Today reader Ian McKee, whose blog handle is 45Bravo, tells us about a speedloader for loading semiautomatic pistol magazines in seconds.
If you’d like to write a guest post for this blog, please email me at blogger@pyramydair.com.
Take it away, Ian.
Elite Tactical Systems (ETS) Speedloader
by Ian McKee
ETS speedloader.
This report covers:
- What brought this on
- What does not work well?
- The problem with these three designs
- Enter the ETS Speed loader
- BB’s turn
Tom recently recounted a recent shooting session he had attended with friends. One of our mutual friends had issues loading his magazines for his handgun due to some problems with the manual dexterity of his hands from accidents earlier in his life. I quickly sent him a video about today’s loader, and my testimony that it actually works as advertised.
Reader Fred showed an interest in the speedloader I have been using since Part One of the test of the sub-$200 “Glock 19”. I figure there are many more of us out there that can use this information.
What brought this on
I have been fighting a pinched nerve that has reduced the strength in my left hand, and has been causing some loss of feeling in my fingers. Thankfully the doctor seems to have a handle on it and things have greatly improved over the last two weeks.
When I started trying to load the new double-stack magazines for the pistol in the linked report I found it almost impossible because of the stiffness of the springs and my physical issue. I didn’t think I had become so old and frail that I couldn’t load a simple pistol magazine!
I saw one of the ETS loaders on the hook at a local sporting goods store for much less than the retail price while I was stocking up on Black Friday sales ammo. I had seen videos of them, but this thing wasn’t on my radar at the time until that moment.
I figured what the heck, I already had two other “speedloaders” that were not so speedy. So why not get a third and write a blog about them?
What does not work well?
Years ago I bought an HKS Magazine speed loader. It kinda worked but you had to put the magazine in a handheld fixture, and depress a thumb lever and insert one round, then release the lever, push the round to the back of the mag, depress the lever again, and insert the second round. Then repeat this for the rest of the magazine. Can you say fiddley?
At the time it was released it was considered easier on the thumbs than manually loading.
The next one was a simple Glock OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) mag loader. It took the brunt of the punishment off your thumbs, but it was slow.
It’s simple and it works, but it’s very slow.
I was shooting with a friend a couple of years ago, he was using a UPLula loader. It was intriguing in that it depressed the first round and you could just lay the next round on the loading tray. Release the grip, reposition it, and repeat the steps.
The best designed of the ones I’ve shown so far. While very interesting, I admit it made it easier to load the mags, but I did not buy one.
The UpLula is easier if you are loading from a bulk ammo can or box where the rounds are loose. But if you are loading out of a box that has the cartridges in individual holes, the ETS I’m about to show is a much better option.
The problem with these three designs
With each of the three magazine loaders I’ve shown so far you have to manually load each round as it is going into the magazine. If you are having dexterity problems (like picking up small round objects) it is still frustrating having to handle each round.
Enter the ETS Speed loader
I can go into great depth here describing how it works, and describe the operation, but as they say, a “picture is worth a thousand words.” Well, a video can say volumes! Below is a link to a video by the manufacturer demonstrating it. The video is down the linked page on the right side. You have to scroll down a bit to see it.
https://www.etsgroup.us/Rifle-and-Pistol-Speedloaders-a/261.htm
I will say, follow what you see in the video. The first couple of times I tried it, it was a little difficult, but by the third mag it was much easier.
I have used it on Glock-style 9mm and .40 caliber magazines, Taurus G series magazines, and on Browning Hi Power P35 magazines. I have not had the opportunity to try it on single-stack 9mm mags as I do not own a 9mm single-stack handgun at the moment.
The main advantage of the ETS system over the others is you do not have to handle the individual rounds to load them in the mag!
Also it’s fast, we all enjoy shooting more than reloading.
Shoot safe, have Fun!
Ian
BB’s turn
I will add to Ian’s remarks. He said he hasn’t tried it on a single-stack magazine yet. I might know why. Most single-stack mags are easier to load in my experience. It’s only when you are stuffing a lot of cartridges into a mag that the spring starts fighting hard. The only single-stack mags I load are for my .45 ACP Glock 36 and several .45 ACP M1911s. The Glock’s mag spring is a bit testy, but I bought the 9mm/.40 cal ETS because most of my mags are double stacked.
I also own the UPLula mag speedloader because after loading a few mags by hand you know why you need one. It works but like Ian says, it’s slow.
The hardest mag I ever loaded was a 30-rounder for an HK MP5. It took five minutes to load and 10 seconds to empty!
I bought an ETS speedloader after watching that video. Don’t gotta show me more than once!
The Glock mag tool looks a lot like the one the Sten uses.
Tom,
If making a hole for the front sight has you throwing up your arms in frustration, how about cutting a slit and beating a wire rod into the slit then putting epoxy putty around it?
Siraniko
Siraniko,
Please allow me some time to work the problem. Remember — every day is a different report and the work behind it.
BB
Tom,
No problem. The idea came in a dream and I just felt I had to jot it down before I forgot about it.
