When should you reload your gun?

[@oldcop18]

I had to combat reload my Colt Detective Special in a 1974 gunfight w/armed robbery suspects. The newly developed (unauthorized by my department) revolver speed loader came in mighty handy. I had the pleasure of meeting Mas Ayoob who wrote an article about this incident in American Handgunner in 2016.

[@grnhrntskato]

Lots of good points here. Some things for consideration.The newer crop of recruits are often very weak. They cannot cycle the action with the thumb and index finger, especially while the weapon hand is extended. That is why the "power stroke" is taught however not as described in this video. Properly done, the shooter brings the weapon hand back to their body where they can then use the strength of the triceps while holding the slide in an overhand or "clam shell" grip with the support hand. Using the combined strength of the bicep and triceps, drive the weapon forward while holding the slide. It is once the weapon hand drives forward further and harder than the support hand can hold that it lets go and the remaining potential energy is expended backwards. It can cause the hand to hit the shoulder but not always. The other issue we found very prominent in our agency is the loss of fine motor skills under stress. This meant that many of the new recruits could not even find the slide release let alone manipulate it under pressure. Another problem which was solved by the clamshell and power stroke methods on reloads. Too many options for shooters who often are afraid of weapons and only practice one a year is a recipe for disaster. Unfortunately this is the reality of hiring for diversity instead of competency.

[@archangel20031]

Another old geezer I have to add to my long list of "don't get into a gun fight with". I wish I were that fast in my youth!

[@NorthWriter]

Guys, this is great. I'm really excited to practice this stuff. You do a great job of making this info and these techniques feel really accessible.

[@intothecrosshairs1986]

Dave, Thanks for another great drill. I'm going to do this the next time I get the pistols out.

[@c.jasonharper9300]

Being a lefty, all the "shooting hand" manipulations are a No-Go. I like the over hand "saddle grip" and use that for all slide manipulations be it a reload or fixing a malfunction. Trying to use my lefty trigger finger to actuate the slide lever is too inconsistent and compromises my grip more than necessary for me. Great video. I still took away something from it when it comes to efficiency.

[@c.jasonharper9300]

Meant to add, I'm a Glock shooter.

[@BenTen734]

You're a great trainer Dave!

[@qwer12326]

Really like the video. Side note, just picked up some CAP sights for my g19 duty weapon, really liking them.

[@davespaulding7584]

Excellent!!

[@jennij9389]

Great video with a lot of great info. One comment though, I wish you would have had the camera on the other side, so I could really see what you were doing. In theory, I get it, but I am fairly new to semi's (I usually shoot a revolver) and am still learning which technique works best for me.

[@oscarselik9474]

Great video guys I appreciate the knowledge

[@combatmf]

Hello Dave, First of all let me congratulate you for your awesome way to teach, I love watching your videos and I´d love to train ,with you but since i am a foreigner, lots of good instructors refuse to train me, i´ve had my training in the US but it´s hard to go there. About this video you advocate for the thumb release, I believe that it is the fastest way and dexteria doesn't matter BUT if you mechanize that movement and for some reason the slide doesn't stay back after the last bullet. never mind, I just answered my question! LOL keep on the good job

[@Derorilael]

Another great video!

[@davespaulding7584]

Thank you!

[@huntingwildlifenet]

Good stuff DAve!

[@Billman66]

I used what I learned from you (for the most part) to make a case for the tactical reload to answer a fella, with a lot of accreditation before and after his name (which I honestly can't remember and wouldn't use it anyway, I'm trying to learn, not stir up shit) who states that "The need/usefulness of the tactical reload is a myth". I didn't claim any expertise (I'm not) not did I go with the name dropping thing, "Well Dave Spaulding teaches a tactical reload (reload when you ant to, not when you have to) and that's good enough for me". He cited what? statistics. There are lies, damned lies and then there are statistics. He backed up his claims by going with "on average to to three rounds fired in a gunfight" and "you'll run out of time before you run out of bullets". I countered with the fact that if we based our preparations solely on likelihood then cops probably wouldn't carry guns as most of them go their whole career without getting involved in a shooting and I also said that as citizens we could just carry the gun empty as most crimes are stopped by the mere presentation of a gun. No, I said we don't train for the likelihood of something happening we train for the fact that if it does happen, you will be in a world of shit and it ill be up to you , and no one else, to get yourself out of it. The smartest words that I ever heard, and I believe them, was that a handgun as a life saving tool. An emergency tool, no different in purpose to a fire extinguisher or car jack. In the unlikely event that your son-in-la read all this, I have one question, why do you not show a tactical reload with retention? I think that if you're going to remove a partially loaded magazine you should at least keep it. What do you think?

[@rich105759]

How do you like the Templar Glock? I'm going to order one soon, just trying to get an opinion.

[@craig2233]

When you have the time and opportunity...

[@kurtnaugle]

I like Load when you can So when you need to you don't have to!

[@OverlandAspirations]

Bucky = farva

[@rongants6082]

As usual with training videos, NO help for Lefties here.

[@appliedperformance773]

ron gants . Best thing for lefty’s is the thumb and pointer finger slingshot. The gun naturally goes ejection port down for lefty’s . Since a lot of guns are not Ambi this is the way to go. Also I teach to release mag with middle or pointer finger and you can also release slide on some guns with pointer finger by sweeping down. This requires you to adjust your grip during the reload process and thus more practice. Sling shot if you don’t practice much. Dry practice is free and not just about pulling triggers. Always remember that.