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Tactical reloads and ammo selection. A listener recently sent me an email alerting me to the fact that many experts point out that tactical reloads can take too much time, require too many fine motor skills and could actually get you killed. After reading the articles sent to me by Michael Bane and Ralph Mroz, PoliceOne Columnist I agree. So I’ve put together this podcast as a continuation of Episode 32. I also throw in some of my thoughts about selecting ammunition.
Highlights:
- Game vs. reality debate.
- Is the tactical reload a game technique or could it be used in a real gunfight?
- Why I like the “speed reloads” instead.
- What is reload with retention?
- Are civilian gunfights decided by round count?
- Can the tactical reload cause more malfunctions?
- IDPA, game or reality?
- Ammo selection, bullet design, ballistics.
- FMJ ammo and over-penetration, is it overstated?
Bob Mayne
Handgun World Show
Bob, I’m new to IDPA so I might be mistaken but aren’t you allowed to do a tactical reload OR a “slide lock” emergency reload that allows you to drop the empty magazine on the ground. All the shoots I’ve been to leave it up to you to decide. I almost always use the emergency reload for these reasons.
1. Most people say in a fight you won’t know how many rounds you shoot.
2. One less thing to learn. I only have one reload to train.
3. Gross motor skills.
Are the shoots you go to requiring you to do tactical reloads? If so WHY??
Also, I think its a good practice to hide, go to cover or move off the X as it were if you gun is not working or empty. I think IDPA is right that you don’t reload in the open and you can’t break cover with an empty gun.
You stated that you don’t use you slide stop on you Glock to release the slide and I agree. I use the over hand tug, ALWAYS. Gross motor skill and the same movement I need to clear a malfunction. I don’t know if you meant to say “sling shot”. If you are using your thumb and index finger to pull your slide that is different than what I do. I use my whole hand with palm down and the thumb pointing at me to pull the slide.
Good show, Keep the IDPA stuff coming. Its fun and good practice.
What might get you killed in not training……
Peter in Michigan.
Peter, you are correct, what I meant to say is the over hand tug method you describe. That’s exactly what I prefer to do. I think getting off the “X” is a great point! I should have covered that. The IPDA shoots I go to require one of the 3 types of “IDPA” approved reloads: slide lock, tactical or reload with retention. I only like slide lock reloads and “speed reloads.” After performing all of them under pressure and talking to combat pistol instructors and the 2 articles I referenced in the show, that’s my opinion. I do agree with trying not to dump a magazine with rounds in it on the ground, but if there’s no cover, I’ll reload in the open because I have to…and my main objective will be to get more ammo in the gun FAST to end the fight. I don’t want to worry about fancy techniques, just getting the bad guy(s) to stop what they are doing. It’s a controversial subject, I know. I like to take risks on my show. Good points you make and thanks for making them. Keep the comments coming and thanks for listening! I’m learning along the way too.
Bob Mayne
Mr. Mayne, I have another point. You concerned me with one more thing. Not carrying a reload might just get you killed. (ok, I had to work the title in) Then who would do the podcast. Kidding aside; I believe you should carry a reload as James Yeager says “most malfunctions in a pistol are cured by a new magazine”. As Syd puts it until you can explain to how I will NEVER need a reload..I will carry one. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ANyv1Oh9yPk
Superheat.
Well Superheat, by your comment and watching James Yeager’s video, I think I may have to start carrying a spare magazine in one of those Milt Sparks mag carriers he uses. I’ve never seen that video. I’m a big fan of James and his school. I’ve yet to take one of his courses. Hopefully this year…soon. Thanks for your comment….you GOT ME!
The mortgage loans seem to be important for people, which are willing to ground their own career. By the way, this is comfortable to receive a short term loan.
Bob, I’m new to IDPA so I might be mistaken but aren’t you allowed to do a tactical reload OR a “slide lock” emergency reload that allows you to drop the empty magazine on the ground. All the shoots I’ve been to leave it up to you to decide. I almost always use the emergency reload for these reasons.
1. Most people say in a fight you won’t know how many rounds you shoot.
2. One less thing to learn. I only have one reload to train.
3. Gross motor skills.
Are the shoots you go to requiring you to do tactical reloads? If so WHY??
Also, I think its a good practice to hide, go to cover or move off the X as it were if you gun is not working or empty. I think IDPA is right that you don’t reload in the open and you can’t break cover with an empty gun.
You stated that you don’t use you slide stop on you Glock to release the slide and I agree. I use the over hand tug, ALWAYS. Gross motor skill and the same movement I need to clear a malfunction. I don’t know if you meant to say “sling shot”. If you are using your thumb and index finger to pull your slide that is different than what I do. I use my whole hand with palm down and the thumb pointing at me to pull the slide.
Good show, Keep the IDPA stuff coming. Its fun and good practice.
What might get you killed in not training……
Peter in Michigan.
I guess sling shot is not the right way to say it. I use the same method you describe, the overhand tug. Yes, IDPA allows either a slide lock reload or reload with retention, or tactical reload. What they don’t allow is the “speed reload.” Meaning I cannot according to their rules, drop a magazine with ammo in it…on the ground. I disagree with that rule. I think in real life, the nerves of the moment will force you to reload whenever you feel necessary and you most likely won’t be worrying about dropping a magazine with ammo in it. The only thing you will worry about if getting shot at, is winning the fight. Whatever it takes.