Sixgun Speedloading for Southpaws

[ZeSpectre]

Thought I'd post this in case it'll be of use to anyone out there.

SouthPaw Speedloading Drill

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.

First the "slow-motion" version of the steps above.
(Sorry, I don't have a speedloader for this gun so please use your imagination)
http://s17.photobucket.com/albums/b66/zespectre/?action=view&current=Example04_slow.flv

Now showing it at full speed.
http://s17.photobucket.com/albums/b66/zespectre/?action=view&current=Example03_Fast.flv

 

[Smurfslayer]

Why not simply use your left thumb on the cylinder release instead?

I've found this much faster for me... Practice it slowly first, then gradually add speed.

 

[ZeSpectre]

Because it doesn't work for me. Too far to reach with a hand I want to do something else with (namely hook that thumb through the frame).

Not saying your way is better or worse, just saying the method that works for me.

Of course I'm still trying to get used to the Security Six button moving BACK not forwards so that's messing me up a little.

 

[Trebor]

A leftie can also reach over the top of the gun and use the right thumb to push the cylinder release forward (or backward, or in, whatever).

Try it and see if it works for you.

 

[sm]

ZeSpectre,

Thank you so much for posting this thread.

Folks, we really could use this Thread for Left Handed folks.
I already sent links to quite a few folks on the other thread, with Pictures for Right Handed Folks.

Pictures please. More quality input please.

Steve

 

[ZeSpectre]

SouthPaw Speedloading Drill (with photos)

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. At the same time hit ejector with your first two right hand fingers (simply curl them down).


4) Rotate right hand forward (this brings the gun barrel down) and insert speedload rounds.


5) Drop speedloader. Grab grip with left hand and use right fingers to snap cylinder closed.


And you are back in action.

 

[ZeSpectre]

Now I have a question, did I invent a new technique? (Well, it wouldn't be new as I've been doing it for almost 20 years at this point) If so can we call it the "Hawley" technique???? It'd be really cool to have something named after me

 

[Sistema1927]

I am a southpaw, but your technique seems a bit awkward for me.

I use the right thumb for the cylinder release, and the left fingers to open the cylinder. In the process the left hand cradles the weapon and the left thumb is used to eject to eject the empties while the right hand retrieves the speedloader. I have been doing this for more than 30 years, and I don't know how I could speed it up more than it already is.

This also mimics my semi-auto reload with the spares carried on the right side except that the left index finger works the mag release.

 

[Blade37db]

As a fellow southpaw who has only been shooting for 2 years, this is exactly how I taught myself to do it. It seems to work best for me as well.

 

[ZeSpectre]

Sistema1927,
I've tried it that way but my left wrist never wants to twist far enough away from my body to create an easy loading angle. As I mentioned before, not saying mine is the only way, or even the best way, just "a" way.

 

[sm]

ZeSpectre,

Thank You!

Staff/Mods Please Please Please Sticky this thread and the other thread for Right handed folks.
In fact, I would suggest these both being in Library.

Steve

 

[TonyB]

OK,gotta try it..I now switch hands first and open the cylinder w/ my right hand,then push extractor w/ my left,then grab loader w/ left.But I could save a step by pushing extractor w/ right hand.....mmmmm.....got me thinking.
One reason why we lefties are going to take over.....we can adapt....

 

[tinygnat219]

Them's some hairy arms Zespectre! be sure the hair doesn't get caught when you close the cylinder.

 

[Dave Markowitz]

My technique is similar to ZeSpectre's, except that instead of using my left index finger to unlatch the cylinder, I bring my left thumb over the back of the piece and use that. This feels more natural to me.

 

[ZeSpectre]

I use my thumb as well on guns that the release slides forward (Smith & Wesson) the index finger bit is for my Ruger Security Six which swivels backwards. About my only complaint with that gun is I wish the cyl release button was BIGGER <grin>.

 

[Rexster]

Viable technique, but I would still prefer to "spank the baby" when hitting the ejector rod, to ensure reluctant cases are forced out. I will try this later, at home, because I like to give all good techniques a try. Thanks!

 

[BikerRN]

I too am a leftie and have been doing something very similar for the past 20+ years.

The only difference between your method and mine is, I "spank" the Ejector Rod with my left hand. This helps to ensure that I do in fact manipulate the Ejector Rod and that I get a full ejector stroke to help get the empties out of the Cylinder. Maybe it's just me, but trying to work the Ejector Rod with a thumb or finger is like trying to "find a needle in a haystack" when I'm shooting fast. The dang thing is too small and too easy to miss.

Thanks for posting this technique, it's very viable. As far as naming it, Hawley's Method sounds good to me.

BikerRN