The Tuff Products Quickstrips Speed Strips .357/.38/.40S&W/6.8mm 8/rd Orange 2/ct Made a Bold First Impression
Revolver guys get a bad rap when it comes to reloads. We’re often told semi-autos are faster and more efficient. Well, the Tuff Products Quickstrips Speed Strips .357/.38/.40S&W/6.8mm 8/rd Orange 2/ct aim to level the playing field, offering a compact and convenient way to carry and deploy spare ammunition. These aren’t your grandpa’s slow and bulky speedloaders.
I was searching for a low-profile, reliable way to carry extra ammunition for my .38 Special revolver when off-duty. Pocket carry was the primary concern, as I wanted something that wouldn’t print or add significant bulk to my everyday carry. I was tired of loose rounds rattling around in my pocket or using bulky speedloaders that were uncomfortable.
Upon receiving the Tuff Products Quickstrips Speed Strips .357/.38/.40S&W/6.8mm 8/rd Orange 2/ct, I was immediately struck by their simplicity. The bright orange color is a welcome change from the usual black, making them easy to locate in a bag or pocket. The flexible urethane felt durable and well-made.
Compared to traditional speedloaders, the Quickstrips are significantly thinner and lighter. They take up far less space in a pocket than even the slimmest cylindrical speedloader. I considered carrying extra magazines, but the form factor of the quickstrips was more appropriate for concealed carry.
My initial reaction was excitement. The low profile and bright color made me optimistic that these would solve my ammunition carrying woes. The simplicity of the design suggested they would be reliable and easy to use under stress.
Real-World Testing: Putting Tuff Products Quickstrips Speed Strips .357/.38/.40S&W/6.8mm 8/rd Orange 2/ct to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Tuff Products Quickstrips Speed Strips .357/.38/.40S&W/6.8mm 8/rd Orange 2/ct at my local shooting range during a practice session. I focused on drawing and reloading my revolver under simulated stress. The range was relatively dry, and the weather was mild.
The Quickstrips performed well, allowing me to quickly load two rounds at a time into my revolver’s cylinder. The flexible urethane provided a good grip, even with slightly sweaty hands. I found the loading process to be intuitive and relatively fast after a few practice runs.
No major issues arose during my initial testing. The only slight challenge was getting used to the “two-at-a-time” loading technique, which differed from my experience with speedloaders. I did find myself wanting to load one round at a time to more effectively manage the number of rounds in the cylinder.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of regular use, the Tuff Products Quickstrips Speed Strips .357/.38/.40S&W/6.8mm 8/rd Orange 2/ct have held up admirably. They have been subjected to daily pocket carry, exposure to varying temperatures, and repeated loading/unloading cycles. The performance has been consistent across all conditions.
I have noticed minimal wear and tear on the Quickstrips. The urethane material remains flexible and shows no signs of cracking or degradation. The orange color has faded slightly in areas of high friction, but this is purely cosmetic.
Maintenance is virtually non-existent. I occasionally wipe them down with a damp cloth to remove lint or dirt. They don’t require any special cleaning or lubrication.
Compared to carrying loose rounds, the Quickstrips are a significant improvement in both speed and convenience. They are faster to deploy than loose rounds and far less likely to spill or get contaminated with pocket debris. They are not as fast as a traditional speedloader, but their smaller size makes them easier to carry concealed.
Breaking Down the Features of Tuff Products Quickstrips Speed Strips .357/.38/.40S&W/6.8mm 8/rd Orange 2/ct
Specifications
- Caliber Compatibility: .357 Magnum, .38 Special, .40 S&W, and 6.8mm SPC. This versatility is important for those who own multiple firearms in these calibers.
- Capacity: 8 rounds per strip. This provides a decent amount of spare ammunition in a compact package.
- Material: Injection-molded flexible urethane. This material choice offers a balance of durability and flexibility.
- Color: Bright Orange. This makes them easy to locate in low-light conditions or in a cluttered bag.
- Quantity: 2 strips per pack. Having two strips allows for carrying a total of 16 rounds.
These specifications directly impact the user experience. The caliber compatibility ensures that the Quickstrips can be used with a wide range of revolvers and even some single-shot firearms. The flexible urethane makes the Quickstrips durable enough to withstand daily carry.
