Speed Loader, S&W Model 642 .38 SPL +P,

Big-Fish · Jun 28, 2020

Anyone have a make and model ID on a good speed loader for the 642 38? I have the strips but wanted a good fast speed loader for the small revolver and need one. I have had this new firearm for awhile now and it functions great for CCW and SD. I keep it in rotation for the range but it is not the most comfortable to shoot. Age and eyesight a factor but still love to shoot it. Also been thinking about a new grip to ease the snappy little beast. Quite a good pistol IMHO one of the best!

rubiranch · Jun 28, 2020

J-CLIP™ Speed Loader for 38SP/357 J-Frame Size Revolvers - Zeta6™

kbm6893 · Jun 28, 2020

Big-Fish said:
Anyone have a make and model ID on a good speed loader for the 642 38? I have the strips but wanted a good fast speed loader for the small revolver and need one. I have had this new firearm for awhile now and it functions great for CCW and SD. I keep it in rotation for the range but it is not the most comfortable to shoot. Age and eyesight a factor but still love to shoot it. Also been thinking about a new grip to ease the snappy little beast. Quite a good pistol IMHO one of the best!

HKS 36. Or is it 36A? One of those. I much prefer Safariland speedloaders but I’m not sure they make one for a J frame.

sandog · Jun 28, 2020

Perhaps you'd get more responses posting this in the revolver section instead of the M&P auto section.

ContinentalOp · Jun 28, 2020

Safariland Comp I. They're the easiest to use. Insert rounds, push on body of loader, done. They're also durable.

They may not be compatible with certain grips, though. If you have the factory rubber grips, it's not difficult to shave off enough of the grip material to get loader clearance.

You may also want to search the 1980-Present Revolver subforum, as well as the Concealed Carry subforum, as this topic has been discussed before.

326MOD10 · Jun 28, 2020

If you still have the original S&W short rubber grips on it you will have clearance issues with many speed loaders.

I would suggest finding the right grips for you and then seeing what you need to do to modify those grips, or not, and then research the reloading method.

Electraclyde · Jun 28, 2020

IMHO there is no such thing as a speed loader for a J-frame. Grips will always get in the way. I would just carry 2 J-frames, (New York reload). It is faster than trying to reload one.
Have carried one or two J-frames nearly daily since 1980.

rubiranch · Jun 28, 2020

I have three J-frames. Top to bottom, 640-1, 642-1 and a 60-14.

I can not use my HKS speed loaders with my 640-1 due to the smooth Combat grips. The Zeta6 speedloaders work just fine on all three.

IMO the Zeta6 speedloaders are far superior than any of the others for J-frame revolves and they at only $10/pr.

I carry a speed strip in my pocket when I carry my 642-1.
I've bought several Zeta6 speedloaders and have done away with my difficult to use HKS speedloaders for my J-frames.

ContinentalOp · Jun 28, 2020

I'd recommend staying away from Maxfire speedloaders. There've been instances of damaged guns from using them. Apparently, the torque needed to strip the holder from the rounds in the cylinder can bend the yoke.

garddogg56 · Jun 28, 2020

Five star work well with my J frame and LCR

Scharfschuetzer · Jun 28, 2020

Lots of neat speed loaders above.

I started out with HKS speed loaders as a uniform officer in the mid 70s so I've always just stuck with them for all of my revolvers. They are a good positive device and last forever. My K Frame HKS loaders are now pushing 45 years of age and are still working well.

I do use speed strips in the summer when clothing gets abbreviated.

pharmer · Jun 28, 2020

I have these on a 640 and 2 642's. They are thin too. Joe
CDNN SPORTS - SW J RD PREMIER COMPACT GRIP W/FINGER GROOVE SILE

kbm6893 · Jun 28, 2020

Electraclyde said:
IMHO there is no such thing as a speed loader for a J-frame. Grips will always get in the way. I would just carry 2 J-frames, (New York reload). It is faster than trying to reload one.
Have carried one or two J-frames nearly daily since 1980.

My HKS work fine in my 642 with the Pachmayr compact grips. My other revolvers I use Safariland. I much prefer Safariland. Didn’t know they made one for a J frame. Have to pick a few up.

smoothshooter · Jun 28, 2020

kbm6893 said:
HKS 36. Or is it 36A? One of those. I much prefer Safariland speedloaders but I’m not sure they make one for a J frame.

Safariland DOES make speed loaders for J frames. I have 5 of them, and they beat the heck out of HKS. In every way. The main advantage is that HKS loaders require the user to keep the cylinder from rotating as the twist lock device is released.
With the Safariland, just drop in and press down.

Speed Loader, S&W Model 642 .38 SPL +P,

Big-Fish

Member

rubiranch

Member

kbm6893

SWCA Member

sandog

Member

ContinentalOp

Member

326MOD10

Member

Electraclyde

Member

rubiranch

Member

ContinentalOp

Member

garddogg56

Member

Attachments

Scharfschuetzer

Member

Attachments

pharmer

Member

kbm6893

SWCA Member

smoothshooter

Member

Similar threads

Latest posts