How To Perform a "Tactical" Reload #tips #training #military

Published on April 13, 2026
Duration: 1:14

This video demonstrates the 'tactical reload' technique, a method for reloading a firearm during a lull in combat while retaining partially loaded magazines. The instructor emphasizes maintaining a grip on the firearm, creating a pocket to remove the old magazine, and storing it in a secondary location to avoid interference. The technique is presented as a way to maintain readiness without expending partially loaded magazines.

Quick Summary

A tactical reload is performed during a lull in combat to replace a partially loaded magazine with a fresh one while retaining the old magazine for later use. The technique involves leaving the current magazine in the firearm, retrieving a new one, creating a pocket to remove the old magazine, inserting the new one, and storing the old magazine in a secondary location.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to Tactical Reload
  2. 00:04Importance of Cover and Concealment
  3. 00:07Retaining Partially Loaded Magazines
  4. 00:13Leaving Magazine in Gun
  5. 00:16Retrieving Fresh Magazine
  6. 00:21Creating a Pocket for Old Magazine
  7. 00:29Removing Old Magazine
  8. 00:33Indexing New Magazine
  9. 00:38Storing Partially Loaded Magazine
  10. 00:51Why Not Primary Mag Pouches
  11. 01:04Returning to Ready State
  12. 01:06Racking the Slide (Optional)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a tactical reload and when is it performed?

A tactical reload is a firearm reloading technique performed during a lull or pause in combat. It allows the shooter to replace their current magazine with a fresh one while retaining the partially loaded magazine for later use, ensuring continued readiness.

How do you perform a tactical reload?

To perform a tactical reload, leave the current magazine in the firearm, retrieve a fresh one, create a pocket with your index finger along the firearm's side to remove the old magazine, then insert the new magazine. Store the old magazine in a secondary location.

Where should you store a partially loaded magazine after a tactical reload?

After a tactical reload, store the partially loaded magazine in a convenient but secondary location, such as a pocket, waistband, or a separate pouch. Avoid placing it back in your primary magazine pouches to prevent interference when drawing fresh ammunition.

Should you rack the slide after a tactical reload?

Ideally, you may not need to rack the slide after a tactical reload if your firearm still has a round in the chamber. However, if you feel it's necessary for readiness or if the chamber is empty, you can rack the slide.

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