Reloading a wheelgun one handed.

[Gossamer]

 I know that the best way to reload a wheelgun one handed is drop it and go to your next gun however not all of us have that option. I was thinking about this problem one day after watching the Best Defense show about handicapped folks and came to the sad realization that I had no idea how to do it. So I after checking to make sure my two favorite wheelguns where empty (Colt Offical Police and a well worn S&W Model 15) I took my plastic training ammo out and went to work.
 I quickly found out that trying to reload a wheelgun one handed is like trying to do underwater algebra while on fire but it is possible. Tuff strips seemed to work the best for me because speedloaders would twist with the cylinder (HKS) and or sometimes pull the rounds out after the star was engaged (all others). One handed with loose rounds actually seemed to work just as well as anything strangly enough. That could be a case for dump pouches.
 Not having any experience in law enforcement (I'm just an old Infantryman) I was wondering what cops where/are taught? Any other ideas? Take care all.

[GrantCunningham]

As you discovered, the HKS type speedloaders are not well suited to reloading with one hand. They're generally inefficient even with two hands, but with only one the problems multiply. That's one of the reasons I recommend push-type speedloaders (Safariland, SL Variant.)

The issue you had with rounds getting hung up in the speedloader happens with two-handed reloading as well, and is most likely caused by the dummy rounds you were using. The plastic varieties don't have enough mass to reliably drop into the cylinder before the shooter attempts to remove the loader. Using properly weighted dummies (real cases with real bullets, but no primer or powder) would most likely illustrate the problem.

When inserting a speedloader - any speedloader - into the cylinder, it's important to slightly jiggle the loader and pull straight out once the rounds are released. Even the best shooter using the best equipment will sometimes have a round that binds, and by doing this the possibility is minimized to the greatest degree.

The problem is more pronounced with the smaller guns, particularly the S&W 'J' frames and the Colt 'D' frames. Depending on the size of the grips, however, it can show up on the larger guns. It's important to check for grip/speedloader interference and if necessary to relieve the grip panel (using a Dremel is the easiest) to compensate.

[ellis4538]

You can make "Dummy" rounds more usable by filling the empty primer pockets with silicone and letting dry...almost like a snap-cap.  Also use a Majic marker to mark each one so you know it is a DR.

Richard

[bjtraz]

I don't have any personal knowledge on this subject, but I did stay at a "Holiday Inn Express" last night. 

Seriously, I saw a segment on one of the gun shows that Massad Ayoob did, where he opened the cylinder and put the ejection rod between his belt and pants. This suspended the gun with the cylinder ready to accept the bullets, allowing gravity to help as much as possible. He then removed the gun and closed the cylinder and got back into the fight.

Brian

[m25operator]

I shot a revolver in competition both tactical, and Ipsc, early on, one handed reloads were called for fairly often, my solution is a fairly complex but fast operation. Practice this with no live ammo near, and like said before, full weight dummy cartridges. You will have visualize this, if right handed, hit the cylinder latch with right thumb, with your trigger finger push the cylinder out, ( now it gets tricky ) shift your grip, quickly so that the front of the frame is resting in your palm, use your trigger finger or middle finger to press the ejector rod with the muzzle up if possible, now tuck the barrel in your pants with the cylinder on the outside, ( helps if your wearing a belt ), the gun is now secure between belt and belly, grab your speed loader and load, now remove revolver and as you bring it up, shut the cylinder with your thumb. It is actually easier left handed. If you are seated this is not going to work real well, best to do it in your lap as far as the cylinder charging go's, same if your on the ground, although between your knees will work well too.

[Sponsor]

[alfsauve]

I shot a revolver in competition both tactical, and Ipsc, early on, one handed reloads were called for fairly often, .......

I'm trying to visualize reloading one-handed and how not to break the 180 rule or the "not sweep yourself" rule.

Obviously in a real fight, those aren't the top priority.

This could be another one of those Armed Response topics.   It's Okay To Sweep Yourself and Others
As in other training, sometimes the limitations of training might limit our response.   

[m25operator]

This is one where the 180 rule makes no sense, since the revolver is empty, and even when the muzzle is against your body, it is still empty, even after reloading until you close the cylinder, of course in comp, rules are rules, and in the old days, the technique was more important than any rule book.

[BikerRN]

This is one where the 180 rule makes no sense, since the revolver is empty, and even when the muzzle is against your body, it is still empty, even after reloading until you close the cylinder, of course in comp, rules are rules, and in the old days, the technique was more important than any rule book.

So true.

I left a Range two years ago because the idiots running the place didn't know the proper way to reload a revolver.

Way back in the stone age we would open the cylinder and point the barrel in the air at a 90 degree angle and smack the Ejection Rod. The kid running the range said I was breaking the rules by having my barrel point in a direction other than down range. No amount of explaination could convince him otherwise.

Since I don't see any point in arguing with an idiot, I left and will not return. I'm lucky in that I have access to a place that allows me to shoot on the move, draw from the holster, and is not bound by unnecessary dogma that serves no purpose other than to dumb down today's shooters.

God help us when today's crop of shooters are considered the "Old Guard". I'm not that old, but I am old enough to have started on Revolvers, and even carried one on duty. There is a reason techniques become old, they work!

Biker

[Combat Diver]

I just got a new 442 Pro Series.  One advantage of these revolver is the use of full moon clips for one handed reloading.  Food for thought.  I still use the HKS speedloaders as they are the only ones for .41 mag N frames.

CD

[MikeBjerum]

Gossamer,

Your question is the reason that my J Frame has moved down the list of preferred carry.  Revolvers are hard enough to reload, and carry reloads for, with two good hands.  Throw in a one handed situation and you are screwed.

I suggest you experiment and go with what works for you!

Myself, the J Frame has been moved to the position of secondary gun only, and even though I carry reloads the revolver is intended as shoot till empty and drop.