POWER OF HABIT: LOADING

Travis talks about the power of habit and starting the training session off right. Out on the range we see a lot of shooters load quickly and forget or not even notice that critical point where they could have gotten so much more out of a simple process. Take advantage of that time to help create consistent and deliberate practices to set yourself up for success in the long run.

[@mrdark9916]

I get up every morning, do my deliberate weapon practices, and all my gucci tactical shit. I come home to a made bed, a perfectly made bed. And it feels great. I also come home to all my laundry folded and put away, and it feels great too., Thats why i love my mom so much. She takes care of me so i can concentrate on being a tactical badass.

[@DET_C0RD]

I like to take a steamy shit in my made bed

[@simply_based]

This guy operates

[@RKHarm24]

Excellent refresher. So many people who do not have a standard procedure for loading/unloading are just waiting on the day when they have an ND. Our procedures are so much alike mechanically, I just don't verbalize as well as you. Thanks Travis.

[@ISAFSoldier]

All of a sudden, this video reminds me of this quote by a great man. "I fear not the man who has practiced 10,000 kicks once, but I fear the man who has practiced one kick 10,000 times."

[@fos8838]

Bruce lee. Nice

[@akratch]

- Michael Scott

[@yacine8761]

Bruce lee

[@ifyouloveChristyouwillobeyhim]

Dumb quote. Being a one-trick pony is the surest way to get yourself stuck in a situation that doesn't allow for your one niche trick to work (i.e. real life). Also there aren't 10,000 kicks. But if there were it would be great to practice them all, better to train all your muscles to be versatile in all kicks, than to overwork a handful of muscles locking them into only one muscle-memory and neglect all the others.

[@Mrgunsngear]

Excellent video as always.

[@pyzik200]

Travis, I (like pretty much everyone else) watched your Magpul Pistol DVD. One habit I've taken up is, almost every morning I do your Draw, Dry fire, Load, Press check, Holster drill. Well, one morning upon dryfire *no click. Hmm, maybe I didn't "cock" the striker? Rack the slide, press out, pull the trigger and felt something weird. Racked the slide again and something fell out of the mag well. The striker on my carry pistol had BROKEN. What if I didn't do this almost every morning? I wouldn't have known there was a broken striker for how long? What if I would have needed the gun for defense that day? Thank you sir, for getting FREE (like this video) information out to us. Very valuable information and I am always sharing it with friends.

[@pyzik200]

SpicyTaco Ha! Nope! Don't know that I'd post that... Ha

[@brandonsusich]

What kind of carry piece do you employ? Do you think that the continual dry firing might have caused unnecessary excessive wear?

[@pyzik200]

Brandon Susich M&P9 fullsize. After the incident I did some research and older M&Ps with black strikers (like mine) have known issues. It was replaced with the newer (good) silver colored striker.

[@Jrsydevil7]

***** Did you contact S&W about it because I had the exact same thing happen to my M&P40c and emailed them. They sent it out and I had it in about a week free of charge.

[@Jrsydevil7]

***** Did you contact S&W about it because I had the exact same thing happen to my M&P40c and emailed them. They sent it out and I had it in about a week free of charge.

[@bhumes86]

Much respect brother! You are one of the few instructors who actually take the time to explain and demo ways to make a better shooter without asking for money first. Keep up the awesome work sir and I hope to take one of your classes soon.

[@dukeofnothing666]

I will never leave in the morning without making my bed now thanks to Travis Haley.

[@buckturgidson6236]

Keepingitunreal still making that bed?

[@MichaelWBush]

What I take from this video is that, you are the weapon, the gun is a tool. Great video Travis!

[@hayes1089]

Thanks Travis! I can always tell when someone knows there stuff and pick out the fakes on here. Even though I have been in law enforcement for many years and have been a former operator, I always love to see someone that is willing to cut out all the glamorous images of them shooting and cut right to the education part. You are the real deal man! From another brother in blue thanks!

