Rifle 3: Reloads
Overview:Depending on the situation, a transition from rifle to pistol may be your best response.
If your target is outside 25 meters, an emergency reload of the rifle may be the response needed.
This drill is for reloads only.
Equipment Needed:
One full rifle magazine
One empty rifle magazine
Instructions to Shooters:
1. You will be told to load the rifle. When you are ready assume a low ready position, facing your target.2. The number of rounds for each engagement will be called by the Range Master, i.e. "controlled pair," "single round" or "Rhythm Drill."
3. All engagements will be fired on the command of “UP.”
4. At some point in the drill you will be required to perform a tactical reload to an empty magazine.
5. This means that the weapon will be empty after the first round in the next engagement.
6. When this happens, immediately perform an emergency reload and engage the target with a controlled pair.
7. The drill is not over until the rifle is back in operation. Call for "cover," if that is in your SOP, holster and retain the pistol, and then perform an emergency reload of the rifle.
8. After re-engaging the target, scan, safe and wait for further instructions.
9. After everyone has completed their reload, you will be instructed to squat and recover the empty magazine. DO NOT bend at the waist. Bending over tends to cause the muzzle of the rifle to point back up range.
10. Every attempt will be made to keep from running you dry. (Out of ammo)
11. You will be told when to buddy the rifle after all shooters have finished the exercise.
Range Master's Call:
Once the shooters are on the line and the line is “hot,” start calling the drill. Be sure to keep the pace slow. Give the shooters time to follow the drill. As a Range Master or Coach there is no abbreviated call for this drill. If you are shooting alone, you can record the call of the drill and play it back on headphones while you are on the range.STARTING FROM THE LOW READY
ENGAGEMENT TYPE (controlled pair, single round or rhythm drill)
READY
UP (shooters fire, perform scan, safe, perform a condition check and return to the low ready on their own)
PERFORM A TACTICAL RELOAD TO AN EMPTY
MAGAZINE (allow plenty of time or shooters unfamiliar with this procedure)
READY
UP (shooters should perform an emergency reload, re-engage the target, scan then safe the rifle)
RECOVER THE EMPTY MAGAZINE (shake out any dirt or sand and re-stow)
Repeat until the table is complete. You may decide to change the number of times you fire before the tactical reload to an empty magazine, just to keep the shooters on their toes. You may also vary the number of rounds fired during the regular engagement.
Common Mistakes:
As Usual you will want to be aware of the mistakes from the earlier firing tables. New things to watch for:1. Head down reloads. The weapon should be held high in order to keep the head up maintain situational awareness.
2. Gear issues. Shooters may identify trouble with magazine pouches or the positioning of other gear.
3. Proper manipulation of the safety during the tactical and emergency reloads.
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