Setting Up Your Revolver EDC [2024]

I’m a little bit of a revolver enthusiast, if you aren’t already aware. Over the past few years I’ve been seeing an increase in interest in the wheelgun from the general public, both for recreation and personal protection. Unfortunately, there are some less than stellar folks out there pumping out subpar guns and gear to support this growing market. Not only does this give the revolver a bad name, but this gear can fail you when your life depends on it. Luckily we still have some stellar options for holsters, loading devices, and more. Here are some of my go-to choices when setting up a revolver-centric EDC.

Revolver Holster Options

If you’re planning on carrying a gun, a holster is going to be pretty important. As we know, not all holsters are created equal. This is even more the case when it comes to revolvers, which often need some special design features. Over the years I’ve found a few options that have become my go-to holsters.

Harry’s Holsters

Harry’s Holsters gave me my introduction to carrying a snub revolver back in late 2018 with the original Icon. Since then I’ve built up a lot of experience with their holsters, carrying both revolvers and autos. My current EDC for a J-Frame is the Icon 2.0, which I reviewed last year. Since then I’ve picked up a second example for the occasion when both my wife and I are carrying our 632’s.

Able to switch between AIWB and strong side carry, the Icon 2.0 is a pretty versatile holster. If you’re a little technologically inclined, Harry’s Monocle is my go-to for Taurus revolvers equipped with their TORO optic system.

JM Custom Kydex

JM Custom Kydex is one of the most well known names in the kydex game. They have a wide variety of holster designs for both appendix and strong side carry, inside and outside the waistband. Revolver support is pretty solid for Ruger, Taurus, and S&W guns. I own two of their rigs for J and K-Frame revolvers, and several holsters for autoloaders and love them. A stand out here is the level of customization they offer, from color, to belt attachments, optic cuts, and more. While some more eccentric revolvers don’t currently get any love from JMCK, more typical offerings are well covered.

Galco Combat Master

Despite what some may say, leather holsters absolutely still have a place in today’s concealment marketplace. I’ve been using a Combat Master for a little over three years in competition and classes, and it hasn’t let me down yet. Holding tight to the body, the Combat Master is solid for OWB concealment under a jacket while still being fast on the draw. If you stick with common revolvers, these are often available from retailers without going online.

Revolver Loading Devices

Unlike a semiautomatic, there are a variety of loading devices and methods available to the revolver. Some of these may sacrifice speed for concealment, or offer ways to easily top off your cylinder instead of completely reloading the gun. We’ll take a look at a few options here. I recommend a mix of both complete and partial loading devices. This allows you to quickly top off when you have time, distance, and cover, or to fully load your gun when needed.

Speed Loaders

Speed loaders are what most people are familiar with. They come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and methods of operation. There are a handful of models that I find unsuitable for carry, even if they are widely popular in competition. When it comes to EDC, there are three speed loaders that I choose to carry and recommend for most revolvers.

HKS

HKS offers one of the most tested loaders on the market, originally introduced in 1973. Running around $10-15 a piece, they’re highly affordable, and often available in common configurations at most sporting goods stores. It often surprises people, but HKS supports a wide range of calibers, such as .32H&R, .22WMR, .41MAG and more! They’re inexpensive, durable, and reasonably fast.

Some folks poo-poo the twist action to release rounds, but I haven’t found that to be a massive shortcoming. The knurling on the knob can irritate the skin a little when worn IWB, but an undershirt can help mitigate that. HKS is my go-to with my S&W 632UC, and have come with me to several classes and matches without issue.

Safariland

Safariland is largely considered THE standard for concealment and competition speed loaders. Their CompI is a great option for J-Frames in .38/.357, with the CompII having options for slightly larger revolvers. The push action removes some room for error found in other loaders, and its especially small size aids in concealment. These usually seem to run between $15 and $20, though their availability isn’t quite as widespread as HKS. Safariland loaders have also been extremely reliable for me, in both CompI and CompII variants.

Jetloader

Unlike the previous two loaders which rely solely on gravity for feeding, the Jetloader uses a spring to propel part of the loader towards the cylinder. This can help with more positive loading, especially at low angles. The inclusion of a handle for loading can make grasping the loader slightly easier, though can impact concealment if you’re already on the bleeding edge. Make sure you don’t grasp the body of the loader, otherwise you’ll prevent the Jetloader from functioning properly. The biggest shortcoming here is their price, coming in at $37-40, and their limited options for compatible firearms.

*Speed Beez

To be frank, I do not consider Speed Beez loaders to be a good choice for conceal carry. They have a propensity to eject rounds in the pouch when kneeling or bending over, and are not particularly secure in the first place. At $43 each, they’re also one of the more expensive optionsThat said, Speed Beez does support a massive variety of makes and models of revolvers. Depending on your choice of gun, these may be your only choice.

Partial Loaders

Revolvers are relatively low capacity firearms. In the event that you take a few shots, you probably won’t want to dump your precious remaining live rounds on the ground. Instead we can conduct a partial reload, plucking out spent casings and topping the gun off. This isn’t an option if we only carry speed loaders, so it may be a good idea to diversify our loading devices. Here are a few good options for carrying rounds separate from a speed loader.

Dark Star Gear IAC

Dark Star is known for making high quality kydex equipment, but even I was surprised when I first saw the IAC. This is a collaboration with Cecil Burch of Immediate Action Combatives to create a modern, low profile ammunition carrier. Holding two rounds of .38/.357 along the belt, the IAC keeps things close to the body and easy to conceal while still being accessible. This is a quick way to rapidly top off the gun, and fairly inexpensive at around $18 each.

Those wearing thicker belts like the Magpul Tejas will want to look elsewhere, as the belt loop here is somewhat narrow to improve retention. Additionally, I’d recommend wearing an undershirt to avoid any discomfort from the rims of the case rubbing against your skin.

Galco 2x2x2

The Galco 2x2x2 is a highly underrated pouch that has been part of my EDC for a few years. Holding six rounds of .38/.357 in three groups of two (hence the name 2x2x2), this pouch offers a full reload of most carry focused guns in a small package. While it doesn’t conceal quite as well as the IAC, I haven’t had any issues wearing reasonably fitting button up shirts. I wrote a full review that you can read >>HERE<<. As an added benefit, it still works pretty well with .32H&R rounds, though you will experience a little muted rattling.

Tuff Products Tuff Strips

There are a variety of loading strips in the market, such as those from Zeta6 and Bianchi. However, Tuff Products offers something that others don’t. With multiple options for number of rounds, along with supporting less common calibers such as .22WMR and .32H&R. You can also get these with an integrated Retention Ring to help maintain custody of the strip when shooting. Pricing ranges from about $12 to $20 depending on configuration.

Wrapping Up Revolver

While revolvers don’t get the development love that semiautos do, there is still a wide range of parts and accessories to choose from. This list isn’t all-inclusive, but it should give you a good starting point if you’re wanting to start carrying, training, or competing with a wheelgun.

For more knowledge on revolvers, check out these other articles of mine!

How to Carry a Speed Loader IWB | Revolver Reloads

“Revolvers Never Jam”, or Thoughts on Revolver Reliability

Wadcutters for the Defensive Revolver

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