RELOADING DRILLS - REVOLVERS

[chief38]

One disadvantage of carrying a Revolver (like many of us here do - myself included) is that it takes a bit more practice and skill to reload it after all the rounds have been fired.

Most guys that I know do not carry around the circular Speed Loaders mainly because of the bulk and size. I personally use a leather pouch (with OWB Holster carry) and have practiced reloading from it until I got very proficient. I actually got to the point where I can reload faster that way then I can from a Speed Strip - now I'll be honest and say I have not practiced with the Speed Strip all that much because I don't really use one very often. I personally like the pouch method because it eliminates another devise I have to deal with.

That said, there are times when Pocket Carrying I do use a Speed Strip and I need to start practicing with that more often too.

I made up a few dozen dummy rounds (painted green for easy ID) using the same bullets I carry so everything is the same. I fire 5 dummy shots and then go for the reload and fire again. After a while it becomes pretty fast and a lot easier. I need to practice more often - say once a week when no one is home. My goal is to become just as fast with both the Speed Strip and Pouch methods because Speed Loaders are just not for me. Just some food for thought for Revolver Guys and Gals........

Regards,
Chief38

 

[ContinentalOp]

I use A-Zoom snap caps to practice reloading during dry fire practice. I've used both speedloaders (Safariland Comp I) and speed strips (Tuff Strips). I've been using speedloaders more frequently lately because they don't require quite as much dexterity as strips. I have belt and pocket pouches for strips and Safariland Split-Six pouches for speedloaders.

One thing that I think is important is to make sure you get a good physical index on your speedloader/strip so you can reload your gun without looking at it. I practice looking around me while reloading for any additional threats, preferably after getting behind cover.

I also think it's important that once you get proficient with reloading you should also do some practice doing one-handed reloads using both weak and strong hands. It can be tricky to do, especially with a J-frame, but it can be done. Similarly, practice reloading from awkward positions.

FYI, I prefer the DeBethencourt reloading method, but I think the Ayoob and Cunningham methods are good, too.

With all that said, I do think it's more important to be able to draw quickly and get good hits, but I usually incorporate some reloading in my practice time.

 

[kbuckey]

I do carry speedloaders if I carry any extra ammo, and I usually do. I find the big one for the Taurus 617 is always noticeable, but noticeable as what? And it hides the gun just behind it. If I'm carrying the 617 I figure one speedloader will do since that gives me 14 rounds. With the SP101 or LCR I carry two and they are small enough to not be noticeable.

All that said, since I shoot revolver in IDPA the speedloader (or moonclips) for reloading comes naturally now. In fact a couple of years ago I decided to shoot a semi-auto at a match just for grins. The first time I went to reload, I popped the mag, placed the gun in my left hand and reached for my magazine on the right side. Where it was not, of course. Got me some laughs from the group, but it does go to show that you revert to what you train for unless you really think about it. And in a time of crisis I don't want to be thinking about how I'll reload the revolver, I just want to do it!

 

[Ivan the Butcher]

My F-I-L was the PD ordnance training Sargent. When I bought my first revolver (Dan Wesson 14-2, like a model 10), he taught me how to use , maintain and load it. Then made me practice loading from loose and dump pouches with my eyes closed until I was proficient by his standards. Since you already are used to a dump pouch, Why not stay with what you know. 99 out of 100 people on the street (or even less) wouldn't begin to know what it was (Those that do are most likely on your side). Any shoe repair shop can help you change the color! But Basket weave is a little hard to hide! Remember the rule; LET THE EMPTY BRASS FALL AND LEAVE IT! clean it up after the session. Cowboy Action shooting taught me to abandon dropped live rounds too, a major time saver!

For the J-frames I practice, loose and speed loader reloading when firing, I practice dump pouch and speed strip loading at home. My second most carried revolver is a 1917 with full moon clips.

When practicing is is hard to practice dropping the loaders (and magazines for autos), we spend money on them and don't want them damaged. BUT being gentle with them in practice make for bad habits when it counts. Letting $40 magazines or hard to find loaders, hit the concrete is painful (I take carpet with me and use unbrand for practice). Ivan

 

[ContinentalOp]

When practicing is is hard to practice dropping the loaders (and magazines for autos), we spend money on them and don't want them damaged. BUT being gentle with them in practice make for bad habits when it counts. Letting $40 magazines or hard to find loaders, hit the concrete is painful (I take carpet with me and use unbrand for practice). Ivan

That's one of the things I like about the Comp I loaders. They're relatively inexpensive. I have several of them, including a few specifically for training that takes the abuse of being dropped on a regular basis while my carry loaders get treated better with occasional testing to make sure they still work.

 

[Old cop]

I've used speed strips as long as I can remember. At the range I put a standard paper plate out to 3, 5 & 7 yards and empty the 442 into it as fast as possible. I dump the empty shell casings and reload from a speed strip carried in a leather pouch on my belt, and repeat. If I can keep all 10 rounds on the plate I consider this success.

 

[ISCS Yoda]

I drag around 6 extra .38 caliber rounds in a leather "speed strip". I guess it's more like a miniature leather belt than a speed strip. I could never reload fast with them but I always figure I won't need to - 5 rounds will get it done, or I'm in WAY bigger trouble than I ever thought possible. If I even THINK that could be true I switch to a high cap pistol.

