Speedloaders are essential tools for quickly filling magazines, and we think everyone should own one. They are quite affordable and can significantly cut down your loading time, making it simple to load hundreds of rounds. Fortunately, we have evaluated the top 9mm speed loaders to spare you from the hassle of thumb-straining reloads.

When searching for the top 9mm speed loaders, don’t rely solely on their popularity. Although our review includes some well-known models, we prioritized the robustness of their build and the range of pistols they work with. Interestingly, not all 9mm speed loaders are compatible with every 9mm firearm, so keep that in mind.

Now, let’s dive into the best 9mm mag loaders available today.

Best Budget Pick	GGD Universal Pistol Speed Loader for 9mm	Nearly fits all standard caliber pistols Affordable price Straightforward to use More efficient in saving your thumb than increasing reloading speed	$11 Shop NowClick to read my review
	ADCO Super Thumb Double Stack Speedloader	Affordable price Compatible with various 9mm and .40 pistols Made in the United States Does not work with Glock pistols	$10 Shop NowClick to read my review
	MakerShot Custom Magazine Speedloader	Fits a variety of 9mm weapons Uniquely designed for each pistol Durable and lasting quality Not universal	$12 Shop NowClick to read my review
	Maglula UpLULA Pistol Magazine Loader	Universal construction Durable military-grade materials Bargain price for buyers with multiple 9mm pistols Most expensive option	$33 Shop NowClick to read my review
	Elite Tactical Systems Group Mag Loader	Universal design Durable military-grade materials Bargain price for buyers with multiple 9mm pistols Most expensive option	$28 Shop NowClick to read my review

The 5 Best 9mm Speed Loaders

We examined the leading 9mm mag loaders available. Below, we’ll outline their features to simplify your decision-making process.

GGD Universal 9mm Pistol Speed Loader

Materials — The GGD Universal 9mm Pistol Speed Loader is made from the same black polymer used in Glock’s other products. It is compatible with 9mm pistols like Glocks and Smith & Wessons. It can fit calibers including 9mm, 40 S&W, and .357 Sig.

Performance — The quality of this speed loader is outstanding: it’s durable and robust. With no moving parts or mechanisms, it lives up to its reputation for being easy on your thumbs and hands during reloading. Simply place it on top of your magazine, insert the ammunition, and press down on the handle.

What we say — The GGD Universal Speed Loader is an affordable choice for novice shooters. If you have a collection of .357, 9mm, or .40 caliber pistols, including Glocks and Smith & Wessons, this loader is a great option.

ADCO Super Thumb Double Stack Speed Loader

Materials — The ADCO Super Thumb Double Stack Speedloader is constructed from black polymer and is manufactured in the United States. It enhances the loading speed of ammunition with ease. While a detailed list of compatible pistols can be found online, it works with a broad range of 9mm and .40 caliber firearms. This makes it a top choice if you own a Smith & Wesson M&P, Sig, Springfield, Ruger SR9, or Walther P99.

Performance — The ADCO Super Thumb Double Stack Speedloader does have some compatibility limitations. However, if you own a well-known brand pistol, you should be fine. Interestingly, Glock is the only major brand not listed as compatible with this loader. Additionally, it seems less robust compared to other speed loaders we tested. While it doesn’t crack, we can’t guarantee its longevity. Despite this, it remains a budget-friendly choice that performs its intended function effectively.

What we say — The ADCO Super Thumb Double Stack Speedloader is ideal for those who don’t own a Glock. While it is more affordable than many other options, it still provides good value for its cost.

MakerShot Custom Magazine Speed Loader

Materials — The MakerShot Custom Magazine Speedloader is a polymer-based tool made in the United States. While it fits a range of calibers, it is not universally compatible. The company meticulously adjusted over twenty dimensions to ensure a precise fit for your firearm.

Compatible with Berettas, Glocks, Rugers, Sig Sauers, Smith & Wessons, Tauruses, and Walthers, it also works with some .45, .22, and .380 caliber guns. The speed loader is designed to ease finger strain during reloading and is built for lifetime durability.

Performance — The MakerShot Custom Magazine Speedloader is exceptionally well-crafted. Although it’s not universal, its precise design for each handgun surpasses many other speed loaders we reviewed. Given its affordability, you might consider buying several if you own multiple calibers.

