There are ways to ensure that fired cases cannot be traced back to you........but I'll not divulge them here !! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

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Wow it sounds like I need to set all of my instructors and military gents I train with straight with their crock tactical reloads and such <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />. And the untraceable fired cases, well that's some info I sure don't have, although I am not sure that's a bad thing <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />.

All kidding aside, I do see your point about tactical reloads David and for the most part, I agree with it. Although some law enforcement agencies out here still teach tactical reloads and since some of our students are LE we offer up a couple different methods for the tactical reload. Alot of the folks we work with end up at Gun Site where they get a dose of the tactical reload as well.

I (safety issues aside) tend to be of the mindset that those instructors who take a hard and fast stance on an issue "this is the only right way to do something" are leaving a segment of their student base with limited options by not presenting all of the avaialble material so to speak. As an example, some of the hardcore 1911 instructors I have had (many of whom didn't/don't know how to or didn't/don't care to teach students about Glocks at Gun Site years ago for example), missed the opportunity to communicate potentially helpful information to the Glock crowd. They have since smelled the coffee and adapted their teaching to be not so 1911 centric.

I am a lefty, some of the instructors I have trained with have little to offer (in some cases demanding things be done "the right way" that are awkward to the point that they are not useful) lefties in terms of weapon manipulation (charging the AR15 is a bit tricky with the lefties), loading magazines etc. Lefties can't do some things the same way "the right way" that a righty can, so my thought process is that methods need to be adapted to the student to provide the most benefit for them even if the instructors "right way" is violated assuming safety is not compromized. This is where presenting all of the popular teachings makes sense to me.

I have actually had some instructors intrigued by the lefty dilema and attempt to work out solutions which is refreshing. That is that sort of initiative that I seek out in an instructor. As I said before, I listen to what everyone has has to say, especially new students questions, and take what I need.

Sounds like you have some great experience David. If you ever get out to Phoenix, let me know so we can do some shooting and I have enough mags I can leave them in the dirt <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />.

Train on. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

That's unfortunate. Although it's not fun to dismiss someone from the range, violating basic firearms safety rules resulting in a negligent discharge is unacceptable and this person would be asked to sit out or leave any range I was on, competition, or otherwise. Not so sure this has to do so much with the tactical reload as much as a lack of basic gun handling skills/fundamentals, but I definitley see you your point. This is not a good situationn. I have had to ask paying customers (usually at the request of the cheif instructor) to sit out during drills and/or have taken them off for solo work over concerns of safety. Safety is the one of shooting that one must take a hard and fast stance on.

I understand that a tactical reload exists and many people promote it as an important technique. While it presumably makes sense discussing things around the campfire, I totally disagree with the alleged reasoning behind it, as that has about the same chance of happening as getting hit in the skull by a turtle dropped by an eagle..........I suppose IS possible.... But I see way too much time spent on the technique that could be better utilized elsewhere.

That said......

I think all serious handgunners should have a good tac-load in their bag of tricks. All modesty aside, I have a pretty good tac-load. I can make up some pretty good time with them, so in the context of an IDPA match, I actually welcome them, as for me, it becomes an advantage.

I am also stunned by what techniques some trainers, even well known ones, are teaching. I explain why I do what I do to my students. I also point out what _I_ see as flaws in other methods. And every once in awhile, you have to modify the "right" way to accommodate a special need. (one guy simply could not handle two Glock 21 mags in his hand simultaneously, so we went to Plan B)

I usually cover the John Farnam "rack it everytime you reload" method, altho I point out some possible negatives to it.

Yes, you lefties can be a challenge ! But there are a few modified techniques that I cover in the event a lefty is in the class. Now I notice that some guns are set up better for lefties, even AR's, which never used to be the case.

I don't expect to be in AZ anytime soon, but should that happen, I'll let you know. Thanks for the invite !
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I will! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> Not like anyone that watches forensic shows wouldn’t know. Switch slides! Or at the minimum, swap the firing pin, extractor, and barrel.