Speed loaders
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M E Morrison
Member
You'll find it's personal preference HKS vs Safariland.
I've used both over the years................
I prefer Safariland........
I've used both over the years................
I prefer Safariland........
Protocall_Design
Member
Jet loaders are good, too. They are like Safariland Comp 3, but last longer.
Marshal Tom
Member
Safariland. I have used both and like the push over turning with the HKS. I have not tried the Jet Loader.
Pizza Bob
Member
Posted this before - may be helpful...
My take on speed loaders:
HKS and 5 Star - fine for general range use. Requires two motions to load cartridges - insert/twist. Relies on gravity to chamber the rounds, so the muzzle must be pointing down. BTW - 5-Star release knob rotates the opposite direction from the HKS loaders
Safariland Comp I & II - Better for carry applications where concealability and speed are a concern. Just requires firm insertion to release the cartridges - no separate twist motion. Release button bears against the extractor star to release. Still relies on gravity to chamber the rounds. The Comp I has no top knob and must be grasped by the sides. The Comp II has a top knob making it easier to remove the loader from the carry pouch.
Safariland Comp III and Jet Loader - Competition style speed loaders. Single motion (insertion) to release rounds. Loader is spring-loaded and pushes the rounds into the chamber - does not rely on gravity. Large top knob for easy grasp and removal from pouch (not suitable for CC).
Dade & SpeedBeez (Centerfire) - both of these have a coil spring, around the circumference of the body of the loader, that retains the rounds in the loader. The top knob pushes the cartridge rims past the spring into the chambers. Prone to losing cartridges if dropped - not real positive retention.
Variant SL - I've never seen these used, but from what I've heard these were excellent. Unfortunately, it appears the the lone importer for these is no longer bringing them into the country.
The loader you choose may be dependent on application (comp v. carry v. range) or availability of a particular loader for a particular cartridge/firearm combination, so optimum applications may not always be achievable.
As an alternative, companies like TKCustom can machine the revolver cylinder to accept moon clips without losing the ability to still use speed loaders or load rounds singly.
Adios,
Pizza Bob
My take on speed loaders:
HKS and 5 Star - fine for general range use. Requires two motions to load cartridges - insert/twist. Relies on gravity to chamber the rounds, so the muzzle must be pointing down. BTW - 5-Star release knob rotates the opposite direction from the HKS loaders
Safariland Comp I & II - Better for carry applications where concealability and speed are a concern. Just requires firm insertion to release the cartridges - no separate twist motion. Release button bears against the extractor star to release. Still relies on gravity to chamber the rounds. The Comp I has no top knob and must be grasped by the sides. The Comp II has a top knob making it easier to remove the loader from the carry pouch.
Safariland Comp III and Jet Loader - Competition style speed loaders. Single motion (insertion) to release rounds. Loader is spring-loaded and pushes the rounds into the chamber - does not rely on gravity. Large top knob for easy grasp and removal from pouch (not suitable for CC).
Dade & SpeedBeez (Centerfire) - both of these have a coil spring, around the circumference of the body of the loader, that retains the rounds in the loader. The top knob pushes the cartridge rims past the spring into the chambers. Prone to losing cartridges if dropped - not real positive retention.
Variant SL - I've never seen these used, but from what I've heard these were excellent. Unfortunately, it appears the the lone importer for these is no longer bringing them into the country.
The loader you choose may be dependent on application (comp v. carry v. range) or availability of a particular loader for a particular cartridge/firearm combination, so optimum applications may not always be achievable.
As an alternative, companies like TKCustom can machine the revolver cylinder to accept moon clips without losing the ability to still use speed loaders or load rounds singly.
Adios,
Pizza Bob
Pizza Bob pretty well covered the options, I'll just add a couple comments.
Given how they work, the HKS and 5 Star speed loaders hold the cartridges slightly looser than the Safariland speedloaders, and the 5 Star speedloaders hold them slightly looser than the HKS. One approach isn't better or worse than the other, but it's an area where your preferences or particular use may matter.
The feel is different inserting the cartridges and depending on your technique, you may prefet snugger or looser. Looser has an advantage in terms of fitting different revolvers. For example a 5 Star speedloader for a K/L frame also works just fine on a Ruger Security Six, while HKS has a slightly different sized loader for each (their 10 and their Mk3).
I like the HKS in general as they are available for almost everything and they work well.
However, for concealed carry I prefer the Safariland Comp II as it is slightly more compact and there is no risk of turning the knob while getting it out of a pocket or slip over style carrier and accidentally dumping the rounds. You can guard against that somewhat by training yourself to rotate the unit counter clockwise (against the direction the knob need to turn to open)as you bring it out of the holder but it's not fool proof.
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That said, my preference is to use a moon clip. TK customs will machine your cylinder for moon clips for $175, and the revolver can still be used normally without moon clips. The TK Custom moon clips are very high quality and hold up well in use. Faster than a speed loader and also much more positive on ejection with no chance of getting a rim stuck under the ejector star if you eject in something other than a vertical position.