Siraniko
BB,
This comment is about the ‘Little springers: Part One’ blog…
http://www.pyramydair.com/blog/2024/12/little-springers-part-one/
In the comments,
Yogi said, “Shouldn’t the Bronco be on the list?”
You said, “The Bronco is quite a bit larger than these little guys.”
A couple of hours later you changed your mind and said, “After some consideration I have added the Bronco to the list.”
I’d like to say that you’re spot on with that decision, as back in time, in your test, RWS Hobby .177 Cal, 7.0 Grains, Wadcutter averaged 558 f.p.s. through Bronco’s barrel.
http://www.pyramydair.com/blog/2010/01/the-bronco-from-air-venturi-part-2/
In my opinion, a.177 Cal, 7.0 Grains, Wadcutter leaving a barrel slower than 600 f.p.s. would be a great criteria for the ‘little springers,’ as once up on a time, you stated, “You may not want lead dust in your home, so stick with guns that shoot slower than 600 f.p.s.” And, what standard would be better than a 7.0 Grains, Wadcutter and a clean in-door shot to set such a criteria?
http://www.pyramydair.com/blog/2020/03/with-airguns-home-is-the-range-part1/
Fish
Fish,
I have quite a few airguns around here that shoot at 600 FPS or less. Most of these would not qualify as “little springers”. They are of the “full size” variety. It was not until the kids wanted to get in on all the shooting fun that the adults were into that the “little springers” came into existence.
Of course, the “velocity wars” were starting to heat up and the kids could not even cock some of the sproingers that started hitting the market, so something had to be made for those munchkins out there who wanted to shoot with the adults.
What I am trying to say is that velocity is not the sole criteria you should use to base whether an airgun is a “little springer” or not. By today’s standards this may be correct, but it was not that long ago that many airguns did not do much more than that.
RR,
First of all, I’m very jealous of your springer collection. 🙂
Well…good point, as the word ‘little’ also resembles with ‘size.’ Although, so far, the springers that have been listed in that article appear to come with adult size LOP / pulls…
My view is, for example, some claim HW30 is a little springer for juniors, but with its pull, it seems to me a fit for an adult. And, it can shoot the 7.0 grains wadcutter a lot faster than 600 f.p.s… In my opinion, there is nothing little about HW30, other than its relatively compact size.
Fish.
Fish,
In some ways I do understand. I have an HW30 and it is indeed a monster compared to the Falke 50 in both size and power. I have never had the pleasure of handling a Bronco, so I am not a good judge of such. I have handled a couple of diminutive Dianas, which are prime examples of youth sized and powered air rifles.
Now, as for my modest sproinger collection, if you hunt around some of these are still available, although as there fame has increased, so has their prices. Having said that, there are still some very good deals out there to be had. No, I will not be selling my collection of truly unique and very old airguns, but on occasion I have been known to trade one or two for others.
Nah, not interested in old stuff. My interest is in inspiring a new trend of such stuff amongst manufacturers of the new. Replicas of Diana 22, 23, 27 and etc… – without fibreoptics and plastics. Or, a come back of Diana 240 equipped with T06 and the iron sights of 350 Magnum kinda things…
Fish,
I hate to say it, but I think you can write Diana off. They are switching over to that Made In China stuff. Now the Chinese just may realize that many do not desire power or fiber optics and explore those markets some. If I am not mistaken, the Chinese are marketing a diminutive sproinger under the Diana name that is not very powerful. It does have fiber optic sights though.
Happy Birthday, Jesus!
I’ll still be more than fine with a come back of Diana 240 equipped with T06 and the iron sights of 350 Magnum Premium – regardless where it’s made.
I would agree. A 24 or a 240 “premium” would be an heirloom piece on which to teach your kids, can work well in the back yard or the basement, and can be handed down. It’s not too powerful, and not too hard to cock.
My belief is that a ‘little’ airgun is a youth airgun. And a youths airgun needs to be sized to fit young’uns and fps was equal to the size.
Think Daisy and Markham before BSA and Webley were making fire arms.
Breeze,
That was a looooong time ago. That is how BSA started.
LOP on these two are same as Diana 27’s…
https://www.pyramydair.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/11-23-20-05-422-27-23.jpg
And the d27 is considered ‘adult’
And the d27 is longer than the hw30
Hey Breeze,
Yes, I consider both Diana 27 and HW30S as adult size springers, especially considering their length of pull.
Fish
In my opinion, considering their length of pull, El Gamo David, Diana 22, and Diana 23 are suitable for adults as well.
The video makes it look very easy. And Ian’s description indicates that it is pretty easy after just a few times to get used to it. I wonder if they could make one that could load the Savage 22lr rotary magazines as shown in the photo.
Elmer Fudd,
Never loaded one of them.
