Five-Star Speedloaders for the S&W TRR8

[barnbwt]

Hello again,
As the latest step in my quest to conceal-carry my S&W N-frame, I decided to try out a speedloader as a loading alternative to the moonclips I normally use.

To the best of my knowledge, only two companies currently make speedloaders for the 8-shot S&W .357's; Thunder Ranch, and the Five-Star guys.

Thunder Ranch's loaders look great, they're black anodized and are very well built, but they are 60$ a pop and are a bit large for my liking. They also only have index ridges on part of the loader, so if you grab it wrong, it may be more difficult to align it with the cylinder.

Five-Star's speedloader was going for about 25$, so I dove for it. These loaders are the same twist-type as the Thunder Ranches, but have a smooth-machined aluminum finish that is a bit "showy" for the TRR8. I may get mine anodized one day if I really care that much. These loaders are also much trimmer than the TR's; the base has very thin (.050"?) walls around the cartridges, and flutes that match the revolver are cut into it as well. These flutes should make it a bit easier to align the loader regardless of orientation, and the narrower diameter should make it easier to pop in the rounds without tripping over the frame.

The one (slight) disappointment was that the speedloader doesn't seem to hold the cartridges as tightly as advertised/reputed. When loaded with American Eagle (yeah, cheap, but it's all I have on hand now ) they rattle around at least as much as they do in the moonclips. Probably more. But they are held in place securely, and in a package a bit more durable than the moonclips (if +10X the price). I'll probably try other brands, or maybe shims or something to tighten up the wiggle. At any rate, it didn't seem to affect loading too badly, since it was just about as fast as moonclips (I have lots of practice with moonclips). I'd just heard that speedloaders held the rounds firmly in place, unlike clips which always wiggle a bit.

If anyone has questions about the speedloader (I only have one so far; testing) I'll be happy to answer, and if anyone else has experience with Five-Star's products in general, please chime in . BTW, they also make hexagonal loaders for the Chiappa Rhino

TCB

 

[CGT80]

You suck!............just kidding. I had already convinced myself that I didn't need to buy five star speed loaders for my Smith 460 (range gun only). Now, after seeing your post, I want them again. I have never used moon clips or speed loaders before. Thanks for the heads up about the fit. It probably wouldn't matter much for a range gun but I could imagine it not being good for something carried on you all the time.

Ohhh......those shinny, smooth pieces of billet aluminum just look so scrumptious. They would really go nicely with the stainless of my S&W. I don't really need them, but I want them. You're just cruel. Enjoy your speed loaders, and may you never have to use them for self defense.

 

[NMPOPS]

Love to get a couple, just can't justify the expense. I have half a dozen HKS ones that work just fine.

 

[WC145]

I have a couple that came with a 327NG I bought. I seldom use them because they're so bulky, I usually carry a spare load or two in Tuff "Quick Strips" instead. They're not as fast as a speed loader but they're flat and easy to carry.

 

[Cocked & Locked]

jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle all the way...

I really don't like the 5-Star speed loaders for the 8-shot N-frames. The ones for the J & K frame guns are basically solid except for the individual holes for each cartridge.

The 8-cartridge ones are different as each cartridge is not completely surrounded by the aluminum. When empty of ammo they resemble a cookie cutter.

Feels like an apple when carried in my pocket. When carried in a belt pouch I walk around sounding like a jingle bell from the cartridges "chiming" on the thin aluminum.

The cartridges are so wobbly in the loader that they aren't that quick to load in the gun.

Look good but no practical carry application for me. I'm also a fan of the Tuff Products speed strip instead.

 

[Nullcone]

I've never even been tempted by these... and that was before I saw the price.

Not everything needs to be machined from billet.

$10 HKS's have worked fine for me.

[D'oh! Totally missed that these were being discussed because HKS/Others don't make 8-shot N Frame speedloaders...]

 

[Cocked & Locked]

You done good not to be tempted. The billet aluminum didn't draw me in...it instead was the eight cartridge speedloader for an N-frame.

If HKS made an eight cartridge N-frame one I would have it.

 

[skt239]

Thanks for posting this. I currently carry speed strips but years ago used speed loaders. I've decided I want to give the loaders a go again but couldn't remember the name Five Star; I just remembered seeing some pretty speed loaders I had to have. So again, thanks for the info..

The slight rattle should be no problem if they are held securely; the HKS speed loaders I had in the past did the same thing. I've also been meaning to try the push button type as well (safariland I believe). I think I'll buy one of each and see which works best.

Nullcone,

I fully agree with you on both counts, not everything needs to be born of a billet and the $10 HKS ones do work fine. However, it's made from a more durable material, they seem to have similar function and look awesome. Unlike the OP who bought them out of necessity, I would be purchasing because I like the design. Since there is no one else making a similar speed loader, I'm ok paying them the $25.

This kind of reminds me of something my wife once said to me. I was going over plans for a custom concealment holster and was debating over whether or not to include floral carvings. I asked my wife if it was even worth it considering it was a concealment holster and only her and myself would see it. She suggested I get the floral for the same reason women like to wear fancy Victoria secret stuff even if no one will see it. I found that amusing and it always stuck with me.

 

[9mmepiphany]

To the best of my knowledge, only two companies currently make speedloaders for the 8-shot S&W .357's; Thunder Ranch, and the Five-Star guys.

Thunder Ranch does make the speedloaders, they are manufactured for them by Five-Star