5 Star Firearms and 8Shot Speed Loader Comparison

[230therapy]

In this essay, I will compare two aluminum speed loaders by 5 Star Firearms and 8Shot (sold through Thunder Ranch). Both loaders are for S&W eight shot revolvers.

A standard 38 Special 158 grain LSWC cartridge is used for the size comparison.


8Shot on the top, 5 Star Firearms on the bottom


The 8Shot loader covers more of the cartridge, but allows for movement.


Both have index points, but the 8Shot's loader indexes on only 1/3 of its area.


The 5 Star Firearms loader is less bulky, but not painted.


5 Star's 100% index point coverage, as well as smaller diameter, makes loading easier.


The knobs are about the same. Both turn to the left for easy loading. Cartridges are securely held by both.


Another shot showing index points.

In all, I like both loaders. Either would be fine. However, the 8Shot loader's index points force the shooter to align the loader to the frame of the gun. Certain revolver stocks may cause problems if the area is not relieved.

I found the 5 Star Firearms loader to be easier to use. It is slightly smaller and it indexes perfectly. I would prefer that it came painted.

The 5 Star Firearms loader sells for $19.95, while the 8Shot loader sells for $65.95.

5 Star Firearms:
Speed Loaders

8Shot:
Thunder Ranch® Oregon 8Shot Speed Loader

 

[230therapy]

5 Star Firearms changed the price from $19.95 to $24.95.

 

[Zundfolge]

5 Star Firearms changed the price from $19.95 to $24.95.

Still says $19.95 on their web site. http://www.5starfirearms.com/357_k.html


I just stumbled across the 5 Star speedloaders a couple days ago ... frankly even at $24.95 they're a bargain ... these things are solid units that will last every bit as long (if not longer) than whatever revolver you buy one for.

 

[JimGnitecki]

Not only still $19.95 on the website, but when I ordered (this morning) the "bedside block kit" (loading block plus 1 speedloader) plus 1 extra speedloader, and paid via PayPal, they did not charge any freight.

This appears to be an awesome product. Solid CNC-made alloy instead of breakable plastic (if you for example fell while wearing it), very compact, and terrific "indexing" (the flutes on the speedloader can be aligned with the gun cylinder). Hard not to like it.

Jim G

 

[Scrapperz]

Excellent Quality

I like them too........

I know it's not about the 8 shot comparison. I wanted to add I do like their Quality,Service,and Prices.

 

[JimGnitecki]

By the way, I ordered from 5 Star this morning, and this afternoon got an email saying that the shipment was enroute already!

These folks are organized.

Jim G

 

[JimGnitecki]

Wow! Ordered the 5-Star items 3-31 and found them in my mailbox on 4-02 !!

Perfect quality.

The "loading block" works incredibly well. See their website for photos and what it is used for. GREAT idea. Makes loading a speedload very fast and very easy.

Jim G

 

[Green Lantern]

Seems like as good a place as any to ask a pretty newbie question - as I am a newbie to centerfire revolvers....

I plan on getting one or two of the 5-star loaders for my new 627. But I was wondering where I could get a belt pouch that would hold them? I'd imagine something meant for J-frame loaders would be too small...or -?

 

[JimGnitecki]

For what it's worth: I have found that the dual speedloader pouch I got from El Paso Leather along with my 327 / 627 holster holds EITHER N-size speedloaders OR N-size full moon clips with equal aplomb.

With the speedloaders, you pull out the speedloader when needed via its "button handle".

With the full moon clips, you stick your index finger into the center of the clip, pull the clip out, and drop it into the waiting revolver cylinder. Very slick and very fast.

Jim G

 

[Green Lantern]

Thanks!

 

[230therapy]

For what it's worth: I have found that the dual speedloader pouch I got from El Paso Leather along with my 327 / 627 holster holds EITHER N-size speedloaders OR N-size full moon clips with equal aplomb.

With the speedloaders, you pull out the speedloader when needed via its "button handle".

With the full moon clips, you stick your index finger into the center of the clip, pull the clip out, and drop it into the waiting revolver cylinder. Very slick and very fast.

Jim G

Jim G,

Have you tried to put two moonclips into those speedloader holders? I heard that's an old trick to cram two into each pouch.