Speed loader or speed strip which if better?

[megatronrules]

I am using a speed loader now to carry spare ammo for my snubnose revolvers I use for CCW. I have seen alot of people use the speed strips and even say they are faster than speed loaders once you get used to useing them. my question is are these really as fast as speed loaders or are they just a better less bulky( i.e. flatter) way to carry spare ammo? lastely which do you prefer and where can I get some of these?

 

[twowheel]

I have some of both and can't imagine how a speed strip can be faster than the speed loader. I carry speed strips for CCW because they are flat and fit a pocket easily. Speed loader used for target shooting. No matter how much I practice with the speed strip, I can't load any of my S&W's faster than with the spped loader. If anyone has a technique for speed, I'm ready to try.

 

[rappa]

I carry speed strips for CCW because they are flat and fit a pocket easily. Speed loader used for target shooting.

Ditto. In addition, I keep a strip in my car and a speedloader on my nightstand.

Although the speed strips are not so 'speedy' for me, I like them. You can carry a bunch of them because they're flat. 3 speed strips in your pocket is like 3 packs of gum. 3 speedloaders in your pocket is like 3 golf balls!

 

[Quantrill]

Speed Loader - my vote Quantrill

 

[DMK]

I find that with at least one of my guns, the speedloader tends to get hung up on the wood stock (they worked fine with the ugly Pachmyre that was on there when I bought it, but I like the wood stock better). So for that gun, the speed strips are faster.

 

[Okiecruffler]

I always carry one speedloader and 2 speed strips. If someone can load faster with strips, I wish they'd show me their technique. I can't get much faster than loading with loose ammo, the strips just keep everything in one place so I don't have to dig for it.

 

[Boats]

With all due respect, if you think you are ever going to need a "speed reload" of your CCW revolver or home defense wheelgun, you should probably opt for the higher capacity typical of a similarly sized autopistol for CCW and go with a longer gun at home.

While I rarely carry my revolver, when I do, I carry one speed strip. I have no illusions about reloading anywhere but behind hard cover, and then only if I can't break contact. The reasons I decided on a speed strip were it's comparative flatness, and its ability to better facilitate a partial reload if circumstances permit it.

All things being equal, I still carry a 1911 with one spare mag. At home my shotgun is option numero uno.

 

[rappa]

With all due respect, if you think you are ever going to need a "speed reload" of your CCW revolver or home defense wheelgun, you should probably opt for the higher capacity typical of a similarly sized autopistol for CCW and go with a longer gun at home.

Personally, I don't think that. My wheelie isn't my primary CCW and definitely not my HD.

I carry a .45 with a spare mag or with my 642 (BUG). The 870 is at bedside with my .45 and the 642 is nearby under the bed.

My 642 is always on or around me so I have speed strips and speed loaders always on or around me as well.

 

[Boats]

Well my larger point was that a reload on a CCW or a HD gun is likely a recipie for an automatic grand jury proceeding in most jurisdictions.

 

[45+]

I prefer speed strips or even loops, with one speedloader.

The speedloader is faster for most folks for a FULL RELOAD. If you shoot dry and need a reload, this is way to do it.

But I was trained (Reserve LE) long ago to use every lull in firing to do a tactical reload of your revolver, and RETAIN ALL AMMO for use. If possible fire two, reload two UNDER COVER, fire two, reload two, etc. This process is relatively quick with loops or speed strips and virtually impossible with speed loaders unless you dump good rounds on the ground or in your hand (now what?) and reload all six (five, or seven) at once.

This tactical reload keeps your revolver "topped off" if things ever really go south and provides maximum firepower at any given moment if you are rushed. We were a long way from backup, and the ammo we had with us was likely to be all there would be, so dumping rounds on the ground was not a wise thing in most circumstances.

Although the defensive nature of ccw response is somewhat different, I still find this technique useful. After the initial go-round, if still in the fight I want to move to hard cover and reload, or break off the engagement. If I cannot leave safely, then I want to be ready to continue the fight until the advesaries are unable or unwilling to continue and/or persue.

I prefer my Glock 21 and a BUG, over a snub revolver only, but occaisionally the snub is all that can be toted along. I still practice these revolver skills for use when the BUG or the snub is what I have to continue the fight.

 

[Okiecruffler]

My wheelgun is my primary carry gun, in fact it's usually my only gun carried. I used to carry autos, but I'm more acurate, and therefore more comfortable with my revolvers. I don't think I'lll ever need more than 5 rds (I lead a rather boring safe life) but what the hay, I might be somewhere wher I can get in some target practice.

 

[Plinkerton]

45+, I was curious how you reload some of the chambers, without dumping the existing rounds out?

Do you use the extractor just enough to grab those 2 rounds you may have shot?

Just curious.

 

[Ant Mod]

I find that with at least one of my guns, the speedloader tends to get hung up on the wood stock (they worked fine with the ugly Pachmyre that was on there when I bought it, but I like the wood stock better). So for that gun, the speed strips are faster.

Hey me too. I just thought I was inept and doing something wrong as usual.

 

[TallPine]

But I was trained (Reserve LE) long ago to use every lull in firing to do a tactical reload of your revolver, and RETAIN ALL AMMO for use. If possible fire two, reload two UNDER COVER, fire two, reload two, etc.

The surprising thing is that a single action revolver would seem to actually work better under those conditions: open the gate, rotate cylinder until you see a dented primer, singly eject that cartridge with the push rod, and insert a live round from a loop on your belt (you are wearing an ammo belt aren't you? )

Of course, all the time you are doing this you are hiding behind a big red rock ....

