Reload Speed After The Shot

[Z-man]

I was wondering if anyone had any drills or ideas that would help with the following: I've noticed that once I actually start a reload, it goes well, but I'd like to decrease the amount of time during the period between firing a shot and actually starting the reload. In other words, I'd like to get to where I start the reload just as the last shot breaks. Any ideas on how to speed this part of the reload up?

[Josh Biondi]

I was wondering if anyone had any drills or ideas that would help with the following: I've noticed that once I actually start a reload, it goes well, but I'd like to decrease the amount of time during the period between firing a shot and actually starting the reload. In other words, I'd like to get to where I start the reload just as the last shot breaks. Any ideas on how to speed this part of the reload up?

You must be determinate and fast with your left hand. But its preferable to be really fast after your left hand has catch the mag....

one last thing for this need training, training, training & training...... good luck!

[Skywalker]

Z-man,

I guess it would be better to start your reload just as you have called your shot instead of just as the shot breaks...

Anyway, to improve your reload time, apart from lotsa practice, you might want to try the Burkett method, so helpfully explained in his PVS 1-3 DVDs.

It's a 3-steps reload technique that really tells you where to focus throughout the whole reload.

As per the reaction time for starting the reload, I'd try the following dryfire drill: start with gun aimed on target, in your freestyle shooting platform, pretending you're just about to shoot your last shot before the reload, then have your timer going off and react to it by going for the mag in its pouch. You don't really need to pick the mag and insert it (at least at this stage). Just learn to react to an input and correctly place your hand on the mag for reloading the fastest you can.

As soon as you feel comfortable with your reaction times (if your timer can be set to PAR times as short as 0.2/0.3 from beep to hand grabbing the mag) move on to the second step, which is adding the pick of the mag while depressing the mag catch button, and bringing the mag just at the gate of the mag funnel.

[Z-man]

Great idea for a drill, I'll have to work on that. Oh yea, and I probably should start when I call the shot (gosh, still getting the lingo down! ).

[Flexmoney]

Just to be clear, there is a difference between "calling the shot" and "when the shot breaks". It is a big difference. And, it likely a sticking point.

Do a search on "calling the shot" and make absolute sure that is what you are doing. We throw the term around here enough that I think it gets taken for granted.

[Z-man]

Thanks Flexmoney, what I meant to say originally was the reload starts at the proper time (which would be once the shot is called). I understand that calling the shot means knowing where the bullet will strike based upon the relationship between one's sights and the target at the time the gun is fired. Beginning a reload when the shot breaks would imply movement without a proper followthrough or "shot call". I hope/think that is the proper understanding. Please correct me if I'm wrong, I just wanted to know how to speed up that part of the reload!

[Flexmoney]

Sounds right.

I put together a little video clip that shows some aspects of the reload. Let me know if this helps at all: http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-6...913367&q=reload

[wide45]

When the shot breaks, you called the shot, or you didn't. It takes no more time than recognising that it went off...

[Z-man]

Wow, cool video Flexmoney and very helpful in breaking down each step in the reload! I was thinking, is there a place in the forum where one might post videos of such a thing and then allow others to critique? It might be helpful for those of us getting things started to have others be able to see what is taking place and make critical assessments via video. Just a thought?!

[Singlestack]

I was thinking, is there a place in the forum where one might post videos of such a thing and then allow others to critique?

Look here.

[Z-man]

Thanks Singlestack, just what I was looking for. What DOESN'T this forum have!

[Flexmoney]

What DOESN'T this forum have!

http://www.brianenos.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=32848

[Singlestack]

[Singlestack]

Well I just had to fix that.

[Josh Biondi]

Well I just had to fix that.

WAWAWUMA GRINGOS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Where I can meet this gal???????????

[kevin c]

Here's dryfire drill for getting the weak hand to the mag quickly, which I'm told is an essential part of a fast reload:

Take off your gun belt and clip your timer to waist at the spot where your first mag usually sits. Hold the gun on a target in normal firing position, keeping it in the A zone. Activate the timer for a random beep. At the beep, tap the timer with your weak hand ASAP. This will help you get you from the shot break on target (the beep) to the magazine as fast as you can.

Now please excuse me, while I go out and price trampolines...

[wide45]

Take off your gun belt and clip your timer to waist at the spot where your first mag usually sits. Hold the gun on a target in normal firing position, keeping it in the A zone. Activate the timer for a random beep. At the beep, tap the timer with your weak hand ASAP. This will help you get you from the shot break on target (the beep) to the magazine as fast as you can.

I'd be wary that this drill as dry fire would teach me to take my attention away from the shooting, but it sounds great for a live fire drill.

After the beep, with the timer running, shoot, then slap the timer. Only A's count. Call the shots. We are not reacting to the beep, just getting to the mag after the call.

Edited February 27, 2006 by wide45

[Z-man]

Both good ideas for drills kevin C and wide45, unfortunately I haven't bought a timer yet (that's next on the list... I'm still paying off all the reloading stuff I just bought!). In the mean time I've been using the online timer on Matt Burkett's site for dry fire. I suppose the dry fire drill would work the same if I tapped my belt or a mag pouch instead.

[Flexmoney]

The tapping idea is that the "tap" will record on the timer (like a shot would). That way you can record your progress. No timer?...then skip that tap.

[Z-man]

ahah, that makes much more sense (where's the smiley face for "feels like an idiot noob"). I didn't know that'd work with a timer. One more reason to buy one.

Thanks everyone for your patience and help!