Best speed loaders: Safariland, HKS, and five-star tradeoffs

Published on March 8, 2026
Duration: 0:59

Michael Sumner, known as TheYankeeMarshal, provides an expert comparison of popular speed loader brands: Safariland, HKS, and Five-Star. He highlights the functional differences, particularly the release mechanisms, favoring Safariland's 'pop-down' for speed and convenience over HKS and Five-Star's twist-to-release. The discussion also touches on the utility of speed strips as an alternative.

Quick Summary

TheYankeeMarshal prefers Safariland speed loaders over HKS and Five-Star due to their 'pop-down' release mechanism, which is faster and more convenient than the twist-release common to the other two brands. While HKS and Five-Star are functional, the twisting action can sometimes rotate the revolver's cylinder. Speed strips are also mentioned as a practical alternative.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Viewer Question: Favorite Speed Loaders
  2. 00:13Speed Loaders vs. Speed Strips
  3. 00:28HKS Speed Loader Drawback
  4. 00:33Safariland Speed Loader Advantage
  5. 00:44Five-Star Speed Loaders & Design Wish

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main differences between Safariland, HKS, and Five-Star speed loaders?

The primary difference lies in their release mechanisms. Safariland uses a convenient 'pop-down' system, while HKS and Five-Star require twisting to release rounds. This twist action can sometimes inadvertently rotate the revolver's cylinder, making Safariland's method generally faster and more user-friendly.

Which speed loader brand does TheYankeeMarshal prefer and why?

TheYankeeMarshal prefers Safariland speed loaders due to their 'pop-down' release mechanism, which he finds more convenient and quicker than the twisting required by HKS and Five-Star models. He also notes Safariland's potential for wider model availability.

Are speed strips a good alternative to speed loaders?

Yes, speed strips are presented as a viable and often preferred alternative. They are generally more compact and can be just as convenient, if not more so, for carrying spare ammunition for revolvers compared to bulkier speed loaders.

What is a common issue with HKS and Five-Star speed loaders?

A common issue highlighted is the need to twist these speed loaders to release the rounds. This twisting motion can sometimes lead to accidentally rotating the revolver's cylinder, which is less efficient and potentially problematic during a fast reload.

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