Tactical Reloads > Index > Human Targets > Train Yourself > Rapid Fire > Other Drills


  1. Practice reloading your pistol.
    1. Though it may be good to be familiar with a wide spectrum of firearms, defensive practice should primarily be done with one or two pistols (allowing for a primary and "back-up" pistol). This allows your body to store procedural memory about its operation. So instead of thinking is the slide locked back? → press magazine release → magazine is clear → grab new magazine → insert new magazine with correct orientation → release slide. If you practice enough, the procedure will become second nature, and just thinking is the slide locked back? → reload pistol will get it all done while you are able to think about your current situation.

      1. You should be able to load your gun quickly 100% of the time — without looking at your pistol, your hands, or your magazines.

      2. Emergency reload is the reload in which you have spent all the rounds from your magazine and your slide is locked back. This should all be done while keeping your gun pointed at your target. Psychologically, lowering your gun gives your target an advantage and keeps you focused on your target rather then your gun. The technique is as follows: when the slide locks back, you want to grab another magazine (likely from a magazine pouch). As you move the fresh magazine toward the gun, eject the empty magazine letting it hit the ground (they should essentially pass each other during the drill). Place the rear of the magazine against the rear of the magazine well of the gun, align the two, and with some force (though there should be little resistance) seat the magazine using the heel of your palm; then depress the slide release.

      3. Tactical reload is the reload in which you encounter a lull in the gunfight and are able to place yourself behind cover. You know you have spent some rounds from the current magazine and want to prepare for whatever may come next.