Quick Tip: Administrative Reloads

Administrative reloads (aka admin reloads) have become a universally taught practice across all dynamic shooting courses.

The admin reload is basically when you (re)load your unloaded service/duty firearm to prepare it for use.

This pretty much involves the following core procedures:

1. Presenting the gun from the holster (or rest position) onto an imaginary target, acquiring sight picture and sight alignment.
2. Bringing the gun into the workspace for a (re)load and inserting a loaded magazine into the gun.
3. Cycling the action in order to chamber a round into the gun.
4. Press checking the chamber in order to verify a round is chambered.
5. Ensuring the gun is in battery.
6. Returning the gun into the holster (or rest position).

Obviously, when conducting an administrative reload, you must go through the steps while following all of the core safety rules.

Why are admin reloads taught and encouraged? Simply to enforce the idea of setting yourself up for success.

The ‘mundane’ task of loading a service/duty gun for patrol, concealed carry, etc., should not be taken lightly. Making sure the gun is properly loaded and ready for use is critical if it is going to be used to protect yourself and others.

Also, the simple act of presenting the gun and acquiring sight picture and sight alignment is a good “start of the day” routine to exercise your mind and prepare yourself mentally in the event you actually have to use the firearm.

Again, when conducting an administrative reload, you must go through the steps while following all of the core safety rules.