Suggestions for efficient reloading of my M9?

[SGT Loco]

So my unit and I got some practice in with our M9s this weekend, so we can go qaulify next month. While I was practicing, I noticed a [possible] deficiency when it came to reloading. Due to the large grip on the M9, my thumb on my firing hand is a hair too short to reach the magazine release- this forces me to shift my grip on the weapon to reliably release the magazine with my strong side hand, then readjust it again to continue firing after I complete the reload.

I'd never really noticed this before, but it seemed like it could make a big difference in my shooting- not on the qaul range, but if I ever find myself in a real firefight with my sidearm. I brought it up to my team leader, and he suggested hitting the mag release with my weak hand thumb before I reach for another magazine. I tried this, and it works pretty well, though I definetly need more practice to get the motion down right.

Another soldier suggested hitting the mag release with my strong hand middle finger- I tried this too, but it just felt akward, and didn't seem reliable.

What are your guys thoughts on this? Am I worrying too much about the grip shift I have to make? Is hitting the release with my weak side thumb a good alternative? Is there a better solution?

[UserM4]

Most pistols I own require a little break in the grip. That why I love my USP. Dropping mags is very easy and very quick with the thumb and or middle finger. But with the Beretta, I noticed that the factory mag catch is pretty hard to get to. They make an oversized mag release if that's an option. Should help quite a bit. Also noticed that some mags have sharper edges where the mag catch engages so they're a bit tougher to release. Factory mags usually have very smooth edges and release easier.

[SGT Loco]

Granted, I don't have vast experience with a wide variety of handguns, but the ones I have fired (glocks, Rugers, 1911s), I've had no problems manipulating the mag release- at least none that I've noticed. Although, after the weekends experiences, I will definetly be in search of an extended mag release (regardless of my reloading technique, that button irritates me) and better magazines for deployment.

[DannyZRC]

switch the release to the right side of the pistol, use your middle finger.

[Corbin Dallas]

Danny has it.

I do this with my ambi G21. Works great.

[wu_dot_com]

So my unit and I got some practice in with our M9s this weekend, so we can go qaulify next month. While I was practicing, I noticed a [possible] deficiency when it came to reloading. Due to the large grip on the M9, my thumb on my firing hand is a hair too short to reach the magazine release- this forces me to shift my grip on the weapon to reliably release the magazine with my strong side hand, then readjust it again to continue firing after I complete the reload.

I'd never really noticed this before, but it seemed like it could make a big difference in my shooting- not on the qaul range, but if I ever find myself in a real firefight with my sidearm. I brought it up to my team leader, and he suggested hitting the mag release with my weak hand thumb before I reach for another magazine. I tried this, and it works pretty well, though I definetly need more practice to get the motion down right.

Another soldier suggested hitting the mag release with my strong hand middle finger- I tried this too, but it just felt akward, and didn't seem reliable.

What are your guys thoughts on this? Am I worrying too much about the grip shift I have to make? Is hitting the release with my weak side thumb a good alternative? Is there a better solution?

i have the same experience. i've tried all the options like thicken and thinning down the grips, change my hand grips, and even considering filing down the mag release. none helped. even with extended mag realese, the other side of the transfer bar hits the knuckle of my middle finger w/o altering my shooting grip. so far, hitting the mag release w/ off hand is the only option.

Most pistols I own require a little break in the grip. That why I love my USP. Dropping mags is very easy and very quick with the thumb and or middle finger. But with the Beretta, I noticed that the factory mag catch is pretty hard to get to. They make an oversized mag release if that's an option. Should help quite a bit. Also noticed that some mags have sharper edges where the mag catch engages so they're a bit tougher to release. Factory mags usually have very smooth edges and release easier.

the extended release didnt help much for me. but hitting it with off hand is actually quite fast and practical. i can do it either while bring the gun into my working space or just rotate my wrist while keeping the gun on target.

make sure the mag is droop free, you dont want any snag while dropping your mag.

[wu_dot_com]

switch the release to the right side of the pistol, use your middle finger.

seems kind of awkward, i feel like my shooting grip is compromise since the middel and ring finger gives the most support. unless you are talking about off hand middle finger.

let me give it a try.

[wu_dot_com]

seems kind of awkward, i feel like my shooting grip is compromise since the middel and ring finger gives the most support. unless you are talking about off hand middle finger.

let me give it a try.

thats a no go for me with mag release on the right w/ std mag release. if i release it with my right middle finger, my grip is compromise. i cannot reach and press the button effectively with my left middle or index finger.

the extended mag release on the right also post the same issue with right hand middle finger release and left hand middle finger release. however, i can grip and partially cover the mag release with my left index finger. however, this manipulation does not make the mag release faster and i think this can be a liability during heated moment.

[DannyZRC]

I'm left handed, I use most thumb releases configured for a right handed shooters thumb and prefer them that way, I use my left hand (strong hand) middle finger to drop the mag.

a right handed person would need to switch the release to the right side (set up for a lefty's thumb) to do the same thing.

I consider it inconsequential that my grip is compromised, the interface of the pistol to the palm of my hand is maintained, and plenty of fingers stay in contact so I easily re-index after the mag is changed.

many folk consider it normal and acceptable to twist the pistol in their hand to achieve a mag drop, this technique is much less compromising to the grip.

[9mmepiphany]

I personally just shift the gun in my master grip when hitting the mag release...been doing it since i learned on a 1911.

Switching the mag release to the other side is very common when I've taught folks using the Sig 226. However we teach using the trigger finger to release the magazine...it insures that the finger is off the trigger.

