686 vs Python Speedloaders

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xfarfuldog

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I have owned a Python tor over 25 years. I carried it while I was a police officer until we went to semi autos. Yesterday I purchased a like new 686 no dash for a good price. I have owned several K and L frames over the years. I would like to buy the same speedloaders to use in both guns. I have 20+ Safariland comp II loaders for K frames. I have two comp II's for my Python. I know Safariland makes comp II's for the 357 L frame. I am asking for you that have both the 686 and Python, which Safariland speedloader works the best for both? Or am I going to have to bite the bullet and buy 2 different loaders. I have used HKS loaders but strongly prefer the comp IIs.
 
5 Star Firearms lists a speed loader which fits both the S&W 686 and Colt Python. Here's the link:
.357 L-Frame Accessories

I have 5 Star speedloaders in the 8 round size for my 627 and the 5 round size for my J frame and I like them very much. (I don't work for them, just a satisfied customer.)
 
I have a bunch of Safariland loaders for both, but never tried to see if they would cross over. They just get painted with "C", or "L" in large letters to keep things, umm, organized. The center posts are somewhat different, and it seems the Colt is a little smaller in diameter, but that could be in error.
 
The issue is the little 'tit' or extension used to index the loaders at the correct depth in the cylinder. That of the L frame does not use an extension like the Python's does since the L frame center pin engages the center of the loader's 'star' instead. Since the Python has no center pin as such, and the ejector 'star' is flat or slightly dished, that little extension is required.

Never thought much of the Safariland loaders since all of them would drop their rounds if they hit the deck hard, so while I suspect they are similar to the HKS it has been a while since I looked at any of them.
 
I seem to recall that everyone thought you could, but not sure that was the case in the real world. I owned a Python back in the early 90s at the same time I carried an issue 686 for a while. I know I had speed loaders, but I don't remember if I had a set for each or used the same ones for both guns. I rummaged thru a box and found two Safarilands I used. They have no markings other than "GL8C," and I know I used them for duty with the 686 for a while because they still had Southwest Border dust in them. I never carried the Python. I remember looking for speed loaders on weekend breaks from the Border Patrol Academy, but couldn't find any in stock. I know I had a set by the time I reported for duty, but don't remember if I used the ones I had for the Python or found some along the way. Best way for you to see is what works is to break out what you have and try them.

My experience with Safariland speed loaders was not good while I was a Border Patrol agent. I found that when they got choked full of dust, they wouldn't release. I ended up switching to a Glock 17 and turned in the 686. Later, I carried a Model 19 for a while, but because of the dust issues, I used HKS, which seemed to work regardless of how much kicked up dust I had to work in. The Safarilands are very fast for competition; although I recall seeing an agent on the Border Patrol pistol team back in the early 90s competing in a weekend law enforcement match in San Diego with his Model 66 and his duty rig. He used HKS speed loaders as I recall, and reloaded so much faster than many of the other competitors did with semi autos.
 
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I started my police career in 1978. I don't remember using the loops but my first duty rig had dump pouches. I saw the HKS loaders and purchased them. In about 1980 I went to an officer survival course and was introduced to the Safariland speed loaders. I used them and taught basic police academy classes with them until we changed to semi autos.

I have now worked for a security related firm for 15 years. I had to go back to revolvers and continue to use the safariland loaders. We now use semi autos, but I still have to teach and do requals with revolvers. Occaisionally I get a small pebble in the safariland loaders. I never have been in real dusty conditions to deal with that. No problems otherwise with safariland loaders.

The 5 star loaders look intriguing. Do they operate just like safariland or ?? I have tried the Python loaders in the 686 but the cylinder is a little larger than the Python. It works, but not well. I think I will buy a couple of 686 loaders and try them.
 
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ridgewalker said:
5 Star Firearms lists a speed loader which fits both the S&W 686 and Colt Python. Here's the link:
.357 L-Frame Accessories

I have 5 Star speedloaders in the 8 round size for my 627 and the 5 round size for my J frame and I like them very much. (I don't work for them, just a satisfied customer.)
Click to expand...

I just got a 5 star speedloader and "bedside block kit" a couple weeks ago for my 4" 686+ and I love it. Light, solid, easy to load and most importantly easy and fast to load the wheel. :)
 
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