Revolver Speedloaders

[keith1911]

I'm wondering what experience any of you might have with the different speedloaders out there on the market and why you like the ones you use. I have experience with the traditional HKS Speedloaders but was wondering about the 5 Star Speedloaders, Safariland Comp II and Comp III speedloader, Maxfire Speedloader, and maybe even the S.L. Variant Speedloader. Thanks for any help.

[tmh1]

I tried the 5 Star because I needed higher capacity loaders for my M&P R8. Excellent design, quality and service whether you get them in silver or "zombie" color configurations. And they basically work in the same manner as the HKS's.



I also have personal experience with the Safariland Comp II's. These are very good as well, and seem to have more minimalist dimensions so nothing gets hung up on the top of the grip or the cylinder release latch when loading. And they seem a little faster to use. BUT... they work in a different manner from the HKS loaders so you have to get used to them.

If planning to use for CCW or competition then you need to get one type and just practice with them.

[Gryff]

I have experience with HKS, Safariland Comp II, and Safariland Comp IIIs. I shoot a revolver in competition at times (S&W 686), and run Comp IIIs since they are wicked fast for reloading (insert rounds in chamber, allow palm to hit top of speedloader to release rounds, let speedloader fall away). The downside of this model is that the handle sticks up from the speedloader handle quite a bit.

I have found that the balance between concealability and speed are the Comp IIs. These are about the same size as the HKS, but you release the rounds by pushing down on the body of the speedloader (instead of twisting the knob). Slower than the Comp IIIs, but much faster than the HKS.

[Carcassonne]

I have experience with the HKS, and two different Safariland speed-loaders. I like the Safariland loaders because all you have to do is push down on the cylinder and the cartridges come out. You don't need to hold the cylinder from turning.

The biggest problems I find with ANY speed-loaders is that the grip may interfere with alignment of the bullets with the cylinder holes. The Safariland loaders don't work very good with J-Frame S&W revolvers.






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[Che762x39]

The biggest problems I find with ANY speed-loaders is that the grip may interfere with alignment of the bullets with the cylinder holes. The Safariland loaders don't work very good with J-Frame S&W revolvers.

The grips that came on my new S&W M637 would bind up any speedloader I tried. I put Hogue grips on and the problem went away. Just like S&W to put junk grips on their guns.

Safariland I or II. The comp III is great for PPC or other revolver games.

[9mmepiphany]

To address the prior post first, any speedloader will hang up on the J-frame. There just isn't enough clearance between the open cylinder and the grip to accept anything other than perfect alignment

Back to the OP

I have experience with the HKS, Safariland I/II/III, 5-Star, Max-fire and even the old Dade speedloaders.

The fastest was the old Dade, but they weren't very secure (pure competition loaders), the very worst were the Max-fire, because they commonly don't release all the rounds cleanly and the lateral motion used to release the rounds slows you down,

I prefer the Safariland for a combination of security and speed. I carried the II on my duty belt and use the III in competition...the I was made in calibers that the II and III aren't available in.

The 5-Star has two advantages over the HKS.
1. It is available in unusual configurations (7/8 shot)
2. The release is turned the opposite direction...clockwise; into the frame, which is a bit faster

[keith1911]

Thanks for all the advice everyone!

[JTROKS]

I have experience with HKS, Safariland Comp II, and Safariland Comp IIIs. I shoot a revolver in competition at times (S&W 686), and run Comp IIIs since they are wicked fast for reloading (insert rounds in chamber, allow palm to hit top of speedloader to release rounds, let speedloader fall away). The downside of this model is that the handle sticks up from the speedloader handle quite a bit.

I have found that the balance between concealability and speed are the Comp IIs. These are about the same size as the HKS, but you release the rounds by pushing down on the body of the speedloader (instead of twisting the knob). Slower than the Comp IIIs, but much faster than the HKS.

I don't compete with a revolver anymore, but I have experience the same as Gryff. Comp-III were pretty much the game back in the late 80s to 90s unless you send your cylinder for the fastest revolver reload and brass pickup. The FM Clip.

Maybe if I can get a 929 I would shoot steel with it.

[Mute]

Tried them all. I prefer the Safariland Comp IIIs. Just quicker and simpler.

[Mr. Beretta]

Been using the HKS for 37 years.

Works for me.

[P5Ret]

I've used HKS for years and gotten so used to them it's almost second nature.
I tried early Safariland they were quicker to use, but slower to reload. I did have an issue once of dropping one and the rounds released. Don't know if it was a flaw, or the rounds weren't seated properly. The biggest problem I had with them was they were difficult ror me to get a good grip on in my speed loader pouch even with the insert for them in it. I ended up sticking with the HKS, until we transitioned to auto loaders.

[dexter9659]

Comp II for daily use

Comp III for PPC and other high speed revolver action

[IVC]

For home defense I have a bunch of 5 Stars with aluminum trays. The loose rounds in the tray can be picked up with an empty loader extremely quickly. They are high quality and, for what it's worth, they look really good.

Just thought I'd bring up the ease of loading in addition to how fast/slow/practical speedloaders are for reloading.

[SnWnMe]

If you're going to carry them, speedloaders pretty much feel like you're carrying another revolver. Speed Strips are the bees knees for these especially for J Frames.

[ptgarcia]

Skip the speedloader and go with moon clips.