[@BRUISER823]

Being in law enforcement...Do you ever find yourself enforcing laws that you believe are not just? If so does it bother you?

[@hayes1089]

BRUISER823 I don't know! I think mabey the seat belt law would probrobly the most controversial, if you are over 18. There is a lot of laws that are in the books that are laws that are typically not enforced. There is no way an officer knows every law in the books. We typically enforce the most common laws that people already know.

[@ketchupschouppe8497]

this is good stuff man, you have a way of explaining things that is easily absorbed. I've learned a lot from your vids. thanks man, stay sharp!!

[@rsqhobbs7495]

Mr. Haley, I'd like to thank you for putting out these videos. I received some very good initial training at Pat Goodale's P.F.T. in Alderson, WV. That was one thing I did right. What I did wrong, was not follow up and maintain this training like I should have. I'm now trying to play "catch up". These videos are a great benefit to me. I've messed around with a couple of different ways of doing a press check for handguns. What I ended up doing is to hold the gun in my strong hand, ejection port up, just as you demonstrated. I grip the rear of the slide with my support hand, in the same manner as I would to cycle the action. For me, this way has a few positives. If in fact, I don't have a round chambered, I'm in an immediate, proper position to load the gun. My support hand is in the same position it is for clearing a malfunction, or charging the gun. Just further repetitions of the same support hand placement. From a safety standpoint, it places my support hand far away from the muzzle. I'm not trying to say this is how anyone else on the planet should perform a press check, but it works well for me. Thank you again for putting out these videos. Your time and effort is appreciated!

[@minervius]

one of the best vids on overlooked very important issues. I came back to watch this vid 3 times

[@truebornsonofliberty554]

You're truly gifted, Travis. An inspiration too. And if ever there's a time you need an able bodied, honest man to help out at your range in exchange for a free class, I'm your guy!!

[@rahzen21]

Great video! As Travis explained, these few habits can literally save your life. Most people handle their firearms so little that every chance to do a rep correctly adds experience and skill. When checking those chambers I mentally ask "is that a round in there?" If the answer is "no" the gun is clear. Travis has really sharpened his skill and instruction to a razor's edge teaching skills that cut through a lot of B.S.. These are the kinds of instructors the industry needs.

[@Contest4Freedom]

Thanks Travis for the free training, it has helped me a lot to improve myself in this lifestyle.

[@anthonylee7635]

Good stuff Travis. Have been in classes where the person gets up to the line and is casual as sitting in a Starbucks and loads the weapon. When you are repeating the same process over and over it becomes muscle memory. That memory will come into play when you are in a situation where you have no time for fundamentals and that basic step that could have been repeated 2k times could save your life.

[@capcadetNH]

this was very inspiring about making the bed right after you wake up just to set your attitude for the rest of the day and to demonstrate how that mentality can make you a better shooter.

[@kaygeeboi]

Travis is the only real vet who I can take notes too, not like others (Cory & Erika).

[@shanepacheco1039]

I wish I could do more than give you thumbs up for the gold insight! It is very much appreciated. Thank you

[@RahRahRaharu]

That speech by McRaven literally changed the way I do business.

[@dinsomnia15]

I'm glad he's still making videos! Keep em' comin. There's always something new I'm learning.

[@bgtxoutdrs1777]

Excellent video as always. This is just one of the reasons why Travis is leading the training industry. Ike

[@cnknguyen]

Every video you release is like its own class....I really need to get to a range session with you Travis..

[@TheBlownGSR]

I am a 25 year old father of one, and a new shooter that bought my first handgun about a year ago. [A gen4 g23]. Neither of my parents are gun people, and I wasn't raised around them. But I did pull a 1380 on my SAT. I realize the ugly need for a firearm. Protecting my family is of the utmost importance to me. I'm also an efficiency nerd, and the way you handle a weapon makes complete sense to me. No extraneous movement or unnecessary slop. I watch you manipulate system after system and I'm hard pressed to find any wasted energy. You really are at the pinnacle of your field, and I thank you for not only teaching courses for the layman, but recording them and posting them so that some of us who cant afford formal training can glean the essentials at least. You da man...

