Once in a while we see a reload on the clock, or jack out a live
rifle round and reload it to make up the shot. There's no reason to lose
time on a reload. Done properly, a rifle reload can be as quick as 2
seconds (usually takes me 2.5) and a pistol reload in 3. It just takes a
few minutes of practicing the proper techniques.
Left handers will have to do a little modification to these
techniques. But the principles hold.
Make sure that the rounds you
are practicing with are dummies. I use AZoom snap caps.
Rifle
We'll start with the '73, though this technique will work for every
rifle but the Henry. There is a photo sequence below:
It's a 4 step process, I do not have a photo for step 4.
- You've fired the last shot in the string. Don't open the lever!
Leave the hammer down on the fired case.
- Reach down to your belt with your dominant hand for a live round.
Use your other hand to pull the rifle back into your shoulder so that
it doesn't slip off.
- Insert the round into the loading gate. Make sure to watch the
round in. This is not the place you want to fumble.
- Lever the gun and make your shot.
It's easier with a Marlin. Here's 2 photo's of the 4 step sequence:
- No picture for this one. You've fired the last round in the
string. Open the lever to eject the round and provide access to the
chamber.
- Reach down to your belt with your dominant hand for a live
round. Use your other hand to pull the rifle back into your shoulder
so that it doesn't slip off.
- Insert the round into the port. This is exactly the same as with
a '97 shotgun. Watch the round in, this is not a place to fumble.
- No picture. Close the lever and make your shot.
Pistol
Pistol reloads are more problematic and require a
little more dexterity than rifle reloads. These are easy to practice
at home. Make sure you are using snap caps!
- (photo 1) With the hand that's on the grip, open the loading gate,
go to half cock if needed, and
position the gun into your other hand. You should be holding the
gun as close to the base of your palm as you can. Make sure you're holding
it.
- (photo 2) Move your hand down to your belt for a cartridge,
while looking for the empty chamber.
- No picture here. Put the shell into the empty chamber that you
lined up in the previous step. Grip the pistol with your strong
hand.
- (photo 3) Rotate the cylinder 4 clicks by rolling it down your
hand, starting at the base of your palm and moving towards your
fingertips. Close the loading gate.
- (photo 4) Drive the gun into the target while cocking it. Once
your lined up, break the shot.
For Gunfighters, the pistol reload can cause a problem. In this case,
step one is holster the weak side gun then proceed. In the case of a 2
round reload, jack one round out and load both rounds in the same gun.
Shoot them duelist. There is no requirement that these 2 shots have to
come from 2 different guns. |
