The Shotgun Violin Reload

Today, we're looking at a shotgun reloading technique called the Violin Load. A popular technique among 3-gunners for twin and quad loading, it can also be adapted for a defensive context for strong-hand loading of single shells. Once you get past the initial awkwardness, the violin load may be one of the overall best methods for stuffing shells into a shotgun tube.
How about some different reloading techniques? We got those, too: • How to Reload a Defens...
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[@Liberty4Ever]

Lucky Gunner videos are consistently among the very best firearms instruction videos with all of the practical info we need and no extraneous BS. Thanks Chris.

[@surfingonmars8979]

Hey, good to see you see you back! As an older guy with arthritis and flexibility limitations, I have found this technique works well because it does not require an arthritic wrist or elbow to support the gun while loading. Never heard it called the violin reload, but have been using it for years.

[@george_aurelius]

Great point about the arthritis. I'm going to try this technique.

[@LuckyGunner]

Thanks! ... Did I go somewhere?

[@surfingonmars8979]

@@LuckyGunner I for some reason was not getting alerted to your vids, so assumed you had taken a break or…who knows…. Follow your channel devotedly. Do you guys ship to CA?

[@surfingonmars8979]

@@george_aurelius Yeah, George, it puts the weight of the gun on the skeletal structure, rather than the hand, fingers, wrists. Also, I shoot an old M2 a lot, and the thing weighs more than my first wife!

[@onpsxmember]

@@surfingonmars8979 Is the bell set to 'all'?

[@chriswalsh9989]

I'm a lefty and I usually always reload this way, except I just turn the gun tube inward towards me and thus the chamber is on top and easy to top off and rack that 1st round not underneath like you were saying. I definitely agree much easier and alot less fatiguing over and extended period of time

[@Hoodie_fishscale]

I was wondering why he didn't think to do that.

[@Banilla468]

This is really good advice! If I may add: wherever possible, also try to find tomatoes that are sold with the Vine still attached. The nutrients in the vine help keep the tomatoes fresher for longer, and I swear by the anecdote that on-the-vine tomatoes have a generally richer flavor.

[@alliwantisfinancialstabili7414]

"For those of you who like to nerd out on shotguns and prepare for implausible worst case scenarios, this is what we like to talk about for fun" I got called out here in this line

[@LFDNC]

Yeah, I feel seen though.

[@matthaught4707]

The Thunderstick Summit was so much fun. I definitely think violin loading has a place, and it's especially helpful for people who don't have the upper body strength to keep the gun mounted with one hand. And man, what about Adam Roth's run on the Casino drill there? That was blazingly fast.

[@flyboytim2009]

Hey Matt. Was Adam using the violin technique on his Casino Drill?

[@LuckyGunner]

@flyboytim2009 He did. That's him at 7:27 in the video. For reference, something like 20 shooters attempted that drill. My time was around 17 seconds, which was one of the quicker times. But Adam's run was 11 seconds and change -- several seconds faster than anyone else, and very smooth.

[@flyboytim2009]

@@LuckyGunner very nice. Wow! That’s an endorsement for the loading technique, the 1301, and Adam’s skills, if ever there was.

[@Buletspunge555]

@Lucky Gunner Ammo you think those aridus side saddles lent themselves to his smoothness? They appeared to be less "sticky" than the elastic velcro options. I'm trying to justify spending the cash to upgrade from elastic. Seems it could have muscle memory benefits in a training environment.

[@LFDNC]

@@LuckyGunner11 seconds?! I can’t hit that with my pistol. Yet.

[@ericbergfield6451]

I like this reload method a lot, you're right about it keeping your peripheral vision strong.

[@stvnbryan5542]

Chris, pleasure shooting with you at the Thunderstick Summit. I am glad to see you spreading the word about this technique. It worked wonders for me on the range. Keep up the good work. Semper Fi.

[@oldschool9932]

Any and all techniques will work if you PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE your chosen process. Thank you Chris for all you time and efforts. Greatly appreciated.

[@kajakawa]

I appreciate the shotgun content. I don't see a lot being done lately with the popularity of the AR. As a homeowner with a shotgun for home defense, it is very useful information. I wish I'd have known about that training up in Dallas. I've been looking for good training in Austin and can't find much.

[@LuckyGunner]

All of the instructors from that event conduct courses all over the country throughout the year. Look up Tom Givens, Eric Gelhaus, Steve Fisher, Darryl Bolke, or Rob Haught. Each of them have their own shotgun classes and they're all excellent

[@kajakawa]

@@LuckyGunner Thank you for the information. I'll look them up.

[@russellspeir1279]

Check out KR Training, Tom Givens will be there 4/27.

[@kajakawa]

@@russellspeir1279 Thanks for the heads up. I'll check that out.

