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Quick Loading Rounds for Six-Shooters

Handguns retained as effective means for personal safety, boasting certain distinct advantages; yet, proficiency in specific tools and methods is crucial to their continued utility in confrontations.

Quick Loads for Six-Shooters
Quick Loads for Six-Shooters

Quick Loading Rounds for Six-Shooters

In the realm of firearms, revolvers remain a favored choice, particularly for those seeking a reliable option in harsh conditions. These classic weapons, renowned for their simplicity and durability, have witnessed a resurgence in popularity.

Speedloaders, a vital accessory for revolver shooters, are designed to hasten the reloading process. Companies like Safariland, HKS, Pachmayr, TK Custom, and Speed Beez produce speedloaders compatible with various revolver brands such as Smith & Wesson, Ruger, Colt, and Taurus.

Two commonly employed speedloaders are the Safariland Comp I and II. These models require only downward pressure on the body of the loader to release their cartridges, providing a swift and easy method for reloading. Conversely, speedloaders like the HKS, 5 Star, and Pachmayr gravity loaders necessitate turning a knob to release cartridges.

The Universal Method is a popular technique for reloading revolvers with speedloaders. In this method, the right hand secures a speedloader, while the left hand rotates the gun until the muzzle faces downward, allowing gravity to assist the loaded rounds to fall fully into the chambers. This method enables the shooting hand to do the actual loading while the support hand holds the gun.

The limited capacity of revolvers makes carrying spare ammunition more crucial, and reloading skill more likely to be needed in a confrontation. Speedloaders are the swiftest way to reload a revolver and are the preferred choice for most revolver shooters.

Small revolvers, with their organic shape and lack of sharp angles, are easier to conceal, making them a favored choice for defensive purposes. It's essential to carry a speedloader in a dedicated pouch for such situations, with pouches like the Split-Six or the Second Six being good examples.

Loading single loose rounds from a pocket or dump pouch is the slowest and most challenging way to reload a revolver. The JetLoader, a spring-loaded speedloader made for S&W J-, K-, and L-frame revolvers in .38/.357, offers a faster and more efficient solution.

Revolvers are more resilient to external factors and do not require a proper firing grip like semi-automatics. Their heavier double-action trigger provides an extra margin of safety under stressful conditions. However, loading a revolver cylinder with a speedloader is a more complex motor skill than loading a self-loader, and it's easier to do with the dominant hand.

While the original S.L. Variant, made in Germany, is either out of production or no longer being imported, a Japanese manufacturer is currently producing a copy of the S.L. Variant which is imported by KazTac (kaztac.com). The mechanical loaders for the S.L. Variant are uniformly larger than gravity-feed loaders due to the springs/knobs used.

Left-handed shooters can use the knuckle of the trigger finger to activate the 'push-button' releases like the Ruger or Kimber. Practice loading a revolver with speedloaders without any live fire can be safely done at home.

In conclusion, speedloaders are an indispensable tool for revolver shooters, offering a quick and efficient way to reload in various situations. With a range of options available from different manufacturers, there's a speedloader suitable for every revolver shooter.

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