[@Chayonray]

This was an extremely insightful lesson sir. Very adaptable for a variety of circumstances. Thank you very much for sharing!

[@bullittmcqueen]

Excellent instruction Mr Haley.

[@scuds03]

When I was in training I slept on top of my made bed every night so it was already made in the morning.

[@Winters11]

C been there, done that!

[@robertwilson8184]

C Fun times.

[@RohannvanRensburg]

They specifically told us not to do that so I developed a habit (which I still have) of sleeping on my back like a vampire, trying not to disturb my bed.

[@gvictor]

sleeping bag (or woobie in the warmer months) on top of a made bed is the pro move!

[@tapslagata]

I need the why! Helps me process what I'm doing. Love your teaching style. Many times I just listen while I'm doing other things. I probably have your videos memorized anyway.

[@LARPeratorsAnonymous]

their is something about Travis's teaching style that is very no BS and very welcoming I cant wait to take a class with him some day. Living in Commiefornia sucks Ill have to head to AZ or NV to take a class with him

[@skippy02]

So so so ninja, Travis illustrates everything from such a scientific and common sense place that it all seems so natural and makes so much sense. I would love to take some of his courses and gather on his input directly

[@JayJay3Fifty7]

Another excellent, informational, COMMON SENSE video...and thank you for your service Marine!

[@dtaylor10chuckufarle]

Son, you know your stuff. Thanks for taking the time to make this video; you have some really excellent advice. Dan

[@ILruffian]

Excellent point about unloading @ a lunch break. It seems like almost every ND on a police range day either involves the lunch break or weapon cleaning session right after.

[@davidburlingame2421]

Great video, thanks for sharing. I believe he meant to say, "...100% unloaded" at 12:22 instead of "...100% loaded" for clarity sake.

[@spoonman73]

Good content as usual. Travis you have a great analytical mind. I too believe in the power of habit and repetition as most of what we do is muscle memory and is subconscious. Also, implementing redundancy systems which is why I manipulate all weapons similarly and keep them all loaded "cruiser ready" thereby eliminating confusion. AKA the KISS principle.

[@robosdrumworld]

This dude is a beast Next time I’m in Arizona I’m look him up and train with him.

[@showoffyoureverydaycarry4016]

Makes so much sense to take advantage of these opportunities that are already there. Thanks!

[@SouthernBeau1]

Thanks for the video Travis. Very informative and very much appreciated.

[@kosanderi]

I hated it when they took that 1st sight picture off in IPSC at LAMR-command. Luckily I still haven't had any procs in competitions even though when training I still do exactly like that... Great upload again! Thanks!

[@boostfreak777]

Veritable cornucopia of knowledge. Thank you for sharing it with others.

[@feralbeard]

Outstanding. First say this concept explained in the Magpul vids. If you've spent any time in the competition world, you've seen the complacent load result in jams, hammers dropping on empty chambers, magazines not fully seated, etc.

[@topbreak38]

Quote of the day: "I just drawed the gun."

[@robbystamper8463]

This man could've been a scientist but instead served and helped us all become better people

[@francismarion1393]

Another great video brought to you by Travis Haley..

[@jstephenson4680]

Excellent advice. "Perfect Practice" everytime.

[@nickc8819]

Travis Haley is on point!

[@halfcrazy12]

Interesting after watching this compared to Yeager's recent video about press checks are stupid. The way Haley explains it makes me confident that is the best way to do it as an administrative reload. I also like how he doesn't go around discrediting anyone and tells people how its about making you, yourself a better shooter. Everybody lifestyle of shooting is different and there isn't one correct way to do them all. Situation, environment, mission, and SOP all play factors on how one handles and manipulates their firearm. Train and learn to keep rebuilding your skillset is what is really important.

[@kevincashoriginal7047]

I do my repetitions every night. As a matter fact, your handgun accuracy training video helped me a lot on my marksmanship. I just posted a video here on KZbin about my accuracy. Lol I was shooting way more better than that though. But I'll post that next time I go to the range.

