[Range Rat]

I had a hankering to carry my big 686P 6" in a vertical holster so I ordered a Bianchi X15. Got the itch to try out speedloaders to ordered two as well as a speedloader pouch to hook onto the new holster. OK, maybe it's overkill but should be fun. Anyone here use speedloaders for your revolver? What's it like? Any user tips?

 

[Jamn 44]

They can be a pain to carry concealed but I have never had a problem with them loading. What I do is put some in my truck or the wife's car, usually in the ashtray or the other little compartments like pop out drink holders. That way you always can reload in your vehicle and if you feel you may need extra ammo just throw one in your pocket. I switch my carry gun from a 44mag/spec to a 45acp. The 45acp is really handy because of the moon clips, it is like a drop in speedloader. I have only used HKS brand and can not speak of the others like the jet loaders used in competition shooting. Hope this helps, James.

 

[Range Rat]

Thanks James. How many rounds do moon clips hold? And how do you carry them?

 

[Jamn 44]

The moon clips for a 45acp come in full(6) and half(3) and third(2). Smith does make the 627 and 327 with 8 round moon clips of .357 and I believe they made it in .38 super. Also in six are the 10mm and 9mm(also 5 shot models) revolvers. One big plus with revolvers is that you can put just about anything in them. Here I have some ball, +p hollow points in Hornady, Speer and werewolf killers. I carry half moons in my pocket and full in my vehicle. You just drop them in and go, speed loaders have some kind of release either a push button or twist for the shells to drop.

 

[WGlide90]

Hi Range Rat,

I have several speedloaders in different Magnum Cal., 22, 327, 44. I have HKS brand. They work great. Expecially on the later models that have the cylinder release button with the bottom portions removed to let you get the speedloader in alignment to cylinder.

I had a quick release leather shoulder rig, my 6" 686 fit except the holster was for 8 3/8" and that was to big under the arm, I gave it to friend. Never did get a shorter one for CC.

WGlide

 

[Range Rat]

Jamn44, those are some great pictures. So, are the half and full moons plastic discs or pieces that one loads the ammo into, and are reusable? If so, where do you buy them?
RR

 

[Range Rat]

Hi Range Rat,

I have several speedloaders in different Magnum Cal., 22, 327, 44. I have HKS brand. They work great. Expecially on the later models that have the cylinder release button with the bottom portions removed to let you get the speedloader in alignment to cylinder.

I had a quick release leather shoulder rig, my 6" 686 fit except the holster was for 8 3/8" and that was to big under the arm, I gave it to friend. Never did get a shorter one for CC.

WGlide

WGlide, thanks for your comments. I ended up ordering 2 HKS speed loaders for my new 686 so I hope they work as well for me as for you. Regarding your old holster, was it difficult to sit down with the holster? The one I ordered is for a 6" barrel, but I am anticipating it might be awkward when not standing.

 

[Jamn 44]

Jamn44, those are some great pictures. So, are the half and full moons plastic discs or pieces that one loads the ammo into, and are reusable? If so, where do you buy them?
RR

The clips come in plastic but I have never used them. I hear they are reusable. The ones I use are metal spring steel. Smith does put some in certain model boxes, I find them at the shows and they are made by Ranch Products. For your 686 the cylinder would have to be cut to accept moon clips. I saw a 686 cut for moon clips and was chambered in .38 super.

 

[WGlide90]

Hey River Rat,

Ya the 8 3/8 holster was not pratical at all. A friend gave it to me. A 6" will be OK, under sport coat or jacket.

WGlide

 

[Range Rat]

Good to hear that the 6" holster will work. I was at the gym today and watching Fox News. Some soldier in Iraq that was being interviewed had the Bianchi X15 holster on, so that was a feel good for me.

 

[jimg11]

O Hi Range Rat.
The Verticle Shoulder Holster with a concealed 6" revolver is a very do able thing. I have used a number of verticle shoulder holsters over the years. I have used the Bianchi X15, The Safariland 101, and the Smith & Wesson model 45 as well as a number of other older models such as Heiser, Bauer, and Strong. I like the S&W model 45 best because of the way it attaches to your belt. The S&W is not still made as far as I know but I know people that have gotten them on e-bay. As far as speed loaders I can only recommend HKS. I have used them for over 30 years and have ample opportunity to try and compare other types. Granterd that Moon Clips are fast but they require the modification of the cylinder and prevent the loading of rounds with out the clips. :ymapplause:

 

[Range Rat]

Thanks Jim. Sounds like I am going in the right direction