I am a retired police officer. During my years of service, I've tried lots of speed loaders including the HKS, which was my department's issue as it was cheaper. I purchased my own Safariland speed loaders (comp I and comp II ) and I found the Safariland comp II speed loaders to be much faster than the HKS. It has a larger knob and pushes the rounds into the chambers. Not only is it faster it allows for loading in less than perfect conditions.
I’ve found the Comp 2s best also. But they are not available for all models, in which case I used the Comp 1 or HKS. I usually carry a Glock now, but still have a sweet spot for a fine revolver.
Yeah they’re great when they work. When they don’t they’ll cost you your life. I loved them for how fast they were and that they could be done with left hand while keeping a full grip on the gun and then they stopped working. I stick with HKS now. Edit: I used the comp 1’s. I’m unaware if the comp 2 is better.
When I was an officer in the late 70s and 80s, the invention of the speed loader was monumental! I used the safariland and loved them. What an innovation. I remember hours spent practicing with dump boxes and trying to load loose cartridges😃
Oh yeah, I was a Deputy Sheriff in the early 1980s, carrying the newly introduced S&W 686; and going from speed strips to HKS speedloaders were a gamechanger!!
@@daleweller5193 Too long. OK... Strips are OK if you don't want bulge in your pockets or hanging on your belt. But for me, in competition, they were just a pain, hardly faster than pulling a handful from my pocket, just less messy.
Over four decades as a competitor and LEO/MIL instructor here. I've taught speedloaders since they first came out and have trained/handled/drilled with and carried/used almost every variant for duty, EDC and competitions in numerous disciplines. A couple points: it helps a LOT to have your revo chambers chamfered. Not radically funneled out but just having a small taper, radius or similar to preclude any case mouth or bullet feature (SWC, etc) hanging up on a sharp edge. Making sure your ammo has a good non-bulged crimp is also essential, as is making any modifications to the grips to prevent them from being in the way. Technique-wise, and you'll have to drill this intensely and by-the-numbers, one-step-at-a-time, ensure that all the rounds have started into the chambers prior to starting to flex the rubber loaders or starting to twist the knob on an HKS or similar. Smooth equals fast. As the rounds are released and you're wiping the loader away, extend two or three fingers and use them to wipe across the heads of the rounds, seating them into the chambers. This motion is easy to learn and incorporate into your technique, but again it has to be drilled. Being in the habit of retaining the loader after it's emptied is a Bad Thing. It's of no use when the rounds have been chambered. DROP IT. Don't waste motion and time by plucking it up and tossing it, JUST DROP IT. Otherwise, you'll be as behind-time as those who dump their brass into their hand before tossing it into their brass bucket. You aren't doing THAT, are you? Drill, drill, drill, practice, practice, practice and you'll be reloading your revo quicker than your buddies can get their shell-shucking autopistols reloaded.
Well, I'm learning something today! I spent a few very frustrating hours today fooling around with a collection of speed loaders, actually threw a few of them out! I think I have a better idea of what's supposed to be happening now, what I'm supposed to be doing! This was all so easy and pleasant with K-frame revolvers, and everything suddenly went downhill when I got a J-frame one, I thought it was the grips, and finally realized that the thing is so compact that there just isn't room for much of anything to work in that space, even if you take the darn grips OFF! Those little rubber things seem like the only hope. I was so happy in K-frame land with SPEED BEEZ and their nice loading blocks, it's so civilized! Those loading block/case things are great, you can go to the range with fifty or a hundred rounds already set into the block, and you don't have to handle them after that. I usually have a coffee can or something to catch the brass, and there's not much to clean up when I'm done. Another fun thing is that the devices that have a knob might unlock CW or CCW, and no way to tell at a glance, should I pick one type and throw the others out?
Thank you for putting much time into this video Howard - you don't find many comparison videos produced this well on RUclips. Zeta6 didn't make K-CLIP to compete with range or pouch carried loaders in speed, but rather in comfortable pocket-carry for concealed EDC. So, I was very excited to see how well K-CLIP held its own against HKS and Safariland Comp-1. Also, I would not have guessed HKS would beat or even tie with the Comp-1. With these times so close, I believe that the one you train with the most will be fastest.
When I first joined the force, I worked with a couple old hats that still carried revolvers. During qualification, it was like they were throwing the speed loaders into the cylinder. They were so smooth. I hope I'll be that good one of these days.
I was on the line with old birds still using loading strips during qualification, two rounds at a time into their wheel guns... and that was considered an improvement over dump pouches.
Thank you. I'll stay with my HKS loaders. I've practiced with them. I like the knurled grip handle. Appreciate the time you put into this YT. -Jersey Mike
In 1975 or so, I carried Safariland Comp 1 speedloaders. One thing I noticed was the depth of your pouches. Mine were not as deep as yours. I fact, mine only covered the visible part of the cartridges and the whole speedloader body was above the leather, covered by a flap, so I could grab the body of the speedloader. That may be a reason for part of the time differences in reloads. Years later my job issued Safariland Comp 2 speedloaders which I found to be better that the Comp 1s that I had purchased. Safariland Comp 3 speedloaders are made for competitive shooting and have a similar, but much higher knob for releasing the cartridges than the Comp 2s. I yjought your comparison video was very well done and informative. I also think the equipment you train with all the time is what you will be fastest with.
You are absolutely correct. Through the eighties, I carried a Colt Python on duty. Used the comp one, then went to comp 2. We got away from swapping the gun to the weak side. It takes time. Then, once you were loaded, swapping it back to the shooting hand. Again, that takes time. Pythons latch pulls back, use an off-hand finger to pull latch back. Off-hand hits extractor rod. Pointing gun towards the ground, off hand was already grabbing a loader. Use your first finger of shooting hand to hold the cylinder through the frame of gun. Insert ammo into cylinder, pushing loader till it clicks. Shut cylinder with off hand, and your back on target. Practice this over your bed like we did back in the day. You would be amazed at how fast you can get. My fastest time on stop-watch was 1.89 seconds.
I, Like you have researched speed loaders and my ultimate choice ended up being Moon Clips. Easily a second or two with all five of my revolvers.They contain the spent shells together when discharged and I have color coded the clips to identify different rounds quickly.Some cylinders have to be machined to accept the clips and others come ready for their use.
Just wonderful Sir. Not only did you keep your ego out of this comparison (a rare find these days), but you also tried to get as much bias out of the measurement process as possible. We need more people like you in the firearms world.
I remember when we went from dump pouches to HKS speed loaders for our Model 66"s. They were advertised at the time as being a six second reload and you're beating that. It was a big improvement for us. We did end up changing grips because the Smith grips got in the way. Great test.
Perfect timing. I bought my first revolver just two weeks ago. I love revolvers. My semi-auto obsession kept me from them. I seriously appreciate the good comparison of speed loaders.
please read my review before you get too Happy! I also love revolvers but nowadays they are better off as range guns or home defense with others at arms reach. Be safe and shoot straight.
Good video! However, I switched over to the Zeta-6 speed loaders for my .38 Special LCR. Reason being, is I carry my speed loaders in my pocket. I was using 5-Star Arms aluminum speed loaders. What was happening was in each of the cylinder sections of the speed loader, there formed a black ring of sticky gunk that caught on the case rim of the cartridge. This would inhibit some of the rounds from freely loading into the cylinder via gravity. Since my speed loaders were unfinished aluminum, I was able to see this ring and realize the issue. With black HKS and Safariland speed loaders, someone might miss this build-up and have issues at a very inconvenient time. I know the Zeta-6 isn't the fastest option but it is the most maintenance free option.
Although, I don't carry a revolver much, I have some HKS speed loaders, for my Smith & Wesson .357 magnum 640 centennial. What has worked for me, is as I open the cylinder, at a slight angle, I guide one cartridge to an outside chamber hole at 9:00, and once I have the tip of the bullet in the hole, the rest of the cartridges, easily fall into place. That saves me a lot of time, as I reload quickly, using this method. Great video HR!
Very good demonstration of different loaders, HR. Thanks. Brought back memories from the 1980’s pistol competition for me. The first iteration of Safariland Speedloaders worked best, I thought. The big knob on top was fairly easy to twist/lock the cartridges in. I found a loading tray that would hold twelve groups of six rounds, rim up, for you to lock your Speedloaders on to. Made match day prep go quick and smooth. I always felt the Safariland loader held your rounds most secure, even stowed in a coat pocket or some place other than the dedicated pouch.
You are getting near & dear to my heart. I'm an HKS man and have used them for over 40-years. But I also use speed strips and loops and I practice reloading with all three. Looking forward to your evaluation, experience and comments.
Great video (down memory lane)! When I became a Deputy Sheriff in 1981, revolvers were only authorized, and I carried a S&W 686 (I still have it). The "speedloader" that I started with were the spreed strips, and were quickly replaced with HKS speedloaders. Later replaced with Safariland Comp I speedloaders. On the Departments competition team, we used the spring-loaded Safariland Comp II speedloaders.
I carried a Ruger Security Six for Law enforcement and Private Security. In the Marine Corps it was a Smith & Wesson Model 10 .while on Embassy Duty as a MSG. I was and still more accurate with the revolver . Semper Fi Howard.
I've shot competition with the HKS and did well. I've since come to prefer the Safariland Comp 2. I also have some Comp 1s and prefer the 2 (when available) due to the larger knob. No experience with the Zeta equivalent but their J-Pak / K-Pak are my gotos for when I CCW a revolver. As mentioned in numerous posts below, I believe practice and experience can make any of these choices effective.
One thing that was not mentioned was the fact that HKS makes speed loaders to fit a wide range of revolvers. I have HKS speed loaders for everything from my 5 shot J Frames all the way up to my 6 shot N Frame. Using a speed loader that works the same way for all guns is important to me.
This is a great point. Especially if you have a 7-shot .357 (686+), a .45 Colt N frame, a 5 shot .44 Mag,or any of the .22 Mag models, HKS has more models available than Safariland.
I'd be curious to see this test re-run with a Safariland Comp II in place of the Comp I used. The Comp II's have a much larger knob to grab a hold of, but they're not so large that they become obtrusive. That aside, this was a great comparison. I was surprised at how close each option generally was in terms of time. Technique and practice look to be slightly more important than the type of speedloader selected. I've also found that Safariland Comp II's load easily when holding the loader upside-down and dropping the rounds in so that the bullet ends are facing toward the ceiling. Use your thumb and index finger to encircle the sides of the rounds and hold them steady, and then push the knob up and turn it with your other hand to lock them in place.
That’s what remember too. Mine dropped with no issue. I had the qual 4 times a year with magnum rounds and maybe the longer rounds might shave .3 tenths of a second off getting them to seat.
When I was a Policeman and Sheriff's Deputy I was trained with the hks loaders for the old-school wheel gun K frame and N frame mdl 66 ,19, 27 ,28 ,13 .357 magnum our issue ammo was Federal 357 MAGNUM 125 grain simi JHP.I carried 4 on the duty belt 1 in each of 2 pockets. For a total of 42 rounds counting 6 in the revolver.Outstanding Howard I perfer the HKS speed loaders keeping you eyes on the target is key you can reload with out taking your eye off the target the hks I can reload without taking my eyes off the target.
