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armoredman

armoredman

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I tried to explain the Massad Ayoob method of reloading a revolver with a speedloader. I took some fast pictures, and was curious what the experts here thought of this series. I used this method for years when I carried a Model 64 with Wells Fargo Armored, and used it in competetion.

Open the cylinder in the traditional way, but then turn the sidearm skyward, and place the support hand, thumb over barrel, fingers below barrel, web over ejector rod, and push straight down. Gross motorskill, as opposed to fine motorskill using thumb at a slant. Gravity also assists in popping out empties.

PICT0126.gif

PICT0119.gif

Then place the sidearm, cylinder open, with the ejector rod between the index and middle finger, fingers cupping the front of the frame, straight down. This, as the above move, uses gravity to assist, and frees the strong hand to access the speedloader.

PICT0128.gif

PICT0120.gif

Now, I don't actually have a speedloader right now, (or holster, etc, yet), but picture on in my empty hand. One could also place a finger alongside the rounds to guide them into the chamber. Then pop/twist/etc to release the rounds.

PICT0130.gif

Then close the cylinder, allowing the now empty speedloaderto fall free, and return the loaded sidearm to the fray.

PICT0131.gif

This works a lot faster than it looks, with practice.

So, oh gurus of the round guns, howz zat??
 
I prefer the method where you release the cylinder with the right firing thumb, then push out the cylinder with the left hands fingers while stroking the ejector with the (L) thumb.
This can be done one handed while the firing/right hand is reaching for the speed loader/moon clip.
 
That's the way I was taught originally, but I was taught the above method later, which was supposed to help cut down on fine motor skills in a stressful environment. I don't know how well it works for that - I only used it in training and competetion. :)
But it did work quite well for those.
 
I have always used the method per earplug's post ........ but reckon in fact that much is down to familiarity of operation. By that I mean .... having done the way that works for so long - it does not IMO require fine motor skills - it is so imprinted. I started learning speedloading about 30 plus years ago.

Armoredman's method (thx for the pics) is also very valid ... and I'd suggest to anyone starting off - try all methods and see what seems to ''flow'' for you. It's the old cherry - what works for the individual IMO.
 
I like to:
-unlock the cylinder with my right thumb
-push the cylinder open and hold the cylinder with my left hand fingers leaving the barrel pointed up (fingers reach through the frame)
-reach for the speedloader with my right hand
-hit the ejector with the bottom of my right hand (while holding the speedloader)
-turn the barrel down and insert speedloader

Holding the cylinder still with my left fingers helps me align the speedloader.

I'm gonna try the Ayoob method and see how that works for me.
 
If I get a chance I'll try and post pictures of left handed speedloading techniques for anyone interested.

The description runs like this,
1) Revolver in left hand, Press cylinder release with left index finger.
2) Thumb of right hand pushes cylinder open and follows through. Open pistol is now "hanging" from your right thumb.
3) Let go of grip with left hand and retrieve speedloader from belt pouch.
4) Hit ejector with your first two right hand fingers (simply curl them down).
5) Rotate right hand forward (this brings the gun barrel down).
6) Insert speedload rounds.
7) Drop speedloader.
8) Grab grip with left hand.
9) Use right fingers to snap cylinder closed.

Sounds complicated but seriously I could do it WAY faster than right handed people back when I practiced it frequently. One of the few times a lefty had a distinct advantage.
 
Now that would be very interesting to see done, ZeSpectre. :)
I am going to start carrying this fine wheelie when i get the accessories to do so.:cool:
 
Speedloading for a southpaw

Okay, first time trying to link to video so I hope this works.
Also, I don't have any speedloaders for the revolver I had on hand so pretend along with me. :rolleyes:

Video one... The slow-mo version showing the stages of a "lefty" reload.
http://s17.photobucket.com/albums/b66/zespectre/?action=view&current=Example04_slow.flv

and Video two... Showing me performing this at full speed. I really can do it this fast or faster with an actual reloader and under stress conditions but I've also had a lot of practice.
http://s17.photobucket.com/albums/b66/zespectre/?action=view&current=Example03_Fast.flv

Sorry for the crappy quality, I had to recompress the heck out of the video for space reasons.
 
That's roughly the way I do it, but I don't like the way you are holding the gun. It's too easy to allow the cylinder to wiggle around or move back into the frame slightly, slowing you down.

Try this hold instead:
attachment.php


The middle two fingers of your left hand pops the cylinder out as you said, but then you wrap those fingers firmly around the cylinder so the cylinder stays out while dumping the rounds.

Flip the gun back over so it is pointed downward (gravity is your friend) and anchor it to your midline, just above your belt:

attachment.php


And guide the rounds in with two fingers aligned with two of the rounds:

attachment.php


More details here.

The big advantage of this process is not speed (although it is very fast when done right and well practiced). The big advantage is that it is certain. You can do it in the dark, or with your eyes fixed firmly on the threat. And inverting the gun with the cylinder held firmly, using your palm to strike the ejector, guarantees that you will have no difficulty with stuck cases and no need to fiddle with "brushing away" cases that fail to move out of the way before you can reload. You are least likely to get a case caught underneath the star, too.

It's just a very, very sure way to reload the gun under any circumstance.

pax
 

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armoredman,
Great Thread! Thanks for posting it.

Everyone, thanks for pictures, descriptions and links. I have forward a link to this thread to others.

Left Handed version is much appreciated as well, awaiting pics for that one please.
 
Thanks, sm. Thank you, Pax, I will try that. The other I used for years, so the old saw about old dogs and new tricks comes to mind...but I will give 'er a try!;)
 
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