Even worth bringing a speed loader or strips for a revolver?

[BabaBlueJay]

I love revolvers, my favorite guns are revolvers. That being said, even a relative newbie like me can tell that one of the glaring weaknesses of revolvers is reloading them. I have tried everything, multiple speed loaders of different brands, bianchi strips, even the rubberized speedloaders out there. Every single thing I tried could not get under 4 seconds from last shot to loaded and ready to go and that's being generous. Most times I was 5-8 seconds to be realistic.

I've begun to question whether reloading is even worth it if that situation were to arise (unlikely). Would you really be better off reloading during that time, or fleeing the scene if the threat was still around. The more I think about just how long it takes me when I am not under pressure, that it might be better to just run at that point. In a firefight that is just a ridiculous amount of time. I guess maybe find cover, but even then if you could do that then why not get out of there at that point?

 

[oldbrownhat]

...Every single thing I tried could not get under 4 seconds from last shot to loaded and ready to go and that's being generous. Most times I was 5-8 seconds to be realistic....

And that's not under fire in a poop-hits-the-prop real scenario when fine motor skills are diminished.

...I guess maybe find cover, but even then if you could do that then why not get out of there at that point?

Can't speak from experience (fortunately) but isn't that what we're supposed to do? Having a gun is supposed to be about saving your skin when all else fails, but no more.

 

[Fishinfool]

If the opportunity to get out of Dodge is present, why engage in a gun fight at all, or for that matter, believe you will even have the opportunity to safely flee?

If you believe you will fall into the statistical "2.8 shots at 12 feet", or whatever it is, then you should be all set without a reload.

When it comes to a 5 or 6 shot revolver, I would rather have an extra reload with me (or two), and however long it might take to reload is better than having no ammo to reload with at all if I really need it. Not so much an issue with a high cap semi, but even then I usually carry a spare.

Larry

 

[murphydog]

If you are going to carry a 5-shot revolver, a couple suggestions.

Remember you don't have to reload it from empty, or fully. Practice taking out 2-3 empties and/or replacing 2-3 (dummy) rounds.

Practice using your reloading method slowly at first, then when you have the mechanics down work at doing everything more quickly. And make sure the stocks on your gun clear any speedloader you may use.

Also consider the "New York Reload" if all else fails.

 

[chief38]

I carried a revolver for just under 40 years and tried pretty much every method of rapid reloading. The speed loaders were just too bulky and impractical for EDC in warm weather. The Bianchi style speed strips worked OK, however not always easy as they aged and dry out. Sometimes they would be a bit awkward for me. I then went to a plain old ammo pouch that was thin, flat and fit on my belt securely. The pouch had three sections of two bullets and reloading was done 2, 2, and 1 with 1 extra round left in the carrier. For summer and warm weather carry I had a pouch made out of nylon that also held 6 rounds. Now without constant practice this method was a little slower than the others so I did practice often. From the belt pouch I got pretty darn fast (actually faster than the Bianchi speed strip) and while the pocket pouch was slightly slower I always had a reload on my person rather than leaving a loaded speed loader in the car, desk draw or jacket I had taken off.

One of the most overlooked things about EDC/CCW is practicing a reload under stress and with speed. I actually got to the point (after much and constant practice) that I was decently fast but there would be no contest compared to an auto loading pistol and a magazine which is what I switched to 4 years ago.

Speed loaders are good however carrying them in a pocket is uncomfortable and slows the process down to the point that it really isn't as fast as one might think. I can unequivocally say that no matter which method you choose for a revolver reload, always practice often!

 

[stansdds]

Reloading a revolver is a greater challenge than reloading a pistol that has a detachable magazine. Should you bother to carry spare ammo? That is a question only you can answer for yourself.

When I carry a revolver, I do carry at least one reload, usually in a speed strip. Should I ever have to use that revolver in a defensive situation will I need a reload? Probably not, but I also have a fire extinguisher in the kitchen of my house and I keep one in my vehicle as well. I have used the one in my vehicle, but not the one in my house. I view a carry firearm and reloads the same way I view those fire extinguishers. Better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it. That's just me and my opinion.

 

[pharmer]

I wouldn't feel "undergunned" carrying a 5 shot .38. 1st rule of gunfight is have a gun. Don't worry about reloads. I carry a CZ P07 with 15 rds on board with "equivalent" power and 2 reloads "automatically" for just such an occasion. Joe

 

[Bald1]

I carried a couple speed strips in my console when I used to EDC a model 36. If you’re reloading in 4-6 seconds I think you’re doing ok. You’ll only get faster. But I’d say you’re probably already faster than most.

 

[junglefighter]

When I carry a revolver I use a Galco 2x2x2. Easy for me to reload, not bulky and almost as fast as a speedloader for me. Speed strips and I do not get along in quick reloads. I just believe in always having a reload on you.

 

[Donn]

Watch too many You Tube vids and you won't leave the house without an infantry rifle platoon and close air support. Fact is, most of us will never have to draw our weapon in anger. Keep practicing reloads, you'll get better. MHO, if you have to reload, it's no longer self defense, it's a fire fight. If that's the case, you're in deep excrement, regardless what you're packing.

