Is the Battlefield 6 L85 Reload Realistic? Gaming vs Reality with firearms expert Jonathan Ferguson

Published on March 9, 2026
Duration: 2:18

Jonathan Ferguson, Keeper of Firearms and Artillery at the Royal Armouries, demonstrates the correct reload technique for the L85A3 rifle. He highlights that the in-game reload animation in Battlefield 6 is physically impossible due to the protective shroud around the magazine catch, which was added to prevent accidental magazine drops. The proper method involves using the thumb through a receiver cutaway to depress the catch.

Quick Summary

The L85 reload in Battlefield 6 is unrealistic because the game shows the fresh magazine body pressing the magazine catch. The L85A3 has a protective shroud around the catch, making this impossible. The correct method involves using your thumb through a receiver cutaway to depress the catch.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: Expert & Firearm
  2. 00:09Video Purpose: Game Reload Realism
  3. 00:22Battlefield 6 Reload Animation
  4. 00:50Physical Impossibility: Shroud
  5. 00:58Shroud's Historical Context
  6. 01:27Correct L85 Reload Technique
  7. 01:40Game's Flawed Reload Demonstrated
  8. 02:06Conclusion: Unrealistic Animation

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is the L85 reload in Battlefield 6 unrealistic?

The Battlefield 6 reload animation is unrealistic because it depicts the fresh magazine body pressing the magazine catch. The L85A3 has a steel shroud protecting the catch, making this method physically impossible. The actual reload requires manual thumb operation through a receiver cutaway.

How do you properly reload an L85A3 rifle?

To properly reload an L85A3, locate the cutaway at the bottom of the receiver. Insert your thumb through this opening to press the magazine catch, allowing you to remove the empty magazine and insert a fresh one.

What is the purpose of the shroud on the L85A3 magazine catch?

The steel shroud on the L85A3's magazine catch was added to prevent accidental magazine releases. This design feature addresses issues experienced with earlier L85 models, where magazines could fall out, especially during rigorous use.

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