Holster and Speed Loader Options

[randyb]

Since I live in the commy state of WA and we are about to see a sweeping ban on most things semi-auto, I'm registering for a revolver class.
I'm a firearms instructor at The Range LLC and we're trying to build some additional depth to our handgun offerings so I volunteered to get schooled up on double-action revolver techniques and fine tuning.

I'm planning to  run with my S&W 686, 6" barreled gun for this class.  I know, not optimal for concealed carry, but it's what I have for double actions outside my Super Redhawks.

I need a good belt-mounted holster, prefer kydex for this application as well as a bunch of speed loaders and holder.

Any suggestions on good holsters for this long-barreled rascal and speed loader info is appreciated.

Thanks!

Randy

[bigbrowndog]

Bladetech, for kydex. Check their website they should have all you need for holders. For speed of reloading it’s hard to beat full moon clips, but your gun isn’t cut for that use. HKS brand speedloaders is serviceable and secure, I’d recommend finding or reloading round nose bullets, it helps with inserting new ammo when you have little to no practice at it.

Trapr

[bradshaw]

Apr 22, 2023 9:29:52 GMT -5 randyb said:

Since I live in the commy state of WA and we are about to see a sweeping ban on most things semi-auto, I'm registering for a revolver class.
I'm a firearms instructor at The Range LLC and we're trying to build some additional depth to our handgun offerings so I volunteered to get schooled up on double-action revolver techniques and fine tuning.

I'm planning to  run with my S&W 686, 6" barreled gun for this class.  I know, not optimal for concealed carry, but it's what I have for double actions outside my Super Redhawks.

I need a good belt-mounted holster, prefer kydex for this application as well as a bunch of speed loaders and holder.

Any suggestions on good holsters for this long-barreled rascal and speed loader info is appreciated.

Thanks!

Randy

*****

Randy.... nothing wrong with learning double action on a 6” barrel.

Stance
You probably know Isoceles is easier to teach and faster to learn than Weaver or boxer stance, although, for greatest versatility, being able to transition one to the other is better than either alone, just like the skier may need more than one turn technique to make it down the mountain.

DA stroke
The shortest path to a smooth double action squeeze----which requires practice and plenty of it----is to gently accumulate pressure on the trigger in a straight line to your eye. To develop a smooth squeeze requires equally smooth release. Develop SQUEEZE ands RESET stroke together. Always practice reset stroke smooth as squeeze. Dry fire is huge.

Speed loader
HKS are about bullet proof. There are faster competition speed loaders, but... can you drop them on the ground, carry ‘em loose in pocket, and still have ammo?
David Bradshaw

[mattyb]

With a DA trigger, as Mr. Bradshaw stated, dry fire is the key to success. DA dry fire/shooting did more to improve my overall shooting skill than any other one thing.

HKS speedloaders are OK. They will work, but I would suggest Safariland Comp II’s. Pressing into the cylinder instead of twisting a knob, FOR ME, is preferable.

I compete almost exclusively with DA revolvers(IDPA and ICORE), and when not in a match setting (where Comp III’s are kind of the de facto standard), Comp II’s have run the mountains and swamps in cargo pockets, dump pouches, and purpose built speedloader pouches for me with no problems.

I would also echo the suggestion of a bullet profile that inserts easier into to the cylinder; WC and SWC tend to be a little aggravating, particularly with how floppy the cartridges can be in an HKS.

I am nobody special and my opinion likely means less than some other folks advice, but we all “must seek our own salvation”.

[tja6435]

I have a bunch of the HKS speed loaders, they work well. I also have some of the speed strips, also work well but lay flat in your pocket. I recently bought a Pachmayr speed loader for a 5 shot J frame and like it a lot.

[contender]

Well, as a NRA instructor,, and a longtime revolver guy, I applaud your efforts to get more education. Especially about revolvers. They have been around a lot longer than semi-autos, and are battle & time tested.

