First Impressions of VISM AK Speed Loader Version 2
The VISM AK Speed Loader Version 2 promises to drastically reduce magazine loading time for AK-47 owners, a welcome solution for anyone who’s spent countless minutes jamming rounds into stubborn magazines. VISM, known for its affordable and practical tactical accessories, aims to bridge the gap between slow, tedious manual loading and expensive, complex magazine loaders. I was particularly interested in its ability to handle both loose rounds and stripper clips, a feature that seemed to offer versatility for different ammunition sources.
I’ve always struggled with efficiently loading AK magazines, especially during longer range sessions or training exercises. My thumbs would get sore, and the process always felt unnecessarily time-consuming. The promise of a quicker, less painful method was enough to pique my interest and purchase the VISM AK Speed Loader Version 2.
Upon unboxing, my initial impression was a mix of curiosity and cautious optimism. The polymer construction felt sturdy enough, but I immediately noticed the lightness of the unit, raising questions about its long-term durability. Compared to the metal Bulgarian stripper clip loaders I’ve used in the past, this felt significantly less robust, but the added versatility of loading loose rounds was a definite plus.
I considered other magazine loaders on the market, like the Maglula AK Loader, but opted for the VISM due to its lower price point and ability to use both stripper clips and individual rounds. The Maglula, while known for its durability, felt like overkill for my needs and didn’t offer the same level of ammunition flexibility. My first impression was that the VISM AK Speed Loader Version 2 had the potential to be a useful tool, but I needed to put it through its paces to truly assess its value.
Real-World Testing: Putting VISM AK Speed Loader Version 2 to the Test
First Use Experience
My first test of the VISM AK Speed Loader Version 2 was at my local outdoor shooting range. It was a relatively dry day, with temperatures hovering around 70 degrees Fahrenheit, ideal conditions for testing gear without environmental interference. I brought several AK magazines, both steel and polymer, and a mix of loose rounds and ammunition loaded onto NcSTAR stripper clips to thoroughly evaluate its capabilities.
The initial loading process was surprisingly smooth. The magazine locked securely into place with the spring-loaded catch, and the T-handle cartridge pusher worked as intended. I immediately noticed that using stripper clips was significantly faster than loading individual rounds, as expected. There was a slight learning curve to avoid spilling loose rounds from the tray, but after a few magazines, I found a rhythm.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of regular use, the VISM AK Speed Loader Version 2 has proven to be a mixed bag. The polymer construction has held up better than I initially anticipated, with no cracks or signs of significant wear and tear. The spring-loaded magazine catch still functions flawlessly, securely holding magazines in place during the loading process.
However, the biggest issue I’ve encountered is the weak magnet in the T-handle cartridge pusher. It’s simply not strong enough to reliably extract empty steel AK stripper clips from the loader. I often find myself resorting to using my fingers or a multi-tool to remove the clips, negating some of the convenience the loader is supposed to provide. Compared to dedicated metal stripper clip loaders, this falls short in terms of efficiency.
Maintenance is straightforward; a quick wipe down with a damp cloth after each range session is usually sufficient. I did apply a small amount of silicone lubricant to the magazine catch mechanism to ensure smooth operation. While the VISM AK Speed Loader Version 2 is certainly faster than loading magazines manually, it doesn’t outperform dedicated loaders designed specifically for stripper clips.
Breaking Down the Features of VISM AK Speed Loader Version 2
Specifications
The VISM AK Speed Loader Version 2 is specifically designed for AK-47 magazines that accept 7.62x39mm cartridges. It is constructed from a combination of nylon-reinforced polymer, aluminum, and steel components. The loader is designed to accommodate up to 10 rounds at a time, either individually or via NcSTAR AAKC AK stripper clips.
The magazine catch is a spring-loaded metal lever, while the cartridge pusher features a T-handle with an embedded magnet. The stated purpose of the magnet is to aid in removing empty stripper clips. The functionality of this feature leaves something to be desired, as the magnet is quite weak. These specifications matter because they directly impact the speed and efficiency of loading magazines.
