3 Things You Probably Didn’t Know About Speedloaders

Speedloaders have a rich history in our country, and have had quite the evolution over the years. But how did we get to where we are today? Glad you asked. Here are three things you (probably) didn’t know about speedloaders.

Replacement Cylinders: Fact or Fiction?: It’s often suggested that the first speedloader was actually just a preloaded second cylinder for revolvers with removable cylinders. While this is certainly possible, it’s not very practical. After all, in the era of replacement cylinder revolvers (say, the 1860’s) it wouldn’t be very often you’d need more than six shots. And if you did, a second revolver would be faster to pull than to replace the cylinder in your first revolver (not to mention that it would be just as easy to get a second revolver as it would be to buy just a cylinder).

The practice of carrying additional pre-loaded cylinders is actually more of a modern invention, popular with black powder cap and ball shooters to add a new level to the competition.

Cops bought them for themselves: We’ve talked about how Dirty Harry was a cultural phenomenon that brought speedloaders to the public consciousness. Police officers started buying them on their own and carrying them because they saw the advantage they could provide in a standoff or firefight. After a while, police departments started purchasing them and training the officers in their use. This lasted up until the semi-automatic replaced revolvers.

There are more than ever: As fewer and fewer people use revolvers for work and semi-automatics have taken over every arm of law enforcement, you might think that there would be a corresponding drop in revolver and speedloader use. Nothing could be further from the truth. Business is great here at Speed Beez as more and more people take up revolver competition shooting as a hobby. They’re also gaining popularity outside of competition, as more and more people are interested in the convenience that speedloaders and blocks offer them on the lane.

Speedloaders are great fun and an amazing time saver no matter what you’re using them for. Find the perfect one for you today!