That said, Your choice of the S&W 686 is a good start. Bladetech, and Comp-Tac are good holsters.

Speed loaders. I've got a bucket full of HKS and they are good, top quality loaders. I have had them get the knob twisted in a pocket & dump the ammo. I've also got some of the SafariLand Comp II loaders & I do prefer those. I will admit to only using those in competition, and not any daily carry. But competition can be hard on equipment. I also have Tuff Strips for several guns.

Now,, if you are going to instruct in the use of revolvers,, I do hope you'll invest in a few more guns, holsters, (options for students to try,) and various loading items. A few various smaller framed revolvers,, such as a J-frame S&W, and a Ruger SP-101. Add at least (1) gun that uses moon clips. Show the differences in Leather, Kydex, Nylon holsters. And even consider getting a shorter barrelled .357. PLUS,, a selection of different grips in both shapes & materials is a huge thing. A good instructor has a variety of items for students to sample.

I know my last paragraph isn't exactly what you asked for,, but it truly reminded me of a post on another forum by a new gun owner who, after taking a CCW class, asked some honest questions. His CCW instructor totally damned ALL revolvers & ONLY taught semi-auto handguns as the ONLY gun to use. Your comment; "I'm a firearms instructor at The Range LLC and we're trying to build some additional depth to our handgun offerings" made me add what I have posted. PLEASE do not take offense at my suggestions.

[boolitdesigner]

While you have a fine handgun (which I've never shot), I learned double action on a 4" Python and pretty well wore it out. As Mr. Bradshaw states, a long smooth pull will get you there with a minimum of 5,000 shots (while more like 10,000 would be better). One shot at a time to learn the mechanics.... Good Luck to you.

[gnappi]

HKS are hard to beat. They're durable which is important if you use a revolver in competition and drop them on the ground.

5 Star makes aluminum loaders much like the HKS, and matching trays for the loaders. They're much more expensive than HKS but if you go to the range a lot, even though they add a lot of weight to your range bag I like the trays to recharge the loaders.

For carry or nightstand use I prefer leather holsters, kydex is noisy when it's quiet. 

[AxeHandle]

Used a lot of HKS loaders here. Recently ended up with Speed Beez loaders. Kind of like them. Pick up some revolvers cut for moon clips. S&W makes the 686 Plus (7 shot) in 357 cut for clips. Might invest in some good spring kits too. DAO can be a challenge to new shooters.

... While not generally embraced here, my carry type revolvers have the hammer spur removed. May not be appropriate for true new shooters who need to learn to walk before they run.

[lah]

You might add a few Bianchi Speed Strips. They are used a bit in carrying revolvers so you should train with those also. As for double action shooting..........simple stuff. Dry fire is your friend. Watch the front sight, pull the trigger smoothly through it's travel & keep doing it till you can hold the front sight still. Muscle memory will come very naturally.

[blazinbill]

If you want the supposedly best regarded speedloader, give these a try: www.slvariant.com/shop/

P.S. So sad to me the best ones are not made in the good old USA.

[jgt]

I would recommend a Bianchi Lawman holster if you are going to look into readymade. Custom is a whole different subject.

[handloadingnotes]

I'm still new to double action revolvers. My experience is pretty limited to the Ruger LCR platform. I tried several different speed loaders, and my favorite by far is any one that comes with a good loading block or box. It's pricy but I really like the SpeedBeez option www.speedbeez.com/product-category/speed-loaders/

With a loading block that fits your speed loader, the loader become easier to use than loading the gun directly. The thing that's easy gets practiced more. If I have to load the speed-loader one-at-a-time, then load the gun, I'm more likely to skip it when I'm at the range and just load the gun. I'm only human.

I do a lot of "meditating" (aka shooting) at ranges in gun unfriendly places. I feel more comfortable driving around with a form-fitting box of 50 cartridges with an empty speed loader in it vs 10 loaded speedloaders. Just something to consider if you're starting this revolver journey because of shooter-hostile laws in your area.