Serious J-Frame Speed loader question

[9399NOLES]

I have the Safariland comp 1, and the HKS units.

Here is my thoughts, the safariland speedloader "Works" I say it "Works" like that because quite frankly the quality of the thing is low, so low I dont even know how it keeps working, it just doesnt make sense to me. And loading the speedloader is a pain, seems like that little knob doesn't want to set. But the idea behind how it works is awesome, you push the loader down ontop of the cylinder and the rounds are let loose into the cylinder. Awesome design vs the HKS unit where you have to turn the knob to let the rounds loose.

The HKS unit, AWESOME build quality, specially since they costs less than the Safarilands, I love how easy it is to load the speedloader, I love the quality and heck I even like the looks. But I cant get the hang of trying to turn the knob while holding the cylinder still. I fumble it around too much.

Has anyone ever considered making a unit that works like the Safariland's push and eject system, but with the quality of the HKS units? Or does this already exist and I just dont know? The Safarliand Comp II looks like it would be perfect, but from what I can tell they wont work on a J-Frame.

 

[ScottJ]

They exist. Not cheap.

I was wishing there was a Comp II or III design for my 28-2 to make things easier in IDPA and someone pointed these out to me: variantfit

I have yet to take that plunge.

 

[9399NOLES]

Well hell I have already spent $40 on 2 Safariland and 2 HKS speed loaders, neither of which I am truly happy with at this point.

 

[Fred_P]

There's another option:

Have the J-frame cylinder machined to accept moon clips. They are fast/easy to reload your revolver, more compact to carry than HKS or Safariland, less likely to accidentally release and easier to keep the spent casings until you reload the clips.

I frequently shoot a 625 in .45 ACP and like the convenience --especially since I'd have to buy a dozen or more speed loaders to match what I pre-load onto moon clips for the range.

Unfortunately, I think the J-frame clips are far more expensive than the (very common) 6-shot .45 ACP configuration, which are only $.50 at mail order discount houses.

An essential accessory is a loading/deloading tool. Saves fingers!


By the way, you can still single-load and speed load the gun after it's modified for the moon clips.


Fred

 

[Vulcan Bob]

I prefer the HKS speed loaders for thier dureability but for the J's I prefer the speed strips as they lie flat in the pocket. With a bit of practice you can get fairly fast with them. The best reload of course is a second J frame!

 

[cyberiad]

If I didn't already have a couple of Comp Is for the J-Frame I would have bought these REVOLVER JETLOADER - Brownells

Maybe not be the best choice for concealed carry, however.

 

[Andy Taylor]

I've never had a problem with the function of the HKS. I prefer them because they are made for so many different calibers and guns. They are also easier to find and cheaper.

 

[Gearhead Jim]

In good light, i can reload with a speed strip very nearly as fast as with a safariland loader; and the speed strip is more comfortable/less noticable, in my pocket.

But in darkness, the speed strip is almost unusable and the safariland is much faster.

 

[WardenRoss]

One advantage to the HKS speed loader, is that if you accidentally drop it, the rounds don’t all “jump” out.

 

[ContinentalOp]

I use Tuff Products Quick Strips in the 6-round version, even though I only load 4 rounds for my reload. They carry well and with practice they can be pretty quick to reload. The biggest impediment to speed for me is carry method. When I carry the strip in a belt pouch, they're pretty quick. Reloading from a pocket pouch, on the other hand, is considerably slower for me.

The only speedloaders I've had any experience with were HKS, but I would be inclined to give the Safariland Comp Is a try as I like their simpler operation. I also find the S.L.Variant speedloaders to be an interesting design.

In good light, i can reload with a speed strip very nearly as fast as with a safariland loader; and the speed strip is more comfortable/less noticable, in my pocket.

But in darkness, the speed strip is almost unusable and the safariland is much faster.

It takes some practice, but it can be done. When I reload from a strip I keep my eyes up on the threat area. I can reload pretty quick this way. One thing that helps is to use the fingers of your reloading hand to give you a physical index on the cylinder.

For example, I reload with my left hand. My strips are loaded in a 1-1-0-1-1-0 sequence. My index finger is along the back of the strip. My middle finger is between the first two rounds and my ring finger is between the last two rounds. My thumb is pressed along the side of the strip. My middle finger physically indexes on the cylinder when loading the first two rounds and my ring finger physically indexes on the cylinder with the last two rounds.

I can also consistently index the cylinder when closing it so that the empty chamber falls under the hammer, making the next four trigger pulls fire the gun each time. And if by chance it doesn't, all it takes is another quick trigger pull to fire.

 

[gkitch]

I prefer the HKS speed loaders for thier dureability but for the J's I prefer the speed strips as they lie flat in the pocket. With a bit of practice you can get fairly fast with them. The best reload of course is a second J frame!

+1
Love the Bianchi Speed Strips for actually real-world use.

 

[H Richard]

HKS just keep on working, but it does take a little practice to get the "habit" grooved into your reflexes.