We've all heard the admonition that you should carry at least one reload along with your defensive handgun. However, if you carry a double-action revolver for defense—and there's no reason why you shouldn't—I would suggest that you carry two reloads.
The first should be a speedloader for those times when your revolver runs dry in a fight and you need to get it reloaded as quickly as possible. Nothing will do that quite as fast as a good speedloader. I prefer the twist-knob model from HKS but there are a number of good options available, so choose the one that works best for you.
I've found the best place to carry that speedloader is in a pocket of my covering garment on the same side as I carry my handgun. This adds a bit of weight to that side of the concealing jacket or vest and helps me clear that garment away from my gun during the draw. There are, however, some belt carriers that are especially designed for concealed carry that may better suit the defensive shooter's needs.
The second reload should be carried in a belt pouch or a speed strip that is carried in a pocket. This is your source for ammo when only a couple of shots have been fired and a tactical reload is the order of the day.
The important thing is to always carry these reloads in the same place. The middle of a gunfight is not the place to be fumbling around trying to remember where your extra ammo is located. And, of course, a defensive shooter needs to incorporate reloading from these locations during his practice sessions.
Even if you carry two revolvers—which may be the fastest reload of all—you need to carry extra ammunition. And it is still a good idea to have at least one speedloader on board along with an extra reload in a belt pouch or speed strip. We know that most gunfights involving citizens are resolved with however much ammo is in the defensive handgun. But it sure doesn't hurt to hedge your bet a little bit just in case your experience turns out to be the exception to the rule.