[@richcurren6888]

Always appreciate your pragmatic, and not hyperbolic, approach to imparting information - it’s what makes you stand out on Guntube. Keep up the great work.

[@adams2922]

^^this^^ and, Chris is right about the tomatoes y'know.

[@hoosiered471]

Very informative video Chris!!! Thanks for demonstrating an additional loading technique.

[@Predalien195]

The violin reload as you put it what I learned when first shooting a tube fed pump action. I later switched to turning it upside down as that generally works better for me but the violin reload works well too.

[@samduffy7628]

Shotgun reloads let’s go!!! As an 870 guy who got into it because of this channel I’m so excited to learn new techniques.

[@robertwilson9999]

Thanks Chris for showing us lefty’s the options for reloading.

[@stevewealthy6120]

Love your videos. I've been a gun guy all my life. And I'm on the backside of my 40's. But growing up, we always used rifles. For literally everything. After joining the military, I started into handguns, and of course more rifles. The last 3 years or so, I've started getting into shotguns. I own 3 now, including the Beretta 1301. These videos help me immensely as I and very proficient with a rifle and handgun, but still learning shotguns. So thank you very much sir for this content

[@maquino419]

I am so FN happy I found this channel!

[@matttaylor2009]

Excellent production.

[@Florkl]

I’m a Lefty whose right hand has nerve damage. Offhand reloads have always been impossible due to my limited dexterity (I can pump just fine, but manipulating a shell is finnicky), so a good technique that allows me to use my dominant hand sounds great!

[@Michael-yt3wz]

Just shot my Benelli M4 for the first time this past weekend. Loving the tutorial/techniques vids that you put out. Thanks for sharing the knowledge.

[@setildes]

Love your work, thanks

[@mbiker345]

I’ve been doing this for a lil while now and have really grown to love it.

[@davidaustin4407]

You guys are awesome. Great educational videos. Thank you for the hard work that goes into the videos

[@jwilliams3170]

Hey thanks for the tomato advice. I remember seeing competition shooters doing this and I tried it out when I did my annual shotgun qual last year. It’s a lot faster and more controllable in my opinion. And if you need to go for your pistol, your gun hand is free.

[@BattleshipSailorBB63]

Dude! I placed my very first order from your website at approximately 2AM because I'm a night owl. Shockingly, my order shipped out that Business day! Looks like I should receive my order tomorrow....outstanding job there, folks. I didn't expect my order to even leave the warehouse until probably Monday. As an aside, I'm pretty sure I was Subscribed here before and just had to re-Subscribe.

[@censored7881]

Overpaying by 20% has its benefits.

[@ZarkowsWorld]

@@censored7881 Being poor sucks, but the American gunners hunt for lowest price is what cause the garbage-stocks to be default on hunting-rifles now.

[@Wild_Bill57]

Lefty, with a lefty 590A1, going to practice this and see what I think. My 590 is a tank, will report back.

[@aslamc9288]

Great video as usual! I’m relatively new to shotguns, but almost all my practice reloads have been using the violin method. It was the most natural to me and I have practiced loading two at a time (with mixed success) as well. I find it very reliable and easy to do, even with a bullpup shotgun like the one I have. For the record, I’m right handed, which definitely makes it easier.

[@BehindTheGoldenCurtain]

As per usual, outstanding video.

[@richardthorpe8889]

Enjoyed the video. Thank you. Loved that you found a new way to get Garand thumb, exclusivity for left handers. Seriously though good video I will try this.

[@Jhonkres]

Amazing tips...i always use the shotgun in violin/CQB position...from now ill train reload in this position too

[@johnnyh-pay5843]

I can see this being easier for newer shooters with less arm strength! I’ll have to give this a try with some students! Thanks!!

[@Mrgunsngear]

Thanks

[@mj6463]

Got here in 16 mins 😳, great video as always!

[@ChristianWDegn]

Thanks!

[@silver4drrx828]

Always love a good Shotgun reload vid! Granted I have pump Shots, but it all pans out in the end

[@fredgrant4974]

As someone who is right handed and my support hand (left) is missing a thumb, this technique works flawlessly for me. Glad I clicked this video I've been struggling to find ways to manipulate my shotgun effectively and quickly since I have a problem gripping shells with my off hand

[@95dodgev10]

I watched this the day it uploaded but had to revisit it. I have a keltech ksg and anyone thats familiar with them knows they aren't designed for emergency reloading. However today i found a modified violin reload was very practical. Full transparency i wasn't trying to go fast I'm a novice shooter and i don't have many rounds through the ksg. I found i could beercan hold the forend with my support hand, rotate the gun with its left side down, and plant the butt against my upper gut lower chest. I could then reload with my right hand getting the shell started and driving it home with my thumb. The main thing is to be aware which tube is selected to load. I thought the right tube (which is now above the left) would fight me due to gravity but i didnt have any issues. I think with practice this system could be done at a pace similar to a standard shotgun. I also had no pinching issues either but i was slow and methodical so that might be a big factor on pinching.

