Some of my friends made some videos on basic shooting skills. Great videos if you are new to shooting. They cover the basics like reloads, grip, stance, etc. They are broken down into short videos that cover each skill.
http://apdmarksmanshipteam.org/media/videos/pistol-skills-series
Watched the Emergency Reload video. Don’t like the method. Not the way I have seen LAV, TH, or anyone at TigerSwan do it. He uses a very large workspace. I believe LAV said in a class that, if you extend your thumb and pinky out on the same hand, that is how far away the pistol should be from your face. Also, the thumb is touching the chin, which means the pistol is much higher than what was shown in the video. Which dovetails into what I heard at TS in that during the reload, one is still focused on the target right until the mag is inserted. This is why the pistol is held higher than what was shown in the video.
Also, using the slide release is preferred by most instructors; generally. Haven’t trained with all of them, so can’t say for sure, but believe to be the case. The demonstrators may be on the marksmanship team, but that does not mean they are teaching great technique. I’d much rather have someone watch TS’s or LAV’s videos to learn.
I just watched the tactical reload vid, and I do not agree with his choice of actions during the demonstration in the last 30 seconds of the video.
He engages the threat, scans and assesses with his gun in a compressed high ready while static in the open, and then moves to cover.
A more appropriate course of action, in my view, would be to engage the target, and then immediately move laterally to the piece of cover while having my gun fixed on the target. Maybe throw a quick a glance to the right before moving.
It is a good example of where a “square range action” isn’t implemented correctly as part of his tactics, ie “scanning and assessing” is more going through the motions than being applied correctly.
My 2 Norwegian Crowns worth of course.
ETA: I see that this course of action is a recurring theme throughout the videos.
I also do not get the “judo chop” placement of the support hand before the draw.
I generally agree with the criticism. A little higher workspace for the reload would be ok. My opinion would be that as long as you dont have to dip your head to look down and you are able to comfortably manipulate the weapon the position is good. But higher and closer to the face generally facilitates this.
Slide release vs overhand. I agree slide release is preferred. It was demonstrated that way because it is typically the first technique taught to new shooters.
The “judo chop” support hand placement is taught because it mirrors what your support hand does in a fighting stance, same thing with foot placement. It allows the support hand to be used against a target if they are extremely close, block punches/attacks, and not get pinned against the body.