Safariland vs HKS Speedloader

[weblance]

I have started depending on a revolver for carry, and am wondering which style speedloader everyone prefers. The Safariland, and HKS seem to be popular, but I see they operate differently on release of the cartridges into the cylinder. I already ordered a pair of HKS loaders for my 44 Bulldog. I am going to order a pair for my Police Undercover. Should I stay with the HKS and not introduce another release style? Is the "pushbutton" release of the Safariland so much better that I should use the HKS loaders for range use, and buy Safariland loaders for my Bulldog? Im pretty clueless as to which style is better.

I do have speed strips, and will also carry a couple strips of ammo.

 

[msmp5]

Speed Loader? What's a Speedloader? Is it sort of like a typewriter? A phone booth? A Commodore 64 computer?

 

[boom boom]

Massad Ayoob has a pretty good rundown in Gun Digest Book of Combat Handguns 6th ed. Grant Cunningham in his book of the Revolver also has a rundown including some other varieties of speedloaders choices. He does not recommend one model that is a cross between speedstrips and the HKS type.

Summary:
Moonclips are the fastest but require special machining of the cylinder and depending on the model can be easily damaged. Pain to remove spent rounds for some but relatively cheap.

HKS somewhat concealable, requires getting used to twisting it upon insertion, relatively bombproof construction and cheap. Available for most revolvers including out of production models.

Safariland
Type 1-more concealable on par with HKS but also most fragile--requires pressing in the center to release which means springs etc. to fail. Somewhat more expensive. Less choice on revolver models available

Type 2--Easier to use, larger and less concealable, somewhat fragile--operates similar to type 1. More expensive and a bit more choice on models but less than HKS.

Type 3--Easiest and fastest to use, to me it resembles the old German potatoe masher type grenade scaled down a bit, really designed for competition use with relatively few models supported.

Bianchi Speed strips--most concealable, cheapest, and dependable. Slowest of the above options. Mas advises downloading the strip by one to ease. reloading.

Major issue with Safaris is that if you attend classes that have you drop the speedloader (as you should) after reloading then they are more likely to be damaged than an HKS loader. HKS loaders on the other hand require a less intuitive operation than Safaris and take a fraction longer.

Few observations from my use of speedloaders (primarily HKS), speedloaders need clearance from the grips to be able to go straight in the cylinder, if possible have your revolver cylinder chamfered for aiding loading, last, consider what bullet type you are going to use--speedloading wadcutters will be slow and unreliable, fastest are the round nose bullets, with semi wadcutters in between. Replace speedloaders for actual concealed carry when they lose their ability to retain rounds in the proper configuration for loading, Last, practice with dummy rounds until you get it right.

I personally prefer HKS loaders simply because that is what I got used to and I prefer having only one manual of arms to remember regarding different revolvers.

Grant Cunningham in the Gun Digest Book of the Revolver has excellent pictures of a step by step reloading process for revolvers including speedloaders if I remember correctly.

Good Luck.

 

[msmp5]

Speed Loader? What's a Speedloader? Is it sort of like a typewriter? A phone booth? A Commodore 64 computer?

Ok, I think you guys know I was kidding, right? In the first part of my LE career, a S&W .38 revolver was my duty gun. In 1975, I was one of the first guys to have a Dump Pouch, while a lot of guys still carried their extra ammo in belt loops! Two years later, late 1977, I got issued a S&W Model 15, with a two-speedloader mag pouch. I can't remember what the original issue speedloader was, but after experimenting with various speedloaders, I finally settled on the Safariland model. And got a three speedloader mag pouch (some guys had a four speedloader pouch, but I thought it was too bulky). I found the Safariland "push-down" movement for loading to be pretty intuitive, and fast, whereas the twist-to-release of the other brand was not so intuitive. With practice, either should be fine.

I'm retired now, and my usual carry gun is a 9mm, but..... I still occasionally take a 2" J frame revolver as my lock-it-in-checked-luggage airline gun when I travel to places where I don't want to hassle with mag cap or ammo restrictions (like NY and NJ). When I do, I take one 5 shot Safariland J-frame speedloader, and a couple speed strips. I find the speed strips are better for putting in your pants pocket; they are flatter, and the bullets tend to stay in. The speedloader is less comfortable in jeans, AND for some reason - body movement or pressure, no doubt - the bullets usually "click out" (become disengaged) from the loader, and end up loose in my pocket, if I am wearing jeans. This pretty much negates the usefullness of the speedloader. However, if the speedloader is carried in a jacket pocket, without the direct pressure on it resulting from being carried in tighter fitting clothing, it seems fine. Once you settle on the brand of speedloader you like, your particular attire of the day may influence whether that speedloader or speed strips is better for your concealed carry situation.

