I modified my original wood grips for speedloaders when I first got my model 60. The factory grips weren't designed for speedloaders then. I've used the Safariland loaders ever since, the same ones. I've never had an issue with them once I modified the grips. However, way back when, I bought some surplus very hot 9mm that came on short strippers. (To be honest memory fades. I think the 9mm and the strippers came together. Same time period.) Some looked phosphate finished and some were chromed or nickle. (The hard ball bullets were, I think, nickle or chromed steel jackets and Berdan of course.) I spread the strippers a tad and found they made great 5 round 38 speed strips and that's mainly what I've used ever since. You don't have to peel them off like the plastic ones. You stick two rounds in and just slide them off. They work great.
442 Speed Loader options
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ContinentalOp
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I've heard of something similar using stripper clips for rifle rounds, but I can't remember the caliber. IIRC, they worked with .38/.357 revolver rounds without modification.
Thanks for the kind words!
I designed the J-CLIP speedloader and thank you much for the compliment. I have over 2,000 cycles on four engineering test units and they are still going strong. Note that all rubber and TPU speedloaders will get stiffer after 2-3 years or more. You might not notice it, but it is the nature of many flexible polymers.
I designed the J-CLIP speedloader and thank you much for the compliment. I have over 2,000 cycles on four engineering test units and they are still going strong. Note that all rubber and TPU speedloaders will get stiffer after 2-3 years or more. You might not notice it, but it is the nature of many flexible polymers.
I have tried:
Bianchi Speed Strips
Tuff speed strips
HKS Speed Loaders
Safariland Comp I speed loaders
Most time I tote a Bianchi strip or two. I have found the Bianchis are more resistant to long term heat exposure than Tuff, which crack, bust, and fail sooner. Both work out of the package and for a while thereafter, but the Bianchis stay usable, longer when stored where it is HOT.
I experienced plastic & spring explosion with a Safariland SL. Maybe it was a freak accident, maybe not. I stick with HKS nowadays.
Bianchi Speed Strips
Tuff speed strips
HKS Speed Loaders
Safariland Comp I speed loaders
Most time I tote a Bianchi strip or two. I have found the Bianchis are more resistant to long term heat exposure than Tuff, which crack, bust, and fail sooner. Both work out of the package and for a while thereafter, but the Bianchis stay usable, longer when stored where it is HOT.
I experienced plastic & spring explosion with a Safariland SL. Maybe it was a freak accident, maybe not. I stick with HKS nowadays.
I took the grip off and just held it to the edge of the grinding wheel. I tried to make a video but I don’t have grandkids to show me how. The grinder was running of course and then I just moved the grip up and down till it ground enough away the natural curve of the grinding wheel made the perfect scoop in the grip
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I had a partial failure with a Safariland many years ago. It started to come apart. As it wasn't a total failure I was able to observe what was going wrong. They are held together with a roll pin which is through plastic. With repeated use the roll pin can migrate. Just check once and awhile and if the roll pin isn't perfectly centered, just push it back. I don't know if newer ones have the issue but the old ones work great if you just check once a year or so, with normal use. I think if I was using them in heavy competition where they got used and reloaded frequently I'd probably give them a glance on each outing. But it isn't really a big deal and it's not a failure that's going to suddenly happen. If the roll pin was about worked loose and you then dropped it while it was loaded, yeah it might come apart.
With the HKS I've seen rounds dropped on the firing line a number of times. When in a hurry you can release the rounds before the cartridges aren't far enough in the chambers. Not going to happen with the Safarilands.
Keep in mind that all of my Safariland loaders are over 30 years old and my experiences may not relate to newer ones.
I prefer the Safariland Comp1
I've left all my rounds in the belt pouches using HKS.......... I have for K and L frame guns friction fit Safariland double pouch.... and inadvertently twisted the HKS release pulling the speedloader free.
I've left all my rounds in the belt pouches using HKS.......... I have for K and L frame guns friction fit Safariland double pouch.... and inadvertently twisted the HKS release pulling the speedloader free.
I will take another look at Safariland Comp1s. Despite being hip-deep in HKSs for K-frame, J-frame, L-frame, and N-frames.
ultratec00
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I have a 642 w/ both HKS and speed strips. Rarely carry it in preference for a pocket 9mm, but when I do the speed strips are my choice. They are easier to carry, similar to a spare mag and less likely to print when carried in a pocket. Given that, I have no intent to try a rapid reload with a 38 snubby. If I'm carrying the 642, it's considered a last ditch, very short range, weapon. While a fine firearm, it's not as manageable as my pocket 9s and no where near inherently shooter friendly. Either my Sig 938 or Kimber Micro 9s are easier to shoot than the 642 and I'm able to accurately hit consistently at distances not easily achievable with a 38 snub.
Tactically if forced to employ my 642 in self-defense, not going to try and do a reload on the spot. I'm running like he!! in the opposite direction after expending all 5 rounds and reload at a safe distance.
Tactically if forced to employ my 642 in self-defense, not going to try and do a reload on the spot. I'm running like he!! in the opposite direction after expending all 5 rounds and reload at a safe distance.
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I can't get a Safariland to work with any of my J's, hey the last thing I'm going to do is cut off anyting shock-absorbing or that protects my thumb knuckle or the web of my thumb from being whacked by recoil. If the leadership of Safariland were smart, they would come out with a set of grips that function like Hogue as far as grip and recoil mitigation are concerned, yet are specifically designed to work perfectly in conjunction with their speedloaders. They would make money on both ends, and probably sell a lot more speed loaders, too.
[jayne]Tha's crazy talk.[/jayne]
In this crazy, upside down Bizarro World we now seem to be living in, all common sense is crazy!
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