Maxfire Speedloader?

C

CarbineCaleb

New member
Anyone ever try the "Maxfire Speedloader" that Brownells carries? I just got in some HKS speedloaders for my 686P (no Safarilands for the 7-shot models), and am a little dissappointed with how easy they are to use.

Are the Maxfire Speedloaders any better? I see they need special Maxfire pouches to accomodate their design. Or should I just practice with the HKS?

The main problem I am having is that you need to rotate the speedloader knob to release the rounds, but the cylinder wants to rotate too, and you have to do it all with one hand. I am getting better with practice, but am wondering if there is a better system that doesn't rely as much on my form... I am no Jerry Miculek! :o Would like something foolproof or at least Calebproof :D
 
You are right

I have a 7-shot 686P also, and the HKS speedloaders also. And I have exactly the same problem you have.

HKS speedloaders are sturdy, but slow relative to the spring-assisted Safariland Comp IIIs (which as you said do NOT come in 7-shot versions.)

I decided not to buy Maxfires because of the generally negative comments posted about them on various gun forums .
 
Addendum : There WAS a spring-assisted 7-shot speedloader called "Jetloader", made in Austria I believe - made somewhere in Europe anyway. Used to be available from a US dealer , but not in recent years.

Maybe eventually Safariland will make a 7-shot version of their Comp III. Maybe not. What a pity - takes away some of the advantage of having a 7-shot 686P (and a 7-shot Taurus and whatever else brands offer 7-shot cylinders.)
 
Yes, a push release actuation like Safariland's would address the problem with the HKS loaders. I might guess that the 686P is the biggest selling revolver today, so there must be a pretty big unsatisfied market out there - are you listening, Safariland??? :D
 
I once heard someone say to hold the knob stationary with one hand and rotate the clyinder with the other causeing the rounds to drop in. I haven't yet tried this but is seems like it might work.
 
How to use a speedloader:

1. Open the cylinder with the gun cradled in your LEFT hand and use the fingers to push the cylinder open.
2. Support the gun through the cylinder opening with the LEFT hand.
3. Raise the muzzle up and with the LEFT thumb briskly eject the empties.
4. Lower muzzle so it's pointing down at an angle, gun is still in the LEFT hand. Rotate so your palm is face up (gun is on it's right side in your hand.)
5. Place LEFT thumb on top of cylinder to keep it stationary. Use speedloader to insert cartridges.
6. Align cartridges (usually the most visible 2) and wiggle slightly as you push.
7. Push speedloader down until it contacts the cylinder's center pin.
8. Twist release knob (HKS) or push release (Safariland).
9. Close cylinder with LEFT hand while dropping speedloader to the ground.
10. Shift grip on gun to begin shooting.

Notes:
a. use dummy rounds or snap caps to practice.
b. move slowly at first. Repeat to gain speed & confidence.
c. carry spare ammo on your right side since your left hand will hold the gun.
d. grips may interfere with speedloaders. Change grips if needed.
 
Yet again, BillCA has nailed it!

Technique needs to be practiced with speedloaders. And you really ought to carry them on your strong side, just in front of the holster for optimal speed/access.

I use Safarilands exclusively after having tried EVERY conceivable product on the market. The Maxfires are just junk. HKS are slower than Safarilands. Speedstrips, while good for flatness, are far slower than any speedloader.
 
Last edited:
I bought some of the Maxfire speedloaders several years ago. They absolutely suck! :barf: As Bill pointed out, to properly reload a revolver you shift the gun to your left hand and reload with the right. However, the Maxfire design only works when loading with the LEFT hand unless you turn the gun around backwards. Besides that, Maxfires DO NOT work anywhere near as well as claimed. When pulled sideways the case heads tend to bind in the loader. :mad: On top of everything else, the pull ring makes them too large and bulky for concealed carry.
Stick with HKS or Safariland, you'll be much happier.
 
I have always had some trouble with the HKS loaders, because of the twist knob, and they're rather bulky for pocket carry.

So I ordered the Maxfires. At least for my 5 shot SP101, they are a slimmer loader, and work better in the pocket. I carried one in my pocket and one in my Jeep console for oh...about 6 months, and never had a round work loose out of either loader. They are a bit faster to use, insert in cylinder and YANK. Yeah, they can only go in one way. But, they have the offset handle to help orientate it. I think with practice, they would be fine. I'm not sure why people say they're junk. They are different. And I've only used mine for 6 months, and I haven't done alot of practice with them. YMMV and all that...

I just bought a pair of the nice safariland ones. The low profile ones. A bit tricky to load till you learn the trick, and they are much faster to load into the gun than either the HKS or the Maxfire. Insert in cylinder until the rounds drop free. I just bought them a couple weeks ago, and have not started carrying them yet, so no comment from me on that.

I recommend getting one or two of each brand and see what works for you. Each has it's pros and cons. And it's not like they're super expensive or you can have 'too many' speedloaders! :D
 
I find the Maxfires "counter-intuitive" but a lot of practice might make them easier to use. I'm greatful for the Maxfires though, because, to my knowledge, they're the only speedloader made for my Taurus .41 Mag. snubbie...
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top