When the fresh ammo has to get into the revolver’s chambers right now, a speedloader is the ticket. The right gear is important, and the correct technique even more so.

There have been lots and lots of speedloaders over the years — Colt actually offered one in the late 19th Century — but the two that have stood the test of time and are most popular today are the HKS and the Safariland. The HKS is fairly compact, and uses a turning knob to effect gravity release. It’s the sturdiest and most long lasting, and can’t release accidentally when in a pouch straddling the edge of the gun belt.
Safariland’s are faster, and their straight-in self-release mechanism saves one motion. Safariland loaders come in three styles. The Comp I is the most compact, but also the most delicate. The Comp II is a little bigger, but sturdier. The Comp III, resembling the Austrian JetLoader, is the biggest, but also the most rugged and the fastest handling.

Me, I prefer the HKS for wear in a concealment pouch, and appreciate its ruggedness rolling around in a glove box. I also like the fact it’s available for a wider variety of guns, including the .41 Magnum and the 7-shot S&W L-frame .357s. For competition, though, I use the Comp III Safariland, and find it hides well enough in a concealment vest pocket or vertical in the outside edge of a hip pocket (far enough out from center I’m not sitting on it) held upright by a folded handkerchief.

For belt pouches, the only ones really concealable are those holding three cartridges inside the belt and three out. If memory serves, this style was pioneered by Bill Rogers. The sides will be open, allowing thumb and middle finger to grasp the loader firmly on each side as the index finger pops the cover flap’s button and releases the unit.