 

[F-111 John]

I have Both Safariland Comp I and HKS for my S&W Model 19 and my Dan Wesson Model 715 (both take the same speed loader) and I much prefer the Safariland for speed of reloading. I also have HKS speed loaders for my S&W J-frame, but like msmp5 I find I end up carrying two speed strips instead of the HKS.

It may be completely stupid, but I found I can carry two speed strips in the same nylon mag pouch that I use for my spare Glock 26 magazine. It's the kind of pouch with a full flap held down with velcro and looks like a knife or multitool pouch.

 

[Snyper]

Ok, I think you guys know I was kidding, right?

On the internet, you can't make assumptions about someones experience level.

I was just reading a thread where someone said they learned to clean guns by watching Youtube videos

When I learned to clean guns, computers were the size of a room and used punchcards, magnetic tape and vacuum tubes

 

[Penoe Hunter]

When I was issued my S&W 10-6 in 73 I bought the original Safariland rubber speed loaders. The range instructors at the time told me speed loaders were gimmick and never catch on. I preferred the Safariland Comp2 over the HKS because they alined with the chambers better. They always held up for me on the street and on the range bouncing off concrete.

 

[Crayfish]

The HKS do seem to be built a little tougher but, I would never go back to them after Safariland. They are much faster and are holding up just fine after many months of use but, time will tell.

 

[msmp5]

When I was issued my S&W 10-6 in 73 I bought the original Safariland rubber speed loaders. The range instructors at the time told me speed loaders were gimmick and never catch on. I preferred the Safariland Comp2.......

I'd forgotten about those rubber speed loaders, I think they were the ones we were first issued (with our Model 15's) in 1977. Most of us got rid of them in favor of the Safarilands, which just seemed to be quicker and easier. I will admit that those that practiced regularly with the rubber ones got good - and quick - with them, I just think the Safarilands were more intuitive, lined up with the cylinders accurately more consistently, and were overall faster to reload with.

But for the OP, who I think is using his revolver for concealed carry, the speed strips may be an overall better bet for ease of carry.

 

[postalnut25]

I prefer he HKS for range time, with a little practice on my speed strips. For carry, it is speed strips all the way. I know they are slow t reload, but if you need to reload I would hope tat you take the time to find some cover so you can use the speed strips

 

[weblance]

I didnt realize the Safariland releases when the speedloader contacts the ejector star. That seems much more intuitive. I wonder what happens when you have a grip that contacts the loader before it can be pushed completely down to the cylinder. I suppose the Safariland wont release, but the HKS could be released "early"...? From comments from those who choose to use the HKS, it sounds like the HKS is a very good loader. I guess the thing to do is buy a couple of the Safariland loaders, and make my own decision.

 

[F-111 John]

With the Safariland Comp I, you have to push the speed loader down by holding the outside circumference of the speed loader. If you try to hold and push by the center knob, it won't release.

With the HKS, of course, you have to insert the speed loader, then hold the cylinder from spinnning while twisting the knob to release the cartridges.

So the correct grip is exactly opposite between the two; don't touch the center knob on Safariland, and must twist the center knob on the HKS.

 

[SFsc616171]

In the land of revolvers, the roads of reloading have been well traveled, 'cut across the median', and have even been driven backwards, depending upon the individual.

Mas Ayoob, knowledgeable man, ain't the only guru.

I would suggest that, in this day and age, where 'the printed book' is becoming, (and I hate this too), a dinosaur, I have a few names to research on YouTube:

Michael DeBethencourt, Clint Smith, Mike Larney FLETC, Chris Christian FBI reload.

Between these names, ALL the skinny on revolver reloading will be told, appraised, and with all the caveats, included.

As for me, my little pseudo-642 works well with 5-slot Speed Strips loaded 2-space-2. I have HKS loaders for my Model 15's, and yes, they are 'gravity-finicky' (watch one of the mentioned fellows' video and see why), and have Safari/Jet loaders for them, too. As a test, I loaded an HKS with A-Zooms, and carried it in my 'go-everywhere except the courthouse' pack, and yes, it did release them. The experimental loaded Speed Strip, carried the same time, did not. Go figure.

 

[Sam1911]

If you're shooting a .44, your choices are pretty limited. Safariland doesn't make the Comp IIIs for .44, so you're stuck with the Comp Is. They are not good.

I've written a few things about them before --->


My problem with the Is was with reliability. I tried them for a couple of seasons of match use and have tried to make light of the experience a coupe of times here...

