Safariland vs HKS Speedloader

weblance · April 18, 2015, 12:35 PM

I have started depending on a revolver for carry, and am wondering which style speedloader everyone prefers. The Safariland, and HKS seem to be popular, but I see they operate differently on release of the cartridges into the cylinder. I already ordered a pair of HKS loaders for my 44 Bulldog. I am going to order a pair for my Police Undercover. Should I stay with the HKS and not introduce another release style? Is the "pushbutton" release of the Safariland so much better that I should use the HKS loaders for range use, and buy Safariland loaders for my Bulldog? Im pretty clueless as to which style is better.

I do have speed strips, and will also carry a couple strips of ammo.

BarryLee · April 18, 2015, 01:19 PM

I’ve always used the HKS with good results. Since we’re not talking about a big ticket item why not buy one of each and do your own evaluation then post your results here.

Sharkbite · April 18, 2015, 01:33 PM

I started my career carrying a M64 in LA. I greatly prefer the Safariland speedloader.

You mention it being a "pushbutton" release, but thats not exactly correct. The release is on the bottom of the loader and covered by the loaded rounds. It is star shaped and is activated by the ejector star of the revolver as the speedloader is pushed into the cylinder.

The "button" on the top of the loader is only used to lock rounds into the speedloader

With the Safariloader loader you simply push the loader into the gun and the rounds pop into the cylinder.

**4V50 Gary** · April 18, 2015, 02:11 PM

I carried HKS when I was on duty. I also trained with them too.

Snyper · April 18, 2015, 02:35 PM

I'd stick with one style since you already know they perform well

Bart B. · April 18, 2015, 02:38 PM

I've used both in my S&W Mod 19 shooting two loaders in the handgun's "numbers" game. It's a six-shot handgun; 6 shots in 6 seconds inside 6 inches at 6 yards. Twice across that SD exercise fast as possible between each one.

With the HKS, I have to hold the cylinder in place muzzle down, then start the rounds into the cylinder then twist its knob before closing the cylinder.

With the Safariland, I just point it muzzle down then push its load button in while aligning the rounds in the cylinder then closing it.

To me, there's less finger fumbling with the Safariland. It also is more secure holding rounds in it and takes up less room with ammo. But it's a bit tricker to load.

2damnold4this · April 18, 2015, 04:39 PM

My experiences are like Bart's. It seems to be easier to put rounds into the hks loaders but the Safariland loaders place the rounds into the revolver easier.

**4V50 Gary** · April 18, 2015, 07:32 PM

Bart B is right in that the SafariiLand is slightly faster. However, they're a bit more work to fill. That won't matter because they're carried loaded and it's not like you're going to reload a speedloader in the middle of a gunfight. Still, I was fast enough with the HKS that I didn't worry about it.

boondocker385 · April 18, 2015, 07:50 PM

Safariland all the way. Faster....

Bultaco · April 18, 2015, 09:58 PM

I have used both types as well as the much longer pure competition Safariland model. If you intend to let one rattle around in a coat pocket I would go with the HKS. Secured in a belt carrier, they are both going to hold the cartridges securely. I always went HKS for hunting and the Safariland for competition.

weblance · April 19, 2015, 12:46 PM

I didnt realize the Safariland releases when the speedloader contacts the ejector star. That seems much more intuitive. I wonder what happens when you have a grip that contacts the loader before it can be pushed completely down to the cylinder. I suppose the Safariland wont release, but the HKS could be released "early"...? From comments from those who choose to use the HKS, it sounds like the HKS is a very good loader. I guess the thing to do is buy a couple of the Safariland loaders, and make my own decision.

Slopemeno · April 20, 2015, 12:53 AM

Safariland Comp-II's for me. I have a couple that are 30 + years old and still working.

MrBorland · April 20, 2015, 02:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by weblance

I didnt realize the Safariland releases when the speedloader contacts the ejector star. That seems much more intuitive. I wonder what happens when you have a grip that contacts the loader before it can be pushed completely down to the cylinder. I suppose the Safariland wont release, but the HKS could be released "early"...?

The CompIs and IIs take a firm push to get them to release, at which point, the rounds simply fall into the chambers. The competition CompIII (and JetLoaders) is spring-activated, and takes less push to release. And when released, the rounds are actively rammed into the chambers.

As far as fit with grips, it's generally a pretty close fit down there. Clearance between the speedloader and grips can sometimes be an issue, but a little trimming back of that area of the grip can help quite a lot.

I'm not sure how much of an advantage the twist-release is, relative to grip interference. If interference prevents the rounds from inserting far enough into the cylinder before being released with a twist, you run the risk of dumping your ammo on the ground.

