Speed loader help please.
- Thread starter patsfan
- Start date
Blue Heeler
Moderator
Safariland Comp 111 Jet/Speedloader in 'K' Frame is the way to go. And, while you are at it,get a Safariland Comp Box and 'K' Frame loading tray.
It might be a little extra expense but it keeps everything together and it gives you a system. It will prove invaluable over the years.
It might be a little extra expense but it keeps everything together and it gives you a system. It will prove invaluable over the years.
The most common speed loader you're likely to find are the HKS speed loaders. The model you want is their model 10 which fits all S&W K-Frame .38/.357 revolvers. The Safariland Jet loaders are high quality too.
Another option are Bianchi's "speed strips". These are rubber covered metal with moulded holes to retain the cartridges. It allows you to load one or two rounds at a time from a convenient carrier.
Another option are Bianchi's "speed strips". These are rubber covered metal with moulded holes to retain the cartridges. It allows you to load one or two rounds at a time from a convenient carrier.
The 2 most commonly encountered brands are the Safariland and the HKS. Both will do the job, but IMHO the Safariland ones are a little faster to use and are generally preferred in competition. The Safariland ones release with the push of a button, and the HKS release with the twist of a knob. HKS tend to be more common, are what are stocked at the shop/range where I shoot, and are what's loaded up along with my 686 at my bedside.
www.midwayusa.com should have them I got some and never use them.Just as easy to load by hand.In the time it takes to load a speedloader you can have your gun loaded.But is great for CCW or when you need to load fast.Like the bad guys are coming thru the window 
That is why they sit loaded on my dresser.
That is why they sit loaded on my dresser.My personal preference is for the Safariland Comp II speedloader, that's what I used in competition for years, some others used the Comp III or the Jet Loader. I also carried the Comp II's on duty, it was the only speedloader I would use, I carried Safariland Comp I speedloaders to go with my Chiefs Special for concealed carry. I have never known an officer to carry HK speedloaders, or use them in competition, civilians are the primary consumer of the HK speedloader.
Quite frankly, the primary use of a speedloader is for self defense or competition, there is really no compelling reason to use one outside of those uses.
Quite frankly, the primary use of a speedloader is for self defense or competition, there is really no compelling reason to use one outside of those uses.
Mike Irwin
Staff
I much prefer the HKS brand.
I've had the Safariland speedloaders "eject" prematurely once too often in my pocket while carrying them.
I've never had that problem with HKS.
I've had the Safariland speedloaders "eject" prematurely once too often in my pocket while carrying them.
I've never had that problem with HKS.
Well, I ended up ordering a couple HKS speed loaders as the price was so much cheaper (6.99) than the Safariland (12.50 - 18.00). They should subside my appetite for gadgets although I think i'm going to pick up one of them Safariland trays, they look pretty helpfull. Thanks for the help everyone,
Patsfan
Hmm, wait. I need a holster.. any thoughts on a nice leather one that clips on your belt?
Patsfan
Hmm, wait. I need a holster.. any thoughts on a nice leather one that clips on your belt?
Blue Heeler
Moderator
Uncle Mikes are cheap and adequate. It is also really worthwhile having a look under 'gun holsters' on eBay. I suggest you spend as little as you can at first until you know what you need your holster to do . All of us have a 'holster box' full of outdated, worn and plain dumb holsters. It is a fact of life that old holsters never die, they just hang around and mess the place up.
F350Lawman
New member
I have never known an officer to carry HK speedloaders, or use them in competition, civilians are the primary consumer of the HK speedloader.
The entire NYPD was issued the HKS style "twist" speedloaders before the semi-autos came. I think they felt the push style was more likely to get pushed in accidently under stress (when taking them from the holders), prematurely releasing the rounds. Personally I like the push style anyway, but have HKS only because that is what the store nera me has.
The entire NYPD was issued the HKS style "twist" speedloaders before the semi-autos came. I think they felt the push style was more likely to get pushed in accidently under stress (when taking them from the holders), prematurely releasing the rounds. Personally I like the push style anyway, but have HKS only because that is what the store nera me has.
Mike Irwin
Staff
"I have never known an officer to carry HK speedloaders, or use them in competition..."
I know quite a few officers who use/have used HKS speedloaders.
The entire United States Park Police used HKS units prior to their switch to autoloaders in the early 1990s.
I know quite a few officers who use/have used HKS speedloaders.
The entire United States Park Police used HKS units prior to their switch to autoloaders in the early 1990s.
"Under stress the HKS do fine. Even in the dark."
Yep. The Safariland ones are a little faster, but difference is not so great that the average shooter will see a lot of difference. The fraction of a second difference between pushing a button and twisting a knob is really only significant for those who are in competition and practice a lot, those who are serious about competition will end up going to moon clips which are faster than either of them.
Yep. The Safariland ones are a little faster, but difference is not so great that the average shooter will see a lot of difference. The fraction of a second difference between pushing a button and twisting a knob is really only significant for those who are in competition and practice a lot, those who are serious about competition will end up going to moon clips which are faster than either of them.