[@ckemekc77]

This is the same technique I use when plugging my charger into my phone. Straight lines are strong angles are weak...

[@bigro4444]

A master of his craft.

[@_Steve0h_]

Have you thought about coming to the 2-Gun Action Challenge Match in Tucson? Its the 3rd Sat of every month and is very practical and physically challenging for a match. Mike Pannone attends it every so often as well as Steve Fisher when hes in town.

[@MeccaVonPetra1]

World, pay attention....This is a fucking BADASS!

[@benthebikerhooligan780]

Great vid keep up the great work guys!

[@fin_jan]

Agreed 100%. I never draw without shooting 3 attackers, 2 rounds in center of mass then 1 in the head for each one. Anything less would be a waste of motion and an un-learn for my muscle memory.

[@tuncwl]

Love these types of videos. Thank you.

[@nejinaji]

i dry practice almost every day, loading, charging, reloading, shouldering, repeat.

[@bigswolletx]

Chris, Travis is a 15 year Marine Recon" well trained!!

[@brettcummings7834]

Everything you have said is what my department insists on. Load from primary pouch every time for muscle memory. Been doing it for 16 years the same way every time

[@guitarmanjakehelm]

Great video travis keep them coming

[@FullMetalJacketFMJ]

This becomes trivial if you always keep your guns loaded. ;) But seriously, the information present here is valuable and brings to light some holes in my personal training habits. Thanks for the vid!

[@stormfuror]

Great video like usual! Keep up the awesome work!

[@gcastillo9210]

Great class. Great instructor.

[@sgt0331able]

Outstanding presentation!

[@dan-ch4qg]

More videos! More often! Please!!

[@thomash9675]

Great drill! Thanks for posting!

[@1crimm]

Top shelf as always.

[@yankeetothebone7299]

Mr Haley, I love the mindset.

[@Godfryness]

Great vid, thanks for all your effort.

[@TLeschar]

At 10:18, Travis talks about inspecting the chamber to ensure his rifle is clear and says that he is looking for an object. I have heard that the mind can mistakenly find what it wants to find, what a person thinks they should be looking for. When am checking to see if my gun is loaded, I say "brass check", and look for the casing in the chamber/breech. When I am clearing my gun I say "check clear, and look for a chamber/breech that is empty. I hope that I am drilling appropriately but would appreciate feedback. PS. James Yeager says when you look for clear you should be looking for a clear chamber & when looking for a "ready" gun you should look for brass. Carry safely, have fun, ask questions.

[@kyleruby2296]

Great video Travis!

[@thomasogrady4825]

Great video, lots of good safety tips.

[@KNBProds]

im hung up on the whole bed making thing. i remember the drill instructors fucking with us in bootcamp about that. but since i got out of the USMC i haven't made my bed more than like 3 times or something. i guess because there is no 1stSgt there to fuck with me....lol

[@johnstallings9652]

Hey Travis, Very intuitive process of check weapon! Do you have any bolt gun vids I was not able to find one. Thank you bud.....

[@RhinoCable]

As always very professional....

[@kenji06]

It'd be awesome if you guys did more sample videos of concealed carry :)

[@cappazone1807]

Nice instruction. Thanks Two-Speed!

[@Geronimo.Victor1511]

Errrrrr rah devil dawg. Always great instruction

[@minervius]

on the breaking the gun down upwards or downwards. I am a sportsshooter and I always broke it down pointed upwards. but then I ran into some rangeofficers who objected to this. because some kilometers downrange there are obviously some houses. so I am now training both breakdowns and also reloads ( for Saiga12 )

[@HaleyStrategicPartners]

yes obviously "range rules apply" unfortunately LOL

[@minervius]

HaleyStrategic I shoot for 2 years now and I was not aware of such things as environment ;). It was somewhat memorable because I use 20 rounds drums made of maluminum and never trained any other way to rock in those very tight fitting things plus the saiga with its original length barrel ( cant cut it in austria for legal reasons ) is a bit front heavy if you got the tapco adjustable buttstock. :) still took 2nd place :p *g*

[@RelentlessBR]

HaleyStrategic ok this is bugging me. I see you with glocks and m&p's. Which do you prefer to carry and why?

