i# Review: HKS-587 A Speedloader – 7 Rounds of Reliability
If you are carrying a 7-shot revolver like the Taurus 627 Tracker, your reloading options are more limited than the standard 6-shot crowd. The HKS-587 A is the old-school, mechanical solution to that problem. After months of desert carry, here is how it holds up.
Performance in the Field
The HKS uses a “twist to release” mechanism. Unlike push-to-release models, you insert the rounds and turn the knob to the right to lock them in, and a twist to the left to drop them into the cylinder.
The Ball Bearing Issue
I have to make a note for potential buyers: on my specific unit, the small detent ball bearing fell out within the first two weeks of use. This bearing is supposed to provide a “click” feel when locking.
However, the speedloader is still fully functional. The rounds still lock securely, and they release perfectly into the cylinder. It just lacks that tactile “click” now. Given the rugged use I put it through, I’m not surprised, but it is something to watch for.
Price vs. Value Ratio
The biggest selling point for the HKS-587 A is the price/value ratio. While competition-grade aluminum speedloaders can run you $30 to $50, the HKS usually sits under $15.
For a bushcraft or self-defense tool that is going to get dropped in the dirt, scratched by rocks, and covered in carbon, the value here is unbeatable. You can buy three of these for the price of one high-end loader, allowing you to have plenty of backups in your kit.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Unbeatable Price: Best value on the market for a 7-shot loader.
- Simplicity: No springs to wear out or accidentally trigger in your pocket.
- Fit: Perfectly indexed for the Taurus 627 and L-Frame S&W 7-shot cylinders.
Cons
- Durability: As mentioned, small parts like the detent ball can go missing.
- Speed: A twist-release is slightly slower than a push-release for competition use.
Final Verdict
If you want a fancy, polished piece of gear, look elsewhere. But if you want a tool that works every time you twist the knob—even if a ball bearing falls out—the HKS-587 A is the practical choice for Arizona bushcraft.
See our other articles.