Best Speed Loaders for a 13-3

Joined
Apr 5, 2009
Messages
57
Reaction score
38
Location
NC
I did a search and didn't find anything relevant to the information I need. Does anyone have any recommendations for Speed Loaders for .357 in a Model 13-3.
Thanks.
 
Register to hide this ad
When I carry my Model 13, 3 inch, I carry one Safariland Comp II. Reasonably fast and easy to use, for me at least.

This has worked for me for about five years. When I came on the Job in the late seventies I carried their first generation speed-loaders for my Model 15 and then Model 66 revolvers, so it has been an easy transition. I can't comment on the HKS as I have no experience with them.

Perhaps someone will be along soon who is able to provide further info on searches on this subject. Consider searching within this forum as I believe this has been covered.

HTH.

JPJ
 
In 1977, when I carried a Model 64, my issued duty belt had double dump pouches for 6 rounds of 158 gr RNL. I always carried a Safariland CompII in my right front pocket. The dump pouches were overloaded with 8 rounds to allow for fumble fingers on a reload, but the go-to reload was the pocket. Eventually we were issued HKS loaders with double pouches to replace the dump pouches, but the Safariland in the pocket remained as first choice. I think the simple push-in action is faster and more intuitive.
 
The Safariland also seemed to hold the rounds more rigidly aligned without rattling around. I never experienced a malfunction with either brand, so both are good to go. The HKS are easier to recharge when standing on the range during qualms.
 
I've posted this in the past, I hope that it will be of some help to you...

My take on speed loaders:

HKS and 5 Star - fine for general range use. Requires two motions to load cartridges - insert/twist. Relies on gravity to chamber the rounds, so the muzzle must be pointing down. BTW - 5-Star release knob rotates the opposite direction from the HKS loaders

Safariland Comp I & II - Better for carry applications where concealability and speed are a concern. Just requires firm insertion to release the cartridges - no separate twist motion. Release button bears against the extractor star to release. Still relies on gravity to chamber the rounds. The Comp I has no top knob and must be grasped by the sides. The Comp II has a top knob making it easier to remove the loader from the carry pouch.

Safariland Comp III and Jet Loader - Competition style speed loaders. Single motion (insertion) to release rounds. Loader is spring-loaded and pushes the rounds into the chamber - does not rely on gravity. Large top knob for easy grasp and removal from pouch (not suitable for CC).

Dade & SpeedBeez (Centerfire) - both of these have a coil spring, around the circumference of the body of the loader, that retains the rounds in the loader. The top knob pushes the cartridge rims past the spring into the chambers. Prone to losing cartridges if dropped - not real positive retention.

Variant SL - I've never seen these used, but from what I've heard these were excellent. Unfortunately, it appears that the lone importer for these is no longer bringing them into the country.

The loader you choose may be dependent on application (comp v. carry v. range) or availability of a particular loader for a particular cartridge/firearm combination, so optimum applications may not always be achievable.

As an alternative, companies like TKCustom can machine the revolver cylinder to accept moon clips without losing the ability to still use speed loaders or load rounds singly.

Adios,

Pizza Bob
 
I use and train with Bianchi Speed Strips. They are flat in a pocket and do not rattle, yet stay put and come out the way they went into the pocket. With a little practice one can load a revolver just as quickly as with the speed loader. Speed Strips, like the revolver itself, provide a simple and reliable "way".

Speed loaders are OK for the range or for hunting, but have little practical use for concealed carry. They are bulky in a pocket and too obvious on the belt if used with a pouch. From the pocket they seem to come out upside down more than half the time. This really slows the reload.

Also, I too carry a 3" Model 13.
 
Safariland Comp II (regardless of caliber) are my go to speedloaders, plus a couple or 3 speed strips for good measure :D.

Seen here with my 3" 64 NY-1


We carried HKS speedloaders for the Model 64, and they worked, but the Safariland Comp 2's are far better. Hold the rounds rocks solid with no wobble and the push button is much more stable. The twist motion of the HKS isn't as intuitive and can actually spin the cylinder as you twist the knob.

I once threw a loaded Comp 2 as far as I could down a football field. Not one of the rounds came out. Rock solid.
 
When I carried my M60-7 as my EDC I started off using the HKS speed loaders. I then transitioned into the speed strips as they were flatter and easier to pocket carry. After using them for a number of years, I decided to buy a "sectioned" 2+2+2 Kramer Leather pouch and load two at a time by hand. My J Frame held 5 and the 6th round was just an extra unless I was carrying a 6 shot Dick Spl. or S&W K Frame.

To many this may seem like a step backwards but I practiced every day for weeks and became almost as fast loading 2+2+1 by hand from my pouch as I did with the speed loaders. The main thing was that I always had the pouch on my belt and being flat and black in color it was not easily seen if my shirt or sweater rose up accidentally. Speed loaders (at least the circular type) are a pain in the butt to carry (to me). The speed strip worked OK, but like I said, after intense practice I got really fast with the belt pouch reload. No matter which style or brand you use - constant practice is a must!

Now I carry a P365 - just slap in another 10 round Mag. :)
 
Last edited:
It's been more than 20 years since I had a 13-2, but I found that Safariland Comp Is worked the best for me. Tiny and fast. These days, I'd give some thought to the zeta6 K-Pack as an alternative to the Speed Strips/Quik Strips, though:


 
Back
Top