How do you perform a tactical reload on an AK?

I've taken a couple carbine classes with my AR, and we were taught to do a tactical reload as follows:

-draw new mag, keeping muzzle on target
-grasp base of spent mag along with reload at 90 degrees, roughly parallel to barrel
-eject and retain spent mag, rotate reload into mag well
-place spent mag in dump pouch/pocket/etc.

I've never done a class with an AK, so when I tried this method, it seemed awkward due to the release lever and the rocking motion needed to seat the mag. Something is always in the way of something else.

I have been removing the spent mag first, then inserting the reload, but this seems to take longer than it ought to. Is there another technique I'm not aware of that is faster than the one-mag-at-a-time retention method?

If I am every running an AK for speed (rare to never) I keep my muzzle downrange, with my trigger hand while keeping my support hand on the forend, I grab the new magazine and use my thumb to hit the lever and knock free the old magazine. Insert the new mag and use my trigger hand to charge the rifle. I used to use my support hand to knock the magazine loose, but i cracked a hole in a buddys Tapco POS mag, so I tend not to do that anymore. just my 2 cents.

I was referring to the "tactical reload" in which the old mag is retained and stored. I think you were describing a "speed reload".

Am I correct?

Also, are you saying you reload with your firing hand?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by 1911-A1

I was referring to the "tactical reload" in which the old mag is retained and stored. I think you were describing a "speed reload".

Am I correct?

Also, are you saying you reload with your firing hand?

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Assuming you're right handed:
Left hand grabs a new magazine beer can style
Slap it against your magazine in the AK
Use thumb to release that mag and take hold of both mags
Move your hand over and load new mag
Put used mag away somewhere
Continue shooting the American dogs

Quote:

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Originally Posted by 1911-A1

I have been removing the spent mag first, then inserting the reload, but this seems to take longer than it ought to. Is there another technique I'm not aware of that is faster than the one-mag-at-a-time retention method?

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Also don't remove your half empty mag first. You might need that while you tac reload. Minimize the amount of time there isn't a loaded mag in your gun.

High-Low.

Grab low on the new mag (beer can grip, as if it needs to be said) towards the baseplate. Bring that hand up and grab high on the new mag by the locking lug. Use the thumb to hit the mag release. Rock the old mag out, new mag in. Keep onto the old mag.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by lightestfighter

High-Low.

Grab low on the new mag (beer can grip, as if it needs to be said) towards the baseplate. Bring that hand up and grab high on the new mag by the locking lug. Use the thumb to hit the mag release. Rock the old mag out, new mag in. Keep onto the old mag.

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I think you explained it better than me, comrade.

I prefer the reload with retention over the Tac load when working with an AK

I always remove the old mag first, stow it, then replace with fresh. I'd rather not juggle those mags and bungle the reload. never bought the 'advantage" of knowing you had one to replace it with, and in all the training and field practice it never became an issue. if it ever did, I'd transition to pistol.

Just more gross motor movement friendly as those big fat sharp heavy AK mags are not like AR mags in the hand, so reloading with them is just not the same.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Jack-O

I always remove the old mag first, stow it, then replace with fresh. I'd rather not juggle those mags and bungle the reload. never bought the 'advantage" of knowing you had one to replace it with, and in all the training and field practice it never became an issue. if it ever did, I'd transition to pistol.

Just more gross motor movement friendly as those big fat sharp heavy AK mags are not like AR mags in the hand, so reloading with them is just not the same.

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I actually think tac reloading with an AK is easier than with an AR.

Never shot an AK but I believe the mag release is in front of the trigger guard so I would do as follows:

1. Grab new mag with support hand (keep weapon on target)
2. Bring new mag up to spent mag in L-shape method with beer can grip (that way you can hit the mag release with support thumb, advise against beer can with AR)
3. Pull spent mag out, twist down and insert new mag
4. Toss spent mag into dump pouch/pocket or dedicated pouch
5. Charge weapon and continue to fire.