Performance & Functionality
The Tuff Products Quickstrips Speed Strips .357/.38/.40S&W/6.8mm 8/rd Orange 2/ct perform their primary function well: providing a convenient and relatively fast way to reload revolvers. The “two-at-a-time” loading technique is effective, although it requires some practice.
The main strength is their compact size and ease of concealment. They are also very simple to use, with minimal moving parts that could fail. The major weakness is that they are not as fast as traditional speedloaders, especially for experienced users.
The Quickstrips largely meet expectations. They offer a good balance of speed, convenience, and concealability. They are not a replacement for speedloaders in a competition setting, but they are an excellent option for concealed carry or backup ammunition.
Design & Ergonomics
The design of the Tuff Products Quickstrips Speed Strips .357/.38/.40S&W/6.8mm 8/rd Orange 2/ct is simple and functional. The flexible urethane feels comfortable in hand and provides a good grip. They are lightweight and don’t add noticeable bulk when carried in a pocket.
The Quickstrips are generally user-friendly, but there is a slight learning curve associated with the “two-at-a-time” loading technique. It takes some practice to smoothly load rounds into the cylinder without fumbling. The bright orange color is a thoughtful design choice, enhancing visibility.
Durability & Maintenance
The Tuff Products Quickstrips Speed Strips .357/.38/.40S&W/6.8mm 8/rd Orange 2/ct appear to be quite durable. The flexible urethane is resistant to cracking and tearing. I expect them to last for many years with proper care.
Maintenance is minimal. A simple wipe-down with a damp cloth is usually sufficient to keep them clean. The material is not affected by most common cleaning solvents or lubricants.
Accessories and Customization Options
No accessories come standard with the Tuff Products Quickstrips Speed Strips .357/.38/.40S&W/6.8mm 8/rd Orange 2/ct. There are no significant customization options available, as the design is relatively fixed.
The Quickstrips are compatible with a wide range of revolvers chambered in .357 Magnum, .38 Special, .40 S&W, and 6.8mm SPC. They do not require any special modifications to the firearm. The ability to function across several calibers greatly improves its value.
Pros and Cons of Tuff Products Quickstrips Speed Strips .357/.38/.40S&W/6.8mm 8/rd Orange 2/ct
Pros
- Compact and easily concealable.
- Simple and reliable design.
- Bright orange color for easy identification.
- Durable flexible urethane construction.
- Versatile caliber compatibility.
Cons
- Slower reload compared to traditional speedloaders.
- “Two-at-a-time” loading technique requires practice.
Who Should Buy Tuff Products Quickstrips Speed Strips .357/.38/.40S&W/6.8mm 8/rd Orange 2/ct?
The Tuff Products Quickstrips Speed Strips .357/.38/.40S&W/6.8mm 8/rd Orange 2/ct are perfect for: concealed carry permit holders, off-duty law enforcement, or anyone who wants a low-profile way to carry spare ammunition for their revolver. They are also a good option for those who own single-shot rifles chambered in compatible calibers.
Those focused on competition shooting or those who prioritize speed over concealability should consider traditional speedloaders instead. Individuals with limited manual dexterity may find the “two-at-a-time” loading technique challenging.
A pocket clip or small pouch could be a useful accessory to further enhance concealability and ease of access. A dummy round for practice can help master the reloading technique.
Conclusion on Tuff Products Quickstrips Speed Strips .357/.38/.40S&W/6.8mm 8/rd Orange 2/ct
The Tuff Products Quickstrips Speed Strips .357/.38/.40S&W/6.8mm 8/rd Orange 2/ct offer a practical and affordable solution for carrying spare ammunition for revolvers. They are not the fastest reloading option available, but their compact size and ease of concealment make them an excellent choice for concealed carry. The bright orange color is a thoughtful design feature that enhances visibility and ease of identification.
While the price is not available, the simplicity of materials and design suggests it will be a cost-effective choice. The value proposition is high for anyone seeking a low-profile and reliable way to carry spare ammunition.
I would definitely recommend the Tuff Products Quickstrips Speed Strips .357/.38/.40S&W/6.8mm 8/rd Orange 2/ct to anyone who carries a revolver for self-defense and wants a simple, reliable, and easily concealable way to carry extra ammunition. Get yours today and experience the peace of mind that comes with being prepared!