Let’s Talk About Galco E-Z Loader Cartridge Strips, Black, EZL38 – 1 out of 2 models
The Galco E-Z Loader Cartridge Strips, Black, EZL38 – 1 out of 2 models are a simple but potentially vital piece of kit for any revolver shooter. Made by Galco, a company renowned for its quality holsters and leather goods, these strips promise a faster and more organized reload. They are designed to hold six revolver cartridges, streamlining the process of topping off your cylinder.
As someone who’s spent years both teaching firearm safety and competing in various shooting disciplines, I’ve always been on the lookout for efficient ways to manage ammunition. My frustration with loose rounds fumbling around in a pocket or pouch is what initially piqued my interest in these cartridge strips. The promise of a quick, clean reload was too good to ignore.
Upon receiving the Galco E-Z Loader Cartridge Strips, my initial impression was one of understated practicality. The black Santoprene rubber felt durable and had a reassuringly tactile feel. The strips themselves were lightweight and compact, easily fitting into a pocket or pouch.
Compared to using speed loaders, which can be bulky and require specific pouches, these strips seemed like a more streamlined and versatile solution. Compared to carrying loose rounds, these are a clear improvement. I also considered nylon cartridge belts but found them less convenient for quick access.
I was cautiously optimistic about their performance. I hoped they would live up to their name and provide a truly “E-Z” loading experience. Time would tell if this simple design could make a meaningful difference in a real-world shooting scenario.
Real-World Testing: Putting Galco E-Z Loader Cartridge Strips, Black, EZL38 – 1 out of 2 models to the Test
First Use Experience
My first test of the Galco E-Z Loader Cartridge Strips was at my local shooting range. I primarily shoot revolvers, so this was an environment where I could immediately assess their utility. The weather was clear and dry, providing ideal conditions for testing.
The first few reloads were a bit awkward. It took me a few tries to get the hang of efficiently peeling off the cartridges and loading them into the cylinder. However, after a couple of cylinders, the process became much smoother.
I encountered a minor issue when trying to reload in a hurry. The rubber strips can sometimes stick together slightly, making it difficult to quickly access the cartridges. Despite this minor hurdle, they were significantly faster and more organized than reloading from loose rounds.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of consistent use, the Galco E-Z Loader Cartridge Strips have proven to be a reliable and worthwhile addition to my range gear. They’ve held up well with no signs of tearing or deformation. The Santoprene rubber remains flexible and grippy.
Cleaning is a breeze. A quick wipe with a damp cloth is all that’s needed to remove any powder residue or dirt. Compared to my previous method of simply dumping rounds into my shooting bag, these strips offer a far cleaner and more professional way to manage ammunition.
They are still not as fast as a good speed loader. However, they are much more compact and easier to carry, making them a better choice for situations where space is limited. I find myself reaching for them more often than I thought I would.
Breaking Down the Features of Galco E-Z Loader Cartridge Strips, Black, EZL38 – 1 out of 2 models
Specifications
The Galco E-Z Loader Cartridge Strips, Black, EZL38 – 1 out of 2 models are designed to hold six revolver cartridges. They are constructed from durable Santoprene rubber. The black color provides a low-profile appearance.
The “EZL38” designation indicates that these strips are specifically designed for .38 Special and .357 Magnum cartridges. Each package includes two E-Z Loader strips. These strips are lightweight and flexible, making them easy to carry and conceal.
Performance & Functionality
The primary function of the Galco E-Z Loader Cartridge Strips is to provide a faster and more organized method of reloading a revolver. They accomplish this goal effectively, especially once the user becomes familiar with the loading technique. The cartridges are held securely in place, preventing them from falling out or getting damaged.
The strips are very easy to use. Simply peel off the cartridges one at a time and insert them into the revolver’s cylinder. A slight weakness is that the rubber can sometimes stick to itself.
Overall, the Galco E-Z Loader Cartridge Strips perform their intended function admirably and provide a significant improvement over carrying loose rounds.
Design & Ergonomics
The Galco E-Z Loader Cartridge Strips boast a simple, functional design. The Santoprene rubber construction offers a good balance of flexibility and durability. The compact size makes them easy to carry in a pocket, pouch, or shooting bag.
The strips are comfortable to handle and do not add significant weight to your gear. The individual cartridge slots are well-defined, making it easy to quickly access and remove the ammunition. There is no real learning curve to using these, besides getting used to the slight stickiness of the rubber.
Durability & Maintenance
The Santoprene rubber construction of the Galco E-Z Loader Cartridge Strips ensures excellent durability. They are resistant to tearing, cracking, and deformation, even after repeated use and exposure to various environmental conditions. The simple design minimizes the risk of mechanical failure.
Maintenance is virtually nonexistent. A quick wipe with a damp cloth is all that’s needed to keep them clean. The material is also resistant to most common solvents and oils, making them easy to maintain even in demanding environments.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Galco E-Z Loader Cartridge Strips themselves do not require any accessories or customization options. However, they can be used in conjunction with various pouches or carriers for enhanced portability and accessibility. Galco offers a variety of pouches that are specifically designed to accommodate these cartridge strips.
Since these are universal in their .38/.357 application, any standard ammo will work. There are no modifications to be done besides perhaps marking the cartridges with different colors to indicate loading if that is desired.
Pros and Cons of Galco E-Z Loader Cartridge Strips, Black, EZL38 – 1 out of 2 models
Pros
- Significantly faster than reloading from loose rounds.
- Compact and easy to carry.
- Durable Santoprene rubber construction.
- Simple and reliable design.
- Inexpensive.
Cons
- Slightly slower than speed loaders.
- Rubber can sometimes stick to itself.
Who Should Buy Galco E-Z Loader Cartridge Strips, Black, EZL38 – 1 out of 2 models?
The Galco E-Z Loader Cartridge Strips, Black, EZL38 – 1 out of 2 models are perfect for revolver shooters who want a more organized and efficient way to reload. They are particularly well-suited for: Range shooters, hunters, and those who carry a revolver for self-defense. They are a great option for anyone who wants to minimize bulk and weight while still having quick access to spare ammunition.
Those who primarily use speed loaders for competition or tactical applications might not find these strips as beneficial. Also, those who shoot very high volumes and have dedicated speed loader pouches might prefer that system. However, for casual to moderate revolver shooters, these strips are a practical and affordable solution.
A good belt pouch to keep the strips clean and easily accessible would be a must have accessory. Some prefer to carry these in their pockets, but that creates lint and debris problems.
Conclusion on Galco E-Z Loader Cartridge Strips, Black, EZL38 – 1 out of 2 models
Overall, the Galco E-Z Loader Cartridge Strips, Black, EZL38 – 1 out of 2 models are a well-designed and practical accessory for revolver shooters. They offer a significant improvement over carrying loose rounds and provide a more streamlined reloading experience. The durable construction and simple design ensure long-lasting reliability.
At a price of $13.99, these strips offer excellent value for the money. They are a worthwhile investment for anyone who wants to enhance their revolver shooting experience.
I would definitely recommend the Galco E-Z Loader Cartridge Strips to fellow revolver enthusiasts. If you are tired of fumbling with loose rounds and want a more organized and efficient way to reload, give these strips a try. You might be surprised at how much of a difference they can make.