It seems that several users of S&W "J" frame and other five-shot revolvers that use the same speed loaders drop one or two into a pocket perhaps not being used for practice or for their intended purpose. Among the load-the-cylinder-at-once speed loaders, which are more likely to survive being in a pocket were I fall down a flight of stairs? Unfortunately, this is not a hypothetical. Vertebrae that were crushed and repaired in the 1970s need some work. Right now I evaluate legs in use as - and this is the technical term - twitchy. Out of my home I have fallen twice in the last four months. Both were precisely the same problem occurring. One time I broke my arm in three places. The second time I was quicker and banged up my shoulder and ruined the Bill's Khaki pant I was wearing.
Speed loaders and five-shot cylinders
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bigggbbruce
Member
I don't think anyone tests reliability to this degree.
Sorry to hear of your plight. I have issues with neuropathy, can only imagine my future.
Sorry to hear of your plight. I have issues with neuropathy, can only imagine my future.
I prefer K frames but I often carry a J frame and I never carry speedloaders in my pockets. I do carry extra ammunition in my briefcase (one of the reasons I carry the silly case) but I really don't anticipate ever needing a reload. It's just one of those things that we do "in case" - the in case being that I become the one concealed carrier in a zillion who gets into a prolonged gunfight.
If I go out without the briefcase and carrying a J frame I'm down to five shots. Nothing I worry about.
Sorry about those physical ailments; I have some myself. Gettin' old ain't fer sissies......
If I go out without the briefcase and carrying a J frame I'm down to five shots. Nothing I worry about.
Sorry about those physical ailments; I have some myself. Gettin' old ain't fer sissies......
ContinentalOp
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From personal experience I can say that I've unintentionally dropped loaded Safariland Comp I speedloaders on concrete and they held the rounds in place, but still worked when I needed them to. I've also read of an instructor who would take loaded Comp I speedloaders and throw them against a wall without losing rounds, but still work. This is part of the reason why I use Comp Is, as well as their simple operation.
For pocket carry, I'd say it should be fine. You're probably more likely to hurt yourself from a fall than to damage these loaders.
The one caution I'd advise is to not use them with split-six-type belt-mounted carriers, as the speedloader is carried such that the release mechanism rides on top of the belt. While it hasn't happened with me, I have read of people somehow putting pressure on top of the pouch, causing the loader to release its rounds.
Personally, for pocket carry I'd use a speed strip or two. I have a preference for Tuff Products strips, but the original Bianchi strips are good, too. I don't like the 5-round strips as I don't feel like I can get a good enough grasp on them. If I carry a reload in my pocket, it's a 6-round strip in a Side Guard Holsters pocket pouch. Most of the time, I carry Comp Is in JOX belt-mounted pouches.
For pocket carry, I'd say it should be fine. You're probably more likely to hurt yourself from a fall than to damage these loaders.
The one caution I'd advise is to not use them with split-six-type belt-mounted carriers, as the speedloader is carried such that the release mechanism rides on top of the belt. While it hasn't happened with me, I have read of people somehow putting pressure on top of the pouch, causing the loader to release its rounds.
Personally, for pocket carry I'd use a speed strip or two. I have a preference for Tuff Products strips, but the original Bianchi strips are good, too. I don't like the 5-round strips as I don't feel like I can get a good enough grasp on them. If I carry a reload in my pocket, it's a 6-round strip in a Side Guard Holsters pocket pouch. Most of the time, I carry Comp Is in JOX belt-mounted pouches.
cbore
Member
Never had the medical issues like you, sorry and hope you the best. I leave a Miami Dade speed loader on the console and carry when about to enter an uncomfortable situation.
All ways was worried about left with an empty gun but feel comfortable with 5, 38 specials
All ways was worried about left with an empty gun but feel comfortable with 5, 38 specials
TomkinsSP
Member
As Old Cop says.
I like the HKS speed loaders. Haven't ever had a problem with them except the time TSA found one hiding in a hole in the lining of a backpack at the airport. Haha
My 638 is an easy carry. My 60 Pro is more fun to shoot. Be careful out there. I know about broken bones and replacement myself...
My 638 is an easy carry. My 60 Pro is more fun to shoot. Be careful out there. I know about broken bones and replacement myself...