April 18, 2015, 12:35 PM	#1
weblance Senior Member Join Date: October 3, 2012 Posts: 1,229	Safariland vs HKS Speedloader I have started depending on a revolver for carry, and am wondering which style speedloader everyone prefers. The Safariland, and HKS seem to be popular, but I see they operate differently on release of the cartridges into the cylinder. I already ordered a pair of HKS loaders for my 44 Bulldog. I am going to order a pair for my Police Undercover. Should I stay with the HKS and not introduce another release style? Is the "pushbutton" release of the Safariland so much better that I should use the HKS loaders for range use, and buy Safariland loaders for my Bulldog? Im pretty clueless as to which style is better. I do have speed strips, and will also carry a couple strips of ammo.

April 18, 2015, 01:19 PM	#2
BarryLee Senior Member Join Date: July 29, 2010 Location: The ATL (OTP) Posts: 3,946	I’ve always used the HKS with good results. Since we’re not talking about a big ticket item why not buy one of each and do your own evaluation then post your results here. __________________ A major source of objection to a free economy is precisely that it ... gives people what they want instead of what a particular group thinks they ought to want. Underlying most arguments against the free market is a lack of belief in freedom itself. - Milton Friedman

April 18, 2015, 02:11 PM	#4
4V50 Gary Staff Join Date: November 2, 1998 Location: Colorado Posts: 21,841	I carried HKS when I was on duty. I also trained with them too. __________________ Vigilantibus et non dormientibus jura subveniunt. *Molon Labe!*

April 18, 2015, 02:35 PM	#5
Snyper Senior Member Join Date: December 16, 2013 Location: Eastern NC Posts: 3,047	I'd stick with one style since you already know they perform well __________________ One shot, one kill

April 18, 2015, 07:32 PM	#8
4V50 Gary Staff Join Date: November 2, 1998 Location: Colorado Posts: 21,841	Bart B is right in that the SafariiLand is slightly faster. However, they're a bit more work to fill. That won't matter because they're carried loaded and it's not like you're going to reload a speedloader in the middle of a gunfight. Still, I was fast enough with the HKS that I didn't worry about it. __________________ Vigilantibus et non dormientibus jura subveniunt. *Molon Labe!*

April 18, 2015, 01:33 PM	#3
Sharkbite Senior Member Join Date: November 4, 2013 Location: Western slope of Colorado Posts: 3,679	I started my career carrying a M64 in LA. I greatly prefer the Safariland speedloader. You mention it being a "pushbutton" release, but thats not exactly correct. The release is on the bottom of the loader and covered by the loaded rounds. It is star shaped and is activated by the ejector star of the revolver as the speedloader is pushed into the cylinder. The "button" on the top of the loader is only used to lock rounds into the speedloader With the Safariloader loader you simply push the loader into the gun and the rounds pop into the cylinder.

April 18, 2015, 02:38 PM	#6
Bart B. Senior Member Join Date: February 15, 2009 Posts: 8,927	I've used both in my S&W Mod 19 shooting two loaders in the handgun's "numbers" game. It's a six-shot handgun; 6 shots in 6 seconds inside 6 inches at 6 yards. Twice across that SD exercise fast as possible between each one. With the HKS, I have to hold the cylinder in place muzzle down, then start the rounds into the cylinder then twist its knob before closing the cylinder. With the Safariland, I just point it muzzle down then push its load button in while aligning the rounds in the cylinder then closing it. To me, there's less finger fumbling with the Safariland. It also is more secure holding rounds in it and takes up less room with ammo. But it's a bit tricker to load.

April 18, 2015, 04:39 PM	#7
2damnold4this Senior Member Join Date: August 12, 2009 Location: Athens, Georgia Posts: 2,526	My experiences are like Bart's. It seems to be easier to put rounds into the hks loaders but the Safariland loaders place the rounds into the revolver easier.

April 18, 2015, 07:50 PM	#9
boondocker385 Senior Member Join Date: March 6, 2013 Posts: 640	Safariland all the way. Faster.... __________________ No second place finishes in a gun fight.

April 18, 2015, 09:58 PM	#10
Bultaco Senior Member Join Date: September 25, 2013 Location: Western Co. Posts: 156	I have used both types as well as the much longer pure competition Safariland model. If you intend to let one rattle around in a coat pocket I would go with the HKS. Secured in a belt carrier, they are both going to hold the cartridges securely. I always went HKS for hunting and the Safariland for competition.

April 19, 2015, 12:46 PM	#11
weblance Senior Member Join Date: October 3, 2012 Posts: 1,229	I didnt realize the Safariland releases when the speedloader contacts the ejector star. That seems much more intuitive. I wonder what happens when you have a grip that contacts the loader before it can be pushed completely down to the cylinder. I suppose the Safariland wont release, but the HKS could be released "early"...? From comments from those who choose to use the HKS, it sounds like the HKS is a very good loader. I guess the thing to do is buy a couple of the Safariland loaders, and make my own decision.

April 20, 2015, 12:53 AM	#12
Slopemeno Senior Member Join Date: January 19, 2007 Posts: 2,663	Safariland Comp-II's for me. I have a couple that are 30 + years old and still working.