Revolver carry Speedloader or Strip?
- Thread starter Frankie2blue
- Start date
A 632 with Buffalo Bores in a Lobo holster and six extras in a strip in a leather carrier, both on the belt. An HKS speed loader would make for a faster reload, but I haven't found a belt carrier for a speed loader that's nearly as inconspicuous under my concealment sweaters as the little strip carrier. And frankly, if I really need more than the first 6 I'm probably in way over my head anyway.
Speed strips. But I will admit to not really practicing with them. I'm going to change that.
Woods carry is usually neither, but a leather belt fitted cartridge holder, you know the kind, with loop, like John Wayne had on his six gun belt. But it only holds 10 I think.
Woods carry is usually neither, but a leather belt fitted cartridge holder, you know the kind, with loop, like John Wayne had on his six gun belt. But it only holds 10 I think.
blues7
Member
When I carry extra rounds, I do it via Speed Strips.
Since my 642-1 is relegated to around home and walking distance, I often don't carry additional ammo.
Away from home, (town or further), I carry a different firearm.
Since my 642-1 is relegated to around home and walking distance, I often don't carry additional ammo.
Away from home, (town or further), I carry a different firearm.
Green Frog
Member
The Baby Chiefs Spl that has become my default CCW has 5 rounds of stand velocity lead SWCs in the cylinder. Sometimes I remember to throw a speed loader or strips into my kit, usually not. I generally try to avoid high danger areas though.
Froggie
Froggie
With my GP100 there's always a speedloader in my pocket, or a moonclip with my 325 or 625, always. Most importantly I spend time weekly on practicing reloads so that it feels second nature. You may think that you have the act of reloading down pat, but under extreme stress, perhaps rounds coming your way, both gross and fine motor skills are affected, as anyone here who has faced that can attest.
Train.....
....and then train some more.
And never say nil.
Train.....
....and then train some more.
And never say nil.
PI Rob
Member
OP
Frankie2blue
Member
A lot of folks carrying speed strips here. That said, who makes the best ones? I have heard if a couple of brands that tend to crack pretty fast and start falling apart, others that are too stiff or too bulky. I have no experience with them , though I have used speed loaders for years but hate trying to carry them around.
ContinentalOp
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I've been using Tuff Products Quick Strips for several years. They take a bit of breaking in, but after that they work pretty well. They've developed cracks after a few years of regular use, but I consider them consumables and just replace them as needed.
The best speedloader carry method that worked for me was JOX pouches. They're kydex pouches that ride above the belt, so bulk is minimized. They're very secure, but release the loaders easily when grabbed. They're not cheap, but worth the cost, IMO, if you want a concealable, secure, and accessible method for carrying speedloaders. YMMV.
40_CALIBER
Member
I carry my SW 38special airweight with one speed loader. walking the dog around the neighborhood or doing quick errands in my small rural town. I am also a lefty so the odds of my quickly reloading aren't that good. That being said, carrying 5 extra rounds in my pocket beats not having them if i have time to use them.
anything beyond that , it's my 40 caliber Glock 23 with a single magazine of 13 rounds
anything beyond that , it's my 40 caliber Glock 23 with a single magazine of 13 rounds
Comp II speedloaders when the weather is cool enough for jackets/sweatshirts. Speed strips during summer in shorts and a t-shirt.
Frankie2blue: Have used Bianchi speed strips for years. When carrying a small revolver 2 speed strips. There are no speed loaders for any of the j frame or other small frame guns that I've owned without changing grips or making other modifications. Also, speed strips fit flat in pocket where speed loaders have a tendency to be bulky and print.
As to your second question, one should always carry extra ammo, JMO (no matter the carry method. Speed strip, speed loader or lose etc.). One should NEVER have a situation where you end up with an empty gun!
As ProCarryNAustin shared in his post, it could get you killed! JMO
Be SAFE and Shoot Often!
