Mag Changes with a G35

[40loader]

Can anyone offer a suggestion on how to make faster mag changes? I shoot production class so a mag well is out of the question. The well on this gun absolutely sucks as far as allowing quick changes, even with constant practice. It kills me to say this but even the SIGMA has a better factory mag well built into it's grip.

[AirTech]

40loader, I'll have to agree with you.

I shot Limited 10 and production with my G35 yesterday. The mag changes really slowed me down. I'm adding a magwell and will not be shooting production with it anymore.

The other problem I'm having with the G35 is that with a round in the chamber it's difficult seating a fully loaded mag. I had 2 mags fall out yesterday because I didn't get them seated. I became very aware of this problem and it slowed me down even more to make sure they seated. It takes a lot of effort. I'm going to write it off as the mags are new and keep trying.

[40loader]

AirTech, it is not your imagination. It is very difficult to fully seat the mags with a round in the chamber. I just got back from a match about an hour ago but since I am aware of the problem, seating the mags was not an issue. Trying to slap one in there quick is out of the question unless you just happen to get lucky.

One thing I do like is when you run the gun dry and slap a mag in there, it closes the slide for you. This is why it really doesn't bother me to run it dry, I just have to plan my course to allow for this.

[Canuck]

It took me a few matches before I learned to really ram in my G35's magazines when doing a mag change, particularly with one in the chamber....It has caused the lower edge of the mag catch cutout to wear, but that's a small price to pay for a quick mag change. I also installed a magwell...that's an absolute must on a Glock for shooting any sort of competition (except USPSA Production, of course, where it's not allowed) My G35 is not allowed PERIOD in IPSC Production Division in Canada, because of the +5" barrel, and its "3.5lb" trigger pull.
Mike

[AndyP]

Ditto here. It's just a matter of getting used to applying the extra umph when seating mags. I've gotten a couple of blood blisters in the middle of my left palm from getting pinched during a mag change with my G17 or G35.

When doing the mag change, don't hesitate to look down at what you are doing for the momemt it takes to get the mag into the well. This helped me a lot.

Cheers,
AndyP

[Steve Koski]

Here's a solution: shoot 'till empty, then reload.

[Gunruner]

40loader

I shot a match Sat. where I ran my 35 dry. It was right where I was planning on doing a mag change any way so I did not thing that it would be big thing. So slapped in the new mag and the top round in the mag popped up before the slide went forward. Causing a really nasty jam. So I feel that it is not the best idea to run your gun dry for the mag change. Just do the mag change and slap the mag in.

[howardw]

Huh, I have been under the impression that my 34 is one of the easier guns out there to reload. Like everyone else has said, slam that thing in there. (I too have gotten a little blood blister on my hand.) Often times, when done correctly, the slide will advance forward automatically, drastically increasing the speed of your reload compared to other pistols.

I try to keep the pistol high so that the magwell is at or just below eye level. Put your focal attention on the magwell as the fresh mag comes up to it, and once the mag has been started into the magwell switch your eyes to the next target. Follow with the front sight and bang...

Putting the focal attention on the magwell for just a split second really helped me decrease my reload times...

Practice, practice, practice.

I've probably told you things you already know, but it's all I've got to suggest.

[BOSKI]

I learned the hard way like you guys did about the reloading issue with a glock. I had worked on my mag changes with an empty mag and so I was ready for it come match day.

Well...my first stage I do a mag change and fire the first round and POW the mag lands on the ground by my foot. Needless to say that was fun.

I had purchased one of those big brass mag wells for the g-35 but found that the bottom extends almost to the bottom of the mags. This makes mag changes even harder. I wanted the added weight for recoil, but I went to one of the smaller black mag wells. Because the black magwell is smaller, it make reloading much easier.

I still work on my reloads a ton and still really have to look at the bottom of the mag well to get the mag to seat right.

Like everyone has said....just keep working on it.

[40loader]

Gunruner:

I have never had that problem with mine yet, I'm thinking that when you loaded the mag you didn't seat the round all the way to the back. I usually slap the loaded mags against my hand to make sure all the rounds are seated properly, plus this settles the powder against the primer and provides more consistant ignition (yes, it can make a difference).

I guess I will just have to practice more, I really like to practice at the action range with loaded mags because there is a big difference changing a loaded mag and an empty one. I refuse to practice with loaded mags in the house, if you know what I mean.

