Self Defense- Pistol Primer (Part 5)

Continuity of Fire:

     Those who have performed reloads in combat agree the vast majority of reloads will be performed after the weapon has been shot empty and is at slide lock.  In keeping with gross motor movements, both the Slide Lock Reload and Tactical Reload (getting the partially ammunition depleted pistol fully loaded again during a lull in the fight), should mirror one another with only a few minor variations.

     Step One in the Slide Lock Reload is upon realization of an empty pistol, bring the firing side elbow to the abdomen and rotate the magazine well inboard while maintaining the firing grip with the firing hand (see figure 19a).

        Figure 19a, Slide Lock Reload Step One

     In Step Two, the shooter releases the support hand grip and depresses the magazine release with the support hand thumb (see figure 19b).

Figure 19b, Slide Lock Reload Step Two

     In Step Three, the support hand sweeps down the pistol’s front strap, and sweeps the toe of the magazine free of the magazine well, allowing the empty magazine to fall to the ground (see figure 19c).

Figure 19c, Slide Lock Reload Step Three

     In Step Four, the support hand establishes a grip upon the spare magazine in its holder (bullets should be facing forward when stored in the magazine pouch), positioning the index finger to make insertion into the magazine well positive (see figure 19d).

Figure 19d, Slide Lock Reload Step Four

     In Step Five, the flat of the back of the magazine is mated to the flat of the back of the magazine well, then the magazine is briskly seated (see figure 19e).

Figure 19e, Slide Lock Reload Step Five

     In Step Six, the pistol should be charged by manually pulling the slide fully to the rear by the support hand and then releasing the slide (not by easing or riding the slide).  The slide may be released by either using the Overhand Method or Sling Shot Method, whichever the shooter prefers (see figures 19f and 19g).



Figure 19f, Slide Lock Reload Step Six, Overhand Method

Figure 19g, Slide Lock Reload Step Six, Sling Shot Method

     In Step Seven, the shooter presents the pistol back on target and reassesses whether or not the target is still a threat (See figure 19h).

 

Figure 19h, Slide Lock Reload Step Seven

     For Tactical Reloads, the shooter simply retains the partially depleted magazine in the support hand as in Slide Lock Reload Step Three; then stores the partially depleted magazine in the support side pocket prior to retrieving a fresh magazine (see figure 20).

 

Figure 20, Storage of Partially Loaded Magazine

     Slide Lock Reload Steps Four, Five and Seven are then completed.  Tactical reloading methods which require the juggling of the depleted and spare magazines require fine motor skills in the heat of battle, and should be avoided.  Keep it simple. 

     Note.  By keeping the firing hand elbow indexed at the abdomen throughout the reloading process, all manipulations can be seen in the shooter’s peripheral vision, thus allowing the shooter to remain aware of his surroundings (threats). 

     Unless forced to break the firing hand grip on the pistol while firing right handed (i.e. support hand is wounded and rendered inoperable), all manipulations of the magazine release, decocking lever, and slide (slide lock levers are small and can be easily missed by adrenaline-charged hands), are best done with the support hand.  Left handed firing will necessitate the shooter use the firing hand trigger finger to manipulate the magazine release and decocking lever.