NCJ Number
220002
Journal
Law Enforcement Technology Volume: 34 Issue: 9 Dated: September 2007 Pages: 116,118,121
Date Published
September 2007
Length
5 pages
Annotation
This article discusses the processes in reloading a gun; how to hold and change the pistol magazine.
Abstract
There are three types of reload: speed, tactical, and administrative. Of these three types, the most useful for the patrol officers is the speed-reload which minimizes the downtime of the gun. Regardless of which reloading is used, every shooter should adhere to the rules of shooting and reloading. The speed reload consists of dropping the magazine in the pistol and replacing it with one from the belt. It is executed when the gun is either empty or the need for more bullets outweighs the few bullets still in the magazine. A tactical reload is used when the officer knows he does not have a full magazine on the gun and must “top it off.” It retains the magazine ejected. This is sometimes called the “reloading with retention.” The administrative reload is also used to ensure there is a full magazine. It is executed when the gun is still in the holster. Officers should practice magazine changes as often as they practice shooting. Mastering the magazine may seem like a minor shooting skill, but it is essential for winning the fight.