J Frame 38 / 357 reloads. How and how many. Speedstrip vs speed loader vs gizmo

[tlawler]

I carry a 640-1 in either an ankle holster (inside boot), or in an IWB at 4:00. At home, it’s a 342 in a Mika pocket holster. In all cases my reload is a single six round speed strip in weak side front pocket.

 

[Borderboss]

When I carry my 940, it's in my right front pocket in a Mika Pocket Holster. I put two moon clips in my left back pocket.

 

[cmansguns]

Another speed strip vote for wheel guns

Most of my 50 year plus EDC has been with J frame (Model 36, Model 60, Model 637 since 2002) so it was usually 1 speed strip, sometimes 2, loaded 2-2-1 for the extra "grip" on the strip.

Woods carry and hiking was a Model 64 or similar with 2 speed strips full loaded.

Always figured is 15 (or 18) can't get me out of trouble, I'm in deeper doo-doo than I anticipated.

Last year or so since the range reopened from the Covid stuff I've been practicing with M&P 2.0 Compact in a SafariLand Retention level 1 (plastic gun on Kydex...no scratch or wear worries) and I don't see the need for extra ammo beyond what's in the mags.

To me it has always boiled down to what I am personally comfortable with and confident with...not what others are doing but my son is a good example..good with semi-auto's, not so proficient with wheel guns, clothing choices much different than mine so he can try out what's right for him and I don't really comment.

 

[mikerjf]

When I carry 7r speed strips I've always loaded 2 - 1 - 2. So it works the same from either end, pretty much.

But the "round" speed strips are really handy, and cheap. And they don't interfere with grips.

 

[SLCDW]

Best way to carry reload is in a second J frame. 640 Pro IWB and 642 IP.

 

[burneyr]

But I’ve also seen folks use a 7 round speed strip loaded 2rd skip one 2rd skip one then 1rd. As well as 8 shot loaded in a 2rd skip one 2rd skip one 2rd configuration

The main difference in the two skip style configurations is your personal training style from what I get by talking to folks that use skip configuration.

If you grab the 7rd strip with 5rd in skip configuration by the wrong end. It throws off your trained 2 in then 2 in then 1 in on reload. You wind up with 1 in then 2 in then 2 in.

The reason I have skips and one separate round to itself is if you are in a fight, and need to reload quickly you can get 1/2 rounds in the cylinder, shut it, and pull the trigger until the round fires. There might be a situation in which the luxury of time to fully reload isn't possible. Get one round in and click through and make your shot.

I carry strips in the warmer months with light clothes, and Safariland loaders with the Jox pouches when they can be concealed. Much prefer the Safariland, but your grips need to be well relieved if you are going to use them with any degree of speed. Spegels are the ticket here.

 

[JDinAZ]

When I carry 7r speed strips I've always loaded 2 - 1 - 2. So it works the same from either end, pretty much.

But the "round" speed strips are really handy, and cheap. And they don't interfere with grips.

Great point on 2 1 2 skips in a 7rd strip. I’ve never messed with skips personally, just cause I like the compactness of straight 5rd strips.

But that sure does make sense for consistency in training and will probably help someone out that does use skips