How To Load A Pistol Magazine

How proficient are you in loading a semi-automatic pistol magazine? Let's look into the several techniques of ammo reloading, so you'll always have your magazine loaded and ready.

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In this article:

1. Pistol Magazine Loader
2. Loading Without an Assistive Device
3. Mag Loader Assisted

Pistol Magazine | Manual and Assisted Ammo Feeding

Pistol Magazine Loader

Resident firearms instructor, Eve Flanigan, walks us through how to load a handgun magazine in this instructional video. If you've been around for a bit, you know when your pistol magazine capacity is almost full, it can be difficult to finish loading.

Below is a technique she uses to load her own nearly full pistol mags — a method she teaches to all of her students. Plus, as a bit of a bonus, she will also show you how to use a “speed loader” if you prefer to use the assistive device some pistols have out of the box.

Loading Without an Assistive Device

Step 1: Position the Cartridge

The cartridge should be on top, one already in the magazine forming a right angle with each other. Place your right thumb at the base of the cartridge with your left thumb on top of it.

Step 2: Press Down to Secure the Cartridge

Press the cartridge down with both thumbs at the same time. Carefully pivot the bullet so that it's going towards a counter-clockwise direction as you slide it in the mag.

This technique is crucial when the magazine is almost full.

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Mag Loader Assisted

Step 1: Mag Loader Position

Put the mag loader over the top of the magazine with the open end facing forward. The loader has a tongue-like portion near the top which pushes the topmost cartridge in the magazine to make way for a new cartridge.

Step 2: Inserting a New Round

Press the mag loader down and slide another round in the mag as you push it in place. Repeat the process depending on how many bullets you want to put in.

It's best to do this while your magazine has base support like a table.

Here's the video by Gun Carrier about how to load a semi-auto pistol magazine:

There you have it! It's quite easy using an assistive device to load rounds in the magazine. You may have a different pistol magazine size, but the loading method is pretty much the same.

Several types of speed loaders are available in the market including the UpLULA mag loader shown in this video.

It helps to load rounds effortlessly. However, if you are looking to improve your skills with the gun, you have to learn how to load rounds manually.

After all, this is what separates the amateurs from the pros in terms of gun handling.

Any thoughts about these methods of loading rounds in a pistol magazine? Share your thoughts in the comments section below!

UP NEXT:

• Semi-Automatic Pistol: How To Reload
• Ammo Lingo Part II: Understanding +P Ammunition
• Gun Storage Solutions: How To Hide Your Guns

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Editor’s Note: This post was originally published on October 11, 2017, and has been updated for quality and relevancy.