My J frame .38 spl revolver is evolving to be my main PTC handgun - it just conceals easily without a lot of pre-planning of clothing.
I’m trying to figure out a reload mechanism that I like to carry and want to make sure I’ve looked at everything that is an alternative to a cylindrical-profile speedloader as they seem to me to scream “he’s got a weird thing in his pocket” (yeah, go ahead with the jokes) when wearing jeans.
Cool in that they carry 10 rounds in something that “prints” as a wallet, but IMO they require too much time and fine motor skills to reload with (practiced a bunch of times with them at the range).
Cool in that it also “prints” as a wallet, but it just has too much of a tendency to let rounds fall out of it during handling/deployment (again, tested at the range).
Anything else I should consider before I just hunker down and start looking for the most compact cylindrical-profile speed loader I can find?
Slimmer in the pocket than the Zeta 6. I haven’t carried them in a while so just grabbed one to shake it around just to confirm it holds the rounds well. None fell out while whipping it around.
Meh. IMO worse than the Zeta offering. To reload 5 rounds you have to position it, and pull it away at the right angle, 3 times, with the last 2 times requiring you to also re-position the cylinder.
The Zeta also requires that, but it’s 2 sequences instead of 3.
Starting to think that what would really be the bees knees for CCW of a cylindrical speedloader would be an IWB revolver holster that had a “pod” to also hold a speedloader.
Would keep the speedloader with the holster, one less thing to remember to carry.
Reading reviews on that Galco, it ain’t great… (one thing I’ve learned about IWB holsters for revolvers - if the belt clip is positioned over the revolver cylinder you’re not getting maximum concealment).
… I don’t mean to bash this little holster but I’m not going to lie to you, either. The Galco Walkabout is an awesome idea. It puts the speedloader exactly where it should be, and mostly gets rid of excuses for not carrying one. But the execution on this one is terrible. …
If I was gonna carry a revolver, I’d use moon clips in a new or converted cylinder. Speed loaders are great, but they add bulk and something you have to keep track of after the reload.
I just carry one Zeta J strip. If I can’t get it done with ten then, oh well. I’m guilty of carrying just five in the cylinder most of time.Truth is, you’ll always be out gunned by higher capacity mags, lighter triggers and faster reloads when carrying a snub.
Yeah, I totally get that. I’m kinda torn here - maybe I should be putting this effort into seeing how I can better carry a G19 and keeping the .38 as just a “quick grab and go” carry.
That said, shooting revolver matches, always speedloaders or moonclips. But for concealed carry, I’m more concerned with printing than the speed of a reload.
If I walk around with a pocket full of ammo, and nothing else, is the bulge considered printing, since it isn’t a weapon?
I’d be more concerned about reloading than printing something that isn’t a firearm. Deep concealment for the wheelgun, and a pouch no more out of the ordinary than a camera case hooked on a belt.
I carry 2” 38s. If I’m going into a bad area I carry a J Frame size in a Bullitt style upside down Shoulder Holster and a 6 shot at 3 O’clock with one HKS Speed loader for each for a total of 22 Rounds. If I’m just out and about I carry one or the other generally the Shoulder Holster because it’s easier to draw from the sitting position while Driving and while walking the Dog I carry a 8 Shot 22LR Snubby with the first 2 rounds being Snake Shot (you never know what critters are gonna come out of the woods) and the next 6 federal Punch and a 5 Star 8 shot Speed Loader with 8 Rounds of Federal Punch. I have a bin of reloading options as I’m sur everyone here does and my preference is the HKS style. Taurus makes an excellent heavy duty plastic Speed loader holder that clips on your belt You can see one in the photo upper right
My own opinion here - I like the idea of a shoulder holster for covered concealed carry, meaning you’d have to wear a jacket or coat to conceal them. Makes a lot of sense for carry in a car.
Super interesting that the “Bullitt” holster orients the barrel vertically!
I would NOT use a shoulder holster that orients the gun barrel horizontally. Can’t wrap my head around breaking one of the primary rules and muzzling anyone who happens to be behind me.
The shoulder rig is super flat and hugs the body extremely well I’ve worn it with an open button up flannel shirt and nobody knew it and notice I bobbed the hammer on the 6 shot so it won’t hang up on anything during draw when the shit hits the fan I want every advantage I can get
Truth is, you’ll always be out gunned by higher capacity mags, lighter triggers and faster reloads when carrying a snub.
