Revolvers - more time needed

As I get older I get more clumsy and less dexterous. This slows me down when loading revolvers. I have also found that speed-loaders do not work well with full wadcutter ammo (for Reeves short line), no bullet noses to guide the shells into the chambers - hence I load wadcutter ammo manually into the cylinder (or use ammo with JHP or RN bullets for everything). I then find that I need time to take a proper grip on the gun.

At local matches I usually ask the caller to just give me an extra few seconds between "Load" and the subsequent commands. At the recent big matches it was not appropriate to do that. Yes, I know that I can shout "not ready", but doing that repeatedly seems to me to be "bad form".

Having found that I get "rushed" by the commands, I started putting shells into the cylinder a little early - I then got reprimanded by a zealous RSO for "anticipating the load command"!

One could argue that putting shells into a cylinder is no different to loading a magazine, but I don't want to get into that debate!

So, it is my opinion that for all revolver matches the caller should allow slightly more time between "Load" and subsequent commands.

I've noticed match directors looking up and down the line after the load command and before the "is the line ready", just to see if everyone looks ready. Might help you, if possible, to choose a firing point a little to the right of the match director so he can see that you're not finished loading. Otherwise, don't be shy. After shouting "not ready" a few times, a  match director will likely slow his routine a bit.

Hope this helps.

Mike, yes, good advice. I have a favourite position at one range for exactly that reason.

I will try the repeated shout at the next big match and see if it works.

Thanks.

Put your rounds in a block trilled with 6 holes like your revolver.  You can pick two at a time and put them in your cylinder…or use a non wiggling speedloader like a Safariland Competition or a HKS M10 and use a roll crimp…

I have drilled blocks and the only available HKS speedloader for my Reeves gun (a 16-4 32 Magnum), but I guess that I am just a Klutz (not sure whether that is the correct US slang word?). 

But I also struggle with LRN or LSWC 38 rounds in my 14-7 (with a Speed Beez case and speed loader).

get some snap caps and practice loading, Not the most exciting thing in the world, but simple. If you are feeling extra ambitious you could get some dryfire practice in at the same time.

I have found if I am the only one shooting revolver on the line (eg during cf) letting the RO know beforehand helped with time to load. Yelling not ready also is effective, and if you need to do it more than once in my experience other shooters will often ask for a few extra moments between the load and is the line ready.

It may be worth investigating getting your cylinder machined for moon clips. I've done that on my 38, (TK Custom did the work, very happy with them and the moonclips) and have no issue getting ready at the same cadence I would with bottom feeders.

Alternatively, you could do the 3-2 loading technique (my name for it, but not my work.); have three ready to load the chambers, drop them in, pick up other two, drop them in. rvlvrlvr has a video on it- check it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fglWg_uDSF0

I would agree that loading individual rounds is a slow process.  I'm not sure it's all age related either, it's just awkward.  Especially if you are loading with your left hand.  I don't have a great answer for you on your .32 but maybe you could modify the HKS loaders so the rounds won't wobble around so much.  That might make them feed more reliably.  For .38 cal S&W anyways, try the Safariland Comp 2 or 3.  I used the Comp 3 a lot when I shot PPC years ago and there isn't much trouble inserting wadcutters even though they are flat.  Along with a loading tray, this will speed up your process so you won't feel rushed.

Good luck.
John

Chase, "bottom feeders" (first time I've heard that.)

Also, that video was pretty helpful.

I believe it is always appropriate for the match caller to work with shooters to allow them an appropriate time to load.  (Notice I did not say fiddle with their position, regrip 5 or 6 times, etc., etc.)  No, you should not begin to load rounds into the cylinder until after the complete command to load is given.  Yes it is different than loading a magazine since the "loaded" magazine is separate from the gun.  You need to hear the word "load" before starting.

Now on to the solution.  As mentioned above, simply say "Not Ready" and if the commands continue, simply assume the position just like you had an alibi and wait to the range personnel to address your issue.  I believe that not enough time to load is sufficient grounds for an alibi.  The condition would be that the shooter had issues or could not complete the required actions (loading the gun) in the time allowed by the match caller.  Just like a miss-feed that needs to be cleared when loading a semi-auto so the competitor can complete the loading process.   

For myself. I do try to watch the line and if there is a revolver shooter(s) on the line, they are the ones I look at last before continuing the commands.  Even if their hands and arms are blocked from my vision, I can generally tell from the movements if they are still loading.  I generally allow about 15 seconds after the load command anyway, and continue to wait if there is still movement on the line that appears to be related to completing the loading process.

I'm not perfect, and sometime I'll miss someone that is still loading, and the solution is as stated above.  I consider it my job to give a competitor an appropriate amount of time to load, regardless of the type of gun being used.

CR

Not that I would dare disagree with Cecil but in this case I totally agree.

If I'm calling a match then I make sure that I give time for people with some issues to complete loading and be ready. Be it someone with a mag fit issue, a newbie that's getting overloaded or someone with a revolver that doesn't have speed loaders / moon clips. That's my job any I should be paying attention.

On the other hand, jerkoffs that are too busy having a conversation can try and catch up - and no - I don't allow an alibi for it. Well, not twice anyway.

+1 on the Safariland comp 3 speed loaders, they hold the rounds very tightly.  I used them while I was shooting my GP100, and had plenty of time to load for sustained fire.

I was using them with regular factory 125 gr. Rem ammo, I can't vouch for wadcutters.

I also read where chamfering the chambers can help with speed loading.

PPC shooters have been chamfering the charging holes of their revolver cylinders for decades. It makes using speed loaders easier to load.

BE Mike wrote:PPC shooters have been chamfering the charging holes of their revolver cylinders for decades. It makes using speed loaders easier to load.

Not sure all will agree on an EIC or DR revolver.

james r chapman wrote:

BE Mike wrote:PPC shooters have been chamfering the charging holes of their revolver cylinders for decades. It makes using speed loaders easier to load.

Not sure all will agree on an EIC or DR revolver.

Do you mean that chamfering doesn't make using speedloaders with wadcutters easier to load in a revolver or it is against the rules to have the charging holes chamfered? I think the OP was asking about local matches, but I could be wrong.

I definitely don't want to alter my guns in any way which could be deemed to be not within the rules or, indeed, their spirit.

I've had two guns that used moonclips. 929 n 25-2. The carbon fiber clips are easiest. But I don't like that approach anyhow.

But lots of good advice. I need to practise a bit more.

BE Mike wrote:

james r chapman wrote:

BE Mike wrote:PPC shooters have been chamfering the charging holes of their revolver cylinders for decades. It makes using speed loaders easier to load.

Not sure all will agree on an EIC or DR revolver.

Do you mean that chamfering doesn't make using speedloaders with wadcutters easier to load in a revolver or it is against the rules to have the charging holes chamfered? I think the OP was asking about local matches, but I could be wrong.

Definitely makes loading easier.

Just a comment if the intent is to ever use for DR or EIC

All it takes is to learn and practice a load system.  Set up your 5 cartridges in some way like a drilled block, or lined up ready to grab.  Practice quick loading after your grip is set beforehand.

I like the thirty hole speed boards for DR.
Technically 36 but I only use thirty