[@bat5917]

That’s an interesting technique. Also appreciate your candor about the likelihood of stress situation reloading. 👍🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@jackclancy5747]

Thanks great video.

[@argoshikan]

Was always taught this technique. It works great for me since I have a weakened strong hand due to a shoulder injury.

[@ancliuin2459]

Just starting to use a pump action in Cowboy Action Shooting and looking for the right reloading technique to get used to. Thanks for widening my horizon.

[@lanceskopik2928]

I just bought ammo from you guys and you make a new video, I guess I gotta order more ammo cuz it’s good luck

[@turbonola]

Glad to see yall back. Was wondering where yall went

[@keithrange4457]

I like it. I really don't practice with my shotgun enough. I need to put more time on it and this looks easier and more intuitive than every other method I've seen Thanks for the vid and knowledge

[@kevinwise1997]

That's the way I practice reloads, I havent really been able to do it lately but it's my preferred method

[@ANG-249]

I didn't expect to get Shotgun Shell Loading ASMR, but it was a welcome one.

[@Timboykee]

Where else ya gonna go to get great firearm handling and safe food handling tips all in one video? 😂 Thanks Chris!

[@jeffsherwood639]

Love your shotgun series. I remember growing up and watching my Dad and his friends work there shotguns. He was in WW2 and s cop in Long Beach California. Want to see some old school shotgun work watch The Getaway with Steve McQueen.

[@NoWr2Run]

I have an 870 that I machined the loading port ( RECEIVER ) at an angle, taking about a 1/2 or so off of it. The receiver angle's from the trigger guard to the Mag. tube & makes reloading much easier.

[@andyuseman7980]

Yessir, I "nerd out" on shotguns!

[@mattwalters6834]

Looks good

[@tangoyankee7521]

GREAT GREAT VIDEO... LOVE SHOTGUNS.

[@inyourdefense0]

Excellent tutorial! I don't own a shotgun, but if I did I'd be practicing this technique a lot.

[@boeyjerkley5422]

The dad teir advice in these videos is on point

[@purschannel1155]

I just called it the "John Wick " technique. Great video as always

[@lbcsv]

Good info

[@jamesborek8125]

This is how I've been doing reloads forever. Granted I run an old stock mounted shell holder so it just works much better for that IMO.

[@kevinward8915]

Very good video , now 68 and this technique maybe very useful

[@Fudmottin]

Interesting for the algorithm. Good tip on the tomatoes.

[@jacobmarley4907]

Too funny Chris, I use the Esstac side saddle and it is hard just to get the shotshells into the saddle much less worry about them dropping out. Also if one is carrying any kind of a Molle pack, the extra strips will store right on the pack.

[@mosulmedic7048]

Left here; I'd always recommend loading the chamber before going to the tube. If a threat appears, you can fire, even in an unconventional position

[@SlavicCelery]

If you practice short stocking a lot, this is a great reloading technique.

[@Xristoforos41493]

This is the way

[@bernardbarr2354]

Used to do this during the 80s.

[@danieljohnson1053]

Thanks for the technique, I have been disassembling and stripping the magazine tube to reload my shotgun and I'm sure this technique has to be quicker!

[@gold_leaf0702]

Never heard of the violin reload, but my dad taught me to reload any rifle or shotgun with my right hand, simply on the principle that it's better that way to keep your gun levelled to your shoulder, you ensure that your finger is off the trigger, and you can perform the reload more efficiently because you're doing it mostly with your dominant hand. This might not be optimal for match shooting or whatever, but it certainly works for me.

[@AlexLee-dc2vb]

for shell carriers that won't have brass-down shells get loose, I've heard great things about the MesaTactical SureShell

[@urijbondar8790]

Thanks. About "only -left-hand-reloading" against another technics, I think, it's doesn't matter, if you can shoot immediately. Much more important be covered or moving in this time

[@markadkins9290]

Outstanding!

[@LuckyGunner]

Thanks!

[@markadkins9290]

SCAM !!! SEE ABOVE ^^^🖕👆

[@nv8409]

I have found the violin loading position is the most natural, particularly for newer shooters.

[@phambelton1]

I saw John Wick do this in the 1st movie and wondered what the heck was he doing. Thanks for explaining it!

[@patrickaherne3598]

Holy Just For Men, Chris! That hair and beard color is totally natural.

[@JEJAK5396]

Would love to see you all do a run down on the Gen 12 shotgun.