[@1911JMB45]

There are many ways to load and unload your weapon system. Whatever it is, just be safe. By the way, I would not recommend someone to chamber check by having your hand near the barrel what so ever. This is based on 18 years of law enforcement instructing experience.

[@ryanschulte6763]

For one summer I trained with a Wrestling team where the head coach was an Olympic medalist and 3 x D1 champ. First day he made us write down one take down if the opponent's right foot was forward and another if their left was forward. He took the papers and said, "all you sons o bitches owe me 100 of these before and after practice". Well we did 3 a days. At the time I bitched and complained but years later whenever I get rocked durning sparing for MMA my body hits one of those takedowns with no thought. Repetition may be boring but it's programing your brain.

[@shock297]

I know this is an old comment but I'm gonna reply anyways lol. But this is very true, my old MMA instructor drilled it into our heads when you shoot for the takedown you drive. Every time we'd shoot he'd yell at us "drive! Drive! Drive!" After not training for 2 years I'm at another gym. I'm going with a guy and I go for the takedown and he stops me and for a split second in the back of my mind I think "oh shit what now" then the guy in my corner yells "drive!" Without even thinking my knees start hitting the mat and he's against the cage. I pull his legs out from under him and put him on the mat into side control. It was that moment I realized how important drilling something into your brain really is.

[@ExtremeUnction1988]

Good shit Travis.

[@pierpoker1]

Great philosophy! Love it

[@timkamholz1009]

Great vid Travis Thanks

[@jeffi2313]

Your awesome travis thanks bro

[@TonzieNorman]

Damn I love these vids always great info

[@JamesDowler]

Great video!!!

[@crafty714]

Thats the was I was trained. I don't do a press check, if I can help it, habbit of looking at the magazine, rifle or pistol.

[@DelThaFunkyBostonian]

Just checked your updated training schedule on your site, but later in the year will you be running any carbine classes on the East Coast?

[@BluBird37]

Great vid! On a side note i have a question HALEY STRATEGIC if you we're to stack multiple layers of III A body armor would / could it defeat rifle rounds? Specifically ar 500's carbon nanotube. Thanks for your time brother.

[@HotelBravo556]

Awesome vid Travis. Quick question on the gcode holster you're using, are you using the RTI paddle or RTI belt slide?

[@Prodigysportsman]

I may get some hate for some of this but I don't care, it is the truth. Travis is a hundred times better instructor and tactician than I will ever be. that being said we never "broke" our racks for four years (ie, slept in them, we slept on top of them). to me that's just smart, not making it every day, thousands of times, wasting time. I personally thought the McRaven's speech was mediocre. also, I don't agree with the draw stroke-sight alignment-trigger squeeze repetition. I think you will find more NDs in those less than "advanced" shooters. what he is doing are checklist type actions, which are good for certain environments (ie, professionals carrying arms daily) but not for most.

[@dereksalvatin1836]

Awesome video Sir!

[@warriorgospel8168]

Good stuff as always

[@wowitslou]

Great video, thank you

[@tmc6185]

Travis what are your thoughts about Seat, Tug (mag to ensure its seated), Rack, Press check?

[@miggsy21ace93]

Best videos

[@carlforbes1839]

Great video , should I store my weapon with the bolt locked to the rear when I have it in the case

[@pitbull82]

Is that shirt for sale? I like that it doesn't scream ccw, but it still has the dragonfly and what it stands for. I like it!

[@Viziry]

SheepDog0311 BCM Rifles

[@Viziry]

SheepDog0311 And BCM made him his own rifle

[@lovetheusa45]

amen brother we are creatures of habit good or bad

[@MogulGroup1985]

Great video