In my experience the overriding factor that makes me carry and use the Safariland speedloader is that it is push to release the cartridges. There can be no hesitation as to which way to turn a knob as there is with the HKS despite all the amount of practice and training one might do . I am also left handed which is actually a distinct advantage with an S&W revolver. To reload, I push the thumb piece forward with my left index finger. As I transfer the revolver to my right hand, my right thumb pushes the cylinder open, my right hand index and middle finger, together with my right thumb now have full control of the cylinder. I point the muzzle up and hit the ejector rod with the palm of my left hand. I can rotate the cylinder to clear any fired cases that do not fall free. As I then point the muzzle down I grab the speedloader with my left hand, push forward on the loader and release the rounds into the cylinder. I can easily rotate the cylinder with my right thumb and fingers to complete the seating of any cartridges that do not immediately seat. The speedloader easily falls away. As I close the cylinder with my right hand, my thumb comes out of the frame window, and my right hand is in a perfect position for a two hand hold as I drive the revolver into it with my left hand. Most importantly I can stay focused on the threat with very little time spent looking at the revolver. Because I have a grasp of the cylinder with my right hand I can actually do it all by feel if I had to.
Enjoyed the video HR! Yes, practice, practice, practice! I am rusty as I have been carrying my S&W M+P 2.0 for the warmer months. Will be switching up to my Ruger LCR 357 toward cooler weather but must practice before I do!
Another interesting video Howard. Now I have to go to the range and time myself using the Safariland and the HKS speedloaders. These zre the only speedloaders I have.
HKS are made not far from my home. Been using them for a few decades. I remember when the Safariland Comp 1 & 2 came out. I was initially impressed, but particularly with the Comp 1s, they were prone to sticking when they got a little dirty. As you mentioned, the Comp 1s can be a little hard to grab from a pouch. The only HKS I had a problem with was a unit for a Smith & Wesson M29 after I dropped the speedloader and it managed to land on the only rock within 50 feet of me. HKS replaced it, no charge, no questions asked.
First off. Great video and thank you for the demos! I have Zeta, HKS, and Safariland. Safarilands are my favorite for pocket carry when carrying my 4" S&W 64-7. I carry the Smith in a bellyband with an IWB kydex/leather holster installed on the band for support, comfort and draw. That also allows me to keep my reloads in my right pocket. HKS are ok, but it's easy for me to accidentally twist the know, releasing them into my pocket. They're better for pouches. My Zetas are better with my 642 Airweight J-frame since the other two brands get hung up on the frame regardless of grip size. I also use speed strips for my J-frame. When I was an LEO, despite carrying an auto for duty, I carried my S&W 4" BBL 10-6 off duty quite a bit. Plus, I had prior revolver experience in security.
Great video. I know we can't check this but I suspect the fastest revolver speed load (excluding Jerry Miculek of course) would be a top break, self extracting Webley (that saves you an action as it flings the spent cases clear as the revolver opens) in partnership with the original Prideaux speed loader (designed in 1893) that is just a 'push in and discard' (like the Safariland) but also includes a raised handle bar to make it easy to grab from pouch or pocket. And, because the Webley is a top break revolver, there's no frame to get in the way of a smooth reload. But Prideaux loaders are so rare these days. It's a shame someone doesn't put them back into production for modern revolvers.
I've been using the Zeta6 Offeset Speed Strips. Allows two strips of 3 rounds each, instead of 2-2-2. The offset strips still allow for concealability that the Speedloaders just don't.
Thank you for the review of the three brands of speed loaders. I have only had access to the HKS brand, have used them for many years, they work well for me. However I may just have to try one those by Safariland, as I like the concept of a push drop. I just came across your channel earlier this evening and have been doing some catch up. I'm a new subscriber, as I like your style and your honest, straightforward method of presentation.
i'm 56 yrs old and came into firearms right at the time when LE was transitioning to autos. The revolver guys on the range tended to beat the pants off the auto carrying guys. We still have LE carrying revolvers in some more remote parts of my state. Nice to see that still. I carry both and don't feel one bit out gunned with a revolver. What I see as far as skill at the typical range I really don't fear getting shot, most folks have poor skills and barely hit paper.
As others have said, I'd love to see you run the Comp II for comparison. I've used/carried revolvers extensively even to this day and after trying multiple different speed loaders, I've settled on the Comp II's over everything else. The two issues that came up (gripping the loader and cartridges hanging on the frame) can both easily be mitigated with a differently designed pouch which allows you to grab the body of the loader rather than the 'knob', and then the combination of the action of the Comp II (being spring loaded) and deliberately turning the muzzle straight down to the ground have virtually eliminated the issue of cartridges not fully seating into the cylinder. I cant even remember the last time I had that happen. Excellent video as always!
I would also think that your issue of the K-Clip flexing and causing misalignment of the cartridges could also be mostly mitigated by grabbing the loader/cartridges as a whole unit to insert them, rather than trying to do it all with just the tab.
Great video. I think most people should buy one of each and see which one is most “intuitive” to them. Then settle on it, stick with it and practice. I found that the HKS work better for me than the Safariland Comp IIs. I position the gun vertically barrel straight down and open the loader with a little thumb pressure to hold the cylinder in place while turning the release. I give the cylinder a little rotation to unstick any cartridges and then close it shut like a book. The flat metal pin slips right off the extractor star and the HKS is out of my way. The Safariland was getting stuck on the extractor star for me. Other people have a totally different experience and prefer Safariland. The other reason I like the HKS is because it’s so darn easy to get snap caps back into. I can just dump rounds from the cylinder back into the unlocked speedloader, lock it, and practice it over and over again with no down time.
Always wanted to try the SL variant speed loader. Supposed to be among the best. Each round has its own spring to force it out of the loader when it is activated.
Shot my M586 S&W in PPC competition for many years. Used HKS loaders through it all and never had an issue running out of time for any stage of fire. Train what you will use and you will have no problem at all. If time is of the essence, go to full moon clips. There are a lot of revolvers today that are or can be cut for them. Fastest way to reload a revolver, period. Good shooting, HR.
Very well thought out and informative video. I was not aware of the Zeta6 but I will definitely be giving them a look. I have used HKS, Safariland Comp 2 and Safariland Comp 3 loaders as well as speed strips. For use in competition it's really hard to beat the Safariland Comp 3's for speed and removing from a loader pouch. With that said, I have used speed strips for concealed carry for years. In my experience there is a difference between having speed loaders in a pouch vs. in a pocket for concealed carry. I used HKS for years but their weakness is the ease in which they deploy if the knob is twisted or grabbed the wrong way in your pocket. Comp 2's are comparable in size but can take more force to deploy and Comp 3's are too large. The Zeta6 appears to solve all of these problems. It also gives you a fully loaded cylinder. I have been using speed strips for years with a J frame. The downside is that having 5 rounds in a strip can take considerably more time to load. The fastest way is to load 2 at each end and leave the center round out. It's fairly quick to load 4 rounds and my thought process has been that if I have to reload a concealment revolver 4 rounds quickly was better than 5 too late. Good job on the video and my compliments to Zeta6 for coming up with a good solution to an old problem.
Good info. I've been using a lever action rifle for a personal defensive rifle on road trips, I've been looking to switch to a revolver now to ease ammunition variety.
So I have two of the same version. My technique, Is to pinch the sided guide drop, then peel. "Shrug" It works for me. Well done vid. Thank you. Cheers. (Edit) I use a Mine on a S&W Highway patrolman from 1954 or some such was me Gaffers. I know it is an N frame revolver but the K frame loaders seem to work Just fine. Plotting on a couple of the Zeta j-paks for my E.D.C. 5 shot J frame. I have used hks, and safariland both. Of those two I like the safari land better. But the Kpaks work the best for me so far.
Thanks for this video! Very educational and your layouts / thought process is appreciated. Suggestion: different revolver reload techniques and time comparison!!
I'm going to weigh in based on my some years of action pistol competition shooting with revos back in the 2000s. For me, I mostly used sixguns in IDPA since the disadvantages of the six-shooter were greater in USPSA. With the perspective of hindsight, I now know that my best results came with a battered ex-police Python and Safariland Comp II loaders (since the superior Comp IIIs weren't available for those guns). The Comp IIs offer just enough handle to get a good grip and are barely less-concealable than the Comp Is. I was at the height of my skills back then but I knew I could get shot-to-shot reloads done in under four seconds consistently with that outfit and often less. No, I couldn't do that today, I do confess. My use of the HKS ended earlier when on one stage of a Steel Challenge stage I twice dropped all the cartridges out of the loader on the way out of the pouch by inadvertently turning the handle while establishing a grip on it. Twelve hot rounds in the dirt, and the sound of my squad mates laughing put an end to the use of those things. The one good thing about the HKSs is that they are made for many different models and may be the only choice, especially for such things as .22 kit guns. The flexible-type loaders like the Zeta do have their advantages but that same flexibility makes them, to me, less reliable. I will take "more reliable" any day when it comes to firearm equipment. Thanks for a very fine, well-thought-out video that offers good hard information.
I been using Hks and zeta 6 and they both work really well for me. I use them in different revolvers. It seems like one would work better in a certain revolver and vice versa in another revolver. Appreciate the comparison. I’ve never used safari land but sure they would work fine too.
I have been shooting revolvers since the late 1960s. I have never used Safariland or Zeta6 speedloaders. I have only used 38 special and 357 magnum HKS speedloaders. I own three HKS model 10-A speed loaders for my 5-inch 38 special revolver. I own eleven HKS model 27-A speed loaders for my 6-inch 357-magnum revolver. Once, I accidently purchased an HKS 5-shot speedloader. I contacted HKS and Sharon Farris, the HKS sales manager, was very helpful. She replaced my 5-shot speedloader with the correct six-shot speedloader. I only have good things to say about HKS.
Used a revolver for my first four years on the job. Always preferred the comp 2’s. Was just faster with them over the HKS. The HKS is more secure, if you drop it or carry it loose in a pocket the Safariland will sometimes dump the cartridges loose.
All know about speedloaders is that which you’ve just told me. A McGyver; a loop of monofilament fishing line superglued to the top nubbin of the Safariland would give you a thumb or finger purchase. Swoop it up, position in cylinder, mash it in. Also, if a palm is often sufficient to twist click the Safariland, then the bony back of your opposite forearm should work even better. I enjoy random information well presented, and I thank you for giving me some.
Another great HR video. Thanks. It brought up a couple points. It seems like the Zeta might be especially useful for revolver with bulky grips that get in the way of getting standard loaders into position. I would like to see how each type works using the Clint Smith eyes forward method.
Nice content. I have used all three including the safariland comp 2's. The thing with both the Zeta6 and the Safariland's is that they were meant to be used with the weak (left) hand. This way you don't lose time switching the gun from one hand to the other.
@hrfunk I agree Howard, same for me. I do have some Zeta6 loaders as you demonstrated here, but I prefer their strip type that allows you to load three rounds, flip it and load three more. I forget what Zeta6 calls that one. I'll look it up and try to edit this comment.
