Left Handed Revolver reloading techniques

[jschance]

I have been studying the carrying and reloading of a double action revolver from a left hander's perspective.  How does everyone reload their d/a revolvers when time counts?  If using speedloaders, where do you carry them?

[LEO]

I release the cylinder with my left thumb, push the cylinder open and eject empties with my right hand while retrieveing the speedloader with my left hand. Right thumb goes through frame and locks cylinder in place while left hand loads, reacquire grip as closing cylinder with right hand.  Speed loaders were carried on left side front.  When I was carring a revolver and threfore practicing reloads, I could execute a reload and fire a round in less than 2 seconds, I can't now because I have carried semi-autos for over 10 years and haven't practiced speed reloads with the revolver.  The way I used to practice was I loaded up dummy rounds and would practice reloads while watching TV.  Learn to do it without looking at the revolver, keep your eyes on the threat.  Do not practice reloading with from the holster, always dry fire several times before beginning your reload sequence because you don't want to train your muscle memory to draw and automatically reload.  Train hard and you will be suprised how fast you get.

[Dinosaur]

juschance...a late reply.  Years ago (1969) I listened and watched as the firearms instructor demonstrated that best solution for a left hander doing a reload is to simply transfer the revolver to the right hand and do a right handed reload and then transfere it back to your left hand.  If you are shooting two handed your right hand is already in postion, to make the changre, as you lower the revolver move the butt into your right hand then slide or push the latch to open the cilinder with the right thumb.  Push your left hand ring and middle fingers againist the cylinder and through the frame openning.  Holding the revolver with the two fingers in the frame turn the revolver vertical, barrel up and dump the emptys with your left thumb.  Turn the revolver barrel down, as close to verticle as possible and as close to you belt buckle as possible.  Draw the speed loader with your right hand (I wore my speed loaders on my right side and I used HKS loaders both on duty and in PPC competition) As you move the loader to the cylinder rotate your right hand counter clockwise (this is for consistency) possion the bullet noses over the cylinder and turn your hand clockwise (always...for consistency) to align the bullets, push the bullets into the cylinder and continuie rotating your hand clockwise to release the bullets from the loader.  Move your fingers from frame and close the cylinder with the left thumb, move the butt back into your left hand and resume the firing stance that you use. This works, but there are other ways.  With practice and repetition you can personalize the technique to what works best for you.  Good luck.

[shooter2]

Dinosaur,
             I agree with your summary of the technique for LH revolver reloading.  Thats how I did it until I went to an auto for Police and Service Comp (PPC).  I was also a Law Enforcement firearms instructor for some years and I was just as quick as the RH instructors in high pressure reloading exercises using the switch over and switch back system. 

LEO also made some great points, practice until its automatic.  This is actually more important than the particular method used.  How you practice will dictate how you play when it actually counts, don't catch your brass, don't look down when reloading, keep the threat in view and always work towards or use cover.

Practice and have fun

Shooter 2

[toysoldier]

I just ran across this posting. I have to agree with LEO's method. Sounds like the (right-handed) firearms instructors dealt with the question by simply telling left-handers to do it right-handed. Typical right-handed thinking, no imagination. All my life I've had to tell people to just show me how to do something right-handed, then figure out how to do it left-handed.

[jpsmith1]

Actually, it may be a moot point.  I believe it is charter arms, but there is a manufacturer actually making left handed revolvers.