent said:
ProShooter, do they make 8 shot loaders?

I don't believe so, only 5, 6 or 7 AFAIK.

ProShooter · Apr 25, 2011

blackpowder said:
Perhaps. But the question here is: Does it work on a J-frame? Most speed loaders, like the HKS, are to bulky to clear the left grip panel, so you can't line them up straight. The 5 Star works because of its fluted construction.

Someone mentioned you can ask 5 star for loaders that twist clockwise. Fine, that takes care of one negative aspect.

Leaves only one more drawback as someone else correctly observed. They dont go easy on your nice wood grips unless youre real careful.

I used one on a Colt Detective Spl. and it worked like a dream....not sure about the J frame specifically.

blackpowder · Apr 26, 2011

Joe Kent said:
The very problem that I had in finding 8 shot loaders that will work is corrected by the reduced thickness of the 5 Star. . .

. . . and that's exactly why they work well with the 5 shots, because of the reduced thickness. Otherwise, I also prefer the HKS with my six shooters

blackpowder · Apr 26, 2011

ProShooter said:
I used one on a Colt Detective Spl. and it worked like a dream.....

Which one? The HKS? The Colt DS is a six shooter. The HKS and the 5 Star work well enough on the six shooters. But the HKS doesn't work well with a 5 shot (and also not with 8 shots according to Joe Kent). If it did, I would use the HKS. As it is, I have to use the 5 Star with my J-frame and accept the wrong twist.......

ab4ka · Apr 26, 2011

I had a J frame set with the loading block and wasn't enthralled with it, although I adore my L frame set.

ProShooter · Apr 26, 2011

blackpowder said:
Which one?

The S.L. Variant.

I attended a 2 day course and one of the modules was taught by Michael de Bethencourt. He had a variety of speed loaders to use and the S.L. Variant was awesome.

5 Star speed loaders

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