Do they require a hard press to load all or any of the cartridges?
shootski
Thanks for the reply Shootski. Yes, it does take an agressive technique. It is also a different technique from most others because one also has to rotate the rotor as he loads the cartridges. And the force for the rotation has to come through the cartridges as they are loaded. And the cartridges are also pushed forward as they are loaded. So, one is pushing the cartridges sideways, forwards, and down, all at the same time. It isn’t that awful once one gets the feel for it, just different. I have read that others take the magazines apart and “unwind” the spring in order to reduce the force needed. I haven’t felt a real need to do that. But I can imagine that it might help someone who has to load a lot of these regularly.
The ETS speedloader works well. I’ve found that over time if you give the slide a shot of ballistol it works even better. I’m also a fan of the McFadden Ultimate Clip Loader that is designed for use with the Ruger MK 2, 3 & 4 .22 cal handguns.
kevin,
You may find this KISS device worth a look: https://tandemkross.com/loading-tool-and-lanyard-for-single-stack-22lr-magazines/
shootski
This looks like the ticket for loading GSG MP40 25-rd mags, so thank you for this review, Ian.
45Bravo,
BAH HUMBUG!
Ian, your facts about Speed loaders are certainly spot on and your reporting is accurate…okay now for the why i gave your Guest Blog a BAH HUMBUG.
SIMPLY THIS: While providing a method of loading your multi shot magazines for those folks that find it challenging to thumbs and those with actual dexterity problems for whatever reason is certainly a commendable endeavour it almost completely eliminates the last chance to visually inspect your cartridges. Straight from the box to the speed loader is something i find disturbing in at least one instance.
The method doesn’t create huge problems for recreational shooting but for my (and your) carry and defensive arms i really want us to inspect and load every cartridge by hand. (There are techniques to make the loading evolution easier on the hands and thumbs without using mechanical devices even for the last rounds; which are actually the most important since they are your first and perhaps only usable rounds.)
For those who just can not load manually the “speed” loaders that require single round operation at least provide an opportunity to visually check them before the cartridges are swallowed up by the loading device and shoved/pressed into the magazine.
Great Guest Blog Ian…just some food for thought.
shootski
One could load defensive rounds one by one into the speedloader, for inspection purposes, then, zzzzippp, load the mag. Good compromise?
Roamin Greco,
Compromises are not something i think about when it concerns my carry or defensive device.
The second definition of compromise when used as a verb in the Oxford Dictionary:
2. accept standards that are lower than is desirable.
“we were not prepared to compromise on safety”
The above is why i carry a full size Kimber 1911 that has never ever had a hiccup and use the Chip McCormick magazines exclusively: https://cmproducts.com/1911-magazines.html
Compromise, no thank you.
shootski
Can these be used to load Marauder style magazines?
RidgeRunner,
Sly devil ;^)
shootski
shootski,
Apparently, it was a bit too sly for most.
RidgeRunner,
They need to become more Entish!
Happy Christmas
shootski
Hey Ian, a bit late to the party here since I was on the road yesterday. I really like this device and since I am now starting to have a problem with those “last few rounds”, a speed loader is definitely on the wish list, especially for my 9mm single stack concealed carry.
On another topic, I believe you do 3D printing as do some others here. Anyone doing trigger shoes? I ask because I finally found my roundtuit and have modified the trigger on my Barnett Spitfire aka Webley Tracker. The trigger was so hard to pull and shaped by some lawyer/sadist that after 10 shots, my finger hurt!
I’ve cut a coil off the trigger spring with my trusty Dremel and used some moly on the trigger pivot pin. I’ve also used my Dremel and some polish on the trigger/sear engagement point (not enough to remove the color coating) and greatly impressed myself! However, the trigger is too thin and I believe could benefit from a shoe. So…..
Happy Holidays, Happy Chanukah, Merry Xmas, Happy Festivus and Happy Kwanza to all.
Fred formerly of the Demokratik Peeples Republik of NJ now back in cold GA
Fred,
I do have a question. What is cold in Georgia? Here it dropped to about 15 degrees. Thankfully it has warmed up to about 40 this morning.
Speaking of which:
Happy Birthday, Jesus!
Well, in my doddering old age, anything below 55 forces me to put on a sweatshirt/jacket/sweater despite the neighbors’ kids shooting hoops wearing shorts and t-shirts. Merry Xmas to you, RR.
Fred formerly of the Demokratik Peeples Republik of NJ now happily in GA
Unfortunately, I do understand. Mrs. RR still fusses when I do not put on a jacket when it drops to in the fifties around here, but I have no problem dressing a little more warmly when it hits the forties. I have come to experience that as the temperature decreases, so does my tolerance of such.
Have a blessed New Year.
RidgeRunner of the Demokratik Peeples Republik of VA
Wait a minute! Is your wife’s name June? Do you live in a cabin on the trail of the lone pine?
For those who don’t know what I’m referring to, https://youtu.be/qApsAPnoH7c
Fred formerly of the etc. etc.
Fred,
No, her name is not June. She is also a lot younger than that woman probably is. I do wish I knew where the trail of the lone pine is though.
Guys,
It’s not the LONE pine. It’s the Lonesome Pine. You’ll find it online that way.
BB
BB,
It is indeed the Lonesome Pine. No wonder I cannot find that trail.