Revolver reloading

[DesertMarine]

This is Mr. Erhardt's comment on Miculek's "inefficent" reload. 

When you reload according to this method you have distinct movements that need to be accomplished in sequence.  1, open cylinder.  2. dump empties with non-shooting hand.  3. get speedloader/moon clips.  4. non-shooting hand back up to pistol.  5.  load cylinder/drop speedloader/moon clip.  6.  close cylinder.  7. go back to firing posiition.

When you reload using the "inefficient" method.  1. Open cylinder.  2. Transfer pistol to non-shooting hand, at same time shooting hand is getting speedloader/moon clip.  3.  Dump empties.  4.  Shooting hand comes up with speedloader/moon clip.  5.  Load cylinder  6. go back to firing position. 

While in actuallity the amount of steps are the same, because you are doing two things at once on the "inefficient" method, you are saving time.   

"One of the fascinating aspects about Miculek’s style, besides being blazingly fast, is how he handles his reloads. One would assume that he’d use the most efficient reload of maintaining his grip throughout the process, using his weak-hand to do all the work. However, Miculek transfers the open revolver into his left hand and drops in his moon clip reload with his right the reestablishes his grip." 

Quote from M58
"The Miculek way, shooting hand opens the cylinder, the revolver is transferred to the non firing hand, and the empties are ejected, with the barrel perpendicular to the ground, maybe a shade off to avoid breaking the 180 degree rule, while this is happening, the firing hand is grabbing the speedloader, with the revolver at belt level, and charging the cylinder, as the cylinder is filled, let go of the loader or moon clip and close the cylinder while reclaiming the proper grip and fire. 2 hands work better than 1."

Only thing I would add to M58's quote is that when emptying the cylinder the barrel should be pointing up to allow the empties to fall free and then the pistol should be rotated so that the barrel is pointing towards the ground and be ready to receive loaded rounds.  With the barrel pointing towards the ground, gravity helps in getting the rounds into the cylinder.  The angle in which the barrel is pointed towards the ground does not have to be extreme just enough to allow gravity to help.

First time I read Mr. Erhardt's article, I read it too fast and missed his description on how to properly load a revolver.

I have never speed loaded a Ruger, so cannot comment.

[alfsauve]

It's not like you "passing" the gun from one hand to the other.  You're just leaving it in the left hand to eject the empties while the right goes for the reloader.  I use the technique even when I'm not "speed" reloading.   Well, heck that's practically all the time.

[m25operator]

Thanks Desertmarine for the revamp, I did not include the positioning of the cylinder or muzzle down while at belt level to recharge the cylinder. Since I started this thread ( I'm M25, by the way, M58 is a great guy, but not me ) it seems to have been taken a little off what I intended, but not much. I do not know Mr. Erhardt, or his resume, but I would be surprised if he is a competitive revolver shooter. This was not a personal attack, but an observation on his remark, that I feel very qualified to respond to. Kinda like if Bob Costa, covered a steel challenge match, great announcer and sincere, but not a player. You ever notice how ex boxers, can call a shot that hurts or makes a big difference before the other announcers even saw it. They see the game in real time as an athlete, announcers need feedback, and then respond.

We competitive shooters see the matches on TV the same, We're the people watching who go, " oh that sucks " or " man, great recovery", " that's a new world record!" Because we play the game and know the difference.

By Mr. Erhardt's description, I would surmise that hopping on one leg is more efficient than 2.

I would never prescribe our reloading method for bottom feeders as it would be inefficient.

[DesertMarine]

Sorry M25, I'll claim "old-timers disease". 

Hazcat,  I am not familar with your Ruger 45, is it a .45ACP or 45LC?  Do you use full-moon or 1/2 moon clips?  Agree the Ruger is more massive than K frame S&W.  I have a Model 28, Highway Patrolman,  that I bought in 1973 that is still going strong.  It has been in the rain, dirt, sand, snow, mud, rain and it is massive.  I even used it in PPC competiton.

I prefer Safariland Comp 1 speed loaders which you insert rounds in cylinder, push speed loader until it hits tip of ejector rod which then releases rounds and drop speed loader.  Nothing to turn.  Have used them on K and N frame S&W.

[Big Frank]

I used to cary 2 Safariland Comp II loaders in a double pouch for my Dan Wesson. I used it for hunting, not competition and sometimes had different kinds of ammo in each one. No matter how you load, or what kind of shooting you do, I think Safariland will work for you.

[Sponsor]

[Walter45Auto]

WOOF!!!!!!!!!

Sweet!  Freedom Arms?

Magnum Research BFR!!! 

Is that the .45/70 ?

YES SIR!!!!

That looks like a Big F****** Revolver. Are you loaded for bear, or buffalo?

Whichever one walks by first! Took a couple new friends out to the gun range a couple months ago, and took this revolver along to really impress them.


I mean look at it. Wouldn't this gun Put a big Smile on YOUR face??? Touching off Hornady Leverevolution ammo in it will rattle your teeth! (My buddies only shot a few reduced power cowboy loads through it. They were a little intimidated by it i think.)

[Hazcat]

Just make sure I'm BEHIND you when that monster goes off! 

[Big Frank]

I hear the Big F'n Revolver in .45-70 actually kicks less than some other big-bore revolvers like .454 Casull and some .44 Mags.

[Walter45Auto]

Well, It doesn't kick LESS, but The shape of the single action grip frame lets the gun rock back in your hand. Which doesn't feel as harsh on he web of your hand as a DA revolver's frame can. But it recoils MUCH, MUCH more than any .44 or .454 I've ever fired.

[Big Frank]

Maybe Magunm Research fibs about it. I guess it depends on the ammo too. A non-+P 300 grain .45-70 shouldn't kick as bad as a 405 grain.