[mlanush]

I have same problem with my g-21 shooting in lim-10, Mine is due to the mags full with the 10 rounds. I just taught myself to really slam the mags home and I have never had one fall out. I jsut alot of practice with the mags full. SomTimes if I know in the course I wont need all 10 rounds in a array, I will take out one round and run with nine so that reloads are easier, but shooting USPSA that doesnt happen too often...............


Mark L

[PhilD]

Originally posted by Steve Koski
Here's a solution: shoot 'till empty, then reload.

Not a very effective solution though. Reloading on the move or during transitions will be a lot quicker and more effective.

[freeman4ever]

Originally posted by 40loader
Can anyone offer a suggestion on how to make faster mag changes? I shoot production class so a mag well is out of the question
As I am new to IPSC and have the same problem with mag changes, there are really only a few things to do, "practice, practice, practice".
;f

[CanadianGlockFan]

I've had the same problem, but there are a couple of things you can do to work on it. The first really big one is to get the pistol and mags up at eye level where you can LOOK at it and guide it in; tilt the pistol over at 45-60 degress with the mag well pointing at your left shoulder. That should help you getting it in OK, but to make sure it locks in there, I have to give it a good shove and sometimes squeeze my hands together (using my grip on the pistol as an anchor, and using my left hand fingers to squeeze my left palm up into the pistol. The best thing you can do is PRACTICE. I like to practice in front of the TV, and when I hear a particular word, I do a magazine change (empty pistol and magazines please:) )

[freeman4ever]

Originally posted by CanadianGlockFan
I like to practice in front of the TV, and when I hear a particular word, I do a magazine change (empty pistol and magazines please:) )
You are either "single" or have a very understanding significant other. If I were to do that, the girlfriend would probably leave me (or ask that I undergo psychological evaluation).

Great idea though!

[Fireglock]

Originally posted by freeman4ever

You are either "single" or have a very understanding significant other. If I were to do that, the girlfriend would probably leave me (or ask that I undergo psychological evaluation).

Great idea though!

You mean you don't dry fire at the TV?

[freeman4ever]

Originally posted by Fireglock


You mean you don't dry fire at the TV?
That's a negative.

Another recommendation I heard was to install a full length mirror in the house...and assault it on occasion. You could practice reloads at the same time. Sort of like killing too birds with one stone (gratification acquired from seeing how mean, scary, and tactical you look, as well as practicing your reloads).

[Canuck]

40loader:
You could try applying skateboard tape to the bottoms of your Glock's magazines...I did this before I installed a magwell and brass basepads. I cut the tape (scissors) to fit the 'flat' of the mag base, and punched out the 'disassembly' hole with a hole punch....Believe me, it made for very positive mag changes. I've attached a photo of the one magazine that I left with the standard base w/skateboard tape...I use this one as my intial 'load' mag before I remove it to 'top up'. I'm sure that this would be OK for Production...?
Mike

[40loader]

Canuck: I don't have a problem gripping the mags, just getting them to go smoothly into the well. I like your idea of the skateboard tape, it is okay to use it on the mags or grips in production class. I guess practice is going to be the answer.

Thanks for all the tips guys.

[SanduneCC]

Originally posted by Canuck
40loader:
You could try applying skateboard tape to the bottoms of your Glock's magazines

That is a fine idea Canuck. I'm gonna try it on all my mags right now. Thanks for the picture, too.

[Flexmoney]

The skateboard tape idea is a good one. Not just for grip...it helps your hand "index" the mag. Provides tactile feedback. (Make every mag the same.)

You gotta look the mag into the magwell. Tilt the gun so that you can see into the magwell...where the seem would be if you had an after-market well attached.

Also...relax. Tension kills.

[Canuck]

SanduneCC: Not my original idea..I noticed another Glock shooter had skateboard tape on the bottoms of his mags at a USPSA match that I went down to the US to shoot in. Dashed clever, some of these Colonials..;)
Flexmoney describes its usefulness exactly..it helps to "index" the magazine in your hand. I had a terrible time when I first switched from my 1911's metal mags to the Glock's plastic mags...the skateboard tape helped tremendously to "feel" the mags in my hand. Also, heed Flexmoney's advice and LOOK the mag into the magwell...It works for me. :D
Mike