How do you perform a tactical reload on an AK?

[1911-A1]

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?

[WickedWillis]

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.

[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?

[Koshinn]

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?

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

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?

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.

[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.

[Koshinn]

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.

I think you explained it better than me, comrade.

[NCPatrolAR]

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

[WickedWillis]

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?

Yes that is what I am saying. it is faster for me.