Thank you for this fantastic informative video Mr funk.. I personally love my zeta 6 circular speed strip... I carry a five shot 11oz Smith 342 airlite Ti .38 sp centennial.( Like the one you had in one of your earlier videos). I carry this in a DeSantis Superfly pocket holster in my right front pocket.. or occasionally in a iwb holster. I do not carry any ammo pouches .. the HKS speed loaders are way too bulky for me to bulky and too heavy.. I used to only carry a inline straight speed strip in my pocket .. so glad I found these ZETA six circular speed strips.. better loading all five at once then loading one or two at a time out of a standard speed strip. The reload I have in my zeta-6 is 5 Liberty civil defense hollow points.. the noses are very round and it really lightens up the reload in my pocket.. I don't expect to be reloading My revolver if I need it but just in case it's nice to have five extra rounds ready to go in my pocket
@@hrfunk great revolver the 342 smith airlite ti .. I did add full sized rubber hogue monogrips.. covers the back strap cushions my hand against The recoil and gets all my fingers on the grip for maximum control.... It's not too large for me though I still am able to put it in my right front pocket and draw from my right front pocket no problem from the DeSantis Superfly pocket holster... With practice I've been able to get accurate shots up to 50 ft although I doubt in a self-defense situation I would be shooting that far more like 25 to 30 ft but it's nice to know I can hit things at 50 of course those are stationary targets at the range
To make it a bit easier to get the rounds into the chambers you can also have the chamber mouths slightly bevelled.Great for loose rounds and speedloaders.
Good morning HR. Good video today. I've used HKS and Safariland Comp II loaders for carry and competition. The Comp II is harder to fill with cartridges but I found it faster on reloads, maybe because I used it more in matches. The Comp II also holds the cartridges tighter with less wiggle than the HKS. I liked the Safariland loader carriers that are spring clips. You can also lightly chamfer the chamber mouths to remove sharp edges. I would really like to see a modern Webley type breaktop with a good double action. With auto ejection and full moon clips it might be as fast as magazines in an autoloader. Heads up, IWI has Masada magazines in stock at their web store. I ordered some last night.
Here's a tip for locking the Safariland spring loaders. Don't need a special tray. Insert the cartridges as normal. Notice your palm just under the index finger. It's more of a harder part of the palm. Put the bullets against this part of your palm. It will restrain the loose cartridges. Just press together and twist the locking mechanism as usual. I use the Safariland Comp 3 loaders with a longer handle. Carried in the Comp 3 open top pouch for IDPA competitions. The problem is the Safariland loader pouches only hold loaded speed loaders. So I got a small dump pouch bag for the empties.
Safariland made it's own speedloader pouches for the Comp1. They were much shallower than the ones you were using. Grabbing ahold of the Comp1s were a lot easier because they didn't sit so deep in the pouch. If I remember correctly, I had Safariland Comp1 pouch that held 4 sppedloaders in a very compact way.
Safariland also makes a large knob speed loader. I had a difficult time with the small knob. There is a way to hold speed loaders where your thumb hold the speed loader to your palm and the fingers help guide the rounds into cylinder. The speed shooters use this method.
Very nice presentation and fair evaluation. I apologize for the long comment. I carried the HKS speed loaders as a LEO in my early days, and I became accustomed to speed loading my S&W 686 with them. I did have one occasion, during a Police Bullseye Match that because I had my speed loader pouch flaps open for quick retrieval of the speed loaders, a full speed loader popped out of the pouch when I went to the kneeling position. Although I recovered the speed loader quickly, and still came in second in this particular match, it taught me a valuable lesson about keeping my speed loader pouch flaps closed (but unsnapped for competition) until I needed them. I like the HKS because the loaded speed loaders could straddle a belt without losing the rounds. I have two speed loader pouches for my SP101 that loops around the belt and holds the speed loaders straddling the belt. Unfortunately, those pouches are no longer made by Galco and I have not been able to find a substitute. I liked the concept because of the lower profile they presented during concealed carry. I do like the Safariland Comp II speed loaders. With a simple push on the body, the cartridges are nicely released into the chambers. However, because of the thicker housing, as compared to the HKS version, the body of the speed loader may not clear the revolver enough (on some revolvers) to adequately trigger the release mechanism, which renders them essentially useless. Unfortunately, the Safariland products cannot straddle the belt as with the HKS, should be used with a pouch because any pressure on the release mechanism dumps the cartridges, and are sometimes tricky to retrieve from the pouch due to the lower profile of the stem. I have used speed strips, and even SKS stripper clips (which can hold up to ten .38 Special/.357 Magnum cartridges) to load revolver chambers. It all sums up to what works for your revolver. The Zeta6 looks worth a try. Perhaps not using the tab and simply holding the body to insert the cartridges, and then using the tab to strip it away, may result in better loading. I don’t know and I am just guessing at this point, with not having a Zeta6 to work with. HKS speed loaders just seem to work for me, so far.
I think it's a wise practice to stick with what works well for you. Even so, you might want to try Zeta6 just to see what you think of it. Thanks for watching!
I use the Safariland speedloaders for my S&W mdl 36. My speedloader pouch has side cuts to allow purchase on the speedloader body instead of the lug. I think if you switched to a pouch that had side cut-outs, you would greatly decrease that time with the Safariland loaders
I settled on HKS due to Safariland jamming against grips on several snubbies as insert rounds into chambers! my alternate is Bianchi speed strip; might order a few Zetas to try... an interesting caveat is using rifle stripper clips as loading devices: 7.62x39 strip clips hold .38 spl & .357 mag; 7.62x54r strip clips hold .44 spl & .44 mag (possibly .45 colt); basically line up round with a chamber & strip it off, rotate cylinder & repeat...
Thanks Keith. I’ve heard of the stripper clip trick. I can see where that might be handy in a field/hunting scenario, but it seems slow for defensive applications.
I’ve invented a technique for the HKS loader that no one has mentioned. Load it as you would but jerk the gun downward as you turn the knob. It simulates the launch that the Comp loader has. Prevents the rounds from hanging up.
I'm an HKS fan. I've got them for my .38's and .357's both. I've stuck with them, because they just Work. 👍🏻 Great comparison, I've wondered about the Safariland speed loader before. The Zeta6 I don't know anything about personally, so I can speak on them.
I carried HKS on duty but also my old issue cartridge loop ammo holder. If I fired say 3 rounds I could push the ejector just enough to cause fired cases to rise enough for single removal and recharge with the single rounds in my cartridge carrier, that held 12 more rounds. My thought was in a lull why dump live rounds on the deck when may need them later. It is a matter of what you train with and get comfortable using.i still use HKS today in all my DA revolvers. I thought your reloads did look slightly smoother with those SAFARILAND loaders.
Excellent review. I feel the smoothest reload came from the HKS when it was around 4.5 sec in this video. But this shows with some practice, one of these can match the speed of another.
Good video. I actually don't carry speedloaders when I'm carrying my snubby. I figure if I'm in a self-defense situation where I expend 5 rounds and the threat is still there or I can't get away, it's my time to go. It's hard enough concealing a gun on my smaller skinny frame let alone backup mags/speedloaders. I'm curious if you don't mind me asking, what is your preferred .38spl carry load? I carry Speer Gold Dot 135gr +P in my snubby.
Excellent video. I am an NRA Action Pistol competitor as well as a firearms instructor and NRA training counselor. I am a USAF veteran and retired police sergeant with a total of over 40 years behind the badge. I say this not to brag but to show that maybe my opinion has some creditability. The test was great! But as a competitor I can't afford to take 5 seconds on a reload. Of course, I use a tricked 1911 now but am venturing on to the dark side and starting to shoot a Smith & Wesson Model 27. The first point is that yes, you MUST practice with your gear. I dry-practice at least 4 times a week for 8-10 minutes a time. Next is your gear. I know that law enforcement and defensive shooting are different, but I would modify my speed loader holders to give me a better grip. That's part of the luxury of shooting competition, you can do some non-tactical stuff. My reloads for a semi-auto are very fast but with the revolver 3 seconds is too long. I just ordered some speed reloader reloading blocks which should be a major convenience for me in both practice and competition. Never seen a video from this guy before but he seems to be the real deal. No BS! I respect that he pointed out a short coming of his pet speed loader. Can't say enough positive about the instructor and the video (which was very high quality and professionally done). Alex Ragulsky Colorado
I qualified for LEOSA this past June using my old service Model 10 snub & two HKS speedloaders (96%). Maybe I’m just fumble fingered @ 75 but in one instance I inadvertently twisted the knob as the loader was coming out of the pouch dumping all six rounds on the range deck. Everyone had a good laugh at my expense but the deal is I hadn’t trained w/these things in a long time.
What a fantastic video! I feel like anyone could be fast with all three with practice. But...under high stress we lose fine motor skills. I would be VERY interested in seeing this test blindfolded with dummy rounds. My money is on HKS. You were in PERFECT conditions. BUT...what if you're gloved, what if hands are wet, what if it's dark, what if it's very cold, what if your speed loader falls to the ground, what if you are under very high stress? We ALL lose fine motors skills under those conditions.
Awesome demonstration! Goes to show that if you're good at reloading, you can pretty much use any reliable type. The one thing I've always hated about the HKS is that you have to turn the knob clockwise to release, which at least to me is counterintuitive. I like the 5 Star speedloaders which are anodized aluminum and essentially similar to HKS, but you turn counterclockwise to release the cartridges. To me, this is not only intuitive, but sends the empty loader off in the proper direction. They are expensive, though. I echo what others have said about the Comp 2, which I also prefer over the Comp 1 because of the larger knob. Last thing I would add is that while I do use the Zeta6 in my car console at times, I do wonder if situational stress might tend to make one try to bend it early and keep the last 2 rounds from going into the cylinders. I have never had to fire (let alone reload) in a defensive situation, but I'd think the flexibility of the Zeta6 might be a problem with adrenaline and shakiness involved.
When I used to carry a 38 snub nose and did carry in a pouch I would invert the dump pouch so it would drop into my hand. I didn't enjoy the extra bulk of the pouch. I liked the comp 1 then back the . Now if I carry a revolver it is a Taurus 905 with stellar clips.
I have thoroughly been impressed by the Safariland after messing with all three. I use the one with the huge handle, but nonetheless it's a superior design. I like the HKS as the muscle memory is pretty easy to get down and there's a lot of leeway, like if it's 6 shot .357/.38 you can pretty much wiggle it enough to make it work in any 6 shot .357/.38 being more or less manually operated. I liken the HKS or Zeta6 to a generic holster. Needs to be close but not exact, but I liken the Safariland to a molded Galco leather revolver holster, very much superior but it has to be exact.
