top of page
  • On-The-Range-Podcast-with-War-HOGG-Tactical-and-kelley-defense
  • The Firearms Training Notebook Cover War HOGG Tactical and Kelley Defense
  • On-The-Range-Podcast-CREW
  • LinkedIn
  • Instagram
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Amazon
  • YouTube
  • Reddit
  • email_logo
Search

Tac Mag Change with a Patrol Rifle / Carbine - War HOGG Monthly Skill Builder

Rick Hogg founder War HOGG Tactical, a veteran owned moblie firearms training company conducting a tactical magazine change with a ZRO Delta AR15 rifle
Watch the video on how to conduct a tac mag change with a carbine

For this month's War HOGG shooting skill builder exercise we will cover the tac mag change with a carbine / patrol rifle.


Introduction to War HOGG Tactical Patrol Rifle Magazine Changes

In the high-stakes world of tactical shooting, mastering magazine changes can mean the difference between success and failure in a real-world engagement. Rick Hogg, a 29-year U.S. Army Special Operations combat veteran with 13 deployments and founder of War HOGG Tactical, has refined these techniques through decades of experience. His methods for carbine and patrol rifle magazine changes, categorized as "speed" (when you have to) and "tactical" (when you want to), are featured in his training courses, Make Ready TV videos, and On The Range Podcast discussions. These skills emphasize efficiency, consistency, and safety, ensuring shooters can reload under pressure without unnecessary movements. Whether you're a law enforcement officer clearing rooms or a civilian honing self-defense skills, understanding these reloads builds confidence and reduces downtime. As Hogg often stresses in his tutorials, the goal is to "be 1% better every day" through deliberate practice, using tools like The Firearms Training Notebook to track progress.


Speed vs. Tactical: Key Differences Explained

Rick Hogg divides magazine changes into two essential types based on situational needs. The speed magazine change is an emergency reload performed when the bolt locks back after the last round, demanding rapid execution to get back in the fight. In contrast, the tactical magazine change is proactive, done behind cover or in a secure moment to top off the firearm before potential threats emerge—ideal after an engagement to ensure a full magazine. In his YouTube demonstrations and Safariland blog posts, Hogg highlights that both techniques prioritize universal mechanics across platforms like pistols and carbines, avoiding platform-specific habits that could cause errors under stress. For carbines like AR-15s or patrol rifles, speed reloads focus on gravity-assisted drops and quick insertions, while tactical ones emphasize secure handling of partial magazines to retain ammo. This distinction, drawn from Hogg's combat experience, ensures shooters adapt reloads to the scenario, enhancing overall gun handling proficiency.


Essential Equipment for Effective Training

Getting started with War HOGG tactical magazine changes requires minimal gear, aligning with Hogg's practical, no-nonsense approach. You'll need a carbine or patrol rifle (e.g., AR-style platform) with a reliable red dot optic like the Aimpoint Acro P-2 for quick target acquisition. Magazines should be loaded appropriately, two rounds for initial drills to simulate full recoil without excess ammo waste, and oriented bullets-forward in pouches for consistency. A quality holster or sling, mag pouches (belt or plate carrier), shot timer (Hogg recommends the PACT Club Timer III), and recording device for video analysis are crucial. Don't forget the Firearms Training Notebook from warhogg.com to log times, splits, and notes. For targets, use simple 3x5 or 4x6 index cards or the War HOGG Tactical Training Target. Safety gear like eye and ear protection is non-negotiable, and always separate live and dry fire areas to prevent accidents. This setup, as outlined in Hogg's Make Ready TV segments and blog posts, keeps training accessible while focusing on skill-building efficiency.


