Reload Drill | Steve Horsman

Published on November 10, 2016
Duration: 2:07

This video demonstrates the empty gun reload drill for the Springfield Armory SAINT rifle, led by Steve Horsman. The drill focuses on efficient manipulation of the magazine release and bolt catch to quickly bring the rifle back into action after expending all ammunition. Horsman emphasizes practicing with low round counts to maximize repetitions and build speed and muscle memory.

Quick Summary

The empty gun reload drill involves efficiently reloading a firearm after the last round is fired. For AR-15 platforms like the Springfield Armory SAINT, key steps include using the trigger finger for the mag release and the support thumb for the bolt release. Practicing 50-80 repetitions with low-round magazines builds speed and muscle memory.

Chapters

  1. 00:11Introduction to the Reload Drill
  2. 00:31Drill Demonstration
  3. 00:43Step-by-Step Breakdown
  4. 01:21Practice Tips

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the empty gun reload drill?

The empty gun reload drill is a fundamental firearms training exercise where a shooter practices reloading their firearm after the last round has been fired. It focuses on efficient manipulation of controls like the magazine release and bolt catch to quickly bring the weapon back into a firing state.

How can I improve my rifle reload speed?

To improve rifle reload speed, practice the empty gun reload drill consistently. Steve Horsman recommends using magazines with only one or two rounds to maximize repetitions and focus on smooth, economical movements for both the magazine release and bolt catch.

What are the key steps in an AR-15 empty gun reload?

Key steps include firing until empty, bringing the rifle to a work area, using the trigger finger for the magazine release, retrieving a fresh magazine with the support hand, inserting it firmly, and using the support thumb to press the bolt release to chamber a round.

How many repetitions are recommended for reload drills?

For effective training, Steve Horsman suggests performing 50 to 80 repetitions of the empty gun reload drill. This volume helps build the necessary speed and muscle memory for efficient and reliable reloads under pressure.

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