I really enjoyed this video - THANKS Howard - principally, I suppose, because I remain a “revolver guy” (notwithstanding the fact that I now carry and keep nearby more autoloaders). So here are a few of my - personal opinion ONLY - thoughts: 1. Howard, that Smith Model 19 is a wonderful firearm! 2. I’v used HKS speedloaders and Bianchi speedstrips for MANY years. My most frequent EDC revolver is a Ruger SP101, with a 2.25 inch barrel, chambered in .357 magnum, and with Crimson Trace Laser Grips installed. I can conceal this revolver regardless of the season, whereas my four and five inch barrel S&Ws / Rugers (GP-100s and N Frames) are simply too big for concealed Summer carry. 3. I prefer speedstrips to speeloaders when carrying my SP101. Why? Because I can fit two speedstrips into an old BlackBerry case - they fit perfectly - and the case is comfortable in my side pocket, it doesn’t “print gun” and its easily accessible. 4. Okay, a LOT or experienced and knowledgeable shooters will correctly indicate that speedstrips provide slower reloads and require more manipulation; therefore, they’re a poor choice. So, why do I use them? 5. Becuase: (a) in MY circumstances and for MY probable defensive scenarios, any armed defensive is encounter VERY, VERY unlikely and (b) were such a confrontation to occur, the likelihood of requiring a reload is EXTREMELY small. Consequentially, the applicable conditional probability analysis (multiplying two 0.000x numbers) suggests that I have about as much chance of needing to reload, as I have by being struck by lightning. 6. This brings me to a conclusion, which I believe is quite IMPORTANT . . . and it applies to several defensive firearms related matters (not only speed losers / strips, but also capacity, optics, “custom” firearms, and much more): LIKELY DEFENSIVE SCENARIO REALISM. 7. Most of us are not law enforcement officers, in rural meth-intense counties, with no backup available for MANY minutes. Nor do most of us routinely live, work or transit high-crime venues. Nor are our quarters in neighborhood that have frequent serious / violent crimes. No, I suspect the majority of us agree that meaningful preparation is mandatory, although the probability of lawful armed defense of innocents is VERY, VERY small. Thus - and here’s my KEY POINT - the facts that we are armed (even with a five-shot J Frame or SP101), trained, alert and quite capable are going to be more than sufficient to favorably resolve such very unlikely situation. 8. I fully understand that “more” often is PERCEIVED as axiomatically being better, however is it? “More” can easily make 100 percent “armed program compliance” FAR more difficult, uncomfortable, inconvenient, and so forth. To illustrate this, how many of us (non-LEOs) will ever require an 18+1 capacity semiautomatic, to defend innocent life with success? And, in the most improbably situations where we do (the multi-week Antifa / BLM anarchy in Portland is a good example), won’t we instantaneously upgrade our defensive preparations and / or remain well clear of the insurrection. Well, serious and wide-spread anarchy certainly is a “long journey” from speed loaders. BUT, fwit, I intend to be vigilant and well armed, trained and equipped . . . however, I don’t need to use an M60 machine gun when a S&W M15 is more than adequate.
You typed way too much and I lost interest. I stopped reading with you carrying speed strips in a blackberry case, inside the pocket. You might as well not carry ANY spare ammo in that case, because it will take you half a day just to get to it.
I agree with you wholeheartedly. So many concealed carriers feel the need to walk around with backup mags/multiple speedloaders, as if your average Joe needs a combat load of 180 rounds like they're patrolling Kandahar. We have overwhelming data on defensive gun use scenarios and most are at less than 10 yards and overwhelmingly its just a couple rounds fired. The likelihood of you needing to reload is so absurdly small it almost borders on paranoia. Yes, it's possible you go out for a gallon of milk and end up caught in the crossfire in a pro-longed shootout with fully-armored robbers Ala North Hollywood Bank robbery, but you also might run into a rapid coyote or mangy dog, or a plane might fall out of the sky at hit you on your commute to work. In my opinion, people worry a little too much about having tons of ammo on them. And as you said, if I'm not knowingly venturing into some warzone or hellhole, and if for some reason I HAD to, I wouldn't carry a snub nose .38.
@@colt10mmsecurity68 The vast majority of lawful, armed defensive altercations don’t require reloading. And many of those that do, are not “empty-the magazine- (or the cylinder) in-two-seconds” situations. Smart people take cover, when it’s available, and then fire a minimum number of well aimed and well placed rounds. Why do so many novices feel that the norm must be the “Gunfight at the OK Corral?”
@@roykiefer7713 Additional magazines aren't just to have more ammo, but to quickly replace a faulty magazine or being able to aid someone else by giving a spare mag.
I know this is a late post, and I thought it was an awesome vid. Without trying to sound critical or like a know-it-all, I think I might've caught your issue with the cartridges not dropping into the cylinder completely. I just noticed that you weren't getting the cylinder quite vertical on the reloads and had it between 45° and 90° to the ground. I've caught myself doing it too with the same result, so again, I'm not trying to Cliff Clavin ya! Great vid, and a fair comparison between the three.
Nice video really appreciate the Revolver’s. Some food for thought I’m new to your channel so I don’t know if you’ve done this before. But if you have your cylinder machine for moon clips, I’ve always found that much faster in Revolver.
I think one simple change in your loading technique might help with the rounds hanging up on the frame as you attempt to close the cylinder. I learned to shoot a revolver in the Kentucky State police academy back in the 1980"s and remember the firearms instructors constantly telling the cadets to point the gun as straight towards the ground as you could to assist gravity on dropping the rounds down into the cylinder once released from our HKS speed loaders. I noticed you had the gun barrel at approx. 45 degrees to the ground and the rounds did not want to drop into the cylinder. they seemed to slowly slide and hang up. Just something to try. Great video!!!
When carrying a revolver I use an HKS, a Bianchi strip, and individual cartridges. Any reloading method while under fire and in stress is shtf fumble trouble with the adrenaline dump and incoming enemy bullets.
Howard, try this different approach with the Zeta6 loaders. Turn around in the holders, so that the tab faces toward the front centerline, instead of the reverse. Then, turn your palm over the loaders and grab the tab so that your hand is over the top of the loader instead of underneath it (thumb on top, index finger under, both fingers also pointed toward the front centerline). Lastly, the two rounds at the top of the cylinder that tend to bend outward; tip those two rounds into the cylinder at a slight angle, so they enter the cylinder a couple millimeters before the others... no more bending outwards. See if that helps.
I am not law enforcement and have had no formal training with revolvers. Was trained in the USCG on the Beretta 92F pre 9-11. With those caveats I will describe the method I use to unload and load my revolvers. The method was published back in the 80s and I do not remember the author. I did not create this method. The unloading sequence starts with moving the latch forward with my right thumb simultaneously rolling the revolver into the web of my right hand, barrel pointing up 90 degrees, my left hand opens the cylinder then I move my left index finger up to the muzzle and come sharply down striking the ejector rod. I now transition to loading. I cradle the cylinder in my left hand, thumb holds the cylinder and fingers are on the right side of the lower frame. Revolver is pointing down 90 degrees. at the same time I grasp the the HKS speed loader and push the cartridges in. I transition to a shooting stance: left thumb closes cylinder; right hand mates with grip and bring revolver into line of sight; left hand mates with right hand; left over right and thumbs down. I did notice in the range videos the revolver was canted to the right. I also noticed you supported the revolver on your right index finger against the forcing cone. I suspect you had a few burns over the years. I shoot a 4" 44. The 44 heats up with six shoots. Using the method above no burns, no bent ejector rods, and sticky cartridges and popped out easily. No criticism implied just observations and description of a different method. I enjoy your videos. They are laid out in nice format that is easy to follow and follows range safety protocols.
Well I am new to the world of Speedloaders and double action revolvers. This post was very informative and helpful. I understand for safety of the range you have to follow range safety measures. I just think practicing standing upright out in the open isn't going to help me much in a gun fight. I think practicing in c&c would be more useful. We all know that we wouldn't want to expose ourselves to get a quicker reload time vs getting shot.
Life long HKS user who recently switched to comp 3s. A few sessions of dry fire and no compassion the Safariland can be twice as fast. But a 625 with moon clips is in a class of there own
Well done on the testing, it was about as fair as is possible in the real world I think. I always preferred the HKS to the Safariland style, the HKS just work better for me. Regardless which brand you choose, practice with it until it becomes smooth and natural to you. And remember, any of them are faster than reloading from dump pouches or even worse belt loops.
I have the same Colt Dick Special that my Dad carried for 20 years. I love the Safariland comp II which works wonderfully for my 1955 vintage Official Police. I am much embittered that Safariland does not make a comp 1 or 2 for the old Colt Detective Special or Cobra.
@@hrfunk I have one somewhere. It is rather crappy; about all I can say is that it is better than single loading. I guess I better take care of business quick.
I have a pair of HKS for my M29 Smith, more a convenient way to carry ammo than speed loading. Volume of fire isn't priority one when using a 44 Magnum.
Nice comparison video! You know what irks me is that nobody seems to think about making a way to carry those speedloaders in a pocket for ccw. Strip speedloaders are s l o w but I’ve yet to find a good way to carry a regular speedloader in a pocket with some protection to the rounds. Guess I need to make it myself.
No question that autoloaders have the advantage when it comes to capacity and reload speed but I still like the "simplicity" of my revolvers. I think the less boxy shape of them carries better IWB compared to even the smallest of autos. You are already so unlikely to need to use your weapon, and even less likely to use it and need MORE than the 5-6 rounds in a revolver.
I always had trouble getting the HKS to line up properly to drop the rounds in, however that comes with the addendum that I was almost always using a five shot snub nose, and a lot of grips actually get in the way of using speed loaders on those little guns Then there was the fact that I just didn't work with them all that much, which is purely on me For me, the reduced bulk seems to help with that 'grip in the way' issue Some people tell me they actually trim or grind the grip down to make room for the speed loader
![Seungmin "그렇게, 천천히, 우리(As we are)" | [Stray Kids : SKZ-PLAYER]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/kAzmhLHePqU/mqdefault.jpg)
I am a retired police officer. During my years of service, I've tried lots of speed loaders including the HKS, which was my department's issue as it was cheaper. I purchased my own Safariland speed loaders (comp I and comp II ) and I found the Safariland comp II speed loaders to be much faster than the HKS. It has a larger knob and pushes the rounds into the chambers. Not only is it faster it allows for loading in less than perfect conditions.
Thnaks, very helpful.
I’ve found the Comp 2s best also. But they are not available for all models, in which case I used the Comp 1 or HKS. I usually carry a Glock now, but still have a sweet spot for a fine revolver.
@@kjatexas3679 glock 32 and ruger LCR back up for me
Yeah they’re great when they work. When they don’t they’ll cost you your life. I loved them for how fast they were and that they could be done with left hand while keeping a full grip on the gun and then they stopped working. I stick with HKS now.
Edit: I used the comp 1’s. I’m unaware if the comp 2 is better.
I agree, i thought that they began to stop reloading by holding the cylinder as the barrel burns your finger!
When I was an officer in the late 70s and 80s, the invention of the speed loader was monumental! I used the safariland and loved them. What an innovation. I remember hours spent practicing with dump boxes and trying to load loose cartridges😃
Oh yeah, I was a Deputy Sheriff in the early 1980s, carrying the newly introduced S&W 686; and going from speed strips to HKS speedloaders were a gamechanger!!
My department took years before they allowed us to use the speedloaders when qualifying. Then within 2-3 years we went to semi autos anyway…
How long does it take with a speed strip?
@@daleweller5193It's not bad. I have no time to quote, but like with all of them, practice, practice, practice.
@@daleweller5193 Too long. OK... Strips are OK if you don't want bulge in your pockets or hanging on your belt. But for me, in competition, they were just a pain, hardly faster than pulling a handful from my pocket, just less messy.
Over four decades as a competitor and LEO/MIL instructor here. I've taught speedloaders since they first came out and have trained/handled/drilled with and carried/used almost every variant for duty, EDC and competitions in numerous disciplines.
A couple points: it helps a LOT to have your revo chambers chamfered. Not radically funneled out but just having a small taper, radius or similar to preclude any case mouth or bullet feature (SWC, etc) hanging up on a sharp edge. Making sure your ammo has a good non-bulged crimp is also essential, as is making any modifications to the grips to prevent them from being in the way.
Technique-wise, and you'll have to drill this intensely and by-the-numbers, one-step-at-a-time, ensure that all the rounds have started into the chambers prior to starting to flex the rubber loaders or starting to twist the knob on an HKS or similar. Smooth equals fast.
