Speed Loader Snags on Grips (S&W 60)

[Black Butte]

OK, so here's the skinny: A female friend of mine picked up a S&W model 60 primarily for home protection. I gave her an HKS speed loader as a gift, but it doesn't work. The cylinder on the model 60 opens really close to the frame, and the rubber grips are wide enough that you can't come straight in with the cartridges placed in the speed loader. The fit of the grips in her hand is her favorite feature on the revolver, so she will not be willing to part with them. Anybody else have the model 60 pictured below? If so, did you have difficulties with the HKS speed loader as well?

 

[RetDep310]

Had a set of those grips on a j-frame I had, and speedloaders would not fit either. I have yet to find a stock pair of Smith grips that allows speedloaders to work. You might try a pair of Hogue Monogrips. They are about the same size and shape as the Smith grips, but allow use of the speedloaders.

 

[Haywood]

Same people have said they grind away enough material to clear Speed Loaders.

 

[Swing]

I have the same problem on my Taurus 605. The speed strips were a work around.

 

[25cschaefer]

My wife has a 5 shot Taurus snub and the HKS snags on the factory rubber grips, it can be faster than loading them singly but it is not for use in a home defense situation, we got speed strips until I can cut away some material. I am hesitant because they are rubber and I don't know how it will look, that and there isn't much there anywho.

 

[rcmodel]

Speed loaders barely fit a J-Frame with the old standard wood Magna grips.

They hit the thumb latch if they don't hit the grips.

I'd suggest some careful grinding out the rubber grip scallop to gain whatever clearance there is to gain.

Personally, I pretty much use Bianchi Speed-Strips like those shown above.
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/24...ial-and-357-magnum-package-of-2-plastic-black

They carry better & flatter in a pocket anyway.

rc

 

[absinthe]

HKS are the largest speedloaders. Have you tried any others? 5 Star's should work (they work in LCRs): http://www.5starfirearms.com/357_j_2.html

 

[9mmepiphany]

The fit of speedloaders on the J-frame is very tight to begin with. Trying to fit at anything short of a perfectly straight angle just makes it worst. I personally think the J-frame isn't a get choice for HD and would have gone with the larger K-frame...especially since you already have the longer barrel...with which speedloaders work great

I have a set of Hogue Batam grips and they'll clear if you get the correct angle. If that isn't an option, I'd start grinding on the raised edge interfering with the speedloader body.

The HKS speedloaders are smaller than the Safariland ones...but you might look into the ones by 5 Star. From what I've seen, don't own any...they make nice loaders. In any case, you should also look at getting some speed strips

 

[Black Butte]

Thanks Absinth. Before I take to grinding the grip, I'd like to give the 5-star speed loader a try. Has anyone used one successfully with the S&W 60 sporting the newer-style grip shown in the photo?

 

[dscampbell]

It is awkward but what worked for me was to angle in the speed loader and when the tips of the cartridges are in the chambers I turn the cylinder as I turn the speed loader release knob. But the speed strips are better and if you get a tuff quick strip with 8 round capacity you can have room to grab and control the strip better. Check out Mas Ayoob's video on YouTube on using speed strips.