SP101 Speedloader

[snakyjake]

What should I know about speedloaders and the Ruger SP101?
What are the options for speedloading the Ruger SP101?
How would you rank those options?

Safariland looks good, but not offered for the SP101. Anyone know why not?

HKS has 36-A.

Moonclips?

Others?

Thanks,
Jake

 

[MrBorland]

You can at least get a Safariland CompI for an SP101:

http://speedloaderstore.com/contents/en-us/d45.html

I don't own an SP101, but my bet is that it has the same chamber spacing as a j-frame, in which, it's the same speedloader.

While Safariland doesn't make a 5-shot CompIII, Buffer Technologies make a 5-shot Jetloader that'll fit an SP101. You can get them from Power Custom.

CompIIIs & Jetloaders aren't as carry-able as CompIs & IIs, but for competition and general range use, they rule. I use Jetloaders, and can recommend them if they fit your application.

You can also get SL Variant speedloaders for the SP101 from Bob Macs. SL Variants can be tough to find, and Bob Macs runs out occasionally as well. They are push-release as well, and like the CompIII/Jetloader, are spring-activated. You can also buy an extended handle for them, so they can be used in carry (without the handle) or competition/fun (with the handle) mode.

If you like the twist-release type of speedloader, and want a little bling, check out the 5-shot speedloader from 5Star.

You can get the cylinder machined to accept moonclips. TK Custom specializes in this, and has moonclips for the SP101. The cylinder is machined so that you can still use (and unload) the gun without moonclips. There are a number of considerations in going this route, and given that there are several speedloader options available, it's something I'd consider only if my primary interest is having my gun converted.

 

[Dogguy]

The SP101 uses the same HKS speed loader as the Smith J-frames. Presumably any made for J-frames should also fit the SP101. But check to be sure.

I've pretty much abandoned using speed loaders in favor of Bianchi speed strips. They're flatter and carry better in my pockets.

 

[weregunner]

I would stay away from the SafariLand Comp 1 as those have had the springs fail or the cartridges fall out with little pressure being put on the back of the speedloaders.

The Safariland Comp IIs are okay and reliable.

HKS speedloaders are what I use for my revolvers from Ruger and Taurus. No problems what so ever over 20+ years of use.

Bianchi Speedstrips or Tuff Products Quickstrips carry 6-8 cartridges. There are slim pouches to carry one or several strips. As stated already the strips mean the ammo lies flat to the body. Sure,it is a bit harder to load from QUICKLY, but with practice you can strip cartridges 1 or 2 at a time into the cylinder of the revolver.

Carry a mix. A speedstrip and a speedloader or a mixture of your choice.

Galco makes a 2x2x2 pouch that holds six additional rounds. What this allows is one to shoot two rounds, replace the two shot, and shoot two more rounds.

This means opening the cylinder, tilting the gun so the barrel is pointed at the ground, lifting the ejector rod about halfway up and let it drop back down.

The empties stick out and then are flicked out with the fingers or finger nails. Then two rounds can be put into the cylinder. This takes some practice and time to learn, but is fast with practice.

Ed Lovette's book, " Snubby Revolver: The ECQ, Backup, and Concealed Carry Standard [Paperback], is a must read. This book has all the tactics and ABCs of snub revolver carry and use. I recommend it.

 

[Lucky Derby]

I use both speed strips and HKS loaders. I want to try the 5 star but havn't gotten around to it. I don't use the Safariland because they don't make them for all the guns/calibers I shoot. I don't want to have to use different systems with different guns.

 

[colt1911fan]

5 star firearms carries aircraft grade aluminum speed loader for the SP101 I like em.
Here's the link for them http://www.5starfirearms.com/357_j.html I have some for my taurus 44 and my GP100 and they work great