 

[ContinentalOp]

All that said, since I shoot revolver in IDPA the speedloader (or moonclips) for reloading comes naturally now. In fact a couple of years ago I decided to shoot a semi-auto at a match just for grins. The first time I went to reload, I popped the mag, placed the gun in my left hand and reached for my magazine on the right side. Where it was not, of course. Got me some laughs from the group, but it does go to show that you revert to what you train for unless you really think about it. And in a time of crisis I don't want to be thinking about how I'll reload the revolver, I just want to do it!

That's one of the things I like about carrying my speedloaders/strips on my left hip and reloading my revolver with my left hand. Whether I'm carrying a revolver or a semi-auto I will grab my reload with my left hand.

 

[kbuckey]

That's one of the things I like about carrying my speedloaders/strips on my left hip and reloading my revolver with my left hand. Whether I'm carrying a revolver or a semi-auto I will grab my reload with my left hand.

I have been doing it the other way so long I am not sure this old dog could learn that new trick. Feels both awkward and slow to reload a revolver with my left hand. As long as the mind says "auto" the left hand goes to the mag carrier, otherwise I dump the shells, transfer the gun, insert speed loader, close cylinder and commence firing. Does sound sloe, doesn't it?

 

[jeeps]

Yep break open right hand ,slap ejector left hand. Transfer Wheel gun to left hand and load right hand . SW clock wise so if you have to close cyl.to fire the first round will fire .Colt load counter clock wise to fire first pull. Transfer right hand if you have time or at contact distance fire left hand.

 

[BaaBaa]

All that said, since I shoot revolver in IDPA the speedloader (or moonclips) for reloading comes naturally now. In fact a couple of years ago I decided to shoot a semi-auto at a match just for grins. The first time I went to reload, I popped the mag, placed the gun in my left hand and reached for my magazine on the right side. Where it was not, of course.

That's one reason I reload my revolver left handed like DeBethencourt. That way reloads are on the same side no matter what I am shooting.

 

[ContinentalOp]

I have been doing it the other way so long I am not sure this old dog could learn that new trick. Feels both awkward and slow to reload a revolver with my left hand. As long as the mind says "auto" the left hand goes to the mag carrier, otherwise I dump the shells, transfer the gun, insert speed loader, close cylinder and commence firing. Does sound sloe, doesn't it?

It always sounds slower when you explain it. I don't think there's a big time difference between the revolver reload methods. I do know that whenever I try to do the other methods I have to slow way down or I'll go on autopilot and use the DeBethencourt method.

The only thing that matters is to use the method that works best for you. Left-hand reload works best for me.

 

[Biggfoot44]

I've tried both ways , but just not dexterous enough with left hand doing the reloading to come anywhere close to same time. But this way when carrying one of each , the reloads will be on opposite sides, easier to get to each, and the load is more evenly spread.

 

[Rastoff]

I use A-Zoom snap caps to practice reloading during dry fire practice.

The problem with the A-Zoom snap caps is they are missing an important factor. There is a tiny lip at the case mouth that can get caught when trying to reload. So, the A-Zoom snap caps mask that and give you a false sense of speed.

I don't recommend it at home, but while at the range, load only with the speed loader and using real rounds. There is a difference.

When practicing is is hard to practice dropping the loaders (and magazines for autos), we spend money on them and don't want them damaged. BUT being gentle with them in practice make for bad habits when it counts. Letting $40 magazines or hard to find loaders, hit the concrete is painful (I take carpet with me and use unbrand for practice). Ivan

You're right about not wanting that expensive speed loader or mag to hit the ground. I remember when I bought my first 1911 (Colt Delta Elite) I just couldn't imagine letting a $35 magazine hit the ground. Now I don't even give it a second thought. AND, I've never seen a mag damaged by hitting the ground. I've dropped them on gravel, wood, concrete, whatever surface I was standing on. I repeat, I've never seen one fail because it was dropped.

So, let those things fly. They'll be OK.

 

[ContinentalOp]

The problem with the A-Zoom snap caps is they are missing an important factor. There is a tiny lip at the case mouth that can get caught when trying to reload. So, the A-Zoom snap caps mask that and give you a false sense of speed.

I don't recommend it at home, but while at the range, load only with the speed loader and using real rounds. There is a difference.

I do that, too. There's also a difference between speedloading the FMJ-profile A-Zooms and JHP, particularly the Speer SB-GDHP I carry.

 

[Kframerbluvr]

After years of searching every gun show and LGS bargain bin and junk box for a 2x2x2 .38 ammo pouch, I finally ponied up $40 for a new Galco one. I can feed either my full size or J-frame .38 2 rounds at a time pretty quick. This pouch gives me the option of doing a full or tactical reload.

 

[BaaBaa]

When practicing is is hard to practice dropping the loaders (and magazines for autos), we spend money on them and don't want them damaged.

WHy?

Maybe I'm just too new to understand, but most of my practice is IDPA and we just toss those reloaders/mags if necessary. I take my mags apart and clean them afterwards, never had a problem. Just started cleaning the speedloaders too.

 

[jeeps]

The HKS were never good for us.They always opened up in the pocket and pouch and dumped the rounds . What good are they?We liked the speed strips more positive and don't unload in pouch or pocket.

 

[Rastoff]

 

[Warren Sear]

PolymathPioneer, no one will ever accuse you of being humble!

I clicked on the video, but all it showed was a revolver being dry-fired eight times. How about a real-life demo; eight shots, a "combat reload", and then another eight shots, please?