Step-by-Step Guide to the Speed Magazine Change

The speed magazine change kicks in when your carbine runs dry, with the bolt locked rearward—a scenario Hogg simulates in drills by loading just two rounds to feel the "clunk" of the lock back. Start with the rifle shouldered and selector on fire. On the beep or cue, fire your shots until empty. Immediately switch to safe, break the support hand grip, and press the magazine release with your firing hand's index finger while keeping the mag well vertical for gravity to eject the empty mag. Rotate the carbine slightly inward for visibility, maintaining shoulder contact. Perform a "centerline sweep" with the support hand: open palm, index finger down, sweep from belt buckle to pouch, grab the fresh mag with index along the side and palm on the base. Insert using the index as a guide, seat firmly with the palm, then thumb the bolt release (no slap—it's unreliable). Return to fire mode, align the red dot (accounting for point of aim/impact offset), and engage. In his YouTube video, Hogg adds the "War HOGG Ghost Reload" post-change: mimic a pistol reload to build cross-platform habits. Avoid looking at the ejection port; rely on feel and sound for efficiency, especially in low light.


Step-by-Step Guide to the Tactical Magazine Change

For the tactical magazine change, executed proactively in a lull, the focus is on retaining ammo without haste. With the carbine pointed downrange and bolt forward, switch to safe and break the support grip. Rotate the mag well inward for visibility while shouldered. Support hand sweeps centerline to grab a fresh mag, securing it with index and middle fingers near the base. Bring the new mag up, capture the partial mag in your palm using a "lobster claw" with thumb and index, drop the old one into your hand, then insert the new with a roll-forward motion for a positive click. Tug downward to confirm seating—crucial to prevent drops during movement. Stow the partial mag in a pouch or pocket, bullets forward. Hogg notes in his skill builder video that for carbines, ensure the last round is on the right side to avoid seating issues, and never overfill (e.g., 31 rounds in PMAGs). This method, as detailed in Safariland posts and On The Range discussions, mirrors pistol techniques for universality, reducing cognitive load in dynamic environments.


Dry Fire Training Plan for Mastery

Dry fire is the backbone of Hogg's methodology, allowing safe, cost-free refinement before live rounds. For both speed and tactical changes, start in a dedicated ammo-free area with empty mags. Average your times from 10 live reps, add 0.25-0.50 seconds buffer for par time in the Firearms Training Notebook. Practice clean trigger presses and sights on target at or below par, reducing it incrementally by 0.05-0.10 seconds. Focus on mechanics: no looking at ports, use centerline sweeps, and incorporate ghost reloads. Hogg advises video recording sessions to spot fumbles or extra motions, as seen in his YouTube tips. For speed drills, mimic the "clunk" feel; for tactical, emphasize the claw capture. Communities like the On The Range Patreon "CREW" offer accountability through video shares and Zoom feedback. This structured plan, from Hogg's blog and videos, ensures habits stick, turning reloads into instinctive actions.


Live Fire Drills to Build Confidence

Transition to live fire once dry mechanics are solid. Hogg's drill: 10 reps per type, starting on target, firing one shot, reloading, then another—timing from beep to assess reaction. Use two rounds initially to experience full recoil and lockback without excess ammo. Record everything: times, hits on index card targets at 5-10 yards, and notes on grip or seating issues. Reshoot at month's end to quantify gains from dry work. In Make Ready TV's Combat Carbine, Hogg integrates these into broader drills, stressing peripheral threat awareness during insertions. For tactical changes, perform post-engagement to simulate real scenarios. Always tug mags post-seat to avoid failures, a tip Hogg repeats after observing student errors. These drills, featured in his podcast and tutorials, build speed without sacrificing accuracy, preparing shooters for patrol or combat duties.


Common Mistakes and Pro Tips from Rick Hogg

Even seasoned shooters falter, as Hogg notes in his Tactical Rifleman collab and skill builders. Common pitfalls: looking at the ejection port (wastes time, ineffective at night), slapping the bolt release (unreliable), overfilling mags (prevents locking), or inconsistent pouch orientation (slows grabs). Tips include bullets-forward for universal grabs, centerline sweeps to avoid fumbling, and always tugging seated mags. In low light, rely on feel over sight. Hogg's "ghost reload" adds pistol practice seamlessly. Avoid "beer can" grips for carbines to maintain consistency. Video analysis catches added movements; community feedback accelerates fixes. As per his Words of Wisdom, record everything in the Notebook—times, weather, gear—for holistic improvement. These insights, from warhogg.com posts and YouTube, prevent bad habits and foster elite proficiency.