When I taught a 10 year old girl to shoot her Sig 225 during a class, we settled on releasing with the support hand thumb. It is a little slower, as the support hand is usually bringing up the fresh mag while the spent mag is being dropped, but it is very reliable and easy to do.

Just pick one and practice it slowly to get the motions down, the wide mouth of the Beretta's mag well makes mag changes very easy

[Sam]

I usually have to shift my grip just a little bit but with some practice I've never felt it has been a problem.

[wu_dot_com]

I'm left handed, I use most thumb releases configured for a right handed shooters thumb and prefer them that way, I use my left hand (strong hand) middle finger to drop the mag.

a right handed person would need to switch the release to the right side (set up for a lefty's thumb) to do the same thing.

I consider it inconsequential that my grip is compromised, the interface of the pistol to the palm of my hand is maintained, and plenty of fingers stay in contact so I easily re-index after the mag is changed.

many folk consider it normal and acceptable to twist the pistol in their hand to achieve a mag drop, this technique is much less compromising to the grip.

i was able to do it two ways, one is to keep the gun on target while using the middle joint of my middle finger. it keeps my grips from altering to a minimum, but it hurts like hell. i was able to get repeatable results with extended mag release. dont think i can do the same with std mag release.

i was able to get consistent results if i bring the gun to my working space while using the tip of my middle finder. but never the less, i will have to reposition to get back to optimal gripping position.

im a bit anal when it comes to consistent grip position. since i am more interested in precision shots rather than SD shots where grips deviation is more of a factor.

I personally just shift the gun in my master grip when hitting the mag release...been doing it since i learned on a 1911.

Switching the mag release to the other side is very common when I've taught folks using the Sig 226. However we teach using the trigger finger to release the magazine...it insures that the finger is off the trigger.

When I taught a 10 year old girl to shoot her Sig 225 during a class, we settled on releasing with the support hand thumb. It is a little slower, as the support hand is usually bringing up the fresh mag while the spent mag is being dropped, but it is very reliable and easy to do.

Just pick one and practice it slowly to get the motions down, the wide mouth of the Beretta's mag well makes mag changes very easy

the trigger finger release is not easily achievable in the 92. unlike the 226, the 92 mag release position sits lower into the grips.

when i grip the 226, the mag release is directly underneath the second joint of my trigger finder. while the 92 mag release is underneath the 3 link of my middle finger.

twisting the gun is necessary for me to release the mag with my thumb. even if i can reach the mag release effectively, the back of the transfer bar will hit the middle joint of my middle finger. i need to twist it to generate a gap to allow the mag release transfer bar to move.

on the other hand, i was never able to find a way to do a single hand release w/o compromising my grips or aim. i notice this to be a major deficiency when i am trying to improve my time during el capitan. (3 targets 2 shots each, 6 shots strings, 2 times). in this case, keeping the gun on target cuts down almost 1 second.

[awall919]

I also agree with DANNY ^, I had the same issue with my m9 and switching the mag release around really helped. I still had to modify my grip a bit but it was a far more comfortable transition.
From the sounds of it, it is a military/leo weapon and i'm curious if they would even allow you to swap the M.R around.

[russ69]

The problem with a mag release that is near your grip is that you might trip it when firing, it's better if you have to shift your grip to reach the release. Slower but safer.

[Voo]

Sgt Loco-

I have average sized hands, if not smaller.. I also have to break my "master" grip to reach most magazine releases (unless I've installed 'extended' controls).

All the suggestions posted are viable solutions, but here is my take on each of them.

1) Using support hand
As 9mmEphiph mentioned, it's possible but the reality is your support hand is doing ALL the work.. You are pressing the button with your support hand and waiting until it releases before moving that hand down for the new magazine. This adds an overall time as you're pressing the release and then having to react when you see the magazine fall from the magwell.. It's minor but it does add a small element of time.

2) Using the strong side index finger.
This is also a very viable solution but requires you to retrain for a very specific motion. It took me weeks to get use to but it's possible and very fast if you get it down. The concern is WHEN you have to use a pistol that has the release on the standard (support) side. Essentially, you're left in the same scenario as before. Realistically, you rarely come across firearms that have the controls reversed so if you have to pick up someone else's firearm, you're still behind the curve.

The other thing I've heard mention is that, potentially when under stress, you can inadvertently 'press' the trigger instead of the magazine release.. I dont' really know how valid this statement is, but i'll add that training/practice is usually the best solution for these types of dexterity concerns..

3) Breaking your master grip.
This is my preferred method. Why? As you reload, you can perform 2 operations simultaneously. Your left hand immediately moves down to the magazine carrier while your right hand is reaching, hitting the magazine release. The time it takes for you to reach down and grab a magazine (and then bring it up) is MORE than enough time for you to snap the gun out of the master grip and hit the release. As you insert the magazine, you reestablish your master grip and push forward. I first learned this method via Robbie Leatham on some shooting channel years ago..

YMMV, but for me, and from the competitors that ive seen use 'standard' sized controls, the fastest has been to break your grip and reestablish it right after the magazine is inserted..

ps: Be careful about extended controls.. I can't tell you how many times I've seen guys (LE, Mil, competitors) in competition squeeze the gun such that their support hand hits the magazine release.. This is especially true during the recoil portion as your hands are at their likeliest to slip.. Just something to consider if this is going to be a duty gun.. All my competition guns have extended controls but my home gun is left alone specifically because of this reason..