Best grips for use with speed loaders (J frame)?

ESG2145

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I've got a new 442 with factory boot grips.

What grips work best with speedloaders that allow enough clearance to easily get the speedloader in the cylinder and then release it without have to fit the left grip panel being in the way?

I don't care if boot style or not, but I'd prefer boot if possible?


Thanks -

Eric
 
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Congratulations on the new 442! Altamont wood grips can be relieved for speedloaders if you let them know when you order.
 
You want Craig Segel J frame round butt boot grips. The Best !
 
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I agree that the Spegel boot grip is an excellent choice, but there's a one-year wait unless you can find someone selling a used set.

If you're handy with tools, you could always relieve your grips to accomodate speedloaders. I have a set of PGS Hideout grips that I like but they interfered with my Safariland Comp I speedloaders, so I went at it with files and sandpaper (I don't have a Dremel tool... :( ) and now there's no interference at all.

Also, I'd suggest doing a search if you haven't done so already as there have been quite a few threads with this topic with some good suggestions.
 
Ok great, thanks for some of the suggestions.

Aside from Bianchi speed strips, is there a particular make of speedloader everyone considers easier to use than another?

Thanks -

Eric
 
Everybody has their preferences when it comes to speedloaders. Personally, I like the simple operation of the Safariland Comp I speedloaders. Insert the rounds into the chambers, push on the body to release, then let the loader fall to the ground.

Some people prefer the HKS speedloader, but they require twisting a small knob to release the ammo. While I wouldn't go so far as to say it's a "fine motor skill," it does require a little more dexterity than the Comp Is, which can be more difficult to perform when under stress.

Those are probably the most popular, and most commonly available, speedloaders out there.

Your best bet is probably to get one of each, try them out, and see which one you like better. Then get a bunch of the ones you like. I think I have somewhere around a dozen Comp Is.

Also, there's nothing wrong with using strips. Bianchi Speed Strips are good. You can also check out Tuff Products Quick Strips, which are available in different round counts, i.e. strips with 7 or 8 round capacities rather than just 6. You might want to consider the longer strips because then you can space pairs of rounds to make handling and loading easier. One downside is that the Tuff Products strips do seem to have a tendency to wear quicker and get tears than Bianchi, but I also think they release rounds easier. I prefer the Tuff Products strips, but I have sets for carry and sets for practice.

As before, try them out and see what works best for you. There's no one solution that works every time for everybody.
 
Uncle Mike's boot grips (if you can find a used pair) work well with HKS Speedloaders. I have also used the Safariland Comp II loaders. I am not a fan of the Comp I.

With practice the Bianchi Speed Strips or Tuff Quickstrips can provide a fast reload, take up less space and don't require replacement grips.
 
Uncle Mike's boot grips (if you can find a used pair) work well with HKS Speedloaders. I have also used the Safariland Comp II loaders. I am not a fan of the Comp I.

With practice the Bianchi Speed Strips or Tuff Quickstrips can provide a fast reload, take up less space and don't require replacement grips.


This is not my first J-frame and I also have had the UM's before. I was wondering how close the Houge mono-grip is to the UM?

I've played with the HKS and SL speedloaders before, the only option SL gives you for the J-frame is the Comp I, which I agree seems easier IF you can get it to clear the grips. :(

I've got a Houge mono-grip I want to try, if not I'll chase a set of the UM down, they are still on Ebay and what not.

From what I remember from the last time I had a J-frame in the old days, were the UM's not a copy of the Spiegel's ? and did Spiegel not have a lawsuit with UM for copying them?


Regardless, I just wanted to make sure there was not something out there I was missing in all of this, or something new that worked better?

Thanks -
 
Has anyone tried the Maxfire speedloaders??

MaxFire Speedloaders


I'm not sure how they'd work, but I'd be willing to try them if no one else has?

First thing I have to do is find a set up grips a speedloader clears easily though..................


Thanks -

Eric
 
Hi there! Congrats on the purchase! I have a 640 Pro and the Hogue Rubber Grips for Centennials and Bodyguard works well for me. The soft rubber around the ebb of the thumb area is very comfortable. Mine works fine with my HKS speed loader.

Hope this helps.


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From what I remember from the last time I had a J-frame in the old days, were the UM's not a copy of the Spiegel's ? and did Spiegel not have a lawsuit with UM for copying them?

Not that I'm aware of. Uncle Mike's made them under license from Spegel. UM also had other models based on Spegel's designs.
 
Has anyone tried the Maxfire speedloaders??

MaxFire Speedloaders


I'm not sure how they'd work, but I'd be willing to try them if no one else has?

First thing I have to do is find a set up grips a speedloader clears easily though..................


Thanks -

Eric

Here's a blog post on speedloaders by Grant Cunningham, definitely a guy to pay attention to when it comes to defensive revolvers. The important thing to note is his recommendation against using MaxFire speedloaders because it has the potential to damage the yoke.

Which brand of revolver speedloader is the best? - www.GrantCunningham.com www.GrantCunningham.com
 
Ok so I already had one of the Houge Mono grips here to play with, and while it DOES allow the speedloaders to go it the cylinder and release with a little more clearance then the S&W factory ones, the grips themselves (Houge Mono) does NOT feel as good in my hand as the S&W ones. I guess it's because they're just a little "fatter" and feel better in my hand the the Houge ones do?

Anyway, I'm sure with a little work with some speedloaders the factory grips will "wear" a little on the left side to help with clearance also? Did somoene not say something about being able to sand the factory (rubber like material???) grips a little to help too?


Speaking of speedloaders, while I like the idea of the HKS loaders, there is NO denying that the Safariland ones load a LOT faster by just pushing them in. :)


I'm going to try and see if I can find an old set of the UM boot ones in the meantime..........

Thanks -

Eric
 
The standard Smith j frame combats work fine. Bullet profile is the biggest factor in j frame reloads. Nothing loads faster than Remington SJHP 125 grain +P. It is my goto reload for all my 38/357 revolvers.
 
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I have Pachmayr Diamond Pro grips on my Model 60 and use the Safariland Comp I speedloaders. Works fine.
 

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I took my stock grips and touched them to my bench grinder wheel until the speedloaders fit. Since then I have found the original Uncle Mike's Boot Grips for my pocket Snubs. I have Hogue Tamer Grips on my 442 for belt carry. I also use a 36 for belt carry with Pachmyer Compacts. All of them clear HKS Loaders. I think you have to buy the Corect Model of Pachmyer Compacts. I have Two pair. One pair did not accept Speed Loaders. I had to trim them. I didn't buy the Pachmyers new.
 

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