Performance & Functionality
The VISM AK Speed Loader Version 2 performs its primary function – loading AK magazines – adequately. It is undoubtedly faster than manually loading rounds one by one. The ability to use both loose rounds and stripper clips offers flexibility, although the stripper clip loading is where this device shines.
The main weakness is the ineffective magnet on the cartridge pusher, which makes removing empty stripper clips cumbersome. It meets basic expectations for speed and ease of use. However, its limitations prevent it from being a truly outstanding product.
Design & Ergonomics
The VISM AK Speed Loader Version 2 has a functional, if not particularly elegant, design. The polymer construction keeps the weight down, making it easy to transport and handle. The T-handle provides a comfortable grip for pushing cartridges into the magazine.
There is a slight learning curve associated with loading loose rounds, but the process becomes intuitive after a few uses. The design is reasonably user-friendly, although the small size of the loading tray can be a bit restrictive.
Durability & Maintenance
The nylon-reinforced polymer construction appears to be reasonably durable. After several months of use, there are no signs of cracking or breakage. The steel magazine catch seems robust and should withstand prolonged use.
Maintenance is simple, requiring only occasional cleaning with a damp cloth. The loader can be easily disassembled for more thorough cleaning if necessary. With proper care, it should last for several years of moderate use.
Accessories and Customization Options
The VISM AK Speed Loader Version 2 does not come with any additional accessories beyond the attached cartridge pusher. There are no customization options available for this product. It is designed as a standalone unit and does not require or support any aftermarket modifications. Be sure to use only NcSTAR AAKC stripper clips for the stripper clip loading function.
Pros and Cons of VISM AK Speed Loader Version 2
Pros
- Significantly faster than manual loading: Speeds up the magazine loading process compared to loading individual rounds by hand.
- Accommodates both loose rounds and stripper clips: Offers versatility for different ammunition sources.
- Affordable price point: Provides a budget-friendly alternative to more expensive magazine loaders.
- Lightweight and portable: Easy to transport and handle at the range or in the field.
- Durable polymer construction: The nylon-reinforced polymer is surprisingly robust and holds up well to regular use.
Cons
- Weak magnet on cartridge pusher: The magnet is ineffective at removing empty stripper clips, hindering efficiency.
- Small loading tray for loose rounds: The tray can be a bit restrictive and prone to spilling rounds if not handled carefully.
Who Should Buy VISM AK Speed Loader Version 2?
The VISM AK Speed Loader Version 2 is perfect for AK-47 owners who frequently shoot at the range and are looking for a budget-friendly way to speed up the magazine loading process. It’s especially useful for those who primarily use stripper clips but also want the option of loading loose rounds. This product would benefit casual to medium volume shooters and those looking for a relatively inexpensive AK magazine loading solution.
This product isn’t ideal for high-volume competitive shooters or those who demand the absolute fastest loading speeds. Those individuals would be better served by investing in a higher-end, dedicated magazine loader. Anyone who primarily loads loose rounds may also find the small loading tray to be a frustrating limitation.
A must-have accessory to pair with the VISM AK Speed Loader Version 2 would be a supply of NcSTAR AAKC AK stripper clips. This will significantly enhance the efficiency of the loading process.
Conclusion on VISM AK Speed Loader Version 2
The VISM AK Speed Loader Version 2 offers a reasonable value proposition for AK-47 owners seeking a faster and less painful way to load magazines. It’s not perfect, and the weak magnet is a definite drawback. However, it is still a noticeable improvement over manual loading, especially when using stripper clips.
At its price point of $25.99, the VISM AK Speed Loader Version 2 is a justified purchase for casual to medium volume AK-47 shooters. While it may not be the ultimate magazine loading solution, it provides a tangible benefit in terms of speed and convenience.
I would personally recommend the VISM AK Speed Loader Version 2 to anyone looking for an affordable and versatile AK magazine loader. Just be prepared to use your fingers or a multi-tool to remove those stubborn stripper clips! If you’re tired of sore thumbs and slow loading times, give the VISM AK Speed Loader Version 2 a try and experience the difference for yourself.