Police Cartridge Loops/Slides?

[Erick Tamberg]

Here in Brazil, cartridge loops (both open and covered versions) were used up to beginning of 2000´s by police forces. It are still used by private security firms (like bank guards) and some Municipal Guards, where the .38 revolvers are still surviving as service handguns.

It´s still possible to find cartridge loops in old stocks by clearance sale prices.

Dump pouches are virtually unknown here.

 

[K Frame Keith]

My Dad started around 1960 and was issued a swivel holster with 12 loops attached. He later added a set of Jay Pee drop boxes.
In 1984 when I signed up I was issued drop boxes. I immediately added speed strips, moved the drop boxes behind my holster and added two HKS speed loaders in front of the holster. (I'm lefthanded). A few years later we transitioned to the HK P7M8 and carried four magazine carriers. P.S. also carried a model 37 backup.

 

[rockquarry]

Nothing wrong with six- or twelve-round slides or even loading from a pocket if you learn how to do it. Dump boxes and speedloaders aren't necessarily the ultimate in loading a revolver.

 

[Old cop]

I was issued a swivel holster that had 12 loops until the early ‘80s when the swivel was phased out for speedloaders and a boarder patrol style holster.

 

[.357magger]

Started in LE in 1982, required to purchase my own leather rig and firearms. There was no reimbursement.

I used speedloaders right from the jump. I also carried a plastic (Pachmayr maybe?) ammo wallet in my left rear pocket, right next to my 1 oz snap.

4" Model 66 on right hip, initially in a Safariland open trigger holster. But I moved relatively quickly to a Bianchi "Judge " breakfront. Used same model if I wore a 6" Model 66.

Also had Model 60 S&W on my ankle, and one of the first NAA minis that rode in a shirt pocket that my wife sewed into a holster.

So that was 40 rounds between guns (35 .38 +p & 5 .22 magnum).

Never felt undergunned either, but I guess carrying 3 per shift helps with that.