Carrying extra ammo for the 642

[SIGP240]

HKS Speedloader is not a good option. I have never utilized speed strips. I must admit I just carry five rounds loose in my pocket. Thank goodness the little S&W snubby is so accurate. May not need to reload anyway. Well thought practice results in small groups at 7 yards. A panic shot may be less accurate, however.

[Erik_Pakieser]

I like speed strips. They are easy to carry and work well if you practice with them. Just make sure you take them out of your pocket at the end of the day. My wife gets pretty annoyed when she finds them in the wash.

[Pat Cannon]

Apparently this is the Safariland speedloader for J-frames.

I've always wondered why HKS speedloaders are in gun stores everywhere, but I've never seen the Safariland ones in a store. I like the Safarilands much more, because you just push them straight in to release the rounds, rather than twisting a knob.

[grousemaster]

Glock 26

[45Badger]

Glock 26

Beat me to it. G26 has same footprint as 642, twice the ammunition capacity. More weight, but manageable in any belt holster. If you really need pocket carry, the LCP works better.

[yukonjasper]

Dont disagree necessarily with the G26, but it is a semi auto and although Glocks are legandary for going boom every time the trigger is pulled, there are still complications and potential problems with any semi auto that doesn't exist with a small wheel gun.

Having said that, with the cooler weather and bulkier clothing, I'll likely start carrying a G26 or G36 more often because I can get away with it. Otherwise pocket carrying a snubbie is, to me, the easiest way to carry with tee shirt and shorts combo or even jeans and tee shirt. "Speed" Strips would be the only way I could think of that works with the snub pocket carry.

Sorry for adding to the drift.

[BigDog58]

I have the HKS speedloader for my wifes 642 and I think it's junk. I sometimes carry it in my fanny pack ( carry designed fanny pack) and the bullets continuously fall out of the speed loader.

Does anyone know of a better designed loader for the 642? The HKS has a knob you turn to grip or release the bullets. I have seen (on tv) Massad Ayoob using a speedloader that you depress the center post but I can't seem to locate the brand or model. If one of you know the info please post here. It might also help the OP. A Link would be wonderful

[ex-LT]

I have the HKS speedloader for my wifes 642 and I think it's junk. I sometimes carry it in my fanny pack ( carry designed fanny pack) and the bullets continuously fall out of the speed loader.

Does anyone know of a better designed loader for the 642? The HKS has a knob you turn to grip or release the bullets. I have seen (on tv) Massad Ayoob using a speedloader that you depress the center post but I can't seem to locate the brand or model. If one of you know the info please post here. It might also help the OP. A Link would be wonderful

Check Pat Cannon's post (four prior to yours) - I believe the brand you're looking for is Safariland.

[yukonjasper]

The Safariland loader mentioned above has a different design and my be more what you are looking for.

[elmerfuddem]

A 642 isn't something one normally carries into harms way. There are better choices for that role. A pocket pistol is up close and personal weapon. Odds are, the gun will never leave the holster outside the home. If used for DGU, less then 5 shots according to statistics will be fired. I prefer to carry a 642 for EDC. Always carry a speed strip because it is easy, and won't print. Nothing wrong with Glocks or anything else. Its what one is comfortable with counts.

[grousemaster]

Glock 26

Beat me to it. G26 has same footprint as 642, twice the ammunition capacity. More weight, but manageable in any belt holster. If you really need pocket carry, the LCP works better.

Yep, I've got an LCP also. Truth be told, it gets carried 90% of the time, if not more.

[onebohemian]

I haven't carried my 642 in a while, but I believe I have the safariland sipped loaders for it. They, in combination with the crinson trace grips on my gun, don't allow for easy line up of the extra rounds straight into the cylinders. The speedloader mars the top left side grip. Something to keep in mind depending on what grips you are running on the gun. I suspect that other loaders and grips may create a few combinations with interference too.

[45Badger]

Back on topic. I have had 3 or 4 642/442 wheelies. I used speed patrols because they were easy to carry flat. Hks speed loaders suck. I could never find a safari land comp2 for the 642, so cannot comment on how they work Ina small wheel gun. They work great in k and l frame guns.