I just got an e-mail from a company named 5 Star Firearms, announcing they are offering an 8-shot .357 speedloader for N frame revolvers. I ordered two to try them but haven't received them yet. No idea as to their quality, but they are very reasonably priced. Here is their website link:

5 Star Firearms Home | Firearm Accessories | 100% American Made

I would be interested in your comments on these when you get to play with them. Too bad they do not make them for the 686 plus.

Interesting looking and the price is not to bad either, I would like to know how the work when you get them.

Just got off the phone, out of stock and new production in about 3 weeks...

Got an e-mail the two I ordered were shipped 3/11, so I might even receive them this weekend. I will update after I've had a chance to see how they work with my 327PD.

I'd be interested to hear your opinion on these. A 327 performance center snub is on my short list for a summer carry piece.

I can't help but comment...

On their website, there's a bullet coming out the barrel of a revolver that hasn't had the trigger pulled yet, AND the girl getting ready to lose her left cheek...

Not to mention the annoying SFX.

I wish I had the problem of needing an 8 shot speedloader...

Looks like bullet and brass coming out of barrel.

Anybody using these speed loaders? Any good? Thanks, Ed.

People like them well enough, but I can't imagine opting for a speedloader on a gun cut for moonclips.

Moonclips are far, far superior.

Thanks, my 627 is not cut, for moon clips. I guess I need to get prices to have it cut, or buy some speed loaders. Ed

Ed,

I have the original 627-PC Blood Work 8 Shot and use the 5-Star speed loaders. They are very well built and have not had any mechanical problems with them at all. They are a "hand full" to get into the cylinder as probably are all 8-shot Speed loaders. They also have a "Night Stand" which holds two loaders. They will fit Speed loader pouches with a slight modification to the pouch. Here's a couple pictures from my Picture-Album:.
Best of luck.
Carl

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Retired FBI Agent

Exfebee is right, they are high priced, but top quality.

Carl,

Can you provide information on your pouches pictured?

Thanks!

Sure. The pouches pictured are:
DeSantis
Sku #: A35TJUUZ0
Tan in Color

Slight modification needed is to pull the strings out of the holes in the bottom to open them up.

You can see more pictures on my "Pictures - Albums" site at:

Smith & Wesson Forum - exfebee's Album: Pictures on The Wall

Here's a front view of the pouches. You can see where the string went between the 4 holes. Just clip and pull it out.



Carl

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Retired FBI Agent

I have 4 of the 5 Star for 8 shot S&W revolvers. They work great. No complaints at all except for the price - about $25 ea.. I bought sets of two speedloaders and a loading block that holds 8 cylinders worth.

Interesting, what 627 do you have? My 1998ish -PC is cut.

OK, thanks guys. I am going to order some, I don't mind paying a premium if I feel like I am getting a quality product. Ed

Mine is a 627-6 stainless with a 4 inch barrel. Here it is with it's little brother.

I love their products and have been using them for years. I have those very loaders for my 627 and well as many more of their loaders:

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Wow! That is certainly a good endorsement! I hope they send you a Christmas card with all the money you've given them! Ed

It is a small company with FIRST class products. The husband does the machine work, wife polishes. In a 627 PC with C.T. grips makes the PERFECT nightstand gun

So some of you have guns that are cut for moon clips, but use speed loaders anyway? Have anything against the clips? Or just prefer speed loaders? Thanks, Ed

I like 45 ACP moonclips but I find the 8 shot 357 moonclips too flexible making alignment of all 8 rounds a bit harder that it is for a speed loader under pressure. At the range the moonclips are fine but in duress, like when I compete, the speed loader is quicker IMO.

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I carry my 627-PC snubbie both in the truck or on the Harley whenever I'm traveling. I find that the 5-Star speedloaders are a little easier to handle and a little easier to keep track of than the moonclips. Never have had a problem with the 5 Stars...good quality and dependable.

I keep the 5starfirearms.com speedloaders for range use, while I have moonclips with my self-defense loads, +P 158gr LHPSWC's. I do have a spare 'nightstand' kit - I found a LN 2x8 block and loader in a ziplock bag marked $15 at a LGS. I said "About your price...", when he cut me off, "Don't like my price? Well, how is $10 then??". I was going to tell him it was a bargain - and I got a better bargain!

My original order was for an 8x8 block and speedloader as well as a nightstand kit - a 2x8 plate and a speedloader. It barely made their then 'free s/h' - and I got it in a few days. Great folks to deal with. I fall asleep loading the 8x8 plate for subsequent speedloader loads. It, like the other 5 Star products, is beautifully made - and fairly priced - a lot better than the 'other' x8 speedloader, that's for sure.

I keep fifty-odd moonclips loaded with both the aforementioned defense loads and plinker loads. Not all brass, .38 & .357M, will fit the standard moonclips - and that is where the speedloader shines. It aint proud - all .38/.357 ammo loads - just be sure they are all the same OAL - will load. That is needed for the only two x8 627-family members that aren't moonclp ready from the factory, eveled's pictured 627 (SKU #163357) and the 327 Night Guard, for faster reloads.

Stainz

If you want something flatter, look into Quick-Strips; 8-rd (in .38/.357) version of the classic Speed Strip, but made by another company:
Tuff Products :: QuickStrips™

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I have a few of the 5 star speed loaders. They are high quality. Even though I can use the moonclips faster on reloads, the speed loaders won't bend and malfunction if abused. When I use my revolver for ccw, I use the speed loaders, instead of the moonclips.

I use the speed loaders when I shoot Bullseye. Save a little effort of loading/unloading the moon clips. For SD I use all three (clips, strips and speedloaders) depending on where I am and what I expect to do. It's nice to have a choice.

I find the same issue. When I carry my 627 Pro, I do clip the 8 cartridges that are loaded though. That way extraction is assured. Reloads are carried in my 5 Star speeloaders.

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Proud anachronism

I do the same thing with the 8 already in the cylinder.

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The 8 shot 627 PC DESTROYS the argument for a 1911. The .357 has a better stopping record, has 1 more round, is TOTALLY reliable out of the box, doesn't require a gunsmith to get to work with more than hardball, and with the moon clips is as fast to reload.

And the same barrel length, longer in fact if you consider that the chamber is part of the 1911's barrel.

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NRA Certified Instructor

I need to order a few

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Rob

There are two thicknesses of moonclips to use depending on the brass. When using Remington and Federal brass you can use the thicker moonclip which is much more durable. Winchester brass has a thinner groove so you must use a thinner moonclip which is where you get into the bent moonclip discussion. Use the thicker clip and the appropriate brass and you'll love moonclips. IMO clips are faster and a lot easier to pick up considering you have to reach down and pick up one piece (clip and brass are all together) as opposed to a speedloader and 8 separate pieces of brass.