As the rounds are released and you're wiping the loader away, extend two or three fingers and use them to wipe across the heads of the rounds, seating them into the chambers. This motion is easy to learn and incorporate into your technique, but again it has to be drilled. Being in the habit of retaining the loader after it's emptied is a Bad Thing. It's of no use when the rounds have been chambered. DROP IT. Don't waste motion and time by plucking it up and tossing it, JUST DROP IT. Otherwise, you'll be as behind-time as those who dump their brass into their hand before tossing it into their brass bucket. You aren't doing THAT, are you? Drill, drill, drill, practice, practice, practice and you'll be reloading your revo quicker than your buddies can get their shell-shucking autopistols reloaded.
Well, I'm learning something today! I spent a few very frustrating hours today fooling around with a collection of speed loaders, actually threw a few of them out! I think I have a better idea of what's supposed to be happening now, what I'm supposed to be doing! This was all so easy and pleasant with K-frame revolvers, and everything suddenly went downhill when I got a J-frame one, I thought it was the grips, and finally realized that the thing is so compact that there just isn't room for much of anything to work in that space, even if you take the darn grips OFF! Those little rubber things seem like the only hope. I was so happy in K-frame land with SPEED BEEZ and their nice loading blocks, it's so civilized! Those loading block/case things are great, you can go to the range with fifty or a hundred rounds already set into the block, and you don't have to handle them after that. I usually have a coffee can or something to catch the brass, and there's not much to clean up when I'm done. Another fun thing is that the devices that have a knob might unlock CW or CCW, and no way to tell at a glance, should I pick one type and throw the others out?
Thank you for putting much time into this video Howard - you don't find many comparison videos produced this well on RUclips.
Zeta6 didn't make K-CLIP to compete with range or pouch carried loaders in speed, but rather in comfortable pocket-carry for concealed EDC. So, I was very excited to see how well K-CLIP held its own against HKS and Safariland Comp-1. Also, I would not have guessed HKS would beat or even tie with the Comp-1. With these times so close, I believe that the one you train with the most will be fastest.
I think so too. Training and familiarity will make all the difference. Thank you so much for your input!
I’m sold on the price and convenience
zeta6 any plans on one for a gp100 6 shot?
@@jacobmanalang8162 We want to. We need a little help from Ruger for the GP100. We are working on it.
@@zeta6 yup , super
When I first joined the force, I worked with a couple old hats that still carried revolvers. During qualification, it was like they were throwing the speed loaders into the cylinder. They were so smooth. I hope I'll be that good one of these days.
So do we all John. Tip of the hat to those old time officers.
I was on the line with old birds still using loading strips during qualification, two rounds at a time into their wheel guns... and that was considered an improvement over dump pouches.
Thank you. I'll stay with my HKS loaders. I've practiced with them. I like the knurled grip handle. Appreciate the time you put into this YT. -Jersey Mike
In 1975 or so, I carried Safariland Comp 1 speedloaders. One thing I noticed was the depth of your pouches. Mine were not as deep as yours. I fact, mine only covered the visible part of the cartridges and the whole speedloader body was above the leather, covered by a flap, so I could grab the body of the speedloader. That may be a reason for part of the time differences in reloads. Years later my job issued Safariland Comp 2 speedloaders which I found to be better that the Comp 1s that I had purchased. Safariland Comp 3 speedloaders are made for competitive shooting and have a similar, but much higher knob for releasing the cartridges than the Comp 2s. I yjought your comparison video was very well done and informative. I also think the equipment you train with all the time is what you will be fastest with.
Thank you. I agree!
You are absolutely correct. Through the eighties, I carried a Colt Python on duty. Used the comp one, then went to comp 2. We got away from swapping the gun to the weak side. It takes time. Then, once you were loaded, swapping it back to the shooting hand. Again, that takes time. Pythons latch pulls back, use an off-hand finger to pull latch back. Off-hand hits extractor rod. Pointing gun towards the ground, off hand was already grabbing a loader. Use your first finger of shooting hand to hold the cylinder through the frame of gun. Insert ammo into cylinder, pushing loader till it clicks. Shut cylinder with off hand, and your back on target. Practice this over your bed like we did back in the day. You would be amazed at how fast you can get. My fastest time on stop-watch was 1.89 seconds.
I, Like you have researched speed loaders and my ultimate choice ended up being Moon Clips. Easily a second or two with all five of my revolvers.They contain the spent shells together when discharged and I have color coded the clips to identify different rounds quickly.Some cylinders have to be machined to accept the clips and others come ready for their use.
Just wonderful Sir. Not only did you keep your ego out of this comparison (a rare find these days), but you also tried to get as much bias out of the measurement process as possible. We need more people like you in the firearms world.
Thank you!
I remember when we went from dump pouches to HKS speed loaders for our Model 66"s. They were advertised at the time as being a six second reload and you're beating that. It was a big improvement for us. We did end up changing grips because the Smith grips got in the way. Great test.
As an FYI, I still use six seconds as a par time.
Perfect timing. I bought my first revolver just two weeks ago. I love revolvers. My semi-auto obsession kept me from them. I seriously appreciate the good comparison of speed loaders.
please read my review before you get too Happy! I also love revolvers but nowadays they are better off as range guns or home defense with others at arms reach. Be safe and shoot straight.
Good video! However, I switched over to the Zeta-6 speed loaders for my .38 Special LCR. Reason being, is I carry my speed loaders in my pocket. I was using 5-Star Arms aluminum speed loaders. What was happening was in each of the cylinder sections of the speed loader, there formed a black ring of sticky gunk that caught on the case rim of the cartridge. This would inhibit some of the rounds from freely loading into the cylinder via gravity. Since my speed loaders were unfinished aluminum, I was able to see this ring and realize the issue. With black HKS and Safariland speed loaders, someone might miss this build-up and have issues at a very inconvenient time. I know the Zeta-6 isn't the fastest option but it is the most maintenance free option.
Although, I don't carry a revolver much, I have some HKS speed loaders, for my Smith & Wesson .357 magnum 640 centennial. What has worked for me, is as I open the cylinder, at a slight angle, I guide one cartridge to an outside chamber hole at 9:00, and once I have the tip of the bullet in the hole, the rest of the cartridges, easily fall into place. That saves me a lot of time, as I reload quickly, using this method. Great video HR!
I have the same gun, 640-1 Hillary hole,get a hogue monogrip,the speed loaders work perfect
No hillary hole
Very good demonstration of different loaders, HR. Thanks. Brought back memories from the 1980’s pistol competition for me. The first iteration of Safariland Speedloaders worked best, I thought. The big knob on top was fairly easy to twist/lock the cartridges in. I found a loading tray that would hold twelve groups of six rounds, rim up, for you to lock your Speedloaders on to. Made match day prep go quick and smooth. I always felt the Safariland loader held your rounds most secure, even stowed in a coat pocket or some place other than the dedicated pouch.
You are getting near & dear to my heart. I'm an HKS man and have used them for over 40-years. But I also use speed strips and loops and I practice reloading with all three. Looking forward to your evaluation, experience and comments.
Great video (down memory lane)!
When I became a Deputy Sheriff in 1981, revolvers were only authorized, and I carried a S&W 686 (I still have it).
The "speedloader" that I started with were the spreed strips, and were quickly replaced with HKS speedloaders. Later replaced with Safariland Comp I speedloaders.
On the Departments competition team, we used the spring-loaded Safariland Comp II speedloaders.
HKS guy myself. Smooth to use, and great customer service
I carried a Ruger Security Six for Law enforcement and Private Security. In the Marine Corps it was a Smith & Wesson Model 10 .while on Embassy Duty as a MSG. I was and still more accurate with the revolver . Semper Fi Howard.
Semper Fi Clint! If I may ask, why did you carry a S&W M10 on MSG duty and not a 1911?
State Department Regulations. Today 8/25/1978 I Graduated from MCRD San Diego CA. 44 years ago. Semper Fi HRFunk.
I've shot competition with the HKS and did well. I've since come to prefer the Safariland Comp 2. I also have some Comp 1s and prefer the 2 (when available) due to the larger knob. No experience with the Zeta equivalent but their J-Pak / K-Pak are my gotos for when I CCW a revolver. As mentioned in numerous posts below, I believe practice and experience can make any of these choices effective.
One thing that was not mentioned was the fact that HKS makes speed loaders to fit a wide range of revolvers. I have HKS speed loaders for everything from my 5 shot J Frames all the way up to my 6 shot N Frame. Using a speed loader that works the same way for all guns is important to me.
This is a great point. Especially if you have a 7-shot .357 (686+), a .45 Colt N frame, a 5 shot .44 Mag,or any of the .22 Mag models, HKS has more models available than Safariland.
There is something to be said for muscle memory here. Learning to use HKS loaders on one revolver has to translate to ease of use on another revolver.
I'd be curious to see this test re-run with a Safariland Comp II in place of the Comp I used. The Comp II's have a much larger knob to grab a hold of, but they're not so large that they become obtrusive. That aside, this was a great comparison. I was surprised at how close each option generally was in terms of time. Technique and practice look to be slightly more important than the type of speedloader selected.
I've also found that Safariland Comp II's load easily when holding the loader upside-down and dropping the rounds in so that the bullet ends are facing toward the ceiling. Use your thumb and index finger to encircle the sides of the rounds and hold them steady, and then push the knob up and turn it with your other hand to lock them in place.
That’s what remember too. Mine dropped with no issue. I had the qual 4 times a year with magnum rounds and maybe the longer rounds might shave .3 tenths of a second off getting them to seat.
Another great video Howard. I really like the way you put this together. What a great and helpful idea to run split screens of the average tiimes.
Thank you! I really like doing that whenever I can.
When I was a Policeman and Sheriff's Deputy I was trained with the hks loaders for the old-school wheel gun K frame and N frame mdl 66 ,19, 27 ,28 ,13 .357 magnum our issue ammo was Federal 357 MAGNUM 125 grain simi JHP.I carried 4 on the duty belt 1 in each of 2 pockets. For a total of 42 rounds counting 6 in the revolver.Outstanding Howard I perfer the HKS speed loaders keeping you eyes on the target is key you can reload with out taking your eye off the target the hks I can reload without taking my eyes off the target.
Thanks Rick!
In my experience the overriding factor that makes me carry and use the Safariland speedloader is that it is push to release the cartridges. There can be no hesitation as to which way to turn a knob as there is with the HKS despite all the amount of practice and training one might do . I am also left handed which is actually a distinct advantage with an S&W revolver.
To reload, I push the thumb piece forward with my left index finger. As I transfer the revolver to my right hand, my right thumb pushes the cylinder open, my right hand index and middle finger, together with my right thumb now have full control of the cylinder. I point the muzzle up and hit the ejector rod with the palm of my left hand. I can rotate the cylinder to clear any fired cases that do not fall free. As I then point the muzzle down I grab the speedloader with my left hand, push forward on the loader and release the rounds into the cylinder. I can easily rotate the cylinder with my right thumb and fingers to complete the seating of any cartridges that do not immediately seat. The speedloader easily falls away. As I close the cylinder with my right hand, my thumb comes out of the frame window, and my right hand is in a perfect position for a two hand hold as I drive the revolver into it with my left hand. Most importantly I can stay focused on the threat with very little time spent looking at the revolver. Because I have a grasp of the cylinder with my right hand I can actually do it all by feel if I had to.
Enjoyed the video HR! Yes, practice, practice, practice! I am rusty as I have been carrying my S&W M+P 2.0 for the warmer months. Will be switching up to my Ruger LCR 357 toward cooler weather but must practice before I do!
Another interesting video Howard. Now I have to go to the range and time myself using the Safariland and the HKS speedloaders. These zre the only speedloaders I have.
