Speedloaders or Speedstrips?

F

FUD

Moderator
... I feel a little embarrassed asking this question but I'm new to revolvers and I'm only on my second one even though I've carried pistols for nearly two decades but exactly what is a speedstrip? I'm assuming that it is NOT the same thing as a speedloader. Thanks,
fudeagle.gif
FUD(a fairly 'newbie' when it comes to revolvers)
Share What You Know -- Learn What You Don't.
 
A speed strip (made by Bianchi) is a flat piece of rubber, long enough to hold 6 cartridges. The rims snap into holes in the face of the speed strip.

They don't have a photo on their website, unfortunatly.

------------------
Beware the man with the S&W .357 Mag.
Chances are he knows how to use it.
 
......I'm new to revolvers and I'm only on my second one even though I've carried pistols for nearly two decades.....

No explaination needed for anyone knowing you FUD. As soon as I saw the topic title and your name on it I thought; Neither one will work with a Smith auto. Now I wonder what FUD is up to. ;)

------------------
Gunslinger
 
Hello, FUD. Speed strips are not as fast as speed loaders, but sure care concealed well and beat fishing around one's pockets for loose shells. Best.
 
I can't say enough good about speed strips. They do not print. You can tote many more of them than a speed loader and the cartridges do not become dislodged like they can with a speed loader if you are not careful and have it floating around loose in a pocket. The thing I dislike most about a speed loader for concealed carry is the bulk.

Bianchi makes em' and I think they come three to a package. You have the option of loading two cartridges at a time or stripping all of the rounds off and loading them by hand. With loose fitting pants, you can pack one in each front pocket and one in the back pocket opposite of your wallet meaning you will have 23 rounds of +P .38 Special at the ready.

------------------
"When guns are outlawed;I will be an outlaw."
 
I carried Speed Strips in my drop boxes for a long time. Rounds in drop boxes rattle, rounds in Speed Strips do not. Even after I went to speed laoders, I still carried an drop box with a Speed Strip. Of course I figured if things got so bad I had to load with it, somebody had better be arriving code 3 real quick.

------------------
Ne Conjuge Nobiscum
"If there be treachery, let there be jehad!"
 
If you need more than 6 rounds( out of competition useage of course) maybe you need a trip to the range/eye testing/training etc or even an auto !! I jest...

Seriously though - the Seidler type JET-Loaders will out perform a simple twist or push speed-loader any time in my experience, one push and they fly into the chamber especially if they have the new plastic cowls attached, to stop 'overshoots' in poor conditions/dark etc.

Speed strips are cheaper... but a pain and impossible to use quickly.


Their best use is for storage in a pocket or range box/glove box etc IMHO.
 
This is a great range accessory for .38 Spl/.357 Mag: steel SKS stripper clips. One will hold ten rounds and is the very thing for five shot strings.
 
I did some timing tests using speed strips to reload a revolver under stress.

I used Massad Ayoobs Speed strip technique thats taught at LFI.

My opinion is that Speed strips, while neat, are considerably slower than speedloaders. If you rush the "peel" and fail to insert the cartridges enough, they will pop out of the speed strip and fall to the ground.

I prefer to carry one speedloader in a Bianchi 16RS carrier in combination with 6 shell loops on the belt.
 
pack_rat:
How exactly do you load a .38 or .357 with the SKS stripper clips? Do you load them into the stripper clips for ease of carry and pull them off two at a time to load, or do you have a technique for actually loading the chambers from them?
Mike (revolver rookie..<g> )
 
A nuance. Since I carry a 642 a bit, I only carry speed strips with 5 rounds.

Why:

The empty space gives you a better grip and I've seen some writers recommend it.

Also, I prefer the number of rounds to match the gun. I worry that in the fog of a fight,
you might mistakenly try to load the last one.

Also, I don't want to worry about the last round. So carry two of them if you are worried.

Just my opinion.
 
Mike,
One round at a time is the only way for the SKS clip. Use the whole loaded clip. Insert the end cartridge and pull away from the cylinder. Works pretty well with a bit of practice. I would only recommend this as a convenience for the range, not for carrying.
 
<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>I worry that in the fog of a fight,
you might mistakenly try to load the last one.[/quote]

Glenn, I am laughing out loud -- I do the same, for the same reason.

FUD, if you want to use these, practice (with the orange plastic training "cartridges") would be key.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top