The Pachmayr 02655 Competition Speedloader 6 Round S&W N Frame Aluminum Blue Made a Bold First Impression
Revolver reload speed is king in competition, and the Pachmayr 02655 Competition Speedloader 6 Round S&W N Frame Aluminum Blue promises to deliver just that with a touch of style. Pachmayr has been a trusted name in the firearms industry for decades, known for their grips and other accessories aimed at improving performance. This speedloader aims to provide a faster, more reliable reload for S&W N-Frame revolvers, as well as Ruger, Colt, and Taurus models, and does so with a striking blue anodized finish that is meant to stand out.
I have been involved in IPSC and IDPA revolver competitions for years, and my biggest challenge is always reload speed. I’ve experimented with various speedloaders, but haven’t found the “perfect” one yet. The Pachmayr offering seemed like a good candidate, combining robust aluminum construction with a visually appealing design at an affordable price of $21.99.
Upon unboxing, my initial impression was positive. The aluminum construction felt solid and lightweight. The blue anodized finish was certainly eye-catching, and the overall design seemed well-thought-out, promising quick and efficient reloads.
Compared to my HKS speedloaders (which I have used for years), the Pachmayr felt more substantial in hand, yet lighter. I was also considering the Safariland Comp-II, known for its ease of use, but the Pachmayr‘s lower price point and attractive aesthetics swayed my decision. Ultimately, I hoped the Pachmayr would bridge the gap between the reliability of HKS and the speed of a more complex system like the Safariland.
Initially, I was excited; the Pachmayr 02655 Competition Speedloader 6 Round S&W N Frame Aluminum Blue looked like it could be the answer to my reloading woes. However, I had a nagging feeling that the price was too good to be true, and that feeling proved to be correct.
Real-World Testing: Putting Pachmayr 02655 Competition Speedloader 6 Round S&W N Frame Aluminum Blue to the Test
First Use Experience
My first experience with the Pachmayr speedloader was at my local shooting range, during a practice session before an upcoming IDPA match. I primarily use a Smith & Wesson Model 625 (.45 ACP) in competition, but I also have a Model 29 (.44 Magnum) and a Model 57 (.41 Magnum) for recreational shooting. I planned on using the Pachmayr 02655 Competition Speedloader 6 Round S&W N Frame Aluminum Blue with the Model 57 as this is the revolver I hoped it would improve my reload times with.
The range conditions were typical: dry, sunny, and slightly dusty. I loaded up six .41 Magnum rounds and attempted my first reload. The speedloader released the rounds into the cylinder with no issue, which was a good start. However, aligning the speedloader properly was tricky.
The real problem arose when I tried to lock the rounds in place; not all six rounds would seat properly. After several attempts, I was only able to get three or four rounds to reliably lock into the cylinder, with the others wobbling precariously. This was a far cry from the smooth, confident reload I had anticipated. I tried different techniques and adjustments, but the problem persisted.
Extended Use & Reliability
Over the next few weeks, I continued to experiment with the Pachmayr 02655 Competition Speedloader 6 Round S&W N Frame Aluminum Blue during several range sessions. The results were consistently disappointing. The aluminum body seemed sturdy enough, but the internal mechanism responsible for retaining and releasing the rounds proved unreliable.
After a month of use, there were no visible signs of wear and tear on the blue anodized finish, which was a positive. Cleaning was also straightforward; a quick wipe with a cloth was all that was needed. However, the speedloader’s inability to consistently load all six rounds made it completely unsuitable for competition.
Compared to my tried-and-true HKS speedloaders, the Pachmayr was a significant downgrade. The HKS loaders, though slower, were consistently reliable. In contrast, the Pachmayr offered the potential for speed, but its unreliability made it a liability. I have never had a problem with the HKS model failing to properly lock rounds in place.
Breaking Down the Features of Pachmayr 02655 Competition Speedloader 6 Round S&W N Frame Aluminum Blue
Specifications
- Caliber: .41 Magnum, .44 Magnum, .45 ACP (designed for N-Frame revolvers).
- Capacity: 6 rounds.
