I don't even think you have to pick just one. Just understand the strengths and weaknesses and put the tools in the toolbox...
-rvb
Clint Smith on the "tactical" (whatever that is) reload.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MbUgANV_yL4
I agree with Clint: the "tactical" reload has extremely limited viable application, except, perhaps, for competitive shooting that seems to be enamored with the "tacti-cool" reload and requires such in many stages.
The application that I like for the "tactical" reload is as stripper magazine for loading from empty at the "Load and make ready" command before the start of a stage. Insert the stripper mag., chamber a round, remove the stripper mag. and replace with a full mag via the "tactical" reload.
Is that kid even old enough to own a handgun?
Yes, there are.I, too, am very fond of the late Mr. Gomez's teaching and thinking; however, I am hard pressed to see the true practical application of either the "tactical" or "proactive" reload in a deadly force encounter especially when,as Cedartop aptly described it, "you are amped up on adrenaline like a meth junky."
At 3:40 of the video, Mr. Gomez advocates the "proactive" reload while running full out during a gunfight. Perhaps, I am an outlier, but I lack the multi-dexterous requirements to do what follows, basically all at the same time:
All the while:
- run at full speed (forward, obliquely, sideways, backwards, etc.) over uneven, unfamilliar terrain, while,
- holding a handgun up in my sight,
- removing the magazine,
- tucking it into my waistband under a shirt,
- removing another magazine from its pouch, and
- inserting it into the empty magwell.
Are there any independently verifiable examples of the above being done successfully by one person in a gunfight?
- not stumbling or falling down,
- not running into a tree, or rock, or pole, or car, or fire hydrant, or....., and
- neither dropping nor fumbling either:
- the first magazine,
- the second magazine, or
- the gun, and
- still concentrating on the location and actions of the assailant(s).
Yes, there are.
A tactical reload for those of us in the Military is done, when you are behind Cover, during a lull in the flow of the Battle.
No fancy dancing around...
Just a there is nothing going on right now, I am behind Cover. I don't know if I may have to fight my way to my next piece of Cover. I am not sure how many rounds are left in the Mag/Drum/Belt. Screw it I am putting in a fresh Mag before I run up the street to the next doorway...
I, too, am very fond of the late Mr. Gomez's teaching and thinking; however, I am hard pressed to see the true practical application of either the "tactical" or "proactive" reload in a deadly force encounter especially when,as Cedartop aptly described it, "you are amped up on adrenaline like a meth junky."
At 3:40 of the video, Mr. Gomez advocates the "proactive" reload while running full out during a gunfight. Perhaps, I am an outlier, but I lack the multi-dexterous requirements to do what follows, basically all at the same time:All the while:
- run at full speed (forward, obliquely, sideways, backwards, etc.) over uneven, unfamilliar terrain, while,
- holding a handgun up in my sight,
- removing the magazine,
- tucking it into my waistband under a shirt,
- removing another magazine from its pouch, and
- inserting it into the empty magwell.
Are there any independently verifiable examples of the above being done successfully by one person in a gunfight?
- not stumbling or falling down,
- not running into a tree, or rock, or pole, or car, or fire hydrant, or....., and
- neither dropping nor fumbling either:
- the first magazine,
- the second magazine, or
- the gun, and
- still concentrating on the location and actions of the assailant(s).
Not a problem!Thanks for the input Jeremy. I had three multiple combat tour NG Soldiers in one of my AK classes last year who said almost the exact same thing. I had forgotten about that until you reminded me of it with your story. Probably though Bob was looking for an example in a civilian context.
As for the fancy dancing around, all we are talking about there is finding cover if it is available.
Its like Travis Haley and Will Wheaton had a baby.
Thanks for the input Jeremy. I had three multiple combat tour NG Soldiers in one of my AK classes last year who said almost the exact same thing. I had forgotten about that until you reminded me of it with your story. Probably though Bob was looking for an example in a civilian context.
Its like Travis Haley and Will Wheaton had a baby.
Yes, there are.
A tactical reload for those of us in the Military is done, when you are behind Cover, during a lull in the flow of the Battle.
No fancy dancing around...
Just a there is nothing going on right now, I am behind Cover. I don't know if I may have to fight my way to my next piece of Cover. I am not sure how many rounds are left in the Mag/Drum/Belt. Screw it I am putting in a fresh Mag before I run up the street to the next doorway...
Some of us forget that most people don't practice enough to get the easy stuff right under stress, let alone the fine motor control stuff like juggling two mags in your hand when you are amped up on adrenaline like a meth junky.
The "reload with retention" appears to be more of a solution looking for a problem, and something competitive shooters came up with when they were required to do a "tactical reload" under time pressure (which it was never designed to do).
Some of us forget that most people don't practice enough to get the easy stuff right under stress, let alone the fine motor control stuff
I agree most people don't practice enough to hit the broad side of a barn or even get a new mag into the grip, yet alone something like a tac load at the gun.... But I'm not sure we should invalidate a technique based on how much other folks choose to practice..... But I can understand keeping it out of 'Self Defense 101'.
-rvb
Every one talks about fine motor control as if it is just a matter of practice. Aside from the effects of adrenaline, What if it's diminished from injury? What if your body is shunting blood from your extremities because you're spilling blood on the ground? What if that blood is making your hands slippery? What if there is physical damage to the hand?
We want to practice robust manipulations that work under the largest number of bad situations.