Blind Reloads...

[Forester]

So while dryfiring the other night I found out I could do something I did not know I could. I had done maybe 30 or 40 Burkett Reloads and, as I usually do, was running a few full reloads just to keep the feel of getting my weak hand back on the gun correctly.

I had done a couple and all was well, the cat made some noise in the other end of the basement right as the timer beeped. I looked to the right as I started the reload and never saw the gun tilt over, the fresh mag go in, or the gun get back on target...it just happened. I was right back on an upper A-zone hold and under my 1.0 par time.

I did a few more where I just closed my eyes at the buzzer and did the whole reload blind, I was almost always back to a good index after the reload was done. To hit them consistently it seemed I needed about an extra .1 or .15 on the par time.

I did not want to do too many of these because I was afraid I was teaching myself not to LOOK the mag into the gun. Am I right in my thinking there or do you think there is value in your arms and hands knowing how to complete the reload even without your eyes?

[kevin c]

I'd guess that most shooters can get to the point of doing a blind standing reload, even several in a row, with enough practice (I can, and I'm no where near M class). But while kinesthetics are good, vision is better, and what you can do on the move from the infinitely variable positions in a real stage is what really matters.

But being able to do it is a sign that you're beginning to groove in the techniques, and that IS a big step in the right direction.

[AlamoShooter]

A higher level of learning is that the "Act of thinking a skill" is as good of practice as actualy doing it. The art of seeing with out looking is a real skill.

[DonT]

It's a very cool discovery when you first realize you can do that.

When I first started and didn't know there was a right or wrong way to train I would practice my reloads in the dark, standing over the bed just so I could do them without looking. My thinking was that I didn't want to take my eyes off the next target. I guess now that helps me when I'm doing a running reload and have to watch where I'm going, but to do a fast, smooth standing reload you need to look-it-in.