Left handed reload???

[Navy joe]

Please help. The only revolver I currently or have ever owned is a front-stuffer and quick reloads are out on that. I plan on getting most likely a 625 or two for competitive purposes, maybe one of those a 610 PC instead for fun's sake. I also want a seven round Ti .357 of some description just for carrying when hiking.

Anyways, I played with some 625s and a 640 tonight trying to figure out how I'd handle the speedy moonclip reload thingy if I buy the guns. I quickly determined that transferring the grip into the right hand is too slow. So I:

1. Roll left thumb across back of gun and engage cylinder release while...
2. Ungripping the right hand and moving it so the thumb punches the cylinder out and the index finger goes to the ejector rod. As the right hand gains control of the gun...
3. The left hand leaves the grip to obtain a fresh moonclip and the right hand rotates the gun slightly up and ejects the empties...
4. Rotate the gun back slightly down, insert fresh load, left hand re-grips, right hand all fingers slaps cylinder closed from underneath and heads to re-grip.

Sounds simple right? Any suggestions short of pay lots of money for a revolver that opens up to the wrong side if there is such a thing? I know I gotta get this thing and practice a lot, but any streamlining of the steps would be great, no sense trying to be an IPSC revolver guy if I can't get the reloads smooth and under 2 seconds.

 

[Frenchy]

Hey Joe,

That's exactly the way I do it. The trick is a smooth transition with your left thumb, to the release.
If I was setting up the revolver strictly for competition, I would go with a spurless hammer.

 

[4v50 Gary]

Mine's convulted...

I start with a 2 handed hold, thumb over thumb.

1) Upon firing the last shot, my grip shifts such that the bottom of the trigger guard rests in the palm of my left hand. The middle index fingers line up with the cylinder. The pinky starts draping over the hammer and the thumb is outstretched.
2) The right hand thumb operates the cylinder release.
3) Upon opening, the right hand moves clear to grab a speedloader. The left hand: a) middle index fingers push the cylinder open and pushes against it such that it stays open; b) pinky drapes over and secures the hammer; c) thumb secures the tip of the ejector rod; d) left forefinger reaches over the topstrap (near barrel) and along with pinky, and heel of the palm, holds the gun.
4) With one downward motion, the left hand drops down and simultaneously the left thumb pushes the ejector rod down, dropping the empties onto the ground.
5) The left hand rotates the gun such that the cylinder is ready to receive the speedloader.
6) The right hand introduces the speedloader and dumps the cartridges; dropping the speedloader and grabbing the grip afterwards.
7) The left palm closes the action and as the right hand surrenders the grip, the left hand secures it.

Kinda long, but it's fast and it works for me. Been doing it for years.

 

[Dr.Who]

A way that I do it at times with my 625 is as follows: (I'm Right handed)
1. Slide the right thumb forward on the cylinder release, at the same time bring my triger finger up to the cylinder push it left to eject. Point the barrel up and shake. Trigger finger is still hold cylinder left. (big Hands)
2. While step 1 is going on, my left hand is getting the next moon clip load. If it gets to back to the gun and the empties are not self ejected. the left hand slaps the ejector rod.
3.Once emties are gone then, point muzzel downward angle and throw those new rounds in and close the cylinder. Right hand is already on the grip, sight and fire.

This was a method I started using with the 625. I have not seen anyone shoot this method.

The method you listed, I will use if I must retain unfired rounds. (IDPA)

Enjoy...

 

[MrPhil]

Great topic!

Thank you, thank you, thank you!
I'm going to print this one and try Gary's and Joe's methods. I've just started shooting revolvers and have been trying to figure out the fast reload thing. You both describe your methods clearly. I can picture doing either. Going to the range on Friday!
Phil

Remember, lefties are right minded!

 

[WheelMan]

I used a method similar to yours back when I had a double action (also a lefty). I didn't practice with it a whole lot, but I think a lefty is a least no disadvantage and maybe even a slight advantage (speed wise compared to a righty, provided you're good) on the reload, espcially since you can eject rounds and grap a new speedloader at the same time.

 

[Nightcrawler]

I do basically what you described, except it's easier for me to hit the cylinder release with my trigger finger, as I have kind of stubby thumbs, apparently.

 

[Dave Markowitz]

I'm a southpaw too, and that's pretty much how I do a reload. However, instead of using the thumb of my right hand to eject the empties, I use the palm of my left hand to give the extractor rod a good whack.

Also, you want to fully elevate the muzzle when you eject the empties, so that (a) the cases fall out without binding, and (b) you don't get unburned powder under the extractor star.