HKS 586-A Revolver Speedloader for S&W 586, 686, 581, 681/Ruger GP100 , Black

Works as advertised. If you've not used a speedloader before it requires a bit of practice in loading cartridges into it, and especially in loading the revolver with it quickly. Unlike some other reviews, I had no problem whatsoever using this with a Ruger GP100 with the original stock Houge rubber monogrip, or with an aftermarket rubber grip that has side panels nearly identical to the original and traditionally styled grip Ruger used to put on the GP100.There are a couple of general techniques and the user should pick what works best for them. I shoot nearly exclusively right-handed and open the cylinder with my right thumb. Then I eject the spent casings with my left hand with the barrel up, and cradle the frame in the palm of my left hand with thumb and fingers holding the cylinder out. In the meantime, my free right hand is grasping the speedloader and I insert the rounds into the cylinder with the barrel pointed down. Some ammunition has distinct edges on the cartridge cases around the seated bullet (projectile), similar to pistol rounds, if the bullet does not have a cannelure (crimping groove). Those are typically taper crimped slightly, not roll crimped as for bullets with a cannelure. I encountered this with Armscor .357 ammunition. If so, turning the cylinder slowly with the speedloader will quickly drop the cartridges in about 2/3 - 3/4 home with the speedloader bottomed out on the cylinder. Turn the knob clockwise and the rounds will drop all the way in. While disposing of the speedloader (in a real firefight, just drop it!), the left hand closes the cylinder and the right hand grasps the grip. Cylinder doesn't need to be indexed as either double-action or single-action cocking will index it onto the next chamber. I very strongly recommend practicing this with full weight "snap caps" (dummy ammunition) instead of live ammunition. You can unload back into the speedloader (not as fast as loading) and go at it again, repeating the exercise until it becomes easier and faster.A speedloader is the fastest means of reloading a revolver double-action revolver. If it holds the rounds reasonably straight as this HKS does, it's faster than a moon clip (most current revolvers are not designed for moon clips; the Ruger GP100 requires custom cylinder modification to use them). It's much faster than using speed strips! The one downside is the cylindrical shape and its size, which is about the same as the revolver cylinder. They don't conceal very easily for concealed carry (flat, slim speed strips conceal more easily; its a trade-off of time for concealment).

With HKS speed loaders, one drops the bases of however many cartridges into the holes, then turns the knob a click so that metal pins roll into place, holding the rims in place. Then all one must do is align the cartridges with a cylinder, turn the knob in reverse, and let the rounds drop into the cylinder. It's quick and easy, and the loaders are high quality while still being much cheaper than just about any auto-loader magazine.As a tip: adding glow-in-the-dark or high-visibility paint to the end of the knob can make finding a speed-loader in darkness or low-light conditions easier.If there's one bad thing about speed-loaders, it's that they must be as large as a corresponding cylinder. So for anyone using one as a reload to a concealed-carry revolver, you're basically having to hide the width of two guns when you carry a speed loader. For this reason, the slower-to-use "speed strips" might be a better option in some cases. But if carrying open, being used as by a police officer (I'm sure SOME cops still use revolvers, right? somewhere?) or at the range, speed loaders are great and the ones by HKS are very serviceable.

I like these speedloaders I bought two, then ordered two more after using mine for a month. Holds six rounds of 357mag and .38sp nice and snug. With a little figuring out, a little practice of how to hold the loader and twist the nob one-handed, I can easily load without taking my trigger hand out of position.Loader fits past my Mono Grip and cylinder release on my S&W 586 L-frame with no rubbing, this makes me happy.However, do not apply to much pressure when turning the nob, they are not ment to be cranked on. My fist order I accidentaly ordered the 5-shot loader. almost right out of the package the spring loaded ball bearing shot out when i twisted the nob the wrong way (not hard enough to break it, but just enough to alow that bearing to escape.) Very small bearing, imposible to find in carpet, renders the loader useless.That being said I have not had one issue with any of the 4 loaders pictured above that I own.I was not pleased with how Amazon sent my first Loaders UPS (allowing it to be delivered to my front door), then sends my second order USPS (TO MY SHIPPING ADDRESS NOT MY BILLING ADDRESS.) I then had to work with the post office in my town to have them intercept the package since it was deemed Un-deliverable. Luckily I had a nice Post Worker because normally they will not do that for you.Great product got hear fast, Bad customer service... who knows how they will try and send my next package.