HKS are made not far from my home. Been using them for a few decades. I remember when the Safariland Comp 1 & 2 came out. I was initially impressed, but particularly with the Comp 1s, they were prone to sticking when they got a little dirty. As you mentioned, the Comp 1s can be a little hard to grab from a pouch. The only HKS I had a problem with was a unit for a Smith & Wesson M29 after I dropped the speedloader and it managed to land on the only rock within 50 feet of me. HKS replaced it, no charge, no questions asked.
I'm old. I use the HKS myself. Thanks for the share!!
My pleasure Steve!
First off. Great video and thank you for the demos! I have Zeta, HKS, and Safariland. Safarilands are my favorite for pocket carry when carrying my 4" S&W 64-7. I carry the Smith in a bellyband with an IWB kydex/leather holster installed on the band for support, comfort and draw. That also allows me to keep my reloads in my right pocket. HKS are ok, but it's easy for me to accidentally twist the know, releasing them into my pocket. They're better for pouches. My Zetas are better with my 642 Airweight J-frame since the other two brands get hung up on the frame regardless of grip size. I also use speed strips for my J-frame. When I was an LEO, despite carrying an auto for duty, I carried my S&W 4" BBL 10-6 off duty quite a bit. Plus, I had prior revolver experience in security.
Great video. I know we can't check this but I suspect the fastest revolver speed load (excluding Jerry Miculek of course) would be a top break, self extracting Webley (that saves you an action as it flings the spent cases clear as the revolver opens) in partnership with the original Prideaux speed loader (designed in 1893) that is just a 'push in and discard' (like the Safariland) but also includes a raised handle bar to make it easy to grab from pouch or pocket. And, because the Webley is a top break revolver, there's no frame to get in the way of a smooth reload. But Prideaux loaders are so rare these days. It's a shame someone doesn't put them back into production for modern revolvers.
I would love to get my hands on a Webley to try someday. I think that would be a lot of fun!
@@hrfunk Our guy Bill K once had a .455, I'll ask him if he still has it.
I've been using the Zeta6 Offeset Speed Strips. Allows two strips of 3 rounds each, instead of 2-2-2. The offset strips still allow for concealability that the Speedloaders just don't.
Thank you for the review of the three brands of speed loaders. I have only had access to the HKS brand, have used them for many years, they work well for me. However I may just have to try one those by Safariland, as I like the concept of a push drop. I just came across your channel earlier this evening and have been doing some catch up. I'm a new subscriber, as I like your style and your honest, straightforward method of presentation.
Thanks for the sub Wayne and welcome aboard!
i'm 56 yrs old and came into firearms right at the time when LE was transitioning to autos. The revolver guys on the range tended to beat the pants off the auto carrying guys. We still have LE carrying revolvers in some more remote parts of my state. Nice to see that still. I carry both and don't feel one bit out gunned with a revolver. What I see as far as skill at the typical range I really don't fear getting shot, most folks have poor skills and barely hit paper.
As others have said, I'd love to see you run the Comp II for comparison. I've used/carried revolvers extensively even to this day and after trying multiple different speed loaders, I've settled on the Comp II's over everything else. The two issues that came up (gripping the loader and cartridges hanging on the frame) can both easily be mitigated with a differently designed pouch which allows you to grab the body of the loader rather than the 'knob', and then the combination of the action of the Comp II (being spring loaded) and deliberately turning the muzzle straight down to the ground have virtually eliminated the issue of cartridges not fully seating into the cylinder. I cant even remember the last time I had that happen. Excellent video as always!
I would also think that your issue of the K-Clip flexing and causing misalignment of the cartridges could also be mostly mitigated by grabbing the loader/cartridges as a whole unit to insert them, rather than trying to do it all with just the tab.
Thanks Mike!
Great video. I think most people should buy one of each and see which one is most “intuitive” to them. Then settle on it, stick with it and practice.
I found that the HKS work better for me than the Safariland Comp IIs. I position the gun vertically barrel straight down and open the loader with a little thumb pressure to hold the cylinder in place while turning the release. I give the cylinder a little rotation to unstick any cartridges and then close it shut like a book. The flat metal pin slips right off the extractor star and the HKS is out of my way. The Safariland was getting stuck on the extractor star for me. Other people have a totally different experience and prefer Safariland.
The other reason I like the HKS is because it’s so darn easy to get snap caps back into. I can just dump rounds from the cylinder back into the unlocked speedloader, lock it, and practice it over and over again with no down time.
Always wanted to try the SL variant speed loader. Supposed to be among the best. Each round has its own spring to force it out of the loader when it is activated.
Shot my M586 S&W in PPC competition for many years. Used HKS loaders through it all and never had an issue running out of time for any stage of fire. Train what you will use and you will have no problem at all. If time is of the essence, go to full moon clips. There are a lot of revolvers today that are or can be cut for them. Fastest way to reload a revolver, period. Good shooting, HR.
Thanks Skip. I agree.
I saw Jerry Miculek do rapid reloading with his revolver speedloaders. He was just as fast any anyone reloading a semi auto. Simply unbelieveable.
I’ve seen that too. On the other hand, I’ve never seen anyone else who could replicate his abilities.
Very well thought out and informative video. I was not aware of the Zeta6 but I will definitely be giving them a look. I have used HKS, Safariland Comp 2 and Safariland Comp 3 loaders as well as speed strips. For use in competition it's really hard to beat the Safariland Comp 3's for speed and removing from a loader pouch. With that said, I have used speed strips for concealed carry for years. In my experience there is a difference between having speed loaders in a pouch vs. in a pocket for concealed carry. I used HKS for years but their weakness is the ease in which they deploy if the knob is twisted or grabbed the wrong way in your pocket. Comp 2's are comparable in size but can take more force to deploy and Comp 3's are too large. The Zeta6 appears to solve all of these problems. It also gives you a fully loaded cylinder. I have been using speed strips for years with a J frame. The downside is that having 5 rounds in a strip can take considerably more time to load. The fastest way is to load 2 at each end and leave the center round out. It's fairly quick to load 4 rounds and my thought process has been that if I have to reload a concealment revolver 4 rounds quickly was better than 5 too late. Good job on the video and my compliments to Zeta6 for coming up with a good solution to an old problem.
Have you seen the kaztac wrapid loader that’s available now? Kinda the best of all those listed but they sell for like 50 each
Good info. I've been using a lever action rifle for a personal defensive rifle on road trips, I've been looking to switch to a revolver now to ease ammunition variety.
So I have two of the same version. My technique, Is to pinch the sided guide drop, then peel. "Shrug" It works for me. Well done vid. Thank you. Cheers. (Edit) I use a Mine on a S&W Highway patrolman from 1954 or some such was me Gaffers. I know it is an N frame revolver but the K frame loaders seem to work Just fine. Plotting on a couple of the Zeta j-paks for my E.D.C. 5 shot J frame. I have used hks, and safariland both. Of those two I like the safari land better. But the Kpaks work the best for me so far.
This is probably the most thorough, well thought-out comparison test of 3 speed loaders you'll find.
Thanks Ken. I’m glad it was helpful.
Thanks for this video! Very educational and your layouts / thought process is appreciated. Suggestion: different revolver reload techniques and time comparison!!
I'll see what I can come up with. Thanks for watching Michael!
I'm going to weigh in based on my some years of action pistol competition shooting with revos back in the 2000s. For me, I mostly used sixguns in IDPA since the disadvantages of the six-shooter were greater in USPSA.
With the perspective of hindsight, I now know that my best results came with a battered ex-police Python and Safariland Comp II loaders (since the superior Comp IIIs weren't available for those guns).
The Comp IIs offer just enough handle to get a good grip and are barely less-concealable than the Comp Is.
I was at the height of my skills back then but I knew I could get shot-to-shot reloads done in under four seconds consistently with that outfit and often less. No, I couldn't do that today, I do confess.
My use of the HKS ended earlier when on one stage of a Steel Challenge stage I twice dropped all the cartridges out of the loader on the way out of the pouch by inadvertently turning the handle while establishing a grip on it. Twelve hot rounds in the dirt, and the sound of my squad mates laughing put an end to the use of those things.
The one good thing about the HKSs is that they are made for many different models and may be the only choice, especially for such things as .22 kit guns.
The flexible-type loaders like the Zeta do have their advantages but that same flexibility makes them, to me, less reliable. I will take "more reliable" any day when it comes to firearm equipment.
Thanks for a very fine, well-thought-out video that offers good hard information.
You’re welcome. Thanks for sharing your personal experience, and thanks for watching.
Great comprehensive video. The side by side was a nice addition.
I been using Hks and zeta 6 and they both work really well for me. I use them in different revolvers. It seems like one would work better in a certain revolver and vice versa in another revolver. Appreciate the comparison. I’ve never used safari land but sure they would work fine too.
I have been shooting revolvers since the late 1960s. I have never used Safariland or Zeta6 speedloaders. I have only used 38 special and 357 magnum HKS speedloaders.
I own three HKS model 10-A speed loaders for my 5-inch 38 special revolver.
I own eleven HKS model 27-A speed loaders for my 6-inch 357-magnum revolver.
Once, I accidently purchased an HKS 5-shot speedloader. I contacted HKS and Sharon Farris, the HKS sales manager, was very helpful. She replaced my 5-shot speedloader with the correct six-shot speedloader.
I only have good things to say about HKS.
Used a revolver for my first four years on the job. Always preferred the comp 2’s. Was just faster with them over the HKS. The HKS is more secure, if you drop it or carry it loose in a pocket the Safariland will sometimes dump the cartridges loose.
Great research. I did find that safariland if you load bullets then hold loader secure, you can push up know and turn, it will lock.
Great as always
Thank you Ted!
All know about speedloaders is that which you’ve just told me. A McGyver; a loop of monofilament fishing line superglued to the top nubbin of the Safariland would give you a thumb or finger purchase. Swoop it up, position in cylinder, mash it in. Also, if a palm is often sufficient to twist click the Safariland, then the bony back of your opposite forearm should work even better. I enjoy random information well presented, and I thank you for giving me some.
You're welcome. Thanks for watching.
Another great HR video. Thanks.
It brought up a couple points. It seems like the Zeta might be especially useful for revolver with bulky grips that get in the way of getting standard loaders into position.
I would like to see how each type works using the Clint Smith eyes forward method.
I don't think I am familiar with that method.
@@hrfunk In this video he demonstrates at about 2:30.
Nice content. I have used all three including the safariland comp 2's. The thing with both the Zeta6 and the Safariland's is that they were meant to be used with the weak (left) hand. This way you don't lose time switching the gun from one hand to the other.
I’m actually faster changing hands and reloading with my dominant hand.
@hrfunk I agree Howard, same for me. I do have some Zeta6 loaders as you demonstrated here, but I prefer their strip type that allows you to load three rounds, flip it and load three more. I forget what Zeta6 calls that one. I'll look it up and try to edit this comment.
Thank you for this fantastic informative video Mr funk..
I personally love my zeta 6 circular speed strip... I carry a five shot 11oz Smith 342 airlite Ti .38 sp centennial.( Like the one you had in one of your earlier videos). I carry this in a DeSantis Superfly pocket holster in my right front pocket.. or occasionally in a iwb holster. I do not carry any ammo pouches .. the HKS speed loaders are way too bulky for me to bulky and too heavy.. I used to only carry a inline straight speed strip in my pocket .. so glad I found these ZETA six circular speed strips.. better loading all five at once then loading one or two at a time out of a standard speed strip. The reload I have in my zeta-6 is 5 Liberty civil defense hollow points.. the noses are very round and it really lightens up the reload in my pocket.. I don't expect to be reloading My revolver if I need it but just in case it's nice to have five extra rounds ready to go in my pocket
I was just carrying my 342 yesterday. It’s been a great revolver for over 2 decades.