I shoot .44 Spc/Mag almost exclusively in wheelguns and Safariland only makes the very regrettable "Comp I" version to fit a .44. While the Comp IIs are decent and the Comp IIIs are like teleporting ammo from your belt directly into the cylinder, the Comp Is are so worthless as to be slightly less advantageous than .... well, take three rounds and epoxy them into the speedloader permanently, then take two rounds, throw one into the bushes and drop another into your shoe, then take the last round and wedge it into one cylinder half-sideways. But really, it's not that good.

So yes, I use HKSs exclusively.

I'll chime in on the Safarilands. All of my experience comes from (extensively) shooting a 629, mostly with .44 Specials, in IDPA competition. Safariland only makes the Comp I for a .44. I thought I was really smart to get a few of those instead of the HKSs, as I'd seen so many shooters ROCKET through their reloads with Comp IIIs.

What a let-down! The Comp Is are a truly horrible product (at least in .44). I've seen few products that worked as poorly, as consistently, that weren't recalled or discontinued. Hard to load, hard to release, BUT, they sure release fine, in ones or twos, while riding in a vest pocket! :banghead:

Perhaps I was using them too hard, or too much, but I abandoned them after only two or three months of solid use. Which was pretty agonizing as I watched all my K-frame shooting buddies have such success with their Comp IIIs!

Avoid the "Comp I" model like the plague. I've owned a number of them for my 629 because that's the only version Safariland makes for .44s for some ignorant reason.

They are hard to load.

They are hard to release. As in: you feel pretty dumb straining and pounding on the back of your loader and cylinder repeatedly while trying to get the catch to release. As you dance around grunting and cursing the thought dawns on you that you could have reloaded faster with six loose rounds. ...
[pound, grunt] ...
Six loose rounds in a pants pocket. ...
[strain, swear] ...
Someone ELSE's pants pocket! ...
[veins popping out, sweat starting to run] ...
Someone else -- in another STATE! ...
[ammo flung into tree line]

Imagine how utterly FLABBERGASTED you then feel when they automatically dump one to two rounds out -- completely spontaneously -- in your pocket! Oh, and when they've dropped a round or two into your vest pocket they're even closer to IMPOSSIBLE to get to release the other rounds.

Actually, only one of mine was all that bad from the start. But they all get worse with use. And that's like a few months of use, not decades. I have one left that I was using just for holding my "make ready" rounds, but as of last week's practice it is in the trash.

I guess you could say THEY SUCK.

Channeling Ed Zern here or Pat McManus... but, yeah, I'm not a fan.

 

[MrBorland]

If you're shooting a .44, your choices are pretty limited. Safariland doesn't make the Comp IIIs for .44, so you're stuck with the Comp Is. They are not good.

Check out SL Variants. They're tough to find and pricey when you do, but, like CompIIIs and Jetloaders, very suitable for competition, and they come in an array of configurations not available from Safariland.

 

[Panzerschwein]

I've been using Safariland Comp IIs for over three years now, have loaded my revolvers with them hundreds of times at the range and during dry fire practice.

So far, 0 failures of any kind between all four specimens. The rounds are as tight as they were on day one.

The HKS speedloaders are nice, they've got a better "handle" with the knurled metal knob, but I would not go back to them after trying the Safarilands. The Safarilands are just faster, but more importantly, they are much more CONSISTANT. The HKS loaders will want to work quite often, and can offer a smooth reload... but the rounds are much looser and I've found that sometimes they don't want to all line up and they won't go into the cylinder without jiggling and sticking out your tongue just right. Not what you want in a self defense scenario. Also, sometimes a round or two want to "stay behind" when you twist the knob. I've found that sort of "flicking" the knob works best.

Still, I use the Comp II Safarilands. They offer a fast reload that involves just shoving the loader in till it clicks, and the rounds almost jump in the cylinder. No jiggling. No twisting. It's more reliable, faster, and smoother. I would be wary of anyone who says they won't hold up. I've used mine countless times, with tons of dry fire practice, and I've even thrown a loaded (with dummy rounds) Comp II against a wood floor numerous times with all my might and it didn't crack or let rounds fly.

I would trust my life to the Safarilands vs. the HKS. The HKS just seems like it could botch a reload at the worst possible time. The Safariland does not seem liable to this at all in my experience.

YMMV.

 

[Lucky Derby]

I've always used the HKS, because they are available for more models & calibers, and I shoot a lot of different things. I don't want to change what I do from one gun to the next.
That said, I have played with the Safariland, and I think it is a faster design. I would use them if I could get them for more guns.

