When I jumped headfirst in the world of wheel-fed guns, I knew I had to get good at reloads, and I knew that required a speedloader. I already owned a couple of HKSs and was thoroughly unimpressed with the “speed” claim in the name, and the multiple motions required to work them. The first speedloader I really learned to appreciate was the Safariland Comp II. This loader has also earned a ton respect from revolver guys who are far more accomplished than I. Continue reading “The Safariland Comp II Speedloader”
Category: Accessories
Dicussion of sights, springs, overtravel stops, and other miscellanea.
The Gunsite Training Center Loader
The previous article on classic speedloaders generated some interest, and a fortunate spinoff for the RevolverGuy audience is that Mr. Bert DuVernay, former Director of the Smith & Wesson Academy, was kind enough to loan us some other, lesser-known, designs for examination. One of these was the Gunsite Training Center loader. Continue reading “The Gunsite Training Center Loader”
Dark Star Gear J-Frame AIWB Holster Review
I mentioned a while back that I have been working with appendix carry. I recently purchased a Dark Star Gear J-Frame AIWB holster. Dark Star Gear products generally get very good reviews, so I was anxious to try this one out. After a few weeks of working with it, here is my review: Continue reading “Dark Star Gear J-Frame AIWB Holster Review”
Blast from the Past: Popular Police Speedloaders of the 1970s
In the early moments of 6 April 1970, a desperate gun battle erupted between officers of the California Highway Patrol and two heavily armed felons in the unincorporated city of Newhall, California. The felons killed four officers, making the “Newhall Shooting” one of the most deadly law enforcement gunfights of the modern era, and the most deadly in the history of the California Highway Patrol (CHP).
The last officer slain by the felons was killed while attempting to reload his revolver and get back into the fight. Officer James E. Pence, Jr. had just completed filling the cylinder of his Colt Python with loose cartridges from his dump pouch, and was in the process of closing the cylinder, when he was killed with an execution-style shot to the back of his head. Continue reading “Blast from the Past: Popular Police Speedloaders of the 1970s”
Speedloader Pouch Perfection: JOX Loader Pouches
As I have mentioned in several blog posts, I have been on the hunt for the perfect speedloader pouch. Finding a good pouch is a process. Speedloader pouches are not one-size-fits-all. You have to know the gun you will be working with, as well as the speedloader you plan to use, then find one that works for you. Fortunately, I recently ran across JOX Loader Pouches made by Nick Jacques. As soon as I saw them I knew I had to get a couple on order. Continue reading “Speedloader Pouch Perfection: JOX Loader Pouches”
A Look at the JetLoader Speedloader
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. Continue reading “A Look at the JetLoader Speedloader”
Ready Tactical Speedloader Holders
If you are carrying a revolver for self-defense, competition, as a trail gun, or for just about any other purpose, a reload is a good idea. The best reload for a revolver (other than a second revolver, of course) is a speedloader, and speedloaders are best carried in dedicated holders. I am on the hunt for the perfect speedloader holder, so I recently purchased a few Ready Tactical Speedloader Holders to try out.
J-Frame Carry: Galco Tuck N Go IWB
I was recently at a the range with Chris Baker of the Lucky Gunner Lounge. He asked me how I carried my 640 Pro. Somewhat sheepishly I pulled a sweat-stained Galco Tuck N Go out of my bag. “It doesn’t look like much,” I began apologetically, and quickly trailed off. After thinking about for a second I said, “but, it actually works pretty well.” Continue reading “J-Frame Carry: Galco Tuck N Go IWB”
The Mythical S.L. Variant Speed Loader
The world of revolver speedloaders is a tough one. Selecting a speedloader is usually some sort of a compromise. I am here to tell you that the absolute best speedloader *not* on the market is the S.L. Variant speedloader. Continue reading “The Mythical S.L. Variant Speed Loader”
Apex Duty-Carry Spring Kit Review
When I initally pulled my 640 Pro Series out of the box I was in love. That feeling only lasted until the first time I pulled the trigger. Even though this is a Pro Series gun, the trigger was abysmal (read: about average for a J-Frame). Attempting to test its weight on my Lyman trigger pull gauge was futile. I received the dreaded “overload” message; the trigger pull exceeded the gauge’s 12-lb capacity. Needing badly to lighten it, I purchased the Apex Duty-Carry Spring Kit from Apex Tactical Specialties.