Many have left revolvers in the past. However, there is still a devoted group of people who actively promote their use for defensive purposes. I moved to semi-automatics almost exclusively since the early 1990’s as they became more reliable and ammunition became more dependable. That said, I still have many revolvers in my collection. A Colt King Cobra in .357 Magnum still occasionally sees use as a defensive option. For defensive purposes, fast reloads are important, which is where the Rev Industries High-Capacity Revolver Speed Loader comes in.
The Rev Industries High-Capacity Revolver Speed Loader
Making the Case for Revolvers
This article is not a detailed defense of the revolver. However, there are several reasons someone might choose a revolver for self-defense. Revolvers tend to be more mechanically simple than semi-automatics. Though they can malfunction, the risk is much lower than that of a semi-automatic.
Under duress, this may mean the difference between the ability to defend yourself and becoming defenseless. Generally, malfunctions are ammunition-related, and clearing a malfunction is as simple as pulling the trigger again. Legal issues, including which firearms can be carried and restrictions on semi-automatic ammunition, may also play a part in such a decision.
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Comparing the revolver’s capacity of 6 or 7 rounds to 15 to 17 rounds in a similarly sized semi-automatic makes the choice in favor of the semi-automatic easier. However, in U.S. States that restrict semi-automatic magazines to 10 rounds, this choice might become more complex. Some people may also feel that the mechanics and harder trigger pull in double action mode also make revolvers a ‘safer’ choice for carrying.
Reloading Revolvers
One of the issues for revolvers is how best to carry extra ammunition and conduct reloads in stressful situations. The most basic way is to simply have extra rounds available and reload each round individually when needed. This method may serve the user well for casual range usage. However, it is a poor solution to the ammunition limitations of a revolver under stress or in competitions.
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A weakness of the revolver is the more difficult reloading process compared to the quick magazine changes in a semi-automatic. Though it is possible to make such ammunition changes quickly with certain tools, for most shooters, learning to quickly change magazines in semi-automatics is easier than similar methods for revolvers.
Another method has been carrying preloaded cylinders. This method may speed up the reloading process in some revolvers, but it is mechanically more complex. Likewise, the storage of such cylinders is also an issue.
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Traditional speed-loaders are a solution to these issues. Each simple mechanical device holds a full revolver reload, releases the rounds for loading when activated, and can be easily stored (including in belt pouches), much like semi-automatic magazines. Unlike magazines, the device still needs to be dealt with after reloading.
Rev-Industries High-Capacity Speed Loader
Rev Industries’ solution to some of the issues with current speed loaders on the market is the High-Capacity Speed Loader. This single device holds 3 full reloads for a revolver (15-18 rounds). It is currently available for .38 Special and .357 Magnum (5 or 6 round versions), .44 Magnum (6 rounds), and .45 Long Colt (6 rounds).
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Each reload is activated by pressing the device into an empty revolver cylinder, releasing 5 to 6 rounds. One device holds up to 3 reloads and is made of hardened ABS plastic.
Though I rarely carry a revolver today, I still collect and occasionally utilize revolvers in competitions (which often require quick reloads). As such, I was pleased to try out the new Rev Industries High-Capacity Speed Reloaders.
First, I found it was easy to learn. After a few trials and errors, I was able to reload, using the device, without issues. Having a single system that allowed all needed competition reloads was a bonus, and I could see the advantages in high-stress situations.
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I had no issues with the device’s design and functionality. However, I did have a non-critical failure of the top handle or knob (it broke off during a reload). This did not affect the device’s functionality and was quickly fixed afterward.
The one current downside is that there are no specifically designed belt pouches for this device yet. But they are planned for the future. I found a simple Molle pouch that worked well enough for competition and range use.
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A Worthy Alternative
If you are looking for alternative methods for reloading revolvers, I recommend checking out Rev-Industries to see if their solution matches your needs.
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