[OH25shooter]

I'm new at this game, but I've noticed on all the videos I've watched, the shooter will reload a magazine before it is empty. Maybe fire six or eight rounds, drop it and reload for the next target. Is that common? Drop a mag with rounds still loaded? I'm guessing it is easier and faster to do that then have the slide lock back. Maybe a timing issue?

[eerw]

depends on what action sport you are shooting..

In IDPA..you do not drop a partially loaded mag..that is against the rules..you with have to some form of reload with retention or slide lock reload..

In USPSA it is common as shooters will drop mags after shooting an array and set up for the next array with a fresh mag..so they are not doing a standing reload in the middle of it..

[Lurper]

OH
It depends on the stage, gun, etc. One of the worst things you can do in IPSC (or real life IMO) is shoot to slide lock. If you are shooting a 10rnd string with an eight or nine round gun, it's obvious that you will need to reload. The real trick is deciding where. As a general rule, you want to reload where you have the most "dead" time. That would be the longest transition, position change (ie: from one side of a barricade to the other) from one box. If you are moving from one position to the next, then you want to reload unless it doesn't give you an advantage. On the other side of the coin, each reload increases your mistake factor.

[eerw]

Lurper..
thanks for the better explanation..

and hey..just wanted to add..thanks for sharing your videos and your experience..

great stuff..

[OH25shooter]

Sorry, I should have mentioned it is USPSA, 10 round magazine, stock Production class.

Lurper, I understand better after your explanation post. Thanks

[sargenv]

Unfortunately, as a round gun shooter, I generally shoot to empty, but with only 6 rounds, many arrays are not 6 round neutral :D Sometimes I try to game it where the arrays are set so I can take advantage of them, but more than likely I have as many as 4 or 5 flat footed reloads.. Nothing makes you reload faster than realizing that you are giving up several seconds per reload.

Vince

[HSMITH]

Even with a 20 round fat gun I will sometimes throw 2 reloads in a stage if there is room or a tough array toward the end. If I can get two or three steps the reload is 'free' as far as the clock is concerned, so most times I will reload if close to half capacity or less. Running the gun dry is a cardinal sin in my book no matter what I am doing (revolvers are exempt to this rule).

[Ankeny]

If I can get two or three steps the reload is 'free' as far as the clock is concerned...

I can easily get a reload completed in two or three steps, but for me the reload comes with a price. So, I no longer do a reload unless I have a really good reason.

[eerw]

I can easily get a reload completed in two or three steps, but for me the reload comes with a price. So, I no longer do a reload unless I have a really good reason.

like running out of bullets???:D :D :D :D

How you doing Ron?? you coming down for a match anytime soon?? is there going to be a WYO state match this year??

[HSMITH]

Ankeny, I am not sure what you mean, could you explain?