 

[old lady new shooter]

Totally new to the world of firearms. I took a one-day course where we fired all the different calibers, then the sponsor offered an evening at a gun store where there was more time to try holding different models etc. I had already decided I wanted a revolver, after trying holding the ones they had for sale I am leaning toward a S&W 686 Plus, the S&W because it fit my hand better than the Ruger or the Taurus, the Plus being because I like the idea of having 7 rounds instead of 6. A friend gave me grief for the revolver idea, she said it takes too long to reload... then another friend said you can use a reloader and it goes pretty fast. So now I came here and read this thread, and it seemed the safariland speedloader would be easier to use, so based on the postings I went looking to see if the safariland comp iii was available for it, it's not. The ii and the iii are both available for the regular 686. The HKS does have a model for the 686 Plus. Is this just one more thing I have to try out on my planned pre-purchase range visit with a private lesson (I want to try the 6" vs the 4", also want to see what it feels like and how accurate I can be with a .357 magnum instead of the .38 spl.)? Or what thoughts/advice do you guys have? If it matters, mainly the reasons I decided on a revolver are that it seems more straightforwardly mechanical, and only one movement is required to use it, i.e. no slide to worry about.

 

[9mmepiphany]

Welcome to the forum.

You'll be limited to selections of speedloaders with a 7-shot revolver.

My recommendation would be to take a look at the 5-Star speedloaders. A bit more expensive than the HKS, but a superior product

 

[Black Knight]

I have used both and the difference in speed is about the thickness of a sheet of paper. As for operations the Safariland is the simplest. I started out with HKS and trust them completely, but the Safariland is just as trusted. My advice would be to choose one brand and stick with it. Defensive shooting situations are very high stress and switching from one loader to another may cause a problem when you do not need a problem. I keep HKS speed loaders at home and on me (when I carry). My wife has far less experience with guns and she uses my old Safariland speed loaders due to the simplicity.

 

[entropy]

I use Safariland Comp I's for my S&W Bodyguard 38. Never had one pop open in my pockets, pants or coats. I prefer to use the 'concealment' over the belt carriers when possible, however. With practice, never had a flubbed reload yet.
I have also used Comp I's for a Ruger Redhawk, and Colt Trooper and Pythons. The Ruger came with HKS loaders, tried 'em, didn't like them.

 

[old lady new shooter]

Thank you very much!

I just looked at videos for not only HKS, Safariland, and 5 Star, but several other ones as well. The 5 Star actually looks the most foolproof to me -- looks like the knob would always turn reliably and the distance you have to turn it is small. Plus it's nice that because you turn it counterclockwise it falls down by itself afterwards.

One reviewer complained that a full one sounds like maracas when shaken but here in Los Angeles County nobody is granted a concealed carry permit anyway. Besides which I bet there's a way to keep it quiet, maybe some special kind of pouch.

This is an amazing journey. I want to make a good purchase decision, but new considerations keep popping up. So much to learn!

 

[ACP]

I've had all three.

I normally carry speed strip(s), because they are flat and easier to conceal. As has already been pointed out, they are the slowest of the three choices to re-load, but faster than loose rounds in a pocket. As everyone says, download one (or two) rounds so you can reload your revolver in "twos" rather than three and three (impossible) or two and three. How many fresh rounds do you need in your gun for it to be reloaded?

One. So sayeth Michael de Bethencourt.

On HKS vs. Safariland, I encourage you to try both UNDER THE PRESSURE OF A TIMED RELOAD to see which one you can manipulate the easiest under extreme stress. Then use that, and that style only, for all range work and carry until eternity. Throw away or sell the speedloaders you are slower with.

For me, Safariland was the choice, just for the gross motor skills involved.

 

[GLOOB]

I highly prefer the HKS, even if it's a fraction of a second slower. You can pick it up, align it, insert it, and unlock it, and then withdraw the empty speedloader, all the while holding it by the knurled knob. I find it more intuitive and simple.

With the Safariland, you kinda have to hold it by the body to insert it, but then you have to let go and push the button, then I suppose you would swipe it away and let it drop, because you're not really holding it real well at this point.

HKS is definitely easier to load, too.

 

[9mmepiphany]

With the Safariland, you kinda have to hold it by the body to insert it, but then you have to let go and push the button

I don't think they showed you how to use it correctly

You do hold it by the body to insert the cartridges into the chambers, but there isn't any "letting go" and there is no "pushing" of button...because there is no button.

All you do is push forward on the body you already have a grasp of to cause the cartridges to be released...it is all in one motion. Then you just let go of the body while closing the cylinder