I've been seeing these around the intrawebz for a while now. They were $14.95 with free shipping, so - what the heck! I placed an order on Friday. Had a receipt emailed to me within minutes, and a delivery notice emailed to me about an hour later.

http://www.3dinc.net/page2.php

It came today. Cannot beat that service! Let me reiterate: I ordered Friday from this company on the IL/WI border. My merchandise was delivered today (Monday), here to New Mexico.

Here's what was in the package.









The quality is evident in the photos. The fluting on the sides of the 3D Inc. speedloader makes indexing the 'loader to the cylinder a process entirely without thought. The large knob is easy to manipulate, but seems secure enough to not turn itself in a pocket (I'll give it a shakedown and report back - I've carried it in a jean pocket for the last hour and a half as I dashed around here cooking and sharpening knives) and has the corners knocked off to minimize catching on things. There are no sharp edges on this piece - everything is beveled. Like some models of the HKS speedloader, this piece allows the cartridges to wobble (interestingly, its direct competitor, the HKS 586, does not incorporate this wobble - the HKS 'loader for the Colt MK3s - also usable in the GP-100 I was testing this in - does).

The device functions just like an HKS 'loader. Weight appears to be darn near identical to the HKS 586 speedloader. I did not get out the scales, but I did perform an unscientific test, having Gina close her eyes and hold out her hands, putting one 'loader in each hand. She said that she thought the HKS was a tiny bit heavier, but said that they well could be the same weight. I had the same perception.

I found that the 3D Inc speedloader indexed and inserted the cartridges faster than did the HKS speedloader. However, the HKS speedloader seemed to release the cartridges faster. Speed of use seems to be a wash between the two products.

I'll report back on how pocket-carry of the 3D Inc. speedloader works out over the next few days.

Oh, and you guys with LCRs want speedloaders? I understand this gent will do aluminum one-offs on his CNC machines for $15. And he makes them for the .500 S&Ws . . .

That is bad ass.

Now if he would make some like Safarilands I'd be over them like a hobo on a hot dog.

Man those things look cool!! How do you think they will hold up? Do you think the aluminum will react with brass over time?

I can't say it any better than that.

Except in the constant presence of a liquid to act as an electrolyte, I seriously doubt it.

My bet is that the speedloaders are passivated and anodized after machining.

Too bad he doesn't have K frames in there.

I might have to order four or so for my .44 Magnums just for the coolness of it.

FWIW, I complimented Mr Deieso on his craftsmanship and asked if he would contemplate making K frame speedloaders.

He replied that he does make them and that his upgraded webpage will show them as well.

Here's a further report: carrying reveals that the flutes in the side of the 3DInc speedloader have another benefit. In addition to assisting with thought-free alignment of the 'loader with the cylinder, they cause the 'loader to stay upright when it's dropped into a pants pocket. I've been carrying speedloaders for over 20 years, and getting them to stay upright in a pants pocket has been a hassle for me the entire time (I've done all sorts of things to address this, none of them satisfactory). For me, the 3DInc fluting turns out to be a real improvement.

I've had no problems at all with the carry. I'm quite pleased with these, and feel that they are a top-quality product. I understand from a number of friends on this and other forums that 3DInc has been very responsive to consumer emails about making 'loaders for other guns (look for a revamp of their website to include an LCR in addition to those K-frame 'loaders - and perhaps some others), which is commendable.

Got an email from them - same address, new company name, new website:

http://www.5starfirearms.com/speed_loaders.html

I certainly appreciate the update. I will be purchasing some in the near future. I called the guy and he said if you (or a group) purchases 10 or more he'll make you a deal! Thanks