642 J-frame and HKS speedloader

[Der Biermeister]

I picked up my 642 yesterday -- been on order for awhile. I also purchased an HKS speedloader and find it is a very tight fit to get the cartridges loaded into the cylinder. Almost as if the cylinder needs to swing out some more away from the frame, another few thousandths of an inch, or the left-side grip needs some trimming. It does work though after you finagle it -- but I sure wouldn't want to have to rely on a fast exchange in the heat of battle. I considered ordering another brand speedloader (safariland) but after a close look at the HKS, I determined that there really is no excess wall thickness -- so the overall diameter of the device is as small as it can be.

So - just asking for what some of your experiences has been with a 642 and speedloaders?

 

[snubbyfan]

I have a Pachmayr Compact grip on my 442 that I've trimmed for HKS speedloaders. It's not pretty but it's for a daily carry gun and function is more important than form.

 

[BUFF]

Yep, trim the grip a little bit.

 

[PeterK]

I have the same set up, and if u practice with them, u can get them to work at a slight angle.

Peter

 

[TACC1]

I haven't done the grip trim yet, but I've been carrying
speed-strips for a flatter package.
TACC1

 

[haggis]

I have a 642 with Uncle Mike's grips, and I have no problem with Safariland Comp I speedloaders. These were on sale a few months ago from S&W online.

Buck

 

[stc1]

I picked up my 642 yesterday -- been on order for awhile. I also purchased an HKS speedloader and find it is a very tight fit to get the cartridges loaded into the cylinder. Almost as if the cylinder needs to swing out some more away from the frame, another few thousandths of an inch, or the left-side grip needs some trimming. It does work though after you finagle it -- but I sure wouldn't want to have to rely on a fast exchange in the heat of battle. I considered ordering another brand speedloader (safariland) but after a close look at the HKS, I determined that there really is no excess wall thickness -- so the overall diameter of the device is as small as it can be.

So - just asking for what some of your experiences has been with a 642 and speedloaders?

I use 5starfirearms speedloaders and they fit very well. they are constructed of aluminum billet machined so they are thin enough to not bind when using. One caution though the aluminum surface will wear the clearcoat on some jframes. I use a thin layer of tape around the speedloader to negate this effect... 5 Star Firearms | Speed Loaders | Range Blocks | Leather Pouches | 100% American Made

 

[Old cop]

The old style factory wood magna grips work perfectly w/round speed loaders.

 

[stc1]

The old style factory wood magna grips work perfectly w/round speed loaders.

That makes sense but for me I would have to give up my crimson trace laser grip which fits my hand like a glove

 

[MikeyB]

I'll have both HKS and Safariland speedloaders for my J-Frames. I'll have to check the clearance on my wife's 642 because I never check it....... :S

 

[Der Biermeister]

I'll have both HKS and Safariland speedloaders for my J-Frames. I'll have to check the clearance on my wife's 642 because I never check it....... :S

Fantastic -- I will be awaiting your results.

 

[kaaskop49]

Today's Js come for the most part with a S&W knock-off of the original Uncle Mike's Boots. They're lighter in weight than the Mike's, but they do impede HKS loaders. You can trim them as others have suggested, or get the original Uncle Mike's. They had been available at $14.95 from S&W's store on their website under close-outs. Unknown if they still are.

 

[MikeyB]

I tested my wife's 642 with both the HKS and Safariland speedloaders. And it's a no go for both. Apparently the crane is shorter than other J-frames causing a interference fit with the loaders. I have no problems with either with my M&P360 and the M60's.

 

[hotrod150]

I like quick-strips -- slower than a speedloader ,but easier to carry & way easier to conceal.

 

[Der Biermeister]

Today's Js come for the most part with a S&W knock-off of the original Uncle Mike's Boots. They're lighter in weight than the Mike's, but they do impede HKS loaders. You can trim them as others have suggested, or get the original Uncle Mike's. They had been available at $14.95 from S&W's store on their website under close-outs. Unknown if they still are.

This is exactly what I learned from my gunsmith. He grabbed a set of Uncle Mike's off his shelf and installed them. The speedloader works fine now. The cutaway is more pronounced on the Uncle Mikes. Btw -- apparently these particular Uncle Mikes are no longer being produced. My gunsmith had gotten wind of this and bought up a bunch of inventory for this express purpose - knowing that 642/442 customers would have speedloader problems.

The Uncle Mike grips are much better quality than the OEM grips from S&W. And a plus ... even though they look the same, for some reason the gun has a better feel, almost like the grips are larger - which they are not.

 

[Der Biermeister]

I tested my wife's 642 with both the HKS and Safariland speedloaders. And it's a no go for both. Apparently the crane is shorter than other J-frames causing a interference fit with the loaders. I have no problems with either with my M&P360 and the M60's.

Thanks for getting back -- at least I now know that I wouldn't have solved my problem by another speedloader purchase!

 

[deingy]

I copied the photo of the Pachmayr Compact grips to use as a pattern to modify a custom wood grip on my 642 so I can use HKS's. Bought Hogue Bantams but like the wood too much.

 

[coach22]

+1 on the Safariland Comp I.
It's just a push rather than a turn of a knob.
Unless you hold the cylinder in place,
when you turn the knob on the HKS,
the cylinder turns too and the bullets won't come out.

The Uncle Mike's boot grips are also harder
than the current ones S&W puts on their J's (442 etc.).
Consequently, they don't get hung up on clothing.

 

[shawn mccarver]

I would guess you will have to either trim the grip or find a set that is thinner or cut for a speed loader.