[@Unethrorpe]

Yay, shotguns!

[@ModernTacticalShooting]

You can do two shells with an unmodified Remington 870. Of course, modded its faster but still very doable. In 3-gun it's been around since 2006 at least . This video first time Ive heard it called "Violin" in 3gun its just referred to as "rolling it over".

[@Rusty_ok]

I will try this at the next range trip.

[@williamcorreiagusmao9836]

Nice

[@kenshin034]

Works even better with collapse stocks also poly heat shields a must 🔥and the best shell carriers out any basic two zipper pocket Fanny pack 🦌/🐌

[@thisguy41487]

I didn't lnow that this is what this technique was called! It's what I've been training to do. I find it considerably easier and faster. Dropping shells into the feed port means I drop fewer shells because I am clumsy.

[@jeffshootsstuff]

Liking these new life tips FWIW :D

[@deafsmith1006]

I'll have to try it. Of course it won't work with a shockwave (I flip them upside down) but my 18 inch Mariner.. yea, I'll try that.

[@SEALTRIDENT6]

Chris, do you have any video discussing the pros and cons of the pistol grip vs straight stock? Thx!

[@Joel-e3b]

Thank you for caring for my tomatoes

[@kingjaye2417]

agreed 👍

[@22LR.addict]

While I don't run a lever gun (yet) it also seems to be the preferred loading method for them

[@Mr9thCHYLD]

👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽 awesomeness

[@mcekim2]

Great video! And buy my tomatoes from Lucky Gunner and store my ammo in the fridge ✔️

[@chuchuchip]

I like this technique & the safety reasons for the position. I tend to use my strong hand for everything, just seems natural. How about side by side quick reloads? I would like to learn before I decide which type shotgun I buy. Thanks for the info!

[@R_K_S2401]

Are you considering a side by side shotgun for defense? If so watch some cowboy action shooters for reload techniques.

[@samuelcoles8519]

How you doing sir I watch your video with shotguns years ago was very impressed I asked a question of you and others but didn't get a response. question being I bought a Knox pistol grip recoil reducer for my Mossberg pump shotgun fell in love with it .would like to know if this pistol grip breach recoil reducer work with a semi auto shotgun such as the Mossberg Remington, Benelli or Beretta. I feel you're a top professional and probably don't care for pistol grips replacing the stocks on shotguns.I would truly truly love for you to do a video on this and your opinion on The knocks recoil reducer pistol grip. And are they still available. 🎩

[@Treblaine]

This has me wondering, if this might be useful for rifles that use a box mag (like an AR). It may not seem like a rifle "needs" this but consider trying to reload while running up stairs or something and doing it properly which means not just slamming the mag in as hard as you can but also a pull to make sure the catch has it.

[@johnelder4273]

I would normaly drop my empty shotty after firing it's 7 rounds and transition to my .40 Glock but I will get some Esstac shelholders and practice it anyway. I can always sling the shotgun if time's a factor since I can't leave a shotty laying around with shells in the holder. I haven't mounted shell holders to my shotguns in the past because I always have a handgun on my person, even at home and reloading is slower than drawing my handgun and the likelyhood of needing more than 7 rounds of 00B to resolve a situation is highly unlikely. But, it looks like fun!

[@a.c.m.4548]

As a lefty it's simple: 1. Right hand grabs forend and flips shotgun so trigger is facing the left side. 2. Load to desired level. 3. Remount. 4. Pump. 5. Shoot. 6. Finish with a fine red & glaze with olive oil. Basically don't bother loading the chamber. Take the -1 capacity since finding the ejection port is easy to mess up on a good day with zero stress. This is how I've been doing it for years in competition.

[@get-fucxkxd-utoob]

First comment! keep up the good work Chris!

[@vuboy122288]

Now the gold question that, surprisingly, wasnt quite addressed: this reload method vs the one explained on the How to Use a Shotgun video?

[@SMS2884]

This is definitely the best method to load a shotgun. Especially under stress. You're cupping the whole shell with your dominant hand vs 3 fingers with your non dominant one.

[@DavyCrosier]

Ah, John Wick’s favorite reload!

[@kagyu1]

Con: it’s a little tough to do with a blazing hot barrel

[@NorthernNorthdude91749]

Your barrel won't be hot enough to burn you in a home defense scenario. If you're in a combat scenario, you should be wearing gloves anyway.

[@KarmaFlight]

Thanks for showing the Southpaw version.

[@Gunbudder]

this is my hipster moment! i met the guy who invented this method and was the first person to use it in competitions!

[@vaanea290]

I never realized people called it a violin reload. Now we have to design a shell carrier that looks like a bow and forces you to reload like you into a bow stroke