Model 60 & Speedloaders

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IslayMalt

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Anyone have a preference between speedloaders and quick strips (or whatever they're called)? The reason I ask is because when I bought my wife her model 60 I picked up a speedloader with it. The standard kind that every store carries; don't remember the name. But when I used it, the clearance between it and the frame was non-existent. It just didn't seem right, almost like it was just too big, even though the package said it was correct. At least not like other larger-frame revolvers I've shot in the past..

So I picked up some speed strips today and will see if she'll give them a try. Maybe they'll work better if she can get passed just putting the cartridges in the strips. I tried it tonight with some snapcaps and it seemed different than what I expected and more difficult. Maybe I'm just too used to slapping a mag in and pressing the slide release.
 
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I have a speed loader for J-frames and I agree it is a tight fit when compared to one for a K, L or even an N frame. I actually modified a set of stocks for one of my model 60's so it would work a little better. I have the one speed loader but I carry speed strips almost every day. The strips lay flat in a pocket and don't seem as bulky. Just practice with both. It will get a bit better.
 
Try a Safariland. They're a bit smaller diameter. Very easy to use.

Also, the Quick Strips DO loosen up and get easier. Just leave them loaded for awhile.
 
My HKS #36 speedloader, with +P 158gr LHPSWC's, works well with my new 60 Pro and it's OEM wood grips.

IMG_4578.jpg


Actually, in the dark, the 60 Pro loads more easily than the 642 those speedloaders were kept loaded for! Still - moonclipped ball ammo for a .45 ACP 625 has jaded my opinion of speedloaders.

Stainz
 
The HKS are the most common and likely what you have. It's teh type with the silver twist knob on the rear. Before chucking it though, make sure it's not the grip and or wrong sized loader (vs brand) causign you problems. I don't use the HKS but they have been around a LONG time.
That said, I preffer the Safariland Comp1 or Dade speedloaders because they release themselves with a good push. Only issue (with all speedloaders) is that you need to carry them in some sort of pouch or pill bottle to assure the rounds don't get pried loose in your pocket.
 
Thanks. My guess is it's the HKS because it does have a silver knob. I like the idea of the strips though.
 
Been carrying both for years. The Bianchi Speed-strips do loosen up over time by leaving them loaded with cartridges. The HKS work well for me and my M&P340 and 340PD revolvers. I just put grips on that accommodate the loaders.

Good luck and good shooting.
 
I started out with speed loaders but switched to quick strips because I can just drop one into the watch pocket on my jeans and not worry about it getting tangled up with keys and change (I pocket carry my snubby in the other front pocket).
 
The 60, especially the 38 only mod 60 does not have much clearance for speed loaders. Using a modified grip panel, cut lower and thinner does help some. I like Spegel grips to help with this.
 
I like the HKS speedloaders for home/range use and speed strips for carry.

I also like the speedloaders in the console of the car/truck. They're easier for me to locate quickly.
 
I've have both the HKS and Safariland speedloader "open" when carried in a pocket. Speedstrips are slower, but the most dependable.
 
the speed strips fit my clothing choices a lot better. also have some grips that i like a lot but don't work well with speed loaders.
 
No one has answered my question that may give an alternative to speedloading with strips or speedloaders. What about having the cylinder lathe turned to accept moonclips for the j frame? ANYONE??
 
Speed strip

I say get her to try the speed strips. Follow the instructions on loading, ie which order to fill the cylinder. Once you get it down it is a very efficient way to carry extra rounds IMHO.
 
Also depends on what type stocks you have....all my snubbies now have Hogue Monogrips.....work perfect with speedloaders....clearance is very good.
 
As others have already said, it is critical that there is enough clearance on the left stock to allow the speedloader to insert the cartridges smoothly into the chambers. If not, the speedloader can get jammed against the frame and the its almost impossible to release the cartridges and withdraw the loader. That is not good. For many years I have carried a HKS speedloader and a speed strip. That gives me a full, quick reload with the HKS and the strip for topping off the cyclinder if needed without having to dump all the cartridges out. With a 5 shot weapon, I want to be able to use every round if needed.
 
How do you load your speed strips? Four rounds? Five? Or all six?
 
I have been looking into a moon clip conversion for my 638. It looks to be an $80 and shipping conversion. I currently have a 625, 610, and a 686-1 that take moon clips. The 686-1 was converted. I have also had an SP101 in 9mm that also used moon clips. I like moon clips a lot.

In club BUG Matches I have been using Safariland C-1 Speed Loaders. They work fair, but are a pain in the tail to load. You do not turn the knob on them. They have a release on the bottom, when you trip it, the shells drop free.

In my CCW Jacket I have 2 pouches sewn in for Speed strips. I am using Tuff Products brand. I got 5 round ones to start with. I believe the 6 or 7 shot models with 5 rounds would be handier. That way you have something to hang on to when loading.

The main thing is to practice with what ever you are using.

Loose round reloading, from pocket or dump pouches is the slowest.

Speed Strips will be the next slowest to load with, but the most concealable.

Speed Loaders will be faster than speed strips when you get the grips worked out.

Moon clips I am 100% sure will be the fastest reload in a J Frame.
 
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