The Fundamentals of Magazine Changes

Published on November 9, 2025
Duration: 9:40

This video provides a comprehensive guide to performing a proper pistol magazine change drill, emphasizing the importance of speed and efficiency. It details setup, execution, and common mistakes, drawing on nearly two decades of shooting experience. Key techniques include indexing the magazine, bringing the pistol into the workspace, and ensuring positive seating with a tug.

Quick Summary

Master pistol magazine changes by setting up correctly: load a full magazine, chamber a round, and seat it with a tug. Store spare mags bullet-forward towards your belly button. Bring the pistol into your workspace, depress the release, let the old mag drop, and insert the new one with a firm 'tap and tug'.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you properly set up for a pistol magazine change drill?

Load a full magazine, chamber a round, and seat it firmly with a tug. Then, swap it for an empty magazine, ensuring the full one is stored correctly in your pouch for the drill.

What is the correct orientation for storing spare pistol magazines?

Spare pistol magazines should be stored with the bullets pointing towards your belly button when placed in a magazine pouch. This ensures they are oriented correctly for a quick and proper insertion into the firearm.

Why is it important to bring your pistol into your workspace during a magazine change?

Bringing the pistol into your workspace shortens the distance to your magazine pouch, making the reload faster. It also provides better control, especially if an attacker is attempting to disarm you.

What is the 'tap and tug' method for magazine seating?

After inserting a new magazine, the 'tap' refers to slamming it firmly into the magazine well. The 'tug' is a quick pull downwards to ensure the magazine is fully seated and won't drop out during firing.

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