Why These Techniques Matter for Real-World Application

War HOGG's magazine changes aren't just drills—they're combat-forged tools for survival. Hogg's 13 deployments inform every step, ensuring techniques work under fire, as discussed in On The Range Podcast episodes. For patrol officers, quick reloads mean staying in the fight during pursuits; for civilians, they enhance concealed carry readiness. Integrating red dots accounts for offsets, boosting accuracy. Regular practice reduces cognitive load, making actions automatic. Join warhogg.com communities for ongoing support. Ultimately, these skills embody Hogg's mantra: train hard, stay safe, and be 1% better daily.Conclusion: Elevate Your Carbine Skills with War HOGG TacticalMastering War HOGG tactical magazine changes transforms your carbine handling from basic to elite. Through Hogg's detailed steps, dry/live drills, and tips, shooters gain efficiency that saves seconds—and lives. Visit warhogg.com for courses, the Firearms Training Notebook, and more resources. Train consistently, track progress, and join the CREW for expert feedback. Remember, excellence comes from deliberate practice—start today and own your reloads.


Train Hard, Stay Safe and see you “On The Range” – Rick


Save with War HOGG Tactical Industry Partners

Use NEW Aimpoint discount code warhogg1224 to save with Aimpoint


1st Phorm - their mission is to help you earn real & long-term results with your fitness & nutrition and support you through every step of that journey!


Oakley SI - If you are looking for the ultimate eye wear look no further than Oakley SI, use code warhogg15 to save an additional 15% with Oakley SI - https://www.oakleysi.com/en-us


Kore Essentials - If you are looking for a concealed carry belt that offers super easy sizing adjustments look at the Kore Essentials EDC ratchet belt. Use code warhogg10 to save with Kore - https://www.koreessentials.com/


🚨 📬 Sign up for our newsletter at https://www.warhogg.com/ 


War HOGG Tactical / Rick Hogg Links Website - https://www.warhogg.com/ 

“In Honor of Duco” Project - https://www.scottswish.org/in-honor-o...

“In Honor of Duco” Loop Leash available at https://www.warhogg.com/product-page/...


On The Range Podcast "CREW" Members

Become a member of our On The Range Podcast Patreon “CREW” and be around like-minded individuals who want to be 1% better everyday. Bimonthly interactive zoom call with me and Mark Kelley monthly shooting challenge, training tips, exclusive content and more!


Listen to On The Range Podcast at - Please subscribe to the show on the podcast platform you listen to, and leave us a rating and review to help increase our reach. Thank you!

On The Range Podcast Links Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/ontherangepod...


War HOGG Tactical

Rick Hogg is the owner of War HOGG Tactical, Inc. and is a 29 year US Army Special Operation Combat Veteran, as well as an SOF K9 handler, that has taken his 13 combat deployment, both Iraq and Afghanistan, and teaching experience as a Special Forces Advanced Urban Combat (SFAUC) instructor and harnessed them into a combat proven techniques training company, War HOGG Tactical, Inc.


Veteran owned, War HOGG Tactical

A North Carolina firearms training company that travels the country teaching firearms training, tactical training and K9 training to civilians, military and law enforcement agencies teaching through combat proven techniques and experience to improve students marksmanship proficiency. War HOGG Tactical conducts firearms training and tactical training in states like North Carolina, South Carolina, Pennsylvania, Florida, Ohio, Tennessee and more.

War HOGG also conducts product development and product field testing along with a variety of consulting services in the defense, firearms and entertainment / film industry.


Project Officer Survival

War HOGG Tactical also offers free law enforcement firearms training via Project Officer Survival with support from our industry partners. If you are interested in hosting a free law enforcement training course send us an email for more info.


War HOGG tactical magazine change scenarios, carbine reload real world examples, Rick Hogg combat reload stories, patrol rifle speed reload under fire, AR15 tactical mag change examples, emergency carbine reload scenarios, proactive tactical reload combat, War HOGG Tactical training examples

War HOGG tactical magazine change examples, carbine speed reload scenarios, patrol rifle tactical reload real world, Rick Hogg combat stories reload, AR15 magazine change under fire, emergency carbine reload, proactive tactical mag change, War HOGG Tactical training

Comments

bottom of page