Indexing the Magazine: The Importance of Touch

Published on September 27, 2019
Duration: 2:21

This video emphasizes the critical importance of 'indexing' a spare magazine by feel for efficient and safe reloads. Instructor Mike details how to orient a magazine to consistently feel the bullet tips with the index finger and the magazine lip with the palm, allowing for a blind reload. This technique ensures you maintain visual contact with your threat while reacquiring your firearm grip and seating the magazine without looking.

Quick Summary

Magazine indexing is a critical reloading technique where you orient a spare magazine by feel, sensing the bullet tips with your index finger and the magazine lip with your palm. This allows for a blind reload, enabling you to maintain visual contact with a threat and enhance situational awareness.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to Magazine Indexing
  2. 00:17Importance of Not Looking During Reload
  3. 00:29How to Index a Magazine by Feel
  4. 00:44Feeling Bullet Tip and Magazine Lip
  5. 00:51Utilizing Other Senses for Reloading
  6. 01:04The Sense of Touch in Firearm Handling
  7. 01:24Tactile Identification of Magazine Orientation
  8. 01:29Reloading While Maintaining Firearm Awareness
  9. 01:33Tactile Grip Acquisition
  10. 01:58Blind Magazine Insertion and Slide Rack
  11. 02:15Establishing Go-To Hand Grip

Frequently Asked Questions

What is magazine indexing and why is it important?

Magazine indexing is the technique of orienting a spare magazine by feel so you can insert it into your firearm without looking. This is crucial for maintaining visual contact with a threat during a reload, enhancing your situational awareness and overall safety.

How do you index a magazine by feel?

To index a magazine, feel for the unique side where the bullet tips are prominent. You should be able to feel the tip of the bullet against your index finger and the lip of the magazine against the palm of your hand.

Can you reload without looking at your firearm?

Yes, with practice, you can reload without looking. By indexing your magazine and using tactile cues on your firearm's grip, you can efficiently perform a reload while keeping your eyes on the threat.

What tactile cues help reacquire a shooting grip after a reload?

Tactile cues on the firearm's grip, such as the shape of the backstrap, the location of the takedown notch, and any finger grooves, can help you quickly and correctly reacquire your shooting grip without visual confirmation.

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