 

[45+]

Plinkerton - use the extractor to raise all rounds about 3/8", then let it back down. Usually, the fired rounds will stay up for pulling out with two or three fingers, and the rest will drop back into the cylinder. If not, try another ammo until you find one that consistently works.

Tallpine - This technique will work okay with a single action. Not suggesting that as primary carry or the fastest tactic, but if that is what you have (while in the woods with a RBH and two-legged varmits attack) you gotta go with what you have.

I did mention that this works with loops, didn't I? That could be a cartridge belt, or like Texas DPS used to have 357's and 12 loops on their gun belt.

Standing around doing anything in a gun fight (including reloading with any system) while not behind hard cover is daaaangerous business. Moving to hard cover during the initial do-se-do may be enough to encourage the varmits to locate a "softer" target.

The best to ya,
45+

 

[DMK]

Well my larger point was that a reload on a CCW or a HD gun is likely a recipie for an automatic grand jury proceeding in most jurisdictions.

So what is the alternative? After I fire off all five shots, I call empty and everybody else will give up and go home?

 

[christophera]

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So what is the alternative? After I fire off all five shots, I call empty and everybody else will give up and go home?
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LOL
Jack...I brought the wrong ammo Jack!

So what are we supposed to do...throw snowballs at each other?

 

[L-Frame]

I have no problem carrying a 7 shot speedloader in my front pocket. It is considerably faster than a speedstrip.

 

[Boats]

If you fired off all five and the fight is still going, you should have carried something with more capacity is what I am saying. I carry, as I mentioned, a reload for my revolver, but I'd be loathe to use it unless I couldn't break contact.

Your "job" as a non-LEO CCW'er is not to press the fight. In most states, when you are not in your own home you are under a duty to retreat when it is reasonably safe to do so. Of course, I am not advocating a one-size-fits-all answer here so don't take it as one. If you need to reload a five shot piece, bang away.

 

[rappa]

Your "job" as a non-LEO CCW'er is not to press the fight. In most states, when you are not in your own home you are under a duty to retreat when it is reasonably safe to do so.

Agreed. I'm just a regular Joe. Regardless of what I'm carrying, if I can create some daylight w\1 or 2 shots, I'm getting the hell out of dodge the first chance I get!

 

[DMK]

If you fired off all five and the fight is still going, you should have carried something with more capacity is what I am saying.

Yea, you probably should have had a carbine, but since all you have with you is the revolver, a reload would be more helpful than throwing the empty gun at them. Arguing with the DA about it later in court is preferable to being dead or crippled. Sure defending yourself in court is expensive, but so are medical bills and prescription medications. If you get yourself into a life or death situation that bad, there isn't going to be an easy way out.

I carry, as I mentioned, a reload for my revolver, but I'd be loathe to use it unless I couldn't break contact. Your "job" as a non-LEO CCW'er is not to press the fight. In most states, when you are not in your own home you are under a duty to retreat when it is reasonably safe to do so.

I agree. If you had the option to retreat/break contact, you should have done it before even drawing your revolver.

 

[9mmepiphany]

the only reloading device for the wheelgun that is faster than a good speedloader, given properly fitted/cleared stocks, is the moon clip. the speedloader is faster that half-moon clips (just barely if you are using the HKS brand)

the advantage of the speedstrip is the flatness of the way it carries, and organises, the spare ammo. you can reload out of loops or pouches, depending on the maker, almost as fast as a speedstrip...but you'd look funny with loops on your dress belt..

the way i was taught the"tactical reload" with a wheelgun:
1. take cover
2. dump all the rounds in the gun and reload with your speedloader
3. check your situation
4. pickup you unspent ammo (they are heavier) and put them in your pocket for later

 

[FPrice]

I carry a speed strip with six rounds for my five-shot revolver. It conceals well and allows a tactical reload if I have the presence of mind to do so.

 

[GunGeek]

I bougt a speedloader and 2 speed strips for my new SP-101, after reading up a little on how to use each here is what I found.

Speedloader - sucks on an SP-101, gets stuck on the grip, you pretty much get just the bullet heads in, release the rounds and try to shake them so the all fall in place. Easy in practice but could be a nightmare under pressure.

Speed strips - first time I went to try load with speedstrips ever I instinctivly loaded 2 CHAMERS AT THE SAME TIME, was the weirdest thing, in a split second my brain figured out the rounds were the perfect distance apart for both to go in at once, I didn't even think about it. About the same speed as a speedloader after the shaking, but with the fact the grip gets in the way of truely using the speedloader I'm gonna stick with the strips for now. Much nicer to carry too, anyone know of good belt pouches for strips?

Course a gun that accepts a speedloader better could be a totally diffrent story.

The whole strip thing still freaks me out when I think about it, I have shot auto's for years and had combat training, but this is the first time I've ever even shot a revolver.

EDIT: Since I wrote this and have been reading more I found out that 2 rounds at a time is the proper way to do it, atleast it came natural to me.

 

[45+]

9mmepiphany - that is certainly a workable tactic of doing a dump and reloading with speedloader, then pick up the loose ones on the ground. Especially if you have fired more than 1/2 the capacity of the gun and need a full gun NOW! It is also easier to execute.

But if you are on the move or in a blackberry patch, there may be no opportunity to pick up those good rounds from the ground. Also, carrying one speedloader for a five shot gives you 10 rounds total. That should be more than plenty, but what if you dump three good rounds on the ground and reload with the last five giving you only 7 shots total, if you cannot retrieve the rounds on the ground. I like your technique better with a 6 or 7 shot revolver and two or more speed loaders.

I do not think it is unreasonable to carry both speedloaders and speed strips, and practice both techniques, just like I practice both strong and weak handed shooting.

Best to ya,
45+