SL Comp I Speedloaders hard to load?

[ESG2145]

Anyone else find Safariland Comp I speed loaders (like for a J frame) hard to load / charge the speed loaders themselves?

I am NOT talking about loading the gun from the speedloader, I am talking about loading the SL Comp I speed loader IT'S SELF. Mine just seem to be a real ***** to load, or I am missing a trick to doing it ?

Thanks -


PS - Yes, I KNOW the HKS ones are a breeze to load, but I like the way the SL ones load the gun better with their just "push" the body of the speed loader into the cylinder, vs. the HKS "hold the cylinder and twist" design better.

PSS - No, I do NOT like "Speed strips" either.

 

[Protocall_Design]

They're easy with a loading block. Put the ammo in the holes, put the speed loader on, push down the button, and twist. You can hear it lock.

 

[xfarfuldog]

Comp I's are hard to load because of the small knob. Try the Comp II's, much easier. Only use the I's for carry. They take up much less space. Use the II's for practice.

 

[PPCSHOOTER]

THERE IS A TRICK TO LOADING THE COMP I AND COMP II. HOLD THE SPEEDLOADER UPSIDE DOWN. DROP THE ROUNDS INTO THE HOLES. HOLDING THE SPEEDLOADER WITH THE ROUNDS POINTING UPWARD (OF COURSE). WITH THE OPPOSITE HAND PUSH UP ON THE KNOB OR BUTTON WITH A FINGER TIP. THE ROUNDS WILL RAISE SLIGHTLY. WHEN THE ROUNDS RAISE, TURN THE KNOB COUNTER CLOCK WISE. AND THERE YOU GO. IT'S REALLY EASY ONCE YOU GET THE HANG OF IT. JP

 

[Goldstar225]

The small knob does make it a bit more difficult than the comp II. I load the rounds in the speedloader then turn the loader with the bullets facing down on a hard surface like my benchtop.

 

[ImprovedModel56Fan]

There is no doubt that a Comp I is often harder to load than a Comp II, because of the small knob. Many of the above suggestions are useful.

They ARE a lot easier to carry, and I don't even know whether S/L makes a Comp II for J. Oh, well, just buy ten or so, load them at one sitting and get it over with.

 

[oink]

THERE IS A TRICK TO LOADING THE COMP I AND COMP II. HOLD THE SPEEDLOADER UPSIDE DOWN. DROP THE ROUNDS INTO THE HOLES. HOLDING THE SPEEDLOADER WITH THE ROUNDS POINTING UPWARD (OF COURSE). WITH THE OPPOSITE HAND PUSH UP ON THE KNOB OR BUTTON WITH A FINGER TIP. THE ROUNDS WILL RAISE SLIGHTLY. WHEN THE ROUNDS RAISE, TURN THE KNOB COUNTER CLOCK WISE. AND THERE YOU GO. IT'S REALLY EASY ONCE YOU GET THE HANG OF IT. JP

The small knob does make it a bit more difficult than the comp II. I load the rounds in the speedloader then turn the loader with the bullets facing down on a hard surface like my benchtop.

These suggestions are correct. I'll elaborate:
First I'll note that you'll gt better with practice. I'll also note that they do seem to break in a bit with use and get a little easier.

Until then, hold the loader upside down, drop the rounds in, flip it around onto a hard flat surface like a table or bench then push in the knob and turn. Push down on the knob again to confirm the rims seated properly.

More often, if standing you can hold the loader upside down, plop in the rounds and then smack it, bullets first, up against a flat wall or flat post, press and turn, press again to confirm seating.

Eventually you'll be able to just hold the loader upside down, plop in the rounds and then press and turn the know while holding it level and jiggling a bit.

I've been using SL speed loaders since about 1980. Way better than the HKS. The only HKS I have are for my model 17. Although I may end up getting a couple for my 69 as I don't think SL makes one that will fit it.

An added note: Unless they have changed the design, the one weak point on the SL loaders is a roll pin that holds the knob on. It can back out with lots of use. It pays to inspect it periodically and recenter the pin if it looks to be working loose.

 

[WR Moore]

My personal observation of the Comp 1 for J frames is that very occasionally, you'll find one that doesn't hold all the cartridges as securely as we'd like. I used to pocket carry one or two and one of them would drop a round (or 2) every once in awhile. Best buy at least one spare and mark the one(s) with dropsy for use as range use only.