It performs reliably and seems to offer long-term durability, aligning with MakerShot’s claims. Our only concern is its lack of universal compatibility.

What we say — For those who prioritize quality over cost, the MakerShot Custom Magazine Speedloader is a top choice. While it may be pricier than some other options, it delivers exceptional value for its price.

Here’s a video showing how to use the MakerShot Speed Loader:

Maglula UpLULA Pistol Magazine Loader

Materials — The Universal Pistol Magazine Loader is crafted from military-grade materials. UpLULA, which stands for “universal pistol loaders and unloaders accessories,” accommodates nearly any caliber from 9mm Luger to .45 ACP. Made from indestructible polycarbonate, this tool is robust enough for both single and double stacks. Available in six colors—black, purple, brown, dark green, lime green, and pink—it fits various magazines, including 9mm, .357, .40, .45, 10 mm, and 1911.

Performance — The Maglula UpLULA Pistol Magazine Loader stands out as the sole universal option in this review, which is its key advantage. It operates without the need for spacers or adjustments and can enhance loading speed by up to one round per second. The loader is lightweight and compact, easily fitting in your pocket. Its shims and loading mechanism automatically adjust to different magazine sizes. Renowned for its reliability and ease of use, it’s pricier compared to other options, making it almost like buying two loaders for different calibers. We had a favorable experience during testing, with no issues across various magazines, including double stacks. The build quality seems durable, and the vibrant color choices add a touch of customization.

What we say — For owners of multiple 9mm handguns with single or double stack mags, the Maglula Universal Pistol Magazine Loader is the top choice. It’s a high-quality tool that delivers reliable performance.

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Elite Tactical Systems Group Mag Loader

Materials — This loader combines features of a stripper clip and a mechanical speed loader. The manufacturer claims it works with any magazine for a specific caliber. Each model is calibrated for a certain caliber, so ensure you select the right one. There are models available for 9mm, .380, .40, and .45 ACP ammunition.

Performance — Handling the ammo is unnecessary; simply slide it along a tray, and it will automatically pick up the rounds. Load it from the ammo box, insert the loader until it locks, then use the plunger to push the rounds into the magazine.

You can pre-load up to 10 rounds using a plastic ammo tray, which aligns with the cartridge rims. Despite its larger size compared to other speed loaders, it allows for efficient reloading of multiple magazines without manually handling each cartridge.

What we say — The Elite Tactical Systems Group Mag Loader is perfect for those seeking an effortless reloading experience. It’s a bit labor-intensive but enjoyable to use. Suitable for both single and double stack magazines, it avoids damaging feed lips as you don’t push rounds through them.

Here’s a video on how to use the Elite Tactical Systems Group Mag Loader. It makes reloading swift and easy.

What is a Speed Loader?

Speedloaders are primarily associated with revolvers, but they can also be used with semi-automatic pistols. While there are various designs available, they all share the fundamental goal of enabling users to reload their firearms quickly and efficiently.

Types of Magazines

Single Stack Magazines

Single-stack magazines are often found in smaller caliber handguns. These magazines feature a single row of cartridges aligned vertically. Examples of 9mm single-stack pistols include the Beretta Nano, Sig Sauer P938, and Kimber Micro.

Double Stack Magazines

As the name implies, double-stack magazines have two rows of cartridges arranged vertically. These are far more prevalent in larger caliber handguns like 9mm, .40, and .45.

Extended Magazines

Extended magazines, also referred to as high-capacity mags, are longer versions of a pistol’s standard magazine. While they generally hold more rounds than a standard magazine, this isn’t always the case. For instance, the standard Glock 19 magazine holds 15 rounds, while the extended version holds 17 rounds.

The History of Speed Loaders

In 1879, William H. Bell was the first to secure a patent for a revolver speedloader. About 14 years later, in 1893, another competitor entered the market: William de Courcy Prideaux. A loyal servant of Queen Victoria, Prideaux called his creation a “cartridge-packet holder.” Like Bell’s design, it operated in a similar fashion, featuring 12 steel graspers arranged in 6 groups to hold a .455 cartridge for a British Webley pistol. Due to his connection with the queen, Prideaux’s invention gained more popularity than Bell’s, especially among military leaders of the time. He also obtained a patent for his design. Prideaux later refined his invention, which saw significant use during WWI.

