I'm going to be getting a Smith & Wesson 629. What is the best speedloader to get?

Thanks and Merry Christmas!

HKS has been around a long time and work fine. They are very easy to fill and drop the rounds in under gravity. Safariland is a little trickier to fill but push the rounds into the chambers with springs. As long as the rim of the loader clears the cylinder latch, you'll be fine with either.

My take on speed loaders:

HKS and 5 Star - fine for general range use. Requires two motions to load cartridges - insert/twist. Relies on gravity to chamber the rounds, so the muzzle must be pointing down. BTW - 5-Star release knob rotates the opposite direction from the HKS loaders

Safariland Comp I & II - Better for carry applications where concealability and speed are a concern. Just requires firm insertion to release the cartridges - no separate twist motion. Release button bears against the extractor star to release. Still relies on gravity to chamber the rounds. The Comp I has no top knob and must be grasped by the sides. The Comp II has a top knob making it easier to remove the loader from the carry pouch.

Safariland Comp III and Jet Loader - Competition style speed loaders. Single motion (insertion) to release rounds. Loader is spring-loaded and pushes the rounds into the chamber - does not rely on gravity. Large top knob for easy grasp and removal from pouch (not suitable for CC).

Dade & SpeedBeez (Centerfire) - both of these have a coil spring, around the circumference of the body of the loader, that retains the rounds in the loader. The top knob pushes the cartridge rims past the spring into the chambers. Prone to losing cartridges if dropped - not real positive retention.

Variant SL - I've never seen these used, but from what I've heard these were excellent. Unfortunately, it appears that the lone importer for these is no longer bringing them into the country.

The loader you choose may be dependent on application (comp v. carry v. range) or availability of a particular loader for a particular cartridge/firearm combination, so optimum applications may not always be achievable.

As an alternative, companies like TKCustom can machine the revolver cylinder to accept moon clips without losing the ability to still use speed loaders or load rounds singly.

EDITED TO ADD: Someone is making Variant SL copies. I have not seen one of these either, nor do I know if they are on a par, "qualitywise" with the originals.

Adios,

Pizza Bob

I attended an excellent revolver “seminar” for lack of a better term- the revolver roundup at gunsite put on by a team of old school guys who were cops when the revolver was king. They were split about 50/50 on which they preferred HKs or safariland
The safariland is easier to load with no twist motion ( when using HKS you need to control cylinder motion to make sure you get the twist release to work) but the HKS has better cartridge retention if dropped. HKS probably a better choice for carrying loose in a pocket for example.
HKS are a bit cheaper and more commonly available and offer some that are not options for safariland in regards to gun models or calibers.

I have and use both and don’t really have a decided preference overall, though for bigger guns and reloading from a belt pouch I favor the safariland slightly. For out of the pocket with a snub I like HKS

HKS or Safariland, either or. And check with TUFF Products for speed strips. Not as quick as speed loaders, but easy to carry. MTM Molded Products makes 6 and 12 round flat plastic ammo cases that are pocket friendly for revolver reloads.

Whatever brand you settle on be aware that many grips interfere with the reloader, ie hogue grips catch and block the HKS reloader for my model60.

I have thought long and hard about having my revolvers set up for moonclips, but eventually talked myself out of them because I rarely carry the revolver for CCW. If I did, I might have it done. Moonclips are faster than any other device.

Some good info here
https://youtu.be/oXUwI_d8JlA?si=mfI_8pxt5l3fKJqA

It may be some trial and error to see what works best for you. Typically I've used Safariland Comp I's. I like the simplicity of loading without having to twist a knob. That said, I've encountered some difficulty on release with my 629 and the heave hard cast flat nosed loads that I carry when concerned about bears. They have a slightly longer overall length where the release on the extractor star isn't as strong due the rounds making contact with the chamber mouth.

My local holster maker carries 5 Star and I recently picked up a few for my 66 and 7 shot 686. They do have a twist to release rather than just a simple push. They also seem to be a little lighter and a little lower profile than the Safarilands.

I prefer the safariland to the HKS but have plenty of both. I have a moonclip cut 642 and carry with a moonclip for ease of ejection of the spent cases but have a safariland reload. I haven’t found a way that I like to carry moonclips concealed.

Another vote here for the HKS. I have some of the original metal ones that I have had since OL' Shep was a pup that have never failed. The method of having to turn the knob to release the rounds rather than push the button to release seems more secure. More than once I saw guys drop the push button ones and play pick up the bullets.

Also consider the ammunition you will be using. Although they are fine as the "in-gun" load, semi-wadcutter-shaped bullets, with a pronounced shoulder, will hang up going into the chambers. For speedloader use you want a jacketed soft or hollow point bullet.

Safariland Comp 1 would my choice. Hks are ok, but Safariland are much better in my opinion.




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Go with the Safariland. Way faster and not as complicated as you might think.

Having carried a revolver as a duty gun HKS all day every day. I tried Safariland offerings but they were not as fast or reliable as HKS. The push type once got a bit of sand in it and totally locked up. Another time I dropped one while reloading and the rounds went everywhere. The HKS went through more abuse and always functioned.

Anyone familiar with this product?
https://www.kaztac.com/product...oader-system-5-round
I stumbled upon it and considering ordering a couple when they are back in stock.

quote:

Originally posted by amc:
Anyone familiar with this product?
https://www.kaztac.com/product...oader-system-5-round
I stumbled upon it and considering ordering a couple when they are back in stock.

Total junk don’t bother. We tested them at a revolver seminar last month and they didn’t work well at all

Safariland Comp II. Comp I if concealment counts, but for a 629 that's not likely.

You're unlikely to carry any .44 Magnum concealed, but if you do, "speed strips" conceal much more easily than speedloaders. I can tell you .38 caliber speed strips fit nicely, hidden from view but with the little "tail" still sticking out so you can easily grab it, in blue jeans watch pockets.

I have 5 Star speed loaders for my 6,7, and 8 round revolvers and an HKS speed loader for my J-frame. They all work like they are supposed to but I do prefer the 5 Star speed loaders.

I guess I should add that I really prefer the moon clips for my 686+ and 327 PC over any speed loaders.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Ogie,

Is this for concealed carry?