This thread is in response to some discussion here: www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=21681
Now this is what I do in 3 gun competition. Your milage may vary.
One of the keys to doing really well with in the shotgun stages is keeping the gun loaded. Many 3 gun SG stages run 12, 16, or 20 rounds. As this is on the clock, keeping that SG topped off is a real key to success.
Originally I loaded one shell at a time, holding the gun with my right hand by the stock, and using my left (support) hand to reach down and grab single shells off my belt or side saddle and stuff them in the loading port.
Other competitors would use their right hand to reach down and grab shells, but that seemed more dangerous to me as you would have to regrasp your SG near the trigger under time, as well as in a "serious" sense it takes your hand away from the trigger should you need to crank off a fast unexpected shot.
At last years WC3gun match I watched the guys from team SVI run a couple of shotgun stages. They were amazing. They loaded 4 shells at a time! It looked like a magic trick, I'm guessing they were doing it in around a second. I talked to them afterwards and they were kind enough to demonstrate the technique for me.
First carry your shells so that you can grab the number that you want easily with out banging into other shells. These guys were using the little plastic belt caddies that hold the shells horizontal. Reach down with your left hand, grab the shells so that they are all parallel in your palm, cup them as you bring them up to the loading port. Now use your thumb to rapid fire push them into the tube.
It is harder to explain than it is to do.
I'm not nearly as good as it yet as those pros, but I've been practicing to the point that I can load 4 in under 2 seconds. I've done it in 1.5 in a match. It can be done about as fast a pistol reload. I use a 15 round bandolier that hooks to my belt (that way the shells are in the same place every time, regular bandoliers can shift). I load 4, leave a space, load 4, leave a space, and load 4.
Practice by getting a ton of dummy shells, remove the cap and the mag spring, and then go to work. The dummy shells will just slide down the tube and fall out, to be reloaded into your bandolier or caddy. Once you get the hang of it, put the spring back in because it is a little more difficult with the added spring tension. Start with 2, then 3, eventually you can do 4. I can't do 5 as my hands aren't big enough. By the time your thumbs are bleeding you should have mastered it!
Now this is what I do in 3 gun competition. Your milage may vary.
One of the keys to doing really well with in the shotgun stages is keeping the gun loaded. Many 3 gun SG stages run 12, 16, or 20 rounds. As this is on the clock, keeping that SG topped off is a real key to success.
Originally I loaded one shell at a time, holding the gun with my right hand by the stock, and using my left (support) hand to reach down and grab single shells off my belt or side saddle and stuff them in the loading port.
Other competitors would use their right hand to reach down and grab shells, but that seemed more dangerous to me as you would have to regrasp your SG near the trigger under time, as well as in a "serious" sense it takes your hand away from the trigger should you need to crank off a fast unexpected shot.
At last years WC3gun match I watched the guys from team SVI run a couple of shotgun stages. They were amazing. They loaded 4 shells at a time! It looked like a magic trick, I'm guessing they were doing it in around a second. I talked to them afterwards and they were kind enough to demonstrate the technique for me.
First carry your shells so that you can grab the number that you want easily with out banging into other shells. These guys were using the little plastic belt caddies that hold the shells horizontal. Reach down with your left hand, grab the shells so that they are all parallel in your palm, cup them as you bring them up to the loading port. Now use your thumb to rapid fire push them into the tube.
It is harder to explain than it is to do.
I'm not nearly as good as it yet as those pros, but I've been practicing to the point that I can load 4 in under 2 seconds. I've done it in 1.5 in a match. It can be done about as fast a pistol reload. I use a 15 round bandolier that hooks to my belt (that way the shells are in the same place every time, regular bandoliers can shift). I load 4, leave a space, load 4, leave a space, and load 4.
Practice by getting a ton of dummy shells, remove the cap and the mag spring, and then go to work. The dummy shells will just slide down the tube and fall out, to be reloaded into your bandolier or caddy. Once you get the hang of it, put the spring back in because it is a little more difficult with the added spring tension. Start with 2, then 3, eventually you can do 4. I can't do 5 as my hands aren't big enough. By the time your thumbs are bleeding you should have mastered it!
). I also have a remington 1100 (which also holds 8 rds) that I finally got running right, but reloads with this are quick and easy. And they make 5rd mags for it as well for those other applications. But this is a combat shotgun, and it will work just fine for combat games.
