Speedloader pouches

[teletech]

I'm not sure I'm even doing the right thing calling them speedloader pouches, but you know what I mean.
I've always planned to carry a bottom-feeder in case of trouble but lately I thought it would at least be fun to have the option of doing some of the shooty games with a revolver, and that means reloads.
Reloads mean moon clips or speedloaders, and that means a way to carry them.
Let's limit the discussion to 6-shot K-frames for the moment and let's say I have more HKS 10As than I know what to do with and also a fair quantity of early Safarilands and some other oddiments that I'll be playing with.
With that criterion set out I'll also say I have a lot of the Tex Shoemaker 103 pouches but also some others as well. I've take a picture of all the basic models I have though I've got a few variations on the 103 (103, 103-357, 103-375-LF)
These are all used by a security guard outfit, so carried a lot and used hardly at all.
So, now the questions:
Since I have a bunch of the 103, is there a compelling reason to fool with the others?
Assuming I'm not interested in winning but just having a good time, do these have a use in competition or are they just too slow / cumbersome?
What would be a reasonable "lifetime supply" to hold onto?
Are any of these particularly magical or have good or bad stories or reputations associated with them?
OK, that's it for me, thanks for the remedial help in the care and rapid-feeding of my K-frames.

 

[Scharfschuetzer]

That's a nice collection. I carried leather like that for many years on the job. The HKS 10A loader was/is my favorite speed loader design.

 

[crazyphil]

I think you are correct calling them speedloader pouches. There are lots of
ways to carry extra ammo. Some are faster than others. Here are a few,
Left to Right:

2 Bianchi speedloader pouches with HKS loaders, the revolver is
S&W Model 29. The holster is Bianchi Model 27.

Lawrence cartridge belt, Golden Sabers, S&W Model 19,
and Buck knife.

Belt pouch for speed strip, S&W Model 10 2" barrel.

Extra mag pouch for 1911 Gold Cup.

12 at the top of the holster, 12 in the slide, and 6 in the
S&W Model 67.

 

[AzShooter]

I don't have a picture but check out the Safariland 333 speed loader pouch. For competition where you need to load under the clock an open pouch is a big advantage.

 

[GerSan69]

Top left in your photos - I think it's the Dade pouch.
I used those for ages when I was in uniform. I pulled the rivets and replaced them with screws when they started to work loose. I found mine a couple months ago in a bag with other old equipment. Still had my original Safariland speedloaders and 12 rounds of issued 110 gr JHP in it.
The Dade worked the best IMO because of the front flap. When you open it, the entire front side of the reload is exposed so you weren't just using fingertips to "pluck" it out of the pouch, like other brands. All in all a good, maybe great, design.

 

[teletech]

Top left in your photos - I think it's the Dade pouch.
.

Thanks for the information. That's the only one that had no maker information visible.
Oh, I was amused to notice the Tex Shoemaker ones had an evolving maker stamp. Some were "and son" and others were "and sons"

I've ruled out the Safariland on the bottom left as it was shedding plastic and the other four I had disintegrated when I tried to use them. The nylon Uncle Mikes is for N-frame as is one of the Safariland pouches, so mostly it's the 103 by default, if I use any of them. As has been pointed out, there are better options like the 333 and while the "beware of all enterprises that require new clothes" is something I keep in mind I'm also aware I'm already going to be at a massive disadvantage with just six shots that I might as well spend the money and take the help. Thanks AzShooter for the suggestion.

I don't have a picture but check out the Safariland 333 speed loader pouch. For competition where you need to load under the clock an open pouch is a big advantage.

 

[elpac3]

Before deciding what to use, read the rules of the game you are jumping into.

For example in IDPA you can carry three additional speed loaders only two of which can be forward of the holster leaving one behind the holster. If they have a closure feature, that has to be used ( snapped shut) , same with holster safety straps.

That is why you see so many open top speedloader holders and tension retention holsters. Holders such as the safariland triple holder are not IDPA legal although you do see folks cutting off one of the holder pockets for IDPA.

Other games allow more ammo on the belt with different restrictions I.e. USPSA

 

[teletech]

Before deciding what to use, read the rules of the game you are jumping into.

For example in IDPA you can carry three additional speed loaders only two of which can be forward of the holster leaving one behind the holster. If they have a closure feature, that has to be used ( snapped shut) , same with holster safety straps.

That is why you see so many open top speedloader holders and tension retention holsters. Holders such as the safariland triple holder are not IDPA legal although you do see folks cutting off one of the holder pockets for IDPA.

Other games allow more ammo on the belt with different restrictions I.e. USPSA

Oh yes, the rules... sigh. Thanks for the heads-up on that. I'm more interested in IDPA from what I've read but it seems USPSA is the dominant local flavor.
I can understand having a limit on how many loaders you can carry and where but it's perplexing you can't carry a triple carrier with just two installed, perhaps with a block of some sort in the empty if it's really a concern.

 

[rednichols]

Thanks for the information. That's the only one that had no maker information visible.
Oh, I was amused to notice the Tex Shoemaker ones had an evolving maker stamp. Some were "and son" and others were "and sons"

Bemusement understood . But to be fair to Tex and his sons (he also had a daughter) all makers have evolving stamps, as the companies changed how they thought of themselves. Here is Tex's particular procession, in order of appearance:

 

[AzShooter]

You can also try to find an ICORE club in your area. It's a lot like USPSA only for revolvers. Lots of fun and you can use whatever carrier you want and as many as you think you need.

Many guys are using 8 round guns but there is Classic Division designed for the 6 shooters. I think it's the most fun.

 

[crazyphil]

Red - It seems that & Son should be at the top of the list, then & Sons
and Co last.