If you’re new to revolvers, you might not realize that speedloaders and speed strips are a thing. Like semi-autos, revolvers require some extra gear, and where semi-autos take spare mags, revolvers take speedloaders. Of course, not all speedloaders are made the same and not every gun works with every type of speedloader out there. We’ve gathered a list of five revolver-loading pieces of gear that might benefit you next time you hit the range or holster up with your revolver of choice. Because if you have a revolver, you should really also have the means with which to reload quickly and efficiently.
Safariland Competition I (Smith & Wesson)
Don’t be fooled by this speedloader’s name: it’s not only for competition use. It’s a spring-loaded design made for fast loading and, according to the manufacturer, incredible reliability. So while it says competition there’s no reason you can’t use it for your carry gun or at the range for general use. The specific pictured model is made for J-frame revolvers such as the Model 642. These speedloaders hold five rounds of 357 Magnum or 38 Special. Side note: there is a larger version of this design available for large N-frame revolvers as well.
The Safariland Competition I is made from injection molded polymer for durability and resistance to use-related wear. It features a spring-loaded system meant to facilitate rapid reloads and smoothly drop rounds into the gun’s chambers. The small, lower-profile knob is meant to make it compatible with concealment. It is IDPA approved, so if you want to use it to compete, you’re good to go.
HKS 357 Magnum Speedloader (Colt King Cobra, Ruger Security 6)
HKS 357 Magnum Speedloader (Colt King Cobra, Ruger Security 6)
The HKS 357 Magnum Speedloader is available for various models, but the image above is specific to the Colt King Cobra or Ruger Security 6. This speedloader is designed with a knob that has a textured surface for a sure grip during use, even if your hands are wet. It’s a twist-style speedloader and locks the rounds securely into place until you’re ready to use it. This is a speedloader made to be tough yet lightweight, so it has a polymer body. If you require gear that can take a beating, this HKS speedloader might be the right model for you.
This speedloader has a six-shot capacity and, as mentioned, is compatible with guns like the Colt King Cobra. Its design is sleek enough to work for concealed carry and thanks to the way it’s made, it’s likely to stand up to a lot of use. HKS made it corrosion-resistant, too, so you don’t need to worry about the steel wearing in that manner.
Kimber K6s Speedloader (Kimber K6s)
The Kimber K6s was met with much fanfare when the gun maker released it a few years ago. Not only is it an ultra-lightweight revolver, but it manages to squeeze six rounds into a cylinder the size of which typically has a five-round capacity. Of course, that means it needs a specific speedloader because the cylinder and chambers are so uniquely sized. Kimber handled that by producing the speedloader to go with their K6s.
This speedloader is extremely rugged and made from aluminum with a silver finish. As expected, the chambers are placed more tightly together than standard six-shot speedloaders in order to fit the K6s cylinder. Its lightweight, so it doesn’t add unnecessary weight, and it’s easy to use. The recognizable Kimber “K” is engraved on the knob. Considering the fact that the Kimber K6s was made for concealed carry, it’s definitely a gun to have speedloaders for. Revolvers can certainly be used for carry guns, but it’s smart to have a speedloader on hand.
HKS 44 Special Speedloader (Smith & Wesson 696, Taurus, and Rossi)
If you like a slightly larger revolver, this speedloader might be what you’re looking for. The HKS 44 Special Speedloader is compatible with the Smith & Wesson 696, among other guns. Like most HKS speedloaders, this one has ridges cut into the knob’s surface to ensure a firm hold during use. It securely holds five rounds of 44 Special, locking them into place with a quick twist until it’s time to reload the gun. This speedloader has a durable aluminum knob and polymer body with a matte black finish to make it resistant to the scrapes and dings that come with use.
Something to be aware of with the use of speedloaders is that if the revolver in question has bulky or oversized grips, it could be a problem when trying to reload using a speedloader. If you run into that issue, it’s always possible to change the grips to slimmer designs so you can use speedloaders. Depending on the grip type, existing grips can also be altered for compatibility with speedloader use.
DeSantis Gunhide Swift Strips
If you noticed this isn’t a speedloader, you’re right, but it’s a product that fits this list well. Speed strips are an alternative to speedloaders and are a handy tool for carrying extra rounds in an orderly, secure fashion. There are various reasons someone might choose speed strips such as these over a speedloader. Maybe there isn’t a speedloader available compatible with the revolver in question, or perhaps the grips of the revolver get in the way and the user doesn’t want to alter them. Then there’s the fact speed strips can be carried flat as opposed to the cylindrical, bulkier size of speedloaders. And, of course, some people just prefer speed strips in general.
DeSantis Gunhide Swift Strips are made for use with 357 Magnum and 38 Special and allow two rounds to be loaded, or stripped, into the cylinder at a time. Each strip holds six rounds and is made from a flexible polymer for durability and ease of use. According to DeSantis, their Swift Strips are the correct size and shape to be carried in many magazine pouches and knife sheaths.
Using Speedloaders
If you intend to use speedloaders or speed strips with your revolver, spend time training with them. Smooth, fast use takes practice, and if you’re using your revolver for self-defense purposes, you should be practicing your reloads. It’s also a good idea to practice using them while carrying them in the pouch or pocket where you’d be carrying them on a daily basis. Don’t only use your speedloaders from the bench or when it’s already in your hand.
Don’t see a model here that works with your gun? There are a lot of other speedloaders and speed strips on the market, so don’t give up hope, just do some research.
Have tips or tricks to share about speedloaders? Drop your experiences in the comments section.
