JUST RELOAD

I have been hearing a lot of chatter about what type of reloads guys should practice. Here is my take on this.

When you press the trigger and nothing happens, TAP RACK BANG. If your weapon is empty, you will realize it, usually in the TAP phase. Dump that magazine while your support hand fetches a fresh magazine, insert the fresh magazine and either run the slide or press the slide stop with your offhand thumb. This is generally called an emergency reload. In application, it’s usually called an “ohfuckohfuckohfuck” reload. This reload should be done while your feet are moving unless you are behind some solid cover.

The other type of reload, which should also be trained on every day, is commonly referred to as the speed reload. This is just like the emergency reload, only is performed when you have stopped shooting at someone and either aren’t sure how much ammunition you have expended, or know you are almost out. It makes sense to get your weapon back up to full capacity quickly, so find a full magazine, get it up to the gun, dump the partial magazine out of the gun, and insert the fresh magazine firmly. If your weapon gave no other indication of being empty, there is no reason to run the slide in this situation. If you have time and are so inclined, you can pick up the magazine that is now on the deck and stow it somewhere, but this is unlikely to be necessary unless you are applying these techniques in a military context. If you do decide to pick up magazines, check them for top round alignment before stowing them to ensure they can be used if needed. If the situation is not such that you have time to check this, leave them on the deck. Magazines are disposable.

Any other reload, in my opinion, is administrative in nature. I do not teach tactical reloads because they are overly complicated and are advocated for use during a “lull” in the gunfight. There are no “lulls” in gunfights; you have either shot your opponent to submission, unconsciousness or death, or they remain a threat. Don’t train yourself to perform complicated, unnecessary procedures requiring finger dexterity if they can be avoided. If, after a realistic evaluation of the threats you are likely to face, you genuinely feel you may need those few rounds later, you will be much better served by either changing your lifestyle to reduce your threats or by carrying more magazines.

Whatever you decide, train, train, train. Make sure you dry fire practice reloading, both speed and emergency, from every conceivable body position and with both hands. Also get some training in one-handed reloading and off hand reloading. Do not allow yourself to be convinced you need skills based on someone’s training philosophy (including mine). Educate yourself and choose techniques and procedures likely to be required for your specific situation, then become an expert in their use.

Stout Hearts