The Firing Line Forums - View Single Post - IDPA

Jim Watson · April 30, 2002, 02:02 PM

Yes.
The official rule book position is:
"HOW DO I DO A TACTICAL RELOAD WITH A REVOLVER? Basically with a revolver you just have to take any unfired rounds remaining in your cylinder with you. A common method of doing a tactical reload with a revolver is to dump empty cases and unfired rounds into your hand, stuff the whole mess in your pocket, then recharge your revolver to full capacity. You are considered reloaded when the cylinder closes with the revolver fully loaded."

Obviously they were not thinking seriously about the problems of doing a Tac Load with a revolver. Revolver entries run 10-12% at major matches. I think that is more than the BOD expected.

If you "stuff the whole mess in your pocket" how long do you think it would take you to find the live rounds for use?

For competition purposes, do as the book says. If there is a requirement for use of the retained rounds later, ask the SO if it applies to revolvers - it often doesn't - and work on a better method. There are ways.

Before tying your wife up with a revolver that she has to stroke a 12 pound DA every shot, consider helping her find an auto that works. That way she only has to pull a 16 lb recoil spring once per stage. Get her out with friends with good collections, rental ranges, whatever you can line up. A Glock 17 wouldn't be bad. But it is HER choice that matters. If she likes a revolver, send her out with a good one. A good gunsmith can get a S&W under 9 lbs with full reliability. Less is possible but you start getting into ignition problems and the "Federal primers only" requirement.

April 30, 2002, 02:02 PM	#12
Jim Watson Senior Member Join Date: October 25, 2001 Location: Alabama Posts: 18,535	Yes. The official rule book position is: "HOW DO I DO A TACTICAL RELOAD WITH A REVOLVER? Basically with a revolver you just have to take any unfired rounds remaining in your cylinder with you. A common method of doing a tactical reload with a revolver is to dump empty cases and unfired rounds into your hand, stuff the whole mess in your pocket, then recharge your revolver to full capacity. You are considered reloaded when the cylinder closes with the revolver fully loaded." Obviously they were not thinking seriously about the problems of doing a Tac Load with a revolver. Revolver entries run 10-12% at major matches. I think that is more than the BOD expected. If you "stuff the whole mess in your pocket" how long do you think it would take you to find the live rounds for use? For competition purposes, do as the book says. If there is a requirement for use of the retained rounds later, ask the SO if it applies to revolvers - it often doesn't - and work on a better method. There are ways. Before tying your wife up with a revolver that she has to stroke a 12 pound DA every shot, consider helping her find an auto that works. That way she only has to pull a 16 lb recoil spring once per stage. Get her out with friends with good collections, rental ranges, whatever you can line up. A Glock 17 wouldn't be bad. But it is HER choice that matters. If she likes a revolver, send her out with a good one. A good gunsmith can get a S&W under 9 lbs with full reliability. Less is possible but you start getting into ignition problems and the "Federal primers only" requirement.