Dn't neglect to practice using/reloading your speedloaders.

[Breakaway500]

I've used HKS speedloaders for years (ok decades..)as a reload for my carry J frames. They Pretty much fit my mechanical feel with the metal serrated grip/knob and always release well.

Today while reloading a speedloader I hear the "PING" of a tiny spring releasing energy,... and a corresponding faint "tink" of a mini projectile striking the wood ceiling.

I take a closer look..and sure enough...lift-offff.... Well...that's a first.

Guess I had better check the rest of them I have here and there.

Anyways..for those who use this ball/spring detent style be aware that if it fails like mine..in a live "action situation" ..a failsafe reload might not happen.

Another reason I've grown to like clips...but a 625 isn't a pocket gun unless you're wearing leather.. Now i digress.

Check 'em...and practice.

 

[Muss Muggins]

Interesting. I’ve seen Safariland speedloaders explode in a pile of parts, but never HKS. Thanks for sharing . . .

 

[gerhard1]

My understanding is that reloads are rare as hen's teeth during civilian SD incidents. Nonetheless, I'd rather have the skill (of reloading) than not have it.

Thanks for the reminder to practice.

 

[Breakaway500]

"My understanding is that reloads are rare as hen's teeth during civilian SD incidents."

Well..let's keep it that way...

 

[gsn]

How do you make certain that those loaded doodads are not printing ?

 

[Ivan the Butcher]

I have half a dozen HKS speed loader for my J-Frames (all use Speer Short barrel 135 gr. +P) scattered around the home and vehicles. But IEDC a 8 round Speed strip (same ammo) in a belt pouch or pocket. Never had a printing issue.

Ivan

 

[somorris]

My understanding is that reloads are rare as hen's teeth during civilian SD incidents. Nonetheless, I'd rather have the skill (of reloading) than not have it.

Thanks for the reminder to practice.

Probably still mostly true, but Iam seeing more and more “groups” attacking folks. I read yesterday that criminals are using social media and the internet to coordinate their activities. We are in a very strange time.

 

[walkin' trails]

I learned to pay attention to speed loaders in the early 90s when went on duty in a dusty environment with a 686. I can't remember what I'd been doing but I didn't look at my Safariland speed loaders until days later and discovered they were so full of crud that they wouldn't release. I traded them out for HKS because while maybe a little slower the twist knob was a little less prone to dirt.

 

[Onomea]

How do you make certain that those loaded doodads are not printing ?

They tuck neatly under a spare tire...

 

[gerhard1]

How do you make certain that those loaded doodads are not printing ?

I just carry mine in a front pants pocket. Printing is not an issue where I live. My state has constitutional carry.

 

[Paul in Nevada]

I guess the lesson here is to cycle them out. New ones for carry, old ones for the range. They aren't as fast but I will usually carry the speed strips instead of the loaders just because they conceal better.
Here is a thought on reloads for revolvers: I took a pistol class where the instructor made us unload all our strips and loaders and just dump all the rounds in our pockets. We would do a round of live fire then reload our pistols without taking our eyes off the target. Once all the lint and gum wrappers got sifted out we were all pretty fast at it. Just another example of how important practice is.