Combat mag changes

[stanc]

This video demostrates how fast it is possible to reload, but the only pressure is from the clock:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hx0JzYcwUiY

The only combat videos I've found of mag changes show a much slower, more deliberate technique:

0:30 in http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nonFR3e8nlQ

1:20 and 1:40 in http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fbbHESnMJso

0:23 in http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BV4jpsgJMiQ

Does anybody have links to other videos of combat reloads by riflemen, US or other nationalities?

[Aeain]

Whats it matter how fast you can reload as long as you have cover and someone is watching your back.

[Jack-O]

You know, It's gettting so that if a trainer doesnt teach to retain the magazine, I'm not all that interested in hearing what they have to say after that. Retention is just common sense in combat, and I aint in classes to learn how to shoot three gun.

Under stress, motions MUST be deliberate and practiced. Failing to seat a mag or losing a mag can all bite you in the butt, so it's best to make sure you dont mess it up.

I distinctly remember a lesson I learned in my last training class. Seat the mag, pull it down hard, rack the bolt, fire at least 2 rounds THEN call READY. The AR mags are too easy to mess up insertion to be messing around with speed reloads during a fight for the most part.

IMHO the AK mag has a much more positive seating and insertion and does not need the down loading to 28 rounds, the smack-tug thing. You just sick that nose into the mag well hole somewhere then rotate back until it clicks, rack and bang. for a combat weapon it encourages mag retention and positive insertion.

$.02


"Be Deliberate". that describes what you do when you dont want to die because you messed up something simple.

[Jamesb74]

Chris Costa of Magpul Dynamics teaches the speed reload, Kyle Lamb teaches the speed reload, I bet Larry Vickers and Pat Rogers teach it also. Not any of them have a disclaimer saying this should be used for 3 gun only. So where did that come from?

Also have you seen the speed reloads done for an AK? Doubtful they are retaining the mag in that case.
True you probably cant go throwing the mags all over the place but they are still considered a consumable are they not?

[-k-]

You know, It's gettting so that if a trainer doesnt teach to retain the magazine, I'm not all that interested in hearing what they have to say after that. Retention is just common sense in combat, and I aint in classes to learn how to shoot three gun.

NOT slowing down to retain mags in a HD or LE situation is common sense.
If you are in combat, can't get behind cover and your rifle is dry common sense is not to worry about the empty mag...

I did not do any speed reloads in combat, just tac loads behind cover.

[colt100]

If in combat, I guess I would retain my mags as much as possible in case they are needed to be re-loaded and used later in the day. Now if I can't retain a mag or two, oh well. I wouldn't want to reload like was shown in that video during combat as if the mag hung up or the mag didn't seat all the way, that guy would have been in trouble. If my gun runs dry and I have no cover, well then I'm going to go to my sidearm to deal with the threat if possible or find some cover damn quick.

In LE or HD type situations, mag retrention shouldn't be hardly any of a concern unless the mags still have ammo in them. Otherwise they are useless as most LE or HD people aren't carrying extra ammo in bandoleers.

I would worry less about doing a "speed reload" and worry more about doing a reload correctly. Find cover (if possible) strip mag, lock slide to rear, insert fresh mag, pull down to make sure mag is seated, close bolt, continue fight. That's how I do it. Same every time and no need to down load mags if done this way.

Slow is smooth, smooth is fast.

In the end, I always tell people that if they don't agree on how I do it, then they can do it however they think is best as it will be their hide that is hanging in the balance.

[stanc]

True you probably cant go throwing the mags all over the place but they are still considered a consumable are they not?

No. Ammo is consumable. Mags are meant to be retained and reused.

[stanc]

I did not do any speed reloads in combat, just tac loads behind cover.

Have you ever seen -- or even heard -- of anyone doing speed reloads in combat?

[jdgilbert]

All the Hollywood movie soldiers do it...LOL. Actually no they don't, they just keep firing 15 second bursts one right after the other and their guns never heat up and they never have to change mags.

[Jack-O]

NOT slowing down to retain mags in a HD or LE situation is common sense.
If you are in combat, can't get behind cover and your rifle is dry common sense is not to worry about the empty mag...

I did not do any speed reloads in combat, just tac loads behind cover.

James, K,

There are certainly times to drop your mag, and I'm sure when the time comes, I'll be able to master that skill the first time I try it.

James, I have a math problem for you that should answer your question:

you have 4 magazines filled with ammo, plus another 240 rounds on strippers in your pack. Assuming your are moving to retreat or advance on an objectve on foot, how many times can you speed reload if you drop you mags on the ground? after that many times how do your feed your weapon?

Mags are not disposable. they MAY be "consumable", but they do not get discarded as a matter of course. Trust me when I tell you that you'll be dropping PLENTY of mags EVEN while trying to retain them!

Costa, Lamb, Vickers, and Rogers may teach a speed reload, but I'll bet you good money that NONE of them will tell you to reload like that EVERYTIME. If they did, Then you should RUN AWAY from the class!!

If you were in a fixed position or vehicle, you could drop your mags all day long in some cases, and they would stay right there.

running your rifle like you are always in a hurry will just make sure that you run out of ammo and mags prematurely. Think of a gunfight like making love to a beautiful woman, There just aint no reason to go in there and go fast and blow your load too soon. take your time do it right, and maybe she'll let you stick around for a second go.

patience grasshopper...