@@hrfunk great revolver the 342 smith airlite ti .. I did add full sized rubber hogue monogrips.. covers the back strap cushions my hand against The recoil and gets all my fingers on the grip for maximum control.... It's not too large for me though I still am able to put it in my right front pocket and draw from my right front pocket no problem from the DeSantis Superfly pocket holster... With practice I've been able to get accurate shots up to 50 ft although I doubt in a self-defense situation I would be shooting that far more like 25 to 30 ft but it's nice to know I can hit things at 50 of course those are stationary targets at the range
To make it a bit easier to get the rounds into the chambers you can also have the chamber mouths slightly bevelled.Great for loose rounds and speedloaders.
Good morning HR. Good video today. I've used HKS and Safariland Comp II loaders for carry and competition. The Comp II is harder to fill with cartridges but I found it faster on reloads, maybe because I used it more in matches. The Comp II also holds the cartridges tighter with less wiggle than the HKS. I liked the Safariland loader carriers that are spring clips. You can also lightly chamfer the chamber mouths to remove sharp edges. I would really like to see a modern Webley type breaktop with a good double action. With auto ejection and full moon clips it might be as fast as magazines in an autoloader. Heads up, IWI has Masada magazines in stock at their web store. I ordered some last night.
Thanks John. I have three of those now, but maybe I'll order a couple more!
Here's a tip for locking the Safariland spring loaders. Don't need a special tray.
Insert the cartridges as normal. Notice your palm just under the index finger. It's more of a harder part of the palm. Put the bullets against this part of your palm. It will restrain the loose cartridges. Just press together and twist the locking mechanism as usual. I use the Safariland Comp 3 loaders with a longer handle. Carried in the Comp 3 open top pouch for IDPA competitions. The problem is the Safariland loader pouches only hold loaded speed loaders. So I got a small dump pouch bag for the empties.
Safariland made it's own speedloader pouches for the Comp1. They were much shallower than the ones you were using. Grabbing ahold of the Comp1s were a lot easier because they didn't sit so deep in the pouch.
If I remember correctly, I had Safariland Comp1 pouch that held 4 sppedloaders in a very compact way.
I need to get a hold of a couple of comp II's one of these days and give them a try.
I am a hks man for my Redhawk. A simple twist and you are done. The larger tab is a plus for me.
Well thought out, and presented. As you said it always comes down to training!
Yes, and almost always the equipment differences are so small that they really don’t effect the outcome.
Don't grab the Zeta6 by the tabs until the rounds are in place...then peel the tab. Thanks for the great vids!
Safariland also makes a large knob speed loader. I had a difficult time with the small knob. There is a way to hold speed loaders where your thumb hold the speed loader to your palm and the fingers help guide the rounds into cylinder. The speed shooters use this method.
I know. I need to try to get some of those.
@@hrfunk Or try the Sl Variant speed loader. It seems to be Good Design.
Nice comparison between the 3 speed loaders. I personally have never used one. I just haven't been able to decide which one to try.
Thank you for a good explaining and shoving all the functions, i remember also your fantastic video with the s&w 5904 🙂greetings from Salzburg!
You're welcome. Thanks for watching. Merry Christmas from Ohio!
@@hrfunk Merry Christmas!! 😀
Very nice presentation and fair evaluation. I apologize for the long comment. I carried the HKS speed loaders as a LEO in my early days, and I became accustomed to speed loading my S&W 686 with them. I did have one occasion, during a Police Bullseye Match that because I had my speed loader pouch flaps open for quick retrieval of the speed loaders, a full speed loader popped out of the pouch when I went to the kneeling position. Although I recovered the speed loader quickly, and still came in second in this particular match, it taught me a valuable lesson about keeping my speed loader pouch flaps closed (but unsnapped for competition) until I needed them.
I like the HKS because the loaded speed loaders could straddle a belt without losing the rounds. I have two speed loader pouches for my SP101 that loops around the belt and holds the speed loaders straddling the belt. Unfortunately, those pouches are no longer made by Galco and I have not been able to find a substitute. I liked the concept because of the lower profile they presented during concealed carry.
I do like the Safariland Comp II speed loaders. With a simple push on the body, the cartridges are nicely released into the chambers. However, because of the thicker housing, as compared to the HKS version, the body of the speed loader may not clear the revolver enough (on some revolvers) to adequately trigger the release mechanism, which renders them essentially useless. Unfortunately, the Safariland products cannot straddle the belt as with the HKS, should be used with a pouch because any pressure on the release mechanism dumps the cartridges, and are sometimes tricky to retrieve from the pouch due to the lower profile of the stem.
I have used speed strips, and even SKS stripper clips (which can hold up to ten .38 Special/.357 Magnum cartridges) to load revolver chambers.
It all sums up to what works for your revolver. The Zeta6 looks worth a try. Perhaps not using the tab and simply holding the body to insert the cartridges, and then using the tab to strip it away, may result in better loading. I don’t know and I am just guessing at this point, with not having a Zeta6 to work with.
HKS speed loaders just seem to work for me, so far.
I think it's a wise practice to stick with what works well for you. Even so, you might want to try Zeta6 just to see what you think of it. Thanks for watching!
I use the Safariland speedloaders for my S&W mdl 36. My speedloader pouch has side cuts to allow purchase on the speedloader body instead of the lug. I think if you switched to a pouch that had side cut-outs, you would greatly decrease that time with the Safariland loaders
I settled on HKS due to Safariland jamming against grips on several snubbies as insert rounds into chambers! my alternate is Bianchi speed strip; might order a few Zetas to try...
an interesting caveat is using rifle stripper clips as loading devices: 7.62x39 strip clips hold .38 spl & .357 mag; 7.62x54r strip clips hold .44 spl & .44 mag (possibly .45 colt); basically line up round with a chamber & strip it off, rotate cylinder & repeat...
Thanks Keith. I’ve heard of the stripper clip trick. I can see where that might be handy in a field/hunting scenario, but it seems slow for defensive applications.
I’ve invented a technique for the HKS loader that no one has mentioned. Load it as you would but jerk the gun downward as you turn the knob. It simulates the launch that the Comp loader has. Prevents the rounds from hanging up.
I'm an HKS fan. I've got them for my .38's and .357's both. I've stuck with them, because they just Work. 👍🏻 Great comparison, I've wondered about the Safariland speed loader before. The Zeta6 I don't know anything about personally, so I can speak on them.
I carried HKS on duty but also my old issue cartridge loop ammo holder. If I fired say 3 rounds I could push the ejector just enough to cause fired cases to rise enough for single removal and recharge with the single rounds in my cartridge carrier, that held 12 more rounds. My thought was in a lull why dump live rounds on the deck when may need them later. It is a matter of what you train with and get comfortable using.i still use HKS today in all my DA revolvers. I thought your reloads did look slightly smoother with those SAFARILAND loaders.
SMT I still practice with loops, besides HKS and speed strips. Loops still have a place for those who practice with them.
Excellent review. I feel the smoothest reload came from the HKS when it was around 4.5 sec in this video. But this shows with some practice, one of these can match the speed of another.
Good video. I actually don't carry speedloaders when I'm carrying my snubby. I figure if I'm in a self-defense situation where I expend 5 rounds and the threat is still there or I can't get away, it's my time to go. It's hard enough concealing a gun on my smaller skinny frame let alone backup mags/speedloaders. I'm curious if you don't mind me asking, what is your preferred .38spl carry load? I carry Speer Gold Dot 135gr +P in my snubby.
For short barreled revolvers that is my preferred load as well. Great minds think alike!
I thought the trick was don't miss so you don't need to reload. Excellent video.
Excellent video. I am an NRA Action Pistol competitor as well as a firearms instructor and NRA training counselor. I am a USAF veteran and retired police sergeant with a total of over 40 years behind the badge. I say this not to brag but to show that maybe my opinion has some creditability. The test was great! But as a competitor I can't afford to take 5 seconds on a reload. Of course, I use a tricked 1911 now but am venturing on to the dark side and starting to shoot a Smith & Wesson Model 27. The first point is that yes, you MUST practice with your gear. I dry-practice at least 4 times a week for 8-10 minutes a time. Next is your gear. I know that law enforcement and defensive shooting are different, but I would modify my speed loader holders to give me a better grip. That's part of the luxury of shooting competition, you can do some non-tactical stuff. My reloads for a semi-auto are very fast but with the revolver 3 seconds is too long.
I just ordered some speed reloader reloading blocks which should be a major convenience for me in both practice and competition.
Never seen a video from this guy before but he seems to be the real deal. No BS! I respect that he pointed out a short coming of his pet speed loader.
Can't say enough positive about the instructor and the video (which was very high quality and professionally done).
Alex Ragulsky
Colorado
Thank you Alex!
I qualified for LEOSA this past June using my old service Model 10 snub & two HKS speedloaders (96%). Maybe I’m just fumble fingered @ 75 but in one instance I inadvertently twisted the knob as the loader was coming out of the pouch dumping all six rounds on the range deck. Everyone had a good laugh at my expense but the deal is I hadn’t trained w/these things in a long time.
They are specialized enough to require routine training. Fortunately, you can train at home with dummy ammo.
Point taken & I’ve upped my training w/dummy rounds. Thx for taking the time to read & comment.
What a fantastic video! I feel like anyone could be fast with all three with practice. But...under high stress we lose fine motor skills. I would be VERY interested in seeing this test blindfolded with dummy rounds. My money is on HKS. You were in PERFECT conditions. BUT...what if you're gloved, what if hands are wet, what if it's dark, what if it's very cold, what if your speed loader falls to the ground, what if you are under very high stress? We ALL lose fine motors skills under those conditions.
There’s only so much that can be tested in a video. I agree with your comment that, with training, all three will suffice.
Awesome demonstration! Goes to show that if you're good at reloading, you can pretty much use any reliable type. The one thing I've always hated about the HKS is that you have to turn the knob clockwise to release, which at least to me is counterintuitive. I like the 5 Star speedloaders which are anodized aluminum and essentially similar to HKS, but you turn counterclockwise to release the cartridges. To me, this is not only intuitive, but sends the empty loader off in the proper direction. They are expensive, though.
I echo what others have said about the Comp 2, which I also prefer over the Comp 1 because of the larger knob. Last thing I would add is that while I do use the Zeta6 in my car console at times, I do wonder if situational stress might tend to make one try to bend it early and keep the last 2 rounds from going into the cylinders. I have never had to fire (let alone reload) in a defensive situation, but I'd think the flexibility of the Zeta6 might be a problem with adrenaline and shakiness involved.
I just got the CK Tactical ripcord speed loader and they absolutely rock!!!!
My jframe now reloads FASTER than my Glock 43 !!!!!
When I used to carry a 38 snub nose and did carry in a pouch I would invert the dump pouch so it would drop into my hand.
I didn't enjoy the extra bulk of the pouch.
I liked the comp 1 then back the .
Now if I carry a revolver it is a Taurus 905 with stellar clips.
Very informative. Thank you for all your work in making this video available.
My pleasure Eddie. Thanks for watching.
