What’s a Tactical Reload?

September 23rd, 2019

7:33 runtime

If you use your firearm for self-defense, there’s more to it than simply learning how to aim and shoot it. In addition to setting up a good carry rig and learning how to employ it, you should also learn how to handle reloading the pistol beyond simply reacting when you run it dry.

The tactical reload can ensure you keep your defensive pistol ready for the fight at all times.

What Is It?

The tactical reload is when you find yourself in a lull in a gunfight, have taken cover and want to top off your ammo supply in your pistol. With this reload, you have a partially empty gun with a round still in the chamber and a few rounds in the magazine.

You don’t want to see this if you can avoid it — a gun run to slide lock and completely empty.

In this maneuver, you perform a reload where you remove the partially loaded mag, retain it, and load a fresh magazine into the gun. The result is that you have a fully loaded gun, and have also retained the partial mag for a reload if you need it.

If you have fired several rounds and can safely take cover, it might be a good time to do a tactical reload.

So, be sure to check out the video above for a detailed guide on how to perform this reloading tactic to hone your skillset.

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Yamil Sued

Yamil is a graduate of the prestigious Brooks Institute of Photographic Arts and Sciences in Santa Barbara, CA with a Major in Illustration Photography and Color Technology with over 34 years of professional experience. Yamil started his professional relationship with the Shooting Industry in 1995 and has since worked with companies like Springfield Armory, S&W, Glock, FNH USA, Remington, Bushmaster, Bushnell, Leupold, Aimpoint, PWS, Vortex Optics, Cor-Bon Ammunition, ERGO Grips, AmeriGlo Sights, Krause Publications, Comp Tac Victory Gear, The Beta Company, IDPA, MGM Targets, Rainier Ballistics, Rock Castle Shooting Center, SIG Sauer and was a Staff Photographer for Cabela’s in Sidney, NE. Yamil is also a Writer and Photographer for Guns & Ammo, Guns & Ammo SIP's and Gun Digest.