- Frame Compatibility: S&W N-Frame, Ruger, Colt, and Taurus revolvers.
- Material: Aluminum with blue anodized finish.
- Mechanism: Spring-loaded release.
- Price: $21.99 (at time of review).
These specifications are crucial for ensuring compatibility and reliable performance. The aluminum construction should provide durability and lightweight handling, while the six-round capacity matches the standard for many N-Frame revolvers. Caliber-specific speedloaders are key to ensuring smooth and accurate reloading.
Performance & Functionality
The primary function of the Pachmayr 02655 Competition Speedloader 6 Round S&W N Frame Aluminum Blue is to facilitate rapid reloading of a revolver. Sadly, its actual performance falls short of this goal. While the release mechanism is smooth, the loader’s inability to consistently secure all six rounds makes it unreliable and unsuitable for competition or tactical use.
The strength of this speedloader is its potential for speed, given its lightweight construction and smooth release. The weakness is the inconsistent locking mechanism. It fails to meet my expectations for reliable performance.
Design & Ergonomics
The blue anodized aluminum body provides a good grip and feels comfortable in hand. However, the internal mechanism design is flawed, leading to the aforementioned issues. The overall weight is very light, which I appreciate as it does not add extra weight to my kit.
The Pachmayr 02655 Competition Speedloader 6 Round S&W N Frame Aluminum Blue does require some practice to get used to, but the basic concept is user-friendly. The inconsistent locking of the rounds makes the learning curve frustrating.
Durability & Maintenance
The aluminum construction suggests decent durability. The finish has held up well so far, but the internal mechanism’s reliability issues raise concerns about its long-term performance. Only time will truly tell how long it will last but the short term results do not give me confidence.
Maintenance is straightforward; a simple wipe-down is sufficient to keep it clean. However, repairing the internal mechanism would likely be difficult or impossible without specialized tools and knowledge.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Pachmayr 02655 Competition Speedloader 6 Round S&W N Frame Aluminum Blue does not come with any additional accessories. There are no customization options available, such as different grip textures or colors. The key factor is finding a speedloader pouch that properly fits the N-frame size.
It is compatible with standard N-frame speedloader pouches from various brands, but the speedloader itself cannot be modified.
Pros and Cons of Pachmayr 02655 Competition Speedloader 6 Round S&W N Frame Aluminum Blue
Pros
- Lightweight aluminum construction.
- Eye-catching blue anodized finish.
- Relatively affordable price point.
- Smooth release mechanism.
- Easy to clean and maintain.
Cons
- Unreliable locking mechanism; fails to consistently secure all six rounds.
- Not suitable for competition or tactical use due to inconsistent performance.
- Limited customization options.
Who Should Buy Pachmayr 02655 Competition Speedloader 6 Round S&W N Frame Aluminum Blue?
The Pachmayr 02655 Competition Speedloader 6 Round S&W N Frame Aluminum Blue is potentially suitable for casual recreational shooters who prioritize aesthetics over consistent performance. Those who primarily use .41, .44, or .45 caliber revolvers, and want to try speedloaders.
Competitive shooters, law enforcement, or anyone relying on a fast and reliable reload should skip this product. They should instead opt for more established and dependable speedloader brands like HKS or Safariland.
A must-have accessory would be a reliable alternative speedloader, as this one’s performance is questionable.
Conclusion on Pachmayr 02655 Competition Speedloader 6 Round S&W N Frame Aluminum Blue
The Pachmayr 02655 Competition Speedloader 6 Round S&W N Frame Aluminum Blue promised speed and style, but ultimately failed to deliver on its core functionality. Its unreliable locking mechanism makes it unsuitable for serious use. It is not a product I would trust my life to.
The price point of $21.99 might seem attractive, but the product’s poor performance makes it a poor value. I would not recommend this speedloader to anyone looking for a reliable reloading solution.
In conclusion, the Pachmayr 02655 Competition Speedloader 6 Round S&W N Frame Aluminum Blue is a classic example of style over substance. Save your money and invest in a more dependable speedloader. I’m going back to my HKS speedloaders.