[mhuxtable]

Anyone have an exerpience with reliable, quality 6 round speed loader for a 686 .357? I shoot mainly .38 specials if that matters.

[spm]

I have at least two SKS speedloaders for each of my revolvers (One of which is a 686). There are others out there that may be newer and fancier but I have never had a problem with SKS.

[W.E.G.]

I think you mean HKS -- not "SKS"

http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd7/rkba2da/trivia/images_zpsa10413de.jpg

[Chuck Perry]

I like and use the Safariland Comp II speedloader. The main difference is that you don't have to twist the knob to release the rounds like in the HKS. When you insert the rounds into the cylinder, a little knob on the underbelly of the speedloader comes into contact with the cylinder. This causes the speedloader to unlock and release the rounds into the cylinder.

[jon86]

I'm with Chuck Perry. HKS are just fine for the range, but for carry, I won't use anything but Safariland.

[spm]

Oops, my bad. HKS. Duh.

[mdauben]

I've used HKS speedloaders with my 686 for years. Never had any problem with them.

[X-Rap]

I have a couple Safariland loaders that won't release without quite a bit of manipulation. The ones that work work well but the positive manual release of the HKS has its advantages.
None of them carry very well and I tend to carry speed strips instead.

[GLOOB]

Safariland and HKS are about the only two commonly avail options I'm aware of. I have both, and they each have their pros and cons.

The Safariland are a little more compact for carry cuz of the shorter knob. They're just a hair lighter, too. The HKS have a reputation for lasting longer, though.

If you plan to carry in an enclosed speedloader belt pouch, you have to consider the construction. I have one where you have to grab the loader by the knob, and the HKS knob is a lot better for that. The HKS knob is longer, and the aluminum is nicely checkered.

Sometimes I just shove some HKS speedloaders on my belt. 3 bullets on either side of the belt. This doesn't work so good with Safariland because of the protruding release button in the center.

For CCW, a Safariland with flush seated wadcutters is pretty decent size for slipping into a front pocket.

HKS are a little easier to load when out plinking, without a table to load on. The Safariland can be loaded in the field, but it uses up a bit more dexterity and attention.

So bottom line, I use the HKS much more often, cuz I have never tried to CCW an L frame revolver. I also don't shoot competitions where I'd want the spring-loaded Safarilands that are the size of a large flashlight. :)

Also, with the Safariland, you have to remember to hold the BODY of the loader when you push it in the cylinder. With the HKS you have to turn the knob, which is why the HKS knob is made big enough for holding and manipulating the entire device; whereas, the Safariland knob is made as small as possible.