 

[WR Moore]

OP, first off, you need extra ammo-even if you decide to carry a backup/New York reload. While the average private citizen armed encounter (with one aggressor) gets solved with 3 rounds at about 15 feet, there are the outliers. There ain't no warranty that you won't face different circumstances, multiple attackers or someone who's chemically enhanced. Yes, beating feet-while calling LLEA-might be a solution, it might not be one that'll work for you every time.

Back when we were revolver armed we didn't get individual reload times, but speed loaders are much faster than speed strips, even if less convenient to carry concealed. The 2 or 2.5 inch guns are slower to reload as a palm slap on the ejector rod is pretty much required there for positive extraction/ejection. That eliminates using the thumb of the support hand to operate the ejector/extractor rod while reaching for the speed loader with the gun hand. (If you're left handed, using the support thumb to release the cylinder and the index finger to eject the empties while reaching for the speed loader.) BTW, the muzzle should be pointed straight up while unloading, straight down while loading.

Practice, practice, practice first with dummy rounds. Use a shot timer or phone app to get real world times when doing live fire.

 

[Rodan]

You should always carry at least one reload, whatever you are carrying.

Preparing for the best case scenario isn't preparing at all...

And, as noted, train regularly. Your performance under stress has a lot more to do with your training than the equipment.

 

[Old cop]

I carry a speedstrip w/my 340PD along with a couple of HKS speedloaders in the center console of my car. In 1974 I had to reload my issued Colt DS under fire w/a speedloader in my jacket pocket. I had not practiced with it much (they were not authorized equipment then), but was back in the fight pretty quickly. I’m guessing I was VERY lucky that night.

 

[petepeterson]

My reason for carrying a reload is to not have an empty gun when the shooting is over. You never know when Bubba's brother is going to show up at the scene.

 

[Ivan the Butcher]

I was trained by one of the best revolver "Reload on the clock" persons there ever was. As for defense training and practice, The absolute number one thing is not speed, it is doing it without seeing! That results from pitch black (like in a closet) or your eyes are only watching your surroundings!

I was practiced by sitting at a window (with the sill 1 to 3.5 feet above the floor) facing traffic. With the revolver below the sill, watch traffic and load loose rounds, one at a time. You learn to index the cylinder, you learn to "Know" without counting, you learn to not drop rounds on the floor, you learn that the gun is a tool, but it is your brain that keeps you alive!

Having a speed strip, speed loader, or automatic with magazines does not matter. 8 seconds is a huge amount of time for someone to sneak-up on you if you don't keep a look out.

The famous Weaver Stance was only a part of Weaver's shooting system for revolvers. He thought the most important part was the sights never left the target! Speed loaders were used at arm's length, out in front of you! (and weak side handed!) As for speed, a well-practiced man with a revolver will out gun any criminal with a magazine gun (and in competition My father-in-law could have 20 from a model 36 (5-shot) in the target faster than most competitors could have 7 from a 1911!

Last point from a grey hair. Whatever "Gibbs" rule it is, 'Always trust you gut!' Many days I don't bother to carry a reload, but every day my intuition tells me "More is Better!" I not only have my EDC in the exact same place and two reloads, but there is also a backup gun (BUG) on me too! The gun MAY get you out of trouble, your eyes and brain are to keep you from getting into trouble in the first place!

Ivan

 

[Buford57]

You have invested time and money training with your current platform and are now more proficient than the vast majority of the population. The motions required are etched in your brain. Why sacrifice that and start over at square one practicing tap-rack-slap-flap (a whole new set of motions using different muscles)? With extra ammo you have the option of reloading if necessary and feasible. Without it you do not, no matter how necessary and feasible. Pouch, speedloader, strip - pick one and use it as your exclusive method of loading. Then stop thinking about the unforeseen and pay attention to the seen.

 

[OKFC05]

IDPA SSR is won and lost on how fast the shooter can reload.
Most non-competitors never bother to learn or practice proper reloads of anything.
Even with semi-autos, I've spend many hours practice using magazines with only two or three cartridges loaded, shooting scenarios, practicing loading under pressure.
Some practice until they do it right once; others practice until they do it right every time, keeping an eye on the threat.

 

[WR Moore]

What Ivan said in the first three paragraphs. A trainer long ago said "If you can't do it in the dark, you can't do it!"

I used the support hand thumb in a cylinder flute to index the cylinder so I knew where the charge holes were.

 

[Rammer Jammer]

I carry a reload for my revolver not for reloading and continuing a gunfight but for the ability to reload after expending 5 rounds and Dindu Nuffin's buddies showing up to swarm me.

 

[xfarfuldog]

Using a product which is "almost as fast" may result in almost winning a gunfight. I love revolvers and always carried one until my department transitioned to semi autos. Now when I carry, it is a Shield plus.

If using a revolver, choose a speed loading device and costantly practice. A New York reload (a second gun) beats a reload every time.