642 - best speedloader & why

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OldGoat

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Is the HKS or Safariland recommended for 642? I read somewhere that a speedloader may not be recommended because the cylinder does not swing out far enough on one or both. Appreciate sharing your comments and experience. Thanks.
 
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I prefer the Safariland Comp I/II series of speedloaders. Not having to twist a knob is nice, and they have proven to be very durable. The model J-C7 is made for the J frame Smiths. Grip selection is very important with a J frame and the stock S&W bootgrips are not speedloader friendly (as stated above).
 
One advantage of the HKS 'may' be worthwhile. That is, it will release when you click the knob. So, if you can get the bullets into place, gravity MIGHT help you with the drop. But, even if you lose a round or two...you still have 'reloaded' something.

While I prefere the Comp, it does require absolute unequivocal grip clearance. You're 'injecting' the rounds down far enough that the ejector plunger nipple can compress the release star inside the circle of cartridges. You will not lose any if you're muzzle is properly inverted.
 
eb07 said:
It was sl variant until they stopped importing them. now it's jet loaders hands down
Click to expand...
? Not sure I understand this quote. Appreciate comments so far. Appears the Safariland might be favored. Still considering options...

Edit: Did more research & see there are several options. Thanks to eb07 for getting this inquiry "out of low gear"! Still anxious for reports from first-hand experience by forum members who have great S&W info here. Regards...
 
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OldGoat said:
? Not sure I understand this quote. Appreciate comments so far. Appears the Safariland might be favored. Still considering options...

Edit: Did more research & see there are several options. Thanks to eb07 for getting this inquiry "out of low gear"! Still anxious for reports from first-hand experience by forum members who have great S&W info here. Regards...
Click to expand...


Sorry. The SL variants are the gold standard. Springs eject the rounds. Have a spring per round. Can't buy newanymore. Only old pre owned and they go for more than 100 bucks at times.



Jet loaders use spring to eject round. But 1 spring for all rounds. . Fit j frames perfectly and are the best I have found bar none outside of the SL variants

First hand experience? Hks and safariland don't even come close due to length and mainipulation. I would rank hks last. I'm not a gravity drop fan





Everyone's experiences may vary. That's mine. I even made a video on it:




http://smith-wessonforum.com/concea...sed-boat-sl-variants.html?highlight=jetloader






I hope this helps!
 
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If you are carrying the 642 in a pocket, you might consider the Bianchi Speed Strips or the Tuff Strips (similar). Any kind of round speedloader is difficult to carry in a pocket.

A round speedloader is faster than a Speed Strip but still too slow to be a good solution in a fight, a Speed Strip is so slow that you're just getting ready for the next fight tomorrow. Reloading in darkness is even worse.
 
kaaskop49 said:
The original Uncle Mike's Boot Grip will allow the HKS to load without problem. The OEM S&W boot grip knock-off must be trimmed with an X-acto knife to permit use of the HKS. I have no experience with the other loader mentioned.

Kaaskop49
Shield #5103
Click to expand...

The old UM's Rubber Boots are the only grips I rock on my carry j frames.
As far as rubber grips go, they are the best IMO
-Sam
 
I prefer the HKS. I have never had one fail to release the rounds. Cannot say that about Safariland, although the newer version seems more reliable than their first generation. I use the Uncle Mikes boot grips, but the Safariland tends to hang up even on them. Speed strips require more practice, including practice in the dark, but as stated above, they are much more compact.

If you have to look at your revolver to reload or reholster it you need more practice, not more gear.
 
I’ve been using speed strips. Speed loaders are probably faster in capable hands but, my hands are kind of beat up.
I had a set of OEM grips that I held to a grinding wheel to clear speed loaders, back in the day.
 

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Many thanks to all who have replied! Clearly, this forum provides excellent info from knowledgeable S&W owners. I believe I'll try the zeta6 j-clip model with my new 642-2. I genuinely appreciate and enjoy the commentary. Best Regards, Ed
 
If I am carrying a revolver as a backup I carry a speed strip for it.If I am carrying revolver as main weapon there will be a hks speed loader in a split six pouch on belt. Split six is very low profile.
 
I've been using HKS units as both a duty loader as well as an off duty or CCW loader for over 40 years. I've used them in J Frames, K Frames, L Frames and N Frames without a bobble. S&W finally modified their target grips (early 80s I guess) for most speed loaders, although I never really had any issue with the earlier grips. My very first HKS loaders from the mid-70s are still working like new.
 
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