Why I Chose the Safariland COMP II Speedloader – Ambidextrous J-GL8C: A Hands-On Review
The Safariland COMP II Speedloader – Ambidextrous J-GL8C promises a quicker, more efficient reloading experience for revolver enthusiasts. Safariland, a trusted name in law enforcement and tactical gear, has designed this speedloader to be both durable and user-friendly. Its ambidextrous design caters to a wider range of shooters, making it a potentially valuable addition to any revolver setup.
My interest in the Safariland COMP II Speedloader – Ambidextrous J-GL8C stemmed from a desire to improve my reloading speed at the range. I wanted something reliable and easy to use, especially during timed drills. The promise of faster reloads and the reputation of Safariland initially piqued my interest.
Upon unboxing, my initial thought was that the speedloader felt incredibly lightweight. It’s primarily made of injection-molded plastic. The medium-sized knob seemed easy enough to grip, but the overall feel lacked the substantiality I expected from Safariland.
I considered other speedloaders like the HKS speedloader and the 5 Star Firearms speedloader. I chose the Safariland COMP II Speedloader – Ambidextrous J-GL8C because of the ambidextrous design and the Safariland name. I hoped for better quality than some of the generic options on the market.
Initially, I was cautiously optimistic. The lightweight design was a bit concerning, but I remained hopeful that its performance would outweigh my initial reservations. I was eager to test its speed and ease of use at the range.
Real-World Testing: Putting Safariland COMP II Speedloader – Ambidextrous J-GL8C to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the Safariland COMP II Speedloader – Ambidextrous J-GL8C at my local shooting range during a practice session. I was running drills with my Smith & Wesson Model 686. I wanted to see how much faster I could reload compared to using loose rounds.
The range conditions were typical: dry and sunny. I quickly found the action was indeed a bit “gummy,” as some other users had noted. It required more force than expected to lock the cylinder and release the cartridges.
The ease of use was definitely a mixed bag. It took some practice to get the hang of the locking mechanism. The need for extra force was unexpected and slowed down my reload times initially.
After the first few reloads, I noticed that the speedloader wasn’t consistently dropping all rounds cleanly into the cylinder. Some rounds required a little nudge. This was quite frustrating.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use, the Safariland COMP II Speedloader – Ambidextrous J-GL8C has shown only minor improvements. The “gummy” action has smoothed out slightly, but it’s still not as fluid as I’d hoped. The rounds still occasionally hang up during reloads.
Durability seems acceptable so far, given its plastic construction. There are no signs of cracking or breaking, but the finish is showing some wear. The speedloader is also easy to clean, requiring only a quick wipe down with a cloth.
Compared to my previous experience with HKS speedloaders, the Safariland COMP II Speedloader – Ambidextrous J-GL8C is frankly disappointing. The HKS models, while not ambidextrous, offer a smoother and more reliable reloading experience. The Safariland COMP II Speedloader – Ambidextrous J-GL8C has not outperformed my expectations. Instead, it has fallen significantly short.
Breaking Down the Features of Safariland COMP II Speedloader – Ambidextrous J-GL8C
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Safariland.
- Color: Black.
- Finish: Smooth.
- Fabric/Material: Steel and Injection-molded plastic.
- Attachment Type: Slide.
- Medium-size knob: Allows for easy locking.
- Ambidextrous design: Caters to both left and right-handed shooters.
These specifications are important because they dictate the speedloader’s overall usability and durability. The material choice affects its resistance to wear and tear. An ambidextrous design impacts its accessibility for different users. The size of the knob determines how easily it can be gripped and operated under stress.
Performance & Functionality
The Safariland COMP II Speedloader – Ambidextrous J-GL8C aims to quickly reload revolvers, but its performance is inconsistent. The rounds do not always drop cleanly. This significantly impacts its reliability.
Its strengths are its ambidextrous design and the ease of gripping the medium-sized knob. A major weakness is its “gummy” action, which requires excessive force and sometimes fails to release rounds smoothly. It ultimately doesn’t meet expectations.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is adequate, considering the price point. The materials used are primarily injection-molded plastic, which keeps the weight down. In hand, the speedloader is easy to grip, but the action’s stiffness detracts from the overall comfort.
There is a minor learning curve to get used to the locking mechanism. However, the overall design is relatively user-friendly. The “gummy” action makes mastering it more difficult than it should be.
Durability & Maintenance
Given its plastic construction, it’s reasonable to expect this will last for a while under moderate use. However, under harsh conditions, this would likely shorten its lifespan. Maintenance is straightforward. It requires only occasional cleaning to remove any powder residue.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Safariland COMP II Speedloader – Ambidextrous J-GL8C does not come with any additional accessories. It is a standalone product. There are no specific customization options available for it.
It is compatible with any revolver that is designed to accept Safariland COMP II speedloaders. Compatibility with other brand accessories is limited. Speedloader pouches are available from various manufacturers.
Pros and Cons of Safariland COMP II Speedloader – Ambidextrous J-GL8C
Pros
- Ambidextrous design caters to both left and right-handed shooters.
- Lightweight and easy to carry.
- Affordable price point makes it accessible to budget-conscious shooters.
- Easy to grip, thanks to the medium-sized knob.
- Compatible with most revolvers designed for COMP II speedloaders.
Cons
- Action is often “gummy,” requiring excessive force.
- Inconsistent round release leads to slower reloads.
- Primarily made of plastic, which impacts durability.
Who Should Buy Safariland COMP II Speedloader – Ambidextrous J-GL8C?
The Safariland COMP II Speedloader – Ambidextrous J-GL8C might be suitable for casual target shooters. Also, it might be okay for those who prioritize ambidextrous design and affordability over performance. It’s also okay for people who want to experiment with speedloaders without a significant investment.
Those who require consistently fast and reliable reloads, such as competitive shooters or those who carry a revolver for self-defense, should skip this product. The inconsistent action and occasional round hang-ups make it unsuitable for high-pressure situations.
A must-have modification would be a thorough cleaning and lubrication of the internal mechanism. However, this might only offer marginal improvement. A quality speedloader pouch is also recommended for convenient carry.
Conclusion on Safariland COMP II Speedloader – Ambidextrous J-GL8C
The Safariland COMP II Speedloader – Ambidextrous J-GL8C offers an ambidextrous design and affordable price, but falls short on performance. Its “gummy” action and inconsistent round release detract from its usability. While it may suffice for casual shooting, it’s not recommended for serious shooters or self-defense scenarios.
The price is justified given its features. However, the product doesn’t deliver on its promise of quick, reliable reloads.
I personally would not recommend the Safariland COMP II Speedloader – Ambidextrous J-GL8C. The money is better spent on a higher-quality speedloader from a different manufacturer.
Consider investing in a more reliable speedloader if speed and consistency are crucial. Your life could depend on it.