Shotgun Loading Challenge

Keith Garcia · May 12, 2012

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FXslwiq9c8I

The idea behind this challenge is to set some sort of standardized test for evaluating the many shotguns, shell holders and loading techniques available

There are lots of videos on-line showing different types of loads and carriers. The one thing we lack for an objective comparison of the options is a standard to compare them.

This is my attempt at establishing that standard. I'd love to see the various options put to the test in this format.

So get out of the basement and get to the range!

Let's see the videos and someone please get under 9 seconds!

Remember, if it is not on tape it did not happen. So please refrain from the "I know this guys who shot it is 5 second stories."

This is intended as something fun we can do to test gear and not as something to cause problems. If you don't like it, Don't participate

Thanks!
Keith Garcia

jtischauser · May 12, 2012

Why not walk to that next cone over there on your left while loading?

If I don't have a plate rack can I use C zones?

Rustyzx9 · May 12, 2012

Not only is this a solid idea for comparing gear and techniques, it looks like a really great drill! Thanks for putting this out there Keith!

Matt1911 · May 12, 2012

Shite! You're weakhand load is fast.
Thanks for posting this. I need to practice and then practice some more.

Wall · May 12, 2012

I need to practice practicing

Iggie · May 12, 2012

that was slick. I wish O could afford my tube now to get some practice in.

Spiff · May 12, 2012

Welcome to the forum Keith! Cheese and rice, that was fast!

wchandler · May 15, 2012

Well, I tried it out this evening. Damn good drill. I only bought a 100rd pack with me. Probably a good thing since I bloodied up my thumb on the second run.

I tried it both weak hand and with some pinwheels. Best with weak hand was 10.46. Best with pinwheels was 10.58. Lots of room for improvement though. I was bumbling shells left and right. I know I can get to 9.5 in a few more sessions. 9 seconds will be tough to impossible for me.

Now I need to figure out why my Salient Benelli is hammer following. I ran it down to .17 splits then the hammer started following. Weird. It has never done that before.

jtischauser · May 15, 2012

wchandler said:
Well, I tried it out this evening. Damn good drill. I only bought a 100rd pack with me. Probably a good thing since I bloodied up my thumb on the second run.

I tried it both weak hand and with some pinwheels. Best with weak hand was 10.46. Best with pinwheels was 10.58. Lots of room for improvement though. I was bumbling shells left and right. I know I can get to 9.5 in a few more sessions. 9 seconds will be tough to impossible for me.

Now I need to figure out why my Salient Benelli is hammer following. I ran it down to .17 splits then the hammer started following. Weird. It has never done that before.

That bolt is light it should handle .12's or less.

wchandler · May 15, 2012

Yeah, don't know why it was doing it. I know I shouldn't be pulling faster than a .12. I took the last few shells I had and made the hammer follow 4 out of 5 attempts. I'm going back out tomorrow to try it.

I may try it with my accurate iron m2. I know I can't out run that thing.

Keith Garcia · May 15, 2012

Nice shooting Wes! If you can shoot .12 splits at 15 yards on a plate rack this drill will be a snap

The best I can do is .15's with an unmodified Versa Max. I have not found a scenario where I needed really fast splits in matches but it would be nice to have that on demand.

Keep up the fast shooting!

mike cyrwus · May 15, 2012

I did this last night, but I only did two loads. crap.

jtischauser · May 15, 2012

mike cyrwus said:
I did this last night, but I only did two loads. crap.

I bet you thought you were the man with those 8 second runs?

MiniUzi · May 15, 2012

Great idea.I will give it a go next time I'm at the range

wchandler · May 15, 2012

Keith Garcia said:
Nice shooting Wes! If you can shoot .12 splits at 15 yards on a plate rack this drill will be a snap :wink:

The best I can do is .15's with an unmodified Versa Max. I have not found a scenario where I needed really fast splits in matches but it would be nice to have that on demand.

Keep up the fast shooting!

Absolutely. It will never be needed in a match but it looks cool on video. I did just pick up my Versa Max Tactical today. I'll play with it once I get some free time and tweaking done to it. :good:

Thanks for the drill Keith.

RK{ARMS} · May 15, 2012

So I loaded 12. Skipped all the shooting part and still did not come close to his 9.53. Wow maybe I need a new gun. Yep that has to be the problem.

mike cyrwus · May 16, 2012

Jesse Tischauser said:
I bet you thought you were the man with those 8 second runs?

they were 9ish

jtischauser · May 16, 2012

I tried the Keith Garcia 12 step program tonight. I haven't practiced loading my shotgun in months and I can't get .15 splits with a pistol much less a shotgun so I'm slow as ****. Best run was 11.5 ish.

Man my weak hand loading is all jacked up. Time to start practicing with the TACCOM two ups I guess.

wchandler · May 16, 2012

Here's a little comparison of weakhand and with Carbon Arms Pinwheels. It will be tough to get to 9.5 with any of the clip methods. It's a really long dismount and remount. It really shines when loading more than 4. Overall it is getting easier. Great drill Keith.

Pardon the crappy iphone vids. I couldn't get everything in frame.

wchandler · May 16, 2012

Here's a run with my Nova for my boy Pat Kelley. This is about as fast as I'll ever be able to run this with a pump. I may be able to take a couple tenths off eventually but not much. This one was a 10.48.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=endscreen&v=aZA08m6ml9k&NR=1