The search for the perfect revolver speedloader continues. While pretty much perfect in a vacuum, the S.L. Variant usually fails the test of “real life”. It is hard to find and extremely expensive if you do. For the past few weeks I have been working with another loader, the JetLoader Speedloader.
The JetLoader Speedloader
The Austrian-made JetLoader looks somewhat inelegant with its exposed spring. However, the spring is crucial to the operation of the loader. When released, the spring powers a plunger that propels individual rounds in the chambers. This is one of the very few speedloaders that offer positive loading rather than relying on gravity to feed rounds.
Note that unlike the S.L. Variant, each chamber is not individually spring-loaded. The center post has tabs (not visible in the photo below) that address the inner edge of each cartridge rim. While this does provide some forward propulsion, its not quite on par with the individually-sprung chambers of the S.L.
Loading the JetLoader is an uncomplicated affair. First, invert the loader and drop the rounds into the chambers. Next, hold them firmly with the palm of your hand and press down on the knob. When you have depressed it fully, a slight clockwise rotation locks it into place.
The JetLoader is intended to be grasped by the knob. When the center post (inside the ring of cartridges) is depressed by the cylinder’s center pin, the cartridges are released.
I still don’t have as much experience with this loader as I do with the S.L.V., but I’m working on it. Overall I find the Jetloader speedloader easy to use, due largely to its similarity with my preferred loader.
Availability: The JetLoader is currently available in three models: JetLoader J, Jetloader K, and JetLoader L. As you can imagine, the “J/K/L” designation corresponds with Smith & Wesson frame sizes. The “J”-model works with five-shot J-Frames as well as the Ruger SP101. The K model supports S&W K-Frames, and the big one works with 6-shot Smith L-Frames and the Ruger GP100. JetLoader speedloaders cost $25 (pistoleer.com) and lately all models have been in stock.
The Bottom Line
The JetLoader speedloader has become my “go-to” reloading device. Though I don’t like it quite as much as the S.L. Variant, it is much more available and at a more affordable price. It isn’t much larger than the S.L., and it offers positive loading, forcing each round into its chamber. If you’re looking for loaders for defensive use, I am confident in recommending the JetLoader speedloader. In fact, I now carry a JetLoader on a daily basis, in addition to a Bianchi Speed Strip.
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Seems to be very similar to the Safariland Comp III, but in a smaller package.
My favorite loader is the Dade, but it has problems retaining rounds, so I don’t carry it.
Justin, how do you carry this loader? Does it fit pouches designed for other loaders (Safariland, etc.)? Great photos, buddy!
Mike
Mike,
Thank you! It does fit in most pouches intended for the S.L.V. and Comp III. I have a review coming up soon of my new preferred speedloader pouch.
Thanks again,
Justin
Justin, I have been using Jetloaders for years and every so often they would bind cartridge release during loading. Much to my surprise when I RTFM’d I found out you should not hold the cylinder during loading. Keeping your fingers off the cylinder allows it to torque during the cartridge release! Now it is even more consistent and faster.
Interesting.
The Safariland Comp 3 accomplishes this same thing in reverse by covering the spring with a free spinning piece of plastic allowing the loader to torque while you hold onto the cylinder.
Ha! Now there’s an idea . . . RTFM. Thanks to you Dean, we don’t have to now! Crisis averted.
Glad to see you here on RevolverGuy. Please help us convert all those square gun-only sinners out there by spreading the word. Be safe.
I am interested in the JLF Jet Loader for a S&W 642 with a Hogue grip. After looking at all the terms at pistoleer.com I am a little reluctant to order it considering shipping costs and disclaimers. Have you tried the JLF with Hogue grips. Looks like a lot of hassle if it is not a good fit. Are there other dealers who handle this product. Thanks.
Joseph, welcome aboard! I haven’t tried the JetLoader with Hogues, but if there’s some interference you can fix it with a little sandpaper and elbow grease. We have an article in the queue that will show how I modified some stocks for my K6s to accept speedloaders. If you want to use the JetLoader, I’d buy one and give it a try. Easy fix if it doesn’t fit.
Dean,
That is excellent information. That being said I may have to modify my technique a little bit and see what happens. I’ve occasionally had a single cartridge not seat, but it usually either comes out with the loader or falls in when the loader is removed. I assumed this was due to dirty chambers or some very slightly misalignment of the loader but I might be wrong.
Thank you for taking the time to write in – I’m going to mess around with this,
Justin