Is the New York Reload actually faster?

[JTH]

The "New York Reload" is something commonly known in the gun culture---back when law enforcement used revolvers, the fastest way to "reload" an empty gun was to drop it and pull another revolver.  As such, the idea that the New York Reload (called such because the Stakeout Squad in New York coined the term) was faster than standard reloads became very common.

I got to thinking about that the other day after watching a respected firearms instructor perform one in a class, and it occurred to me that it just might not be true anymore.

https://precisionresponse.wordpress.com/2015/12/20/is-the-new-york-reload-faster/

Amusingly enough, when I went to YouTube to make sure my video was working, I saw that someone from Tactical Response (ug) had done something similar in Oct of 2014.  Amusingly enough, though, they came to a different conclusion even though far as I can tell, their times were ALSO similar between a standard reload and a New York Reload.  (Both about 3 seconds in that guy's case, with the standard reload actually being slightly faster.)   He said "on the timer" but then didn't actually use a timer.  Brilliant.

Also, gotta love his "oh yeah, forgot to do the area scan" bit.



(Note:  Sure, if you carry a revolver, then the New York Reload IS going to be faster.  But these days, most people DON'T carry revolvers anymore, and the need for a NYR is one of the reasons why...)

[ILoveCats]

OK, but that totally ignores the fact that a second gun obviates any issues with a serious jam or malfunction of your primary sidearm.

If you carried a full-size sidearm and a couple reloads as part of a risk-prone job, I think there'd be a lot to say for a little Ruger LCR backup.  Especially in 9mm if your primary gun and mags are 9mm.

[JTH]

OK, but that totally ignores the fact that a second gun obviates any issues with a serious jam or malfunction of your primary sidearm.

Quote from the article:

New York Reload Advantages:

• If your primary has an unfixable malfunction (at least, unfixable within a useful time frame) the NYR is obviously going to work best.

So no, not ignoring that.  Most people who tout the NYR often argue it from the standpoint of speed, though, which is what the article was about.

If you carried a full-size sidearm and a couple reloads as part of a risk-prone job, I think there'd be a lot to say for a little Ruger LCR backup.  Especially in 9mm if your primary gun and mags are 9mm.

Another quote from the article:

"Best choice?  Obviously having both an extra magazine and a backup gun to cover all the bases."



I note that IMO, if you are carrying a full-size and a couple of extra magazines in a high-risk job, I'd suggest carrying a backup gun that could use those magazines instead of one that merely was the same caliber.

[ILoveCats]

Once again you incorrectly assume that we'll actually read the blog before commenting. We're busy guys. We need an Executive Summary.   

[JTH]

Once again you incorrectly assume that we'll actually read the blog before commenting. We're busy guys. We need an Executive Summary.   

Heh. 

At least you'll admit it!  I've had several people online say things about articles based solely on their reading of the title, and nothing else---and then argue with me about what I said when I quote directly from my article.

[Kendahl]

Another quote from the article:

"Best choice?  Obviously having both an extra magazine and a backup gun to cover all the bases."

Plus a wheelbarrow to carry all the stuff you need to "cover all the bases."

[JTH]

Plus a wheelbarrow to carry all the stuff you need to "cover all the bases."

  Yup.  There's a lot of bases. 

I mean, you need the belt, holster and gun.
And an extra magazine
And an extra gun.  (We'll be nice and assume that your extra mag will ALSO work in your extra gun.)
Plus a fixed-blade knife for CQC.
And a folding knife clipped to your pocket.
And of course a flashlight.
Some OC?
Maybe a Taser.  Or just a stun gun.
Oh, can't forget the ASP.

...and of course wraparound sunglasses for eye pro just in case.

If you are wearing a 5.11 Tactical Tuxedo, you OF COURSE can carry all of that comfortably while looking stylish.

Clothes make the man, and all that...

[Greybeard]

In addition to all that, don't forget that I need a bodyguard, too!!!

[JTH]

In addition to all that, don't forget that I need a bodyguard, too!!!

But the good part there is that they can help you carry all of your EDC load!