Eddie Southgate
Member
I usually carry one or two HKS loaders or one HKS and a speed strip or two. I carry the 6 round strips , they work the same and with the two extra rounds I don't have to swap ammo if I decide to carry my old Cobra .
Eddie
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Old Cop, Tompkins and Eddie are right. Listen to them.
badge 851
US Veteran
I've carried the same way for decades...
J Frame at 4 O'clock, two speed strips rubber banded together in my right rear pocket; two Comp One speed loaders in my right front pants or jacket pocket.
J Frame at 4 O'clock, two speed strips rubber banded together in my right rear pocket; two Comp One speed loaders in my right front pants or jacket pocket.
While I own a couple of speedloaders for my J frame, I always carry speed strips for my reloads.
A Zippo rides in my watch pocket so I carry a coupla speed strips in my left front pocket. My snubby rides on my belt on my right hip.
I have speed loaders, both HKS and Safariland and when I get a bit of time, I'm gonna make a belt carrier or two for them.
As far as walking difficulties go, you might want to see about using a cane or maybe even a walker until your 1970's repaired vertebrae get some work done. Falling and breaking bones is a problem that needs to be addressed.
With my motor nerve problem, I spent nearly a year relearning to walk using the muscles that still work by carefully placing my feet. It was slow going at first but eventually I could walk at a good steady pace. I also lost lotsa weight so there'd be less of me to move.
Going down steps and stepping offa curbs still pose an interesting challenge and I have to carefully plan such things. If there's nothing for me to hold onto or lean on for the way down, then I don't go up in the first place.
I have speed loaders, both HKS and Safariland and when I get a bit of time, I'm gonna make a belt carrier or two for them.
As far as walking difficulties go, you might want to see about using a cane or maybe even a walker until your 1970's repaired vertebrae get some work done. Falling and breaking bones is a problem that needs to be addressed.
With my motor nerve problem, I spent nearly a year relearning to walk using the muscles that still work by carefully placing my feet. It was slow going at first but eventually I could walk at a good steady pace. I also lost lotsa weight so there'd be less of me to move.
Going down steps and stepping offa curbs still pose an interesting challenge and I have to carefully plan such things. If there's nothing for me to hold onto or lean on for the way down, then I don't go up in the first place.
nachogrande
Member
TAKE A LICKING, & KEEP ON TICKING.
Do you mean what's more comfortable to fall on, or what will be more likely to survive the fall. SPEED STRIPS for both, OR fill all your pockets with Styrofoam peanuts. Stay safe.
Do you mean what's more comfortable to fall on, or what will be more likely to survive the fall. SPEED STRIPS for both, OR fill all your pockets with Styrofoam peanuts. Stay safe.
Many thanks, guys, for this assistance and your encouragement.
Canes are for sick people. My Irish blackthorn root walking stick, though, is for those of us who occasionally "sup with the devil." I get away with nearly everything because he's fearful of getting whacked. Its undocumented feature?? is protection from being attacked by Victoria's Secret models. So far it works, perhaps, too well?
Canes are for sick people. My Irish blackthorn root walking stick, though, is for those of us who occasionally "sup with the devil." I get away with nearly everything because he's fearful of getting whacked. Its undocumented feature?? is protection from being attacked by Victoria's Secret models. So far it works, perhaps, too well?
Here is my take on speedloaders from someone who carries only a speedloader in his front pocket daily. Other peoples mileage may vary.... this is just MY opinon and experience.
I also reload the DeBethencourt Right hand .... using left ( my weak) hand method. The J never leaves my strong (R) hand. So the loader is in my left front pocket with my wallet.
Link if interested: [ame]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sjRTdXvjBmE[/ame]
THE BEST:
1. SL Variants are THE BEST no equal. But no longer imported so you have to pay a premium. I have seen them upwards of $100.00. Glad I got mine when I did. Fit into pocket easy and conceal well. They stay locked in place until released.Long so when in pocket I keep next to wallet and stay upright and easy to grab.
