After the Test: My Review of Safariland COMP III Speedloader – Ambidextrous J-K2S
The Safariland COMP III Speedloader – Ambidextrous J-K2S promises to drastically improve revolver reload times, and I was eager to see if it lived up to the hype. Safariland is a trusted name in law enforcement and competitive shooting gear, and this speedloader is designed for J-frame and K-frame revolvers. The ambidextrous design and spring-driven ejection are supposed to provide incredibly fast reloads.
I’ve always struggled with revolver reloads, finding them slower and clunkier than reloading a semi-automatic. Speed is crucial in competition, and even in self-defense scenarios, so a reliable speedloader is essential. The promise of sub-3-second reloads was definitely alluring.
Upon unboxing, the speedloader felt solid and well-made. The injection-molded polymer construction felt durable, and the large knob offered a secure grip. The spring action was surprisingly strong, ejecting the cartridges with authority.
I considered the HKS speedloader, a popular and affordable option, and the 5 Star Firearms speedloader, known for its billet aluminum construction and precise cartridge alignment. Ultimately, I chose the Safariland COMP III Speedloader – Ambidextrous J-K2S because of its reputation for speed and its ambidextrous design. I appreciate gear that works regardless of which hand is dominant at the moment.
My first impression was excitement. This speedloader felt like it could make a difference. The spring-loaded ejection system seemed like a genuine innovation, promising a significant improvement over traditional speedloaders.
Real-World Testing: Putting Safariland COMP III Speedloader – Ambidextrous J-K2S to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Safariland COMP III Speedloader – Ambidextrous J-K2S at my local shooting range. The range offered both indoor and outdoor bays, providing a variety of lighting conditions. I focused on drills that involved drawing, firing a cylinder dry, and reloading.
The speedloader performed well in both dry and humid conditions. Even with sweaty hands, the large knob was easy to grip and manipulate. The spring-driven ejection was consistent, launching the cartridges cleanly into the cylinder.
There was a slight learning curve initially. It took a few tries to get the hang of aligning the speedloader and depressing the knob correctly. After about 10-15 reloads, the movement became fluid and natural.
The first surprise was how much force the spring exerted. A few times, I didn’t have the cylinder fully aligned, and the cartridges bounced off the frame. It was a valuable lesson in maintaining focus and precision, even under pressure.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of regular use, the Safariland COMP III Speedloader – Ambidextrous J-K2S has held up admirably. I’ve used it in multiple range sessions, practicing reloads during both live fire and dry fire drills. It has become an indispensable part of my revolver training.
There are minimal signs of wear and tear. The injection-molded polymer is resistant to scratches and dings. The spring action remains strong and consistent, showing no signs of weakening.
Maintenance is simple. A quick wipe down with a cloth is usually sufficient. Occasionally, I’ll use a silicone-based lubricant to keep the spring mechanism running smoothly.
Compared to my previous experiences with HKS speedloaders, the Safariland offers a significantly faster and more positive reload. The spring-driven ejection ensures that the cartridges are fully seated in the cylinder, eliminating the need for manual adjustment. It has definitely outperformed my expectations.
Breaking Down the Features of Safariland COMP III Speedloader – Ambidextrous J-K2S
Specifications
- The Safariland COMP III Speedloader – Ambidextrous J-K2S is designed for J-frame and K-frame revolvers. It is compatible with models like the Smith & Wesson Model 66, 19, 15, and 13.
- It is constructed from injection-molded polymer and steel components. This blend of materials provides durability and reliability.
- The speedloader is available in black only, featuring a smooth finish. The sleek aesthetic complements most revolvers.
- The attachment type is a slide mechanism, which releases the cartridges into the cylinder. This mechanism ensures a consistent and reliable reload.
- It is designed to be ambidextrous, making it suitable for both right-handed and left-handed shooters. This is a key advantage for tactical applications.
Performance & Functionality
The Safariland COMP III Speedloader – Ambidextrous J-K2S excels at its primary job: reloading revolvers quickly and reliably. The spring-driven ejection is incredibly effective, ensuring that the cartridges are fully seated in the cylinder. It allows for faster and more consistent reloads than traditional speedloaders.
The main strength is the speed of the reload. With practice, sub-3-second reloads are achievable. One potential weakness is the learning curve. New users may need some time to adjust to the spring-driven ejection system.
The Safariland COMP III Speedloader – Ambidextrous J-K2S exceeds expectations for speed and reliability. It provides a significant advantage in both competition and self-defense scenarios.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is excellent. The injection-molded polymer feels durable and well-made. The large knob provides a secure and comfortable grip.
The design is user-friendly. The large knob is easy to manipulate, even with gloves. There is a slight learning curve associated with mastering the spring ejection system, but this is easily overcome with practice.
Durability & Maintenance
The Safariland COMP III Speedloader – Ambidextrous J-K2S is built to last. The durable polymer construction resists wear and tear. The steel components are resistant to corrosion.
Maintenance is minimal. A quick wipe down after each use is usually sufficient. Periodically lubricating the spring mechanism with a silicone-based lubricant will ensure smooth operation.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Safariland COMP III Speedloader – Ambidextrous J-K2S does not come with any additional accessories. There are no specific customization options available for the speedloader itself.
It is designed to be compatible with a variety of speedloader pouches. Many aftermarket pouches are available for carrying the Safariland COMP III Speedloader – Ambidextrous J-K2S on a belt or vest. These aftermarket pouches are a must have for practical application.
Pros and Cons of Safariland COMP III Speedloader – Ambidextrous J-K2S
Pros
- Extremely fast reloads: The spring-driven ejection system significantly reduces reload times.
- Ambidextrous design: Suitable for both right-handed and left-handed shooters.
- Durable construction: Injection-molded polymer and steel components ensure longevity.
- Secure grip: The large knob provides a comfortable and secure grip, even with gloves.
- Reliable performance: Consistent ejection and smooth operation in various conditions.
Cons
- Slight learning curve for new users.
- Cartridges can bounce out of cylinder if not properly aligned during reload.
Who Should Buy Safariland COMP III Speedloader – Ambidextrous J-K2S?
The Safariland COMP III Speedloader – Ambidextrous J-K2S is perfect for competitive shooters who need to shave precious seconds off their reload times. It is also ideal for law enforcement officers and security personnel who rely on revolvers as their primary or backup weapon. Self-defense minded individuals who choose to carry a revolver will find the Safariland COMP III Speedloader – Ambidextrous J-K2S increases their effectiveness.
Someone who is completely new to revolvers and prefers simplicity might want to start with a traditional speedloader before investing in the Safariland COMP III Speedloader – Ambidextrous J-K2S. This allows the user to focus on the basics before learning the new ejection system.
A must-have accessory is a quality speedloader pouch for carrying the speedloader on a belt or vest.
Conclusion on Safariland COMP III Speedloader – Ambidextrous J-K2S
The Safariland COMP III Speedloader – Ambidextrous J-K2S is a well-designed and highly effective tool for improving revolver reload times. The spring-driven ejection system is a game-changer, offering significantly faster and more consistent reloads than traditional speedloaders. The price of $22.80 is justified by the performance and durability of the product.
I would absolutely recommend the Safariland COMP III Speedloader – Ambidextrous J-K2S to anyone who relies on a revolver for competition, duty, or self-defense. If you’re looking to gain a competitive edge or simply improve your proficiency with a revolver, this speedloader is a worthwhile investment. Upgrade your revolver game today!