I have thoroughly been impressed by the Safariland after messing with all three. I use the one with the huge handle, but nonetheless it's a superior design. I like the HKS as the muscle memory is pretty easy to get down and there's a lot of leeway, like if it's 6 shot .357/.38 you can pretty much wiggle it enough to make it work in any 6 shot .357/.38 being more or less manually operated. I liken the HKS or Zeta6 to a generic holster. Needs to be close but not exact, but I liken the Safariland to a molded Galco leather revolver holster, very much superior but it has to be exact.
I really enjoyed this video - THANKS Howard - principally, I suppose, because I remain a “revolver guy” (notwithstanding the fact that I now carry and keep nearby more autoloaders). So here are a few of my - personal opinion ONLY - thoughts:
1. Howard, that Smith Model 19 is a wonderful firearm!
2. I’v used HKS speedloaders and Bianchi speedstrips for MANY years. My most frequent EDC revolver is a Ruger SP101, with a 2.25 inch barrel, chambered in .357 magnum, and with Crimson Trace Laser Grips installed. I can conceal this revolver regardless of the season, whereas my four and five inch barrel S&Ws / Rugers (GP-100s and N Frames) are simply too big for concealed Summer carry.
3. I prefer speedstrips to speeloaders when carrying my SP101. Why? Because I can fit two speedstrips into an old BlackBerry case - they fit perfectly - and the case is comfortable in my side pocket, it doesn’t “print gun” and its easily accessible.
4. Okay, a LOT or experienced and knowledgeable shooters will correctly indicate that speedstrips provide slower reloads and require more manipulation; therefore, they’re a poor choice. So, why do I use them?
5. Becuase: (a) in MY circumstances and for MY probable defensive scenarios, any armed defensive is encounter VERY, VERY unlikely and (b) were such a confrontation to occur, the likelihood of requiring a reload is EXTREMELY small. Consequentially, the applicable conditional probability analysis (multiplying two 0.000x numbers) suggests that I have about as much chance of needing to reload, as I have by being struck by lightning.
6. This brings me to a conclusion, which I believe is quite IMPORTANT . . . and it applies to several defensive firearms related matters (not only speed losers / strips, but also capacity, optics, “custom” firearms, and much more): LIKELY DEFENSIVE SCENARIO REALISM.
7. Most of us are not law enforcement officers, in rural meth-intense counties, with no backup available for MANY minutes. Nor do most of us routinely live, work or transit high-crime venues. Nor are our quarters in neighborhood that have frequent serious / violent crimes. No, I suspect the majority of us agree that meaningful preparation is mandatory, although the probability of lawful armed defense of innocents is VERY, VERY small. Thus - and here’s my KEY POINT - the facts that we are armed (even with a five-shot J Frame or SP101), trained, alert and quite capable are going to be more than sufficient to favorably resolve such very unlikely situation.
8. I fully understand that “more” often is PERCEIVED as axiomatically being better, however is it? “More” can easily make 100 percent “armed program compliance” FAR more difficult, uncomfortable, inconvenient, and so forth. To illustrate this, how many of us (non-LEOs) will ever require an 18+1 capacity semiautomatic, to defend innocent life with success? And, in the most improbably situations where we do (the multi-week Antifa / BLM anarchy in Portland is a good example), won’t we instantaneously upgrade our defensive preparations and / or remain well clear of the insurrection.
Well, serious and wide-spread anarchy certainly is a “long journey” from speed loaders. BUT, fwit, I intend to be vigilant and well armed, trained and equipped . . . however, I don’t need to use an M60 machine gun when a S&W M15 is more than adequate.
You typed way too much and I lost interest. I stopped reading with you carrying speed strips in a blackberry case, inside the pocket. You might as well not carry ANY spare ammo in that case, because it will take you half a day just to get to it.
I agree with you wholeheartedly. So many concealed carriers feel the need to walk around with backup mags/multiple speedloaders, as if your average Joe needs a combat load of 180 rounds like they're patrolling Kandahar. We have overwhelming data on defensive gun use scenarios and most are at less than 10 yards and overwhelmingly its just a couple rounds fired. The likelihood of you needing to reload is so absurdly small it almost borders on paranoia. Yes, it's possible you go out for a gallon of milk and end up caught in the crossfire in a pro-longed shootout with fully-armored robbers Ala North Hollywood Bank robbery, but you also might run into a rapid coyote or mangy dog, or a plane might fall out of the sky at hit you on your commute to work. In my opinion, people worry a little too much about having tons of ammo on them. And as you said, if I'm not knowingly venturing into some warzone or hellhole, and if for some reason I HAD to, I wouldn't carry a snub nose .38.
@@colt10mmsecurity68
The vast majority of lawful, armed defensive altercations don’t require reloading. And many of those that do, are not “empty-the magazine- (or the cylinder) in-two-seconds” situations. Smart people take cover, when it’s available, and then fire a minimum number of well aimed and well placed rounds. Why do so many novices feel that the norm must be the “Gunfight at the OK Corral?”
Because that's the way it is on TV Roy! Didn't you know that?
@@roykiefer7713
Additional magazines aren't just to have more ammo, but to quickly replace a faulty magazine or being able to aid someone else by giving a spare mag.
I know this is a late post, and I thought it was an awesome vid. Without trying to sound critical or like a know-it-all, I think I might've caught your issue with the cartridges not dropping into the cylinder completely. I just noticed that you weren't getting the cylinder quite vertical on the reloads and had it between 45° and 90° to the ground. I've caught myself doing it too with the same result, so again, I'm not trying to Cliff Clavin ya! Great vid, and a fair comparison between the three.
As a wheel gunner I lije this video and the previous video where you show the reloading process with speed loader 👍
Nice video really appreciate the Revolver’s. Some food for thought I’m new to your channel so I don’t know if you’ve done this before. But if you have your cylinder machine for moon clips, I’ve always found that much faster in Revolver.
I have a couple of revolvers that accept moon clips. I agree. They are very fast.
I think one simple change in your loading technique might help with the rounds hanging up on the frame as you attempt to close the cylinder. I learned to shoot a revolver in the Kentucky State police academy back in the 1980"s and remember the firearms instructors constantly telling the cadets to point the gun as straight towards the ground as you could to assist gravity on dropping the rounds down into the cylinder once released from our HKS speed loaders. I noticed you had the gun barrel at approx. 45 degrees to the ground and the rounds did not want to drop into the cylinder. they seemed to slowly slide and hang up. Just something to try. Great video!!!
Thanks. I’ll try that!
When carrying a revolver I use an HKS, a Bianchi strip, and individual cartridges. Any reloading method while under fire and in stress is shtf fumble trouble with the adrenaline dump and incoming enemy bullets.
Howard, try this different approach with the Zeta6 loaders. Turn around in the holders, so that the tab faces toward the front centerline, instead of the reverse. Then, turn your palm over the loaders and grab the tab so that your hand is over the top of the loader instead of underneath it (thumb on top, index finger under, both fingers also pointed toward the front centerline). Lastly, the two rounds at the top of the cylinder that tend to bend outward; tip those two rounds into the cylinder at a slight angle, so they enter the cylinder a couple millimeters before the others... no more bending outwards. See if that helps.
Thanks David. I'll give that a try.
I am not law enforcement and have had no formal training with revolvers. Was trained in the USCG on the Beretta 92F pre 9-11. With those caveats I will describe the method I use to unload and load my revolvers. The method was published back in the 80s and I do not remember the author. I did not create this method.
The unloading sequence starts with moving the latch forward with my right thumb simultaneously rolling the revolver into the web of my right hand, barrel pointing up 90 degrees, my left hand opens the cylinder then I move my left index finger up to the muzzle and come sharply down striking the ejector rod. I now transition to loading. I cradle the cylinder in my left hand, thumb holds the cylinder and fingers are on the right side of the lower frame. Revolver is pointing down 90 degrees. at the same time I grasp the the HKS speed loader and push the cartridges in. I transition to a shooting stance: left thumb closes cylinder; right hand mates with grip and bring revolver into line of sight; left hand mates with right hand; left over right and thumbs down.
I did notice in the range videos the revolver was canted to the right. I also noticed you supported the revolver on your right index finger against the forcing cone. I suspect you had a few burns over the years. I shoot a 4" 44. The 44 heats up with six shoots. Using the method above no burns, no bent ejector rods, and sticky cartridges and popped out easily. No criticism implied just observations and description of a different method. I enjoy your videos. They are laid out in nice format that is easy to follow and follows range safety protocols.
Well I am new to the world of Speedloaders and double action revolvers. This post was very informative and helpful. I understand for safety of the range you have to follow range safety measures. I just think practicing standing upright out in the open isn't going to help me much in a gun fight. I think practicing in c&c would be more useful. We all know that we wouldn't want to expose ourselves to get a quicker reload time vs getting shot.
Fortunately, things like reloading can be practiced with inert ammunition off the range.
Life long HKS user who recently switched to comp 3s. A few sessions of dry fire and no compassion the Safariland can be twice as fast. But a 625 with moon clips is in a class of there own
Well done on the testing, it was about as fair as is possible in the real world I think. I always preferred the HKS to the Safariland style, the HKS just work better for me. Regardless which brand you choose, practice with it until it becomes smooth and natural to you. And remember, any of them are faster than reloading from dump pouches or even worse belt loops.
I have .357 Magnum 4 inch barrel and use the push speed loader. Although my speed loader knob is a bit longer.
I have the same Colt Dick Special that my Dad carried for 20 years. I love the Safariland comp II which works wonderfully for my 1955 vintage Official Police. I am much embittered that Safariland does not make a comp 1 or 2 for the old Colt Detective Special or Cobra.
I suspect HKS makes one, but of course it works differently.
@@hrfunk I have one somewhere. It is rather crappy; about all I can say is that it is better than single loading. I guess I better take care of business quick.
Wow, fodder feeders for real defensive sidearms.
I have a pair of HKS for my M29 Smith, more a convenient way to carry ammo than speed loading. Volume of fire isn't priority one when using a 44 Magnum.
Thank you very much for your reviews! Very well done!
Thank you!
Nice comparison video! You know what irks me is that nobody seems to think about making a way to carry those speedloaders in a pocket for ccw. Strip speedloaders are s l o w but I’ve yet to find a good way to carry a regular speedloader in a pocket with some protection to the rounds. Guess I need to make it myself.
If you do, be sure to send me one for a review. Thanks for watching!
No question that autoloaders have the advantage when it comes to capacity and reload speed but I still like the "simplicity" of my revolvers. I think the less boxy shape of them carries better IWB compared to even the smallest of autos. You are already so unlikely to need to use your weapon, and even less likely to use it and need MORE than the 5-6 rounds in a revolver.
Of course, that premises that a reload may be required, which I respectfully suggest is VERY, VERY unlikely.
@Peter Angles compensating for something?
Nice Drills & excellent info! I need to take my wheel gun out & give it a good workout!
I always had trouble getting the HKS to line up properly to drop the rounds in, however that comes with the addendum that I was almost always using a five shot snub nose, and a lot of grips actually get in the way of using speed loaders on those little guns
Then there was the fact that I just didn't work with them all that much, which is purely on me
For me, the reduced bulk seems to help with that 'grip in the way' issue
Some people tell me they actually trim or grind the grip down to make room for the speed loader
I’ve seen people do that, and I’ve even done it myself. That’s one advantage of the Zeta6 loaders. They are less impacted by grip style.