2. Jet loaders are an EXCELLENT substitute. Better than the others. Little bigger but also imported. Fit into pocket easy and conceal well. Fit into pocket easy and conceal well. Also long so when in pocket I keep next to wallet and stay upright and easy to grab. They STAY locked in plac until released. very tough. Pricey at 30 bucks a pop but worth it. JetLoader SpeedLoaders
THE REST (IMHO):
3. Five Star. Great, lightweight but I hate twistys for small revolvers. CCW release which is opposite of HKS but I think better because it actually twists AGAINST the natural swing of the cylinder not pushing it closed. ( You can have them make it CW release if you are old school and have HKS actions ingrained in your muscle memory) Also smaller than the HKS so fit better in pocket. Smaller though harder to grasp.
4. HKS. Old standards. Don't work with some stocks on J's due to size. CW release.
5. Any Safariland. Larger do not fit most grips. They are way better for K's, L's, and N's... just don'y agree with J's under speed and pressure in my experiences.
6. Speed beez. Great concept..... HUGE
My daily carry....
I also reload the DeBethencourt Right hand .... using left ( my weak) hand method. The J never leaves my strong (R) hand. So the loader is in my left front pocket with my wallet.
Link if interested: [ame]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sjRTdXvjBmE[/ame]
THE BEST:
1. SL Variants are THE BEST no equal. But no longer imported so you have to pay a premium. I have seen them upwards of $100.00. Glad I got mine when I did. Fit into pocket easy and conceal well. They stay locked in place until released.Long so when in pocket I keep next to wallet and stay upright and easy to grab.
2. Jet loaders are an EXCELLENT substitute. Better than the others. Little bigger but also imported. Fit into pocket easy and conceal well. Fit into pocket easy and conceal well. Also long so when in pocket I keep next to wallet and stay upright and easy to grab. They STAY locked in plac until released. very tough. Pricey at 30 bucks a pop but worth it. JetLoader SpeedLoaders
THE REST (IMHO):
3. Five Star. Great, lightweight but I hate twistys for small revolvers. CCW release which is opposite of HKS but I think better because it actually twists AGAINST the natural swing of the cylinder not pushing it closed. ( You can have them make it CW release if you are old school and have HKS actions ingrained in your muscle memory) Also smaller than the HKS so fit better in pocket. Smaller though harder to grasp.
4. HKS. Old standards. Don't work with some stocks on J's due to size. CW release.
5. Any Safariland. Larger do not fit most grips. They are way better for K's, L's, and N's... just don'y agree with J's under speed and pressure in my experiences.
6. Speed beez. Great concept..... HUGE
My daily carry....
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One more vote for the 6-round speed strips. Mine are Bianchi.
Not only will they not break if you should fall on one, they won't injure you either - whereas something with the diameter of the speed loader would most certainly make a serious bruise - or worse.
Not only will they not break if you should fall on one, they won't injure you either - whereas something with the diameter of the speed loader would most certainly make a serious bruise - or worse.
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Spokes
Member
I always carry at least one speed strip wen I carry a revolver...
They don't make another bulge in my pockets...
They don't make another bulge in my pockets...
I have an old fashioned, leather carrier for .38 Special/.357 Magnum reloads - it is not a speed strip. It is designed to be carried on a belt with the 6 rounds in loops like a western gun belt so it is not fast in any sense of the word. It is also not "good" for cartridges if held in place a long time because they get verdigris. Anyway, I mention it because there was a time quite some years ago that I had it with me in a briefcase going through an airport - totally forgot I had it until I literally saw it on the x-ray screen. I nearly choked. Thankfully, the screener ignored it. I have no idea why.
As for an
aka a shillelagh - they make devastating weapons if used properly. Any "cane" is useful for self defense but shillelaghs are so cool that it is just more fun to use one of those than a cane and you can board planes early if you look that "stove up".
I accidentally tried to go through security with one of my speed strips in the pocket of a pair of cargo shorts in my luggage.I have an old fashioned, leather carrier for .38 Special/.357 Magnum reloads - it is not a speed strip. It is designed to be carried on a belt with the 6 rounds in loops like a western gun belt so it is not fast in any sense of the word. It is also not "good" for cartridges if held in place a long time because they get verdigris. Anyway, I mention it because there was a time quite some years ago that I had it with me in a briefcase going through an airport - totally forgot I had it until I literally saw it on the x-ray screen. I nearly choked. Thankfully, the screener ignored it. I have no idea why.
They confiscated the rounds, but let me keep the strip.
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