The gravity issue on loading is less important in my opinion, but it does pay to use a Stress Fire reload procedure to prevent putting yourself in a near wrist lock and in a face down position. You should train to reload by feel while keeping your eyes on the threat and staying in a well balanced position where you can move while reloading.
Given how they work, the HKS and 5 Star speed loaders hold the cartridges slightly looser than the Safariland speedloaders, and the 5 Star speedloaders hold them slightly looser than the HKS. One approach isn't better or worse than the other, but it's an area where your preferences or particular use may matter.
The feel is different inserting the cartridges and depending on your technique, you may prefet snugger or looser. Looser has an advantage in terms of fitting different revolvers. For example a 5 Star speedloader for a K/L frame also works just fine on a Ruger Security Six, while HKS has a slightly different sized loader for each (their 10 and their Mk3).
I like the HKS in general as they are available for almost everything and they work well.
However, for concealed carry I prefer the Safariland Comp II as it is slightly more compact and there is no risk of turning the knob while getting it out of a pocket or slip over style carrier and accidentally dumping the rounds. You can guard against that somewhat by training yourself to rotate the unit counter clockwise (against the direction the knob need to turn to open)as you bring it out of the holder but it's not fool proof.
----
That said, my preference is to use a moon clip. TK customs will machine your cylinder for moon clips for $175, and the revolver can still be used normally without moon clips. The TK Custom moon clips are very high quality and hold up well in use. Faster than a speed loader and also much more positive on ejection with no chance of getting a rim stuck under the ejector star if you eject in something other than a vertical position.
The gravity issue on loading is less important in my opinion, but it does pay to use a Stress Fire reload procedure to prevent putting yourself in a near wrist lock and in a face down position. You should train to reload by feel while keeping your eyes on the threat and staying in a well balanced position where you can move while reloading.
mckenney99
Member
TheOldPro, Everybody else has pretty much covered the differences between the brands. The HKS' have been around forever and are built like a tank, never had one drop rounds if the speed loader was dropped. I have several that are almost 40 years old that are working fine. Was issued and carried on duty the Safariland Comp I's for about 7-8 years and they are definitely faster than HKS's but I also saw them release rounds when dropped and they landed upside down. The Safariland's have more plastic parts and I have seen well used ones fail due to wear & tear. There is also a learning curve to getting the rounds locked into the Safarilands.
All do require a bit of maintenance to keep them working smoothly. I periodically flushed mine out with Hornady One Shot Dry Lube which once dry, leaves behind a dry lubricant.
All do require a bit of maintenance to keep them working smoothly. I periodically flushed mine out with Hornady One Shot Dry Lube which once dry, leaves behind a dry lubricant.
Boudiepitbull
Member
I have a complete assortment of Speedbeez loaders in calibers from .22 to .44 and one HKS speed loader. I love the Speedbeez set up with the loading blocks in the nifty little Pelican cases but, as far as I am concerned, these are for ease and convenience of transport and loading at the range only. They are just not combat ready. The speed loader I trust my life to for EDC is the HKS for a five round J Frame application.
just plain joe
Member
Lots of good info here. My preference is the Safariland brand. Back when dinosaurs roamed the earth and officers carried revolvers, I used the Comp I's. I've dropped them and they held the cartridges. I still have my originals and use them when at the range with my Model 15 or Model 66. I had no problem going in harm's way with them. In that I have no experience with the other brands, except HKS, I'll stay in my lane and reserve comment. Find out what works best for you and have at it.
Good luck!
Good luck!
Sgt 45
Member
Safariland all the way for CC. I have all of the above mentioned and have had HKS dump rounds in my pocket while carried there. If you like the twist turn then I like 5 star, moon clips are much faster but it makes topping off a bit tough but then again, who carries loose rounds to top off? I wish Safariland made a comp 2 for the 686+ but I do have moon clips for that. As for the 629, the comp 1 is really good and that is my EDC. I'd like a little better holder than the spring clip but it works.
Jet Loader is shorter and more compact than the Comp III. I find it quite suitable for concealed carry.
Your pockets may vary.
jframejoey
Member
Have used both HKS and Safariland for 25 plus years and never had a problem with either til last summer. A Safariland comp II for a k frame kept dumping rounds in the speed loader pouch at my job. Only one it ever happened to and never once had a problem with an HKS. Switched to HKS for carry. Safariland will give you the edge in speed for competition though.
prairieviper
Member
This is sort of a Chevy vs. Ford topic as HKS and Safariland both have pros and cons. I have carried and used HKS and Safariland for duty and competition. I prefer Safariland for speed. I also have and like the Speed Beez speedloader and loading block for my S&W 617.
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xfarfuldog
Member
I started my police career with dump pouches. Then HKS, later HKS anti jiggle and then Safariland. I still have about 25 K frame Safariland plus a few for L frame and Python. I taught in our basic police academy and then in private security. In 40 years only saw one Safariland which failed. It was thrown away. Safariland speedloaders are the best.
Where are you from. I never mentioned close quarters or any type situation. Reading comprehension is a skill.