Speed Loaders in the 20th Century

Throughout most of the 20th century, American police officers primarily carried revolvers. These revolvers were typically reloaded using single cartridge belt loops or dump pouches. As semiautomatic pistols gained popularity, revolvers fell out of favor, especially within the military, though the U.S. police force continued to rely on them. This created a significant need for a more efficient speed loader, as the metal dump pouches of the time proved inadequate. J.M. Hunt took on the challenge of designing a new speed loader, ushering in a new era.

The growing number of handguns and other firearms led to a high demand for affordable, reliable speed loaders. In 1968, a company named Dade developed a plastic prototype that used metal springs to maintain tension on the cartridges. This innovation allowed a skilled person to reload in just four seconds. Dade quickly became the leading manufacturer of speed loaders, and police officers nationwide began receiving training in its use.

Speed Loaders Today

Today, speed loaders are crafted from various materials, such as plastic and aluminum. They are manufactured by multiple companies and are compatible with both revolvers and semiautomatic pistols. Available in a range of sizes and shapes, speed loaders are designed to fit different types of firearms. For many shooters, speed loaders are a crucial piece of equipment, often making the difference between winning and losing in a competition.

How to Use Speedloaders for Pistol Magazines

Speedloaders are a handy tool that can make reloading your revolver a breeze. Here are a few tips on how to use them:

1. Start with an empty pistol magazine.

2. Insert the speedloader into the magazine.

3. Insert a round in the magazine and push or squeeze the rounds into the magazine with the speedloader.

4. Repeat until your magazine if fully loaded.

5. Eject the empty speedloader and repeat as necessary.

Buyer’s Guide to the Best 9mm Speed Loaders

With numerous brands and models available, choosing the right speed loader for your needs can be challenging. That’s why we’ve created this buyer’s guide to the top 9mm speed loaders.

Compatibility

First and foremost, it’s essential to ensure that the speed loader you select is compatible with your specific 9mm firearm. Not all 9mm speed loaders are designed the same, and some are only intended to work with particular types of guns.

Design and Features

Lastly, consider the overall design of the speed loader. Some models are more user-friendly than others, with features like finger grooves or thumb rests for added comfort. Before making your final decision, think about how easy the speed loader is to operate.

Budget

Naturally, price is always a consideration when buying any product. Fortunately, there are many 9mm speed loaders available across a wide range of price points.

FAQ About the Best 9mm Speed Loaders

Who can use speed loaders?

Whether you’re a competitive shooter or someone who enjoys recreational shooting, a speed loader can be a valuable addition to your gear. Choose a metal or plastic model that fits your firearm’s size and style. With some practice, you’ll be able to reload quickly and efficiently, giving you a crucial advantage in any shooting scenario.

Do speed loaders damage magazines?

No, speed loaders do not damage magazines when used correctly. Simply ensure that you follow the manufacturer’s instructions to avoid any issues.

Is a magazine speed loader worth buying?

Yes, it is. One of the key benefits of using a magazine speed loader is the time it saves. For those who frequently shoot targets or compete in shooting sports, being able to reload magazines quickly and efficiently can be a significant advantage. Additionally, in a self-defense scenario, the ability to reload your firearm swiftly could be crucial.

Our Favorite 9mm Speed Loader

After reviewing and testing all the options, we decided our favorite 9mm speed loader was the MakerShot Custom Magazine Speedloader. It isn’t the cheapest option, but it is still affordable. If you have other caliber guns, you could buy more than one and keep your wallet happy. You can get our best value pick for slightly less, GGD Universal Pistol Speed Loader for 9mm. This is a fantastic choice for anyone with a 9mm pistol should consider.

Conclusion

Even if you don’t choose our top pick, all the 9mm speed loaders mentioned here perform exceptionally well. Each one effectively reduces loading time and minimizes finger soreness. Since we select only the best options, any speed loader from this list will be a solid choice. Remember to include a speed loader in your range bag for your next shooting session. Happy loading!

You might also like to read:

• Best 9mm Bolt Carrier Groups (BCG)
• 380 vs 9mm: Battle of the Calibers
• 5 Best Compact 9mm Pistols