This page is devoted to providing up to date information on current training techniques and concerns. If you have a suggestion for a future topic, please contact us and we will be happy to consider your request.
The tactical reload is often misunderstood and as a result; is taught incorrectly or totally eliminated from training programs.
The purpose of the tactical reload is to bring the user's firearm (pistol and carbine) back to a fully loaded status following the firing of the weapon. The tactical reload is to be done during a lull in a fight, aka people are no longer shooting at you/trying to kill you, not when rounds are still being fired at you.
If you are still actively engaging a threat you shouldn't be looking to perform the tactical reload.
In order to perform the tactical reload the shooter should:
As a lefty shooter, you've probably had more than one person say "you need to get an ambi safety". Well, I have refused on the count of not always being able to find "pick ups" in an ambidextrous setup. Left handled shooters make up roughly... 7% of the population? We recommend you train yourself to use a standard (right hand) configuration as is.
I have found that works best for me is to use the "meat" of my trigger finger, meaning the side of your trigger finger closest to the knuckle. The safety is disengaged by arching my finger/knuckle. To engage the safety, simply drag the edge of your trigger finger back along the lever.
It may be difficult or even irritating at first, but after a couple hundred reps, you'll develop an almost undetectable callous on that portion of your finger.
The photos below demonstrate this technique:
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As a concealed carry instructor one of the biggest issues I see is with substandard gear, specifically in regards to holsters.
There are many holsters to choose from that are suitable for CCH. Most people want one holster that does everything for every situation; which of course does not exist. It is very common to see students who want to use a cheap nylon holster that came with the gun or was the cheapest option available at the gunshop at the time of purchase.
Many gun shops do not carry a large inventory of quality holsters. So when you ask the guy working the counter, he recommends the first thing under $20 that will hold a gun. Many times that holster is a piece of junk. It may not secure the firearm, lacks any form of retention device, and is uncomfortable to carry for an extended period of time.. It’s like buying a $75,000 sports car and putting $50 tires on it. Not smart.
A CCH holster needs to be a few things to be effective. First it needs to be comfortable. If it is uncomfortable then you will not use it. Second, a CCH holster must secure the firearm. That is secure to your body, not moving forward or rearward and it should not flop around. Third, a CCH holster needs to have some form of retention device. Whether it comes from some type of thumb strap or simple friction it needs to hold your weapon securely enough to keep it in the holster during daily activities, yet allow you to smoothly and safely draw your handgun without impeding the draw stroke. Fourth and finally a CCH holster has to cover the trigger guard. No exceptions! This is a basic safety issue that really doesn’t need further explanation. If you want an explanation, register for one of our handgun classes
Construction is mostly a matter of personal preference. Leather tends to be more comfortable, but kydex needs less care. I do not recommend plastic or nylon. Inside the waistband or outside the waistband is based on your lifestyle and body frame. I like inside the waistband because it keeps a more narrow body profile and it feels more secure than outside the waistband holsters.
Be prepared to shop around a bit. Ask gun shops if you can try holsters on with your unloaded weapon. If they say "no," then take your business and your money elsewhere. Some places to start are companies like Comp-Tac or Blade-Tech (Be sure and confirm stock levels and lead times). There are many others, but these are a good start. Just remember what a holster needs to do and get a decent holster.