Speedloader recommendations K frame.

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WestKentucky

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I have finally gotten my model 10 up to where I want it, and have purchased a holster built for quickly drawing and getting on target. So my next purchase to complete the setup that I want is a few speedloaders and belt mounted holders for said speedloaders, so I’m looking for recommendations.

I don’t want to throw a pile of money into this, so I will set a limit around $75 (arbitrary, will spend more if it’s justifiable) to get the initial set of loaders and a belt pouch or belt mounted carrying rig. I would greatly prefer push button loaders over the twist release variety. For the money I want at least 2 speedloaders and a way to carry them.

What options are there? What have you guys used? What problems are there with the products that are easy to find?
 
Well for speed shooting in competitions, using .38 short Colt is a nice advantage because the shorter cases allow you to load them into the gun faster.
As for specific speed loaders, personally I prefer the Loading strips from Bianiche. Much easier to carry in your pocket, and more universial for various revolver types.
 
For concealment, the speed strips are much better than a pocket full of loose rounds and hide a heckuva lot easier than any HKS/Safariland style.

If you don't care about getting "made", I've always liked and used HKS speed loaders. Never really cared for the safriland's although they're susposed to be faster.
 
If you know the trick, speed loaders are quite convenient and concealable. The trick is a leather strap that will wrap around the speed loader from end to end, with a little overlap. Mount a stud (you could use a snap) in one end of the strap and punch a hole with a slit (or the other half of the snap) in the other. Push the strap down between your belt and pants, then push the speed loader down on the belt -- 3 rounds inside the belt, 3 rounds outside. Bring the strap around and snap it.
 
For speedy reloads, Safariland CompIIIs or Jetloaders (and a boatload of practice). Even better if they’re modified by “Bubberizing”. If you’re going to carry, and want push release loaders, look to CompIIs.

I don’t advise the .38SC with speedloaders. They’re fine with moons, but short enough that the bullet hasn’t inserted much into its charge hole when the round is released, so bad things can happen.

I had custom carriers made locally, but before that, I used and liked ReadyTac kydex holders.
 
I like the HKS speed loaders mostly because I have practiced a lot with them and do not wish to relearn a new loader’s technique.
I started with them because they were inexpensive. I grew to trust them because they are reliable and they do hold onto your cartridges even when carried loose in a jacket pocket.
HKS also makes inexpensive speed loader pouches.

I am not a competitor with my S&W revolvers and I am not a police officer or anything like that. I use the speed loaders for CCW and when out and about in the woods and desert.
 
I, too, like the HKS because they are simple, durable, widely available, and I’m used to them. I have found that Bianchi Speed Strips get brittle after a few years, used or not, and when one tries to use one that has become brittle, it is an unpleasant surprise. I don’t know how the Tuff Strips hold up, or the Desantis version.
 
I started out with the HKS loaders, but aside from being bulky I also had a few instances of the loader dumping rounds in my pocket after a long day of carry. I got a safariland for the Pre-10 I have and I like the way it works, but it's much too large for the pocket.

I've been using the bianchi speed strips for at least 5 years and haven't had any problems with them going brittle or wearing out. I also picked up the desantis version of the speed strip, and so far it's working just as well as the bianchi.
 
I have finally gotten my model 10 up to where I want it, and have purchased a holster built for quickly drawing and getting on target. So my next purchase to complete the setup that I want is a few speedloaders and belt mounted holders for said speedloaders, so I’m looking for recommendations.

I don’t want to throw a pile of money into this, so I will set a limit around $75 (arbitrary, will spend more if it’s justifiable) to get the initial set of loaders and a belt pouch or belt mounted carrying rig. I would greatly prefer push button loaders over the twist release variety. For the money I want at least 2 speedloaders and a way to carry them.

What options are there? What have you guys used? What problems are there with the products that are easy to find?
A speedloader will control what type of grip you can have on a K frame. I have chosen to carry a speed strip for extra ammo for a real gunfight without ever supposing I would reload quickly. If 6 rounds isn't enough, perhaps a revolver is not the best option. Carrying the bulk of a pair of speedloaders routinely is not realistic for me, nor are the type of grips to enable using them..
 
I also like the speed strips, and mine were probably all over five years old, and I haven’t relied on them much the last few years, and they were stored in a closed container at room temperature, out of sunlight. I was shocked to find every one of them crack and crumble when I tried to use them. A Google search will show other similar reports. They looked fine to the eye. Some even stood up to being loaded but when I tried to carry them, e.g. in a jeans watch pocket, or tried to load with them, they broke. I’m reluctant to rely heavily on them in the future. Especially, if they were to become unavailable.

HKS Loaders are a bit lumpy, but certainly one is easy enough to carry. They’re not perfect but they are pretty sturdy, and while I have had on come loose and dump rounds, it’s been rare. I will probably try a couple other speed strips.
 
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I also like the speed strips, and mine were probably all over five years old, and I haven’t relied on them much the last few years, and they were stored in a closed container at room temperature, out of sunlight. I was shocked to find every one of them crack and crumble when I tried to use them. A Google search will show other similar reports. They looked fine to the eye. Some even stood up to being loaded but when I tried to carry them, e.g. in a jeans watch pocket, or tried to load with them, they broke. I’m reluctant to rely heavily on them in the future. Especially, if they were to become unavailable.

What brand were these? Bianchi?
 
I prefer Safariland for use, I have a few HKS around for guns they don't make Safariland for. Speed strips are handy too. Nothing says you can't have both available.
 
The first time you grab a HK speed loader by the knob and spray your six rounds across the range you will appreciate the other brands.
 
a holster built for quickly drawing and getting on target

If you are interested in speed in loading as well, Safariland Comp III or Jetloader in an open top Kydex carrier. I like the Master Tac type, but everybody makes them.
If you want concealability the Comp II in a flapped leather pouch that lets the rounds straddle the belt is good. See Bianchi Agent Slim, etc.
 
If this is for some type of competition, get the cylinder cut for moon clips; if it is for CCW use, get the strips - not as fast as a speedloader, but more concealable
 
I use SKS stripper clips. They hold 10 rounds of .38 spl, two reloads for a five shot, strip two at a time into the cylinder. With a little practice you can get pretty good at it.
 
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