As to your second question, one should always carry extra ammo, JMO (no matter the carry method. Speed strip, speed loader or lose etc.). One should NEVER have a situation where you end up with an empty gun!
As ProCarryNAustin shared in his post, it could get you killed! JMO
Be SAFE and Shoot Often!
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JAREDSHS
Member
Rammer Jammer
Member
Dump pouch/Galco 2x2x2 on the belt.
Otherwise speed strip, I've never warmed up to speed loaders.
Otherwise speed strip, I've never warmed up to speed loaders.
vintage40s
Member
I don't carry speed loaders out of the house because of their cylindrical bulk. When I go to the range, I take 5 speed strips. I only load from speed strips to maintain proficiency with them.
hannstv
Member
I'm pretty sure I have never seen a 586 with a 3" barrel. Nice.
A couple of strips here. The cylinder of the revolver is hard enough to conceal. I figure I don't need to try to somehow conceal a couple of more cylinders.
BigBill
Absent Comrade
which is faster a speed loader or a backup pistol?
It depends on the revolver and how I am carrying it.
If I am carrying it in an IWB holster like this Wild Bill's Concealment Covert Carry, then I'll also carry a speed loader in a slip over style carrier. There's a gap in front of the holster, so I might as well fill it.
If I am carrying it pretty much any other way, then I'll carry a speed strip in my pocket, or if I am using a shoulder holster, I'll carry a speed strip in a dump pouch on the other side of the harness.
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But practically speaking, a speed loader or speed strip is just being carried because it's convenient. 99+% of all armed citizen self defense shoots are going to be over and done with in 5 rounds or less. The less than 1% where that isn't the case are almost always situations that could have and should have been avoided by using better judgement. A reload really isn't necessary with a revolver.
If I am carrying it in an IWB holster like this Wild Bill's Concealment Covert Carry, then I'll also carry a speed loader in a slip over style carrier. There's a gap in front of the holster, so I might as well fill it.
If I am carrying it pretty much any other way, then I'll carry a speed strip in my pocket, or if I am using a shoulder holster, I'll carry a speed strip in a dump pouch on the other side of the harness.
----
But practically speaking, a speed loader or speed strip is just being carried because it's convenient. 99+% of all armed citizen self defense shoots are going to be over and done with in 5 rounds or less. The less than 1% where that isn't the case are almost always situations that could have and should have been avoided by using better judgement. A reload really isn't necessary with a revolver.
ContinentalOp
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Depends. If the speedloader is more accessible than your BUG, it could be faster. And that can depend on the situation, too. It might be faster to reload from a speedloader in your pocket than to draw an ankle gun if you're standing or running, but if you're in a car or crouched behind cover that ankle gun may be quicker and easier to get to than the speedloader in your pocket. The only way to really know is to try it yourself with whatever carry arrangement you have in mind in different scenarios. Dry fire practice with snap caps is a good way to work that out.
Just my opinion.
I don't want to hijack the thread, but how do most of you guys carry your moonclips? Are you mainly talking about K & L frame moonclips, or J's too? The reason I'm asking is because I carry a 640-1 Pro with a moonclipped charge in the cylinders for quick and positive extraction, but the moonclips for J-frames are pretty thin and flimsy. I'm afraid if I carried a reload like that, the clip would become bent, so I carry speedstrips. I have 3 other revolvers that take moonclips, all N-frames, so not something I'd conceal carry. I have thought about using something like a pill bottle. That would protect them and being 5-shot clips, not too large in diameter.
Speed strips if I don't have a winter coat, or have to use a pants pocket. Speed loaders for coat pockets.
ProCarryNAustin
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In my front pocket and it's pretty quick, but I might give one of those a look-see.
coat or jacket on, Speedloder in the pocket.
no coat or jacket , Speedloder in car or in my bag (when traveling)
The re-load is just to have for later.
no coat or jacket , Speedloder in car or in my bag (when traveling)
The re-load is just to have for later.
