Speed Loader vs Strips

[8830]

I've used both and practiced with both at the range. Speedloaders win hands down. They are easy to use and while harder to conceal in your pocket there are belt carriers for them. I normally carry a speedloader and two speedstrips in the same pocket.

The speedstrips do have a place in that they back up the speedloader. I have had ammo come off the strip while pulling it out of my pocket so be sure to practice alot with them if this is your preferred method of carry. Dump pouches are another option to carrying a speedstrip since the whole strip fits in most of them and you don't have any loose rounds to deal with.

 

[wheelgunslinger]

"The fight is going to start and end with what you have in the gun.Why do you think you're going to solve the problem with the second five if you have'nt solve it with the first five." Walt Rauch

Because stuff happens.

 

[GTSteve03]

Speed Strips for a 5-shot, concealable snubby like my SP101. They hide better and are still fast enough for me.

Speed Loaders for a 6-shot, full-size OWB carried revolver like a GP100. Since they're bulkier but you're carrying openly anyway, might as well get the quicker reload.

So, to answer your poll, both.

 

[41magsnub]

I put strips since on my Security Six with my grips the speed loaders don't fit anymore, bought some speed strips and like them well enough.

 

[doc540]

My particular circumstances dictate that I carry in deep cover.

That being the case, try imagining which is easier to conceal: speed loader or speed strip.

"The fight is going to start and end with what you have in the gun.Why do you think you're going to solve the problem with the second five if you have'nt solve it with the first five." Walt Rauch

Ah, to live the charmed life of a Walt with problems only presented singularly.

 

[Cosmoline]

Safariland speedloaders are the best I know of. Since I started using them nothing else will do.

 

[Murdock]

I have both speed loaders and strips

I have no trouble carrying a speedloader, and I can't even remember where the strips are.

 

[kmrcstintn]

I can't vote either way since I have both; my CCW spare carry is Bianchi Speed Strip since they are easier to carry; my HD spare carry is SafariLand speedloaders

 

[Feanaro]

I carry a lot of things in my pockets and a reload there adds bulk without being really useful. I'm just as likely to pull out a pair of small pliers, a wad of 1's, a mess of guitar picks, a glass slide, a knife, etc as I am to come up with a reload. The position isn't consistent either. So if pockets are out of the question, I might as well use speedloaders.

The downside with speed loaders is... they almost have to be carried on the strong side.

Another reason why I favor the left handed reload for revolver speedloaders.

 

[Dave85]

When I am carrying my Taurus M85 on my belt, I carry the HKS speedloader in a Safariland CD-6 clip-on holder on my weak-side hip. I wear it in the same spot where I carry the spare mag for my auto, and it hides just fine for me. This simplifies the process of remembering where everything is. However, as the revolver usually goes along in a pants pocket anymore, I admit I don't always carry a reload with me.

I have been meaning to pick up a speed strip to play with it. I am interested in how it would work for me. I understand that they are easier to use if you are performing a tactical reload.

 

[jhco]

speed loaders are faster but strips are more comfortable for carry

 

[nj.piney]

i carry my reloads in a 2X2 belt pouch,it lays flat and you can get very fast reloads loading two at a time.

 

[ronto]

I use both depending on season/mode of dress...Generally strip in Summer...Speed loader in Winter.

 

[Elmer]

"The fight is going to start and end with what you have in the gun.Why do you think you're going to solve the problem with the second five if you have'nt solve it with the first five." Walt Rauch"

Ah, to live the charmed life of a Walt with problems only presented singularly.

I guess we only have to load 5 rounds in our 1911's now too!

 

[mnw42]

Moon clips beats all

 

[AnthonyC.]

I am not sure how speed-strips work.....could sombody explain how you would use them to me?

Sorry about the noob question but I want to learn more and speed-strips have never made sense to me.

 

[Vern Humphrey]

"The fight is going to start and end with what you have in the gun.Why do you think you're going to solve the problem with the second five if you have'nt solve it with the first five." Walt Rauch"

For what it's worth, my father knew Bill Tilghman, the famous Marshal of the Last Frontier and one of Oklahoma's Three Guardsmen. Dad was a highway cop when Grandpa was killed in the line of duty and took over his job, so he actually worked with Uncle Billy for a while. And my grandfather and Great Uncle Neal also worked with him. Dad had many stories about Uncle Billy -- who often stopped at the farm when he was in the vicinity.

One story was that Savage tried to get old western lawmen to adopt their automatic. They explained their motto, "Ten shots quick."

And Uncle Billy said, "It's been my experience that if you can't do it with six, you can't do it."

 

[Elmer]

And Uncle Billy said, "It's been my experience that if you can't do it with six, you can't do it."

"Uncle Billy's" experience, though he was certainly no stranger to a gunfight, wouldn't be vast enough to convince me I'm never going to need to reload......

 

[Vern Humphrey]

I agree -- but his point was, to win a fight, you have to get solid hits from your first cylinderful.

 

[Phil DeGraves]

I prefer the HKS Speedloader; I am much faster with those than any equivalent revolver system, but to each his own.

 

[Feanaro]

I am not sure how speed-strips work.....could sombody explain how you would use them to me?

http://www.thehighroad.org/showpost.php?p=2562415&postcount=19

Remember grasshoppa, the search tool is your friend.

 

[Vern Humphrey]

Quick answer -- two points determine a straight line. So two cartridges (properly spaced) will fit the chambers of a cylinder. You load two chambers at a time with a speed loader.

You also don't have to fumble for cartridges, reach back in your pocket or pouch for the next pair to load, or drop them from your over-taxed hand.

 

[Trebor]

That "Second Six" speed loader carrier from DeSantis looks nice.

I just called them and they said it won't work with Safariland loaders and they don't make a version for the Safariland loaders.

Bummer, that, as I've been switching to the Comp II's.

 

[Camjr]

When the 642 is being pocket carried, space is at a premium. Speed strips for me

 

[The_Shootist]

Another Vote for S/L's

Whether I carry my M85 in my pocket or my SP 101 or 686+ IWB on the right side 2 s/l's come along in a nylon double speedloader carrier attached to the belt on the left side. I just leave it there so before I go out the door, pull my shorts on, pull a t-shirt untucked and stuff the revolver in my pocket or IWB. I'm good to go.

I honestly don't think a double pouch speedloader under a shirt bulges much more than a cell phone / PDA or any of the gadgets people tote around these days.

I guess thats why modern times are a boon to CHL holders - if a bulge prints under you shirt most people are likely to think you are just technically savvy