The Germans purposely left the front handguard steel to help keep soldiers hands on the magwell of the stg44. One major advantage I've noticed with a magwell hold, mag changes are faster. I personally only find a modest difference to on target times depending on magwell or fore grip hold.
Little bit o' NEA love
- Thread starter ScarceChalice9
- Start date
ColassalEntry
Regular
- Location
- VANCOUVER!
I don't tend to use the charging handle on a mag change cause I only have 5 rounds in the mag. If I am doing a "tactical" reload with one in the chamber and I rack the charging handle I just tossed 16.67% of my ammo on the ground. That is damn near HST here in ON 
Percentage wise that is the same as 5 rounds from a proper 30 round capacity mag. If I always use the bolt release I don't dump rounds by mistake.
Does this all mean I don't know how to fight with my rifle.....probably. I'm just a shooter baby, not a fighter.
Not too sure if I'm just misinterpreting what you've said here (if so apologies), but speaking from my experiences once you shoot it enough you'll get that feeling of when the bolt locks to the rear. Therefore you shouldn't even have to worry about the charging handle or the bolt release on a tactical reload (1 still in the chamber) because you will know by feel that the bolt is still forward. Only have to grab the mag out, replace with a fresh one. But then again I am speaking from the perspective of someone who has only shot with 30 round mags (military). All comes from experience and loads and loads of rounds, therefore many many more range trips are required, oh darn what a shame lol.[/QUOTE]
You don't rack the charging handle when ones in the spout and your just doing a mag change. he's got some f**ked up drill going on and I'm not really sure why he's doing it. I'd have to see it to properly understand maybe.
If he ment to say stoppage or something... Then I understand cuz he's trying to clear it...buuuttt.... I don't even know.
Percentage wise that is the same as 5 rounds from a proper 30 round capacity mag. If I always use the bolt release I don't dump rounds by mistake.Does this all mean I don't know how to fight with my rifle.....probably. I'm just a shooter baby, not a fighter.
Not too sure if I'm just misinterpreting what you've said here (if so apologies), but speaking from my experiences once you shoot it enough you'll get that feeling of when the bolt locks to the rear. Therefore you shouldn't even have to worry about the charging handle or the bolt release on a tactical reload (1 still in the chamber) because you will know by feel that the bolt is still forward. Only have to grab the mag out, replace with a fresh one. But then again I am speaking from the perspective of someone who has only shot with 30 round mags (military). All comes from experience and loads and loads of rounds, therefore many many more range trips are required
, oh darn what a shame lol.[/QUOTE]You don't rack the charging handle when ones in the spout and your just doing a mag change. he's got some f**ked up drill going on and I'm not really sure why he's doing it. I'd have to see it to properly understand maybe.
If he ment to say stoppage or something... Then I understand cuz he's trying to clear it...buuuttt.... I don't even know.
Bolivar
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
CE
I think you got it. I guess I didn't say it quite right. I meant that I tend to use the bolt release on reloads and my hand naturally goes to the mag well when I do.
I believe (could be wrong) that for some the SOP is to always use the charging handle on reloads. I don't cause every once in a while my hands move faster than my brain....or my brain works slower than my hands. In that case if I mistakenly hit the bolt release during a tactical reload there is no problem, nothing happens. If I mistakenly rack the charging handle, then I dump a precious live round.
It's kind of like learning to play your slice. I know I am kind of dumb sometimes so I practice to be dumb proof
I think you got it. I guess I didn't say it quite right. I meant that I tend to use the bolt release on reloads and my hand naturally goes to the mag well when I do.
I believe (could be wrong) that for some the SOP is to always use the charging handle on reloads. I don't cause every once in a while my hands move faster than my brain....or my brain works slower than my hands. In that case if I mistakenly hit the bolt release during a tactical reload there is no problem, nothing happens. If I mistakenly rack the charging handle, then I dump a precious live round.
It's kind of like learning to play your slice. I know I am kind of dumb sometimes so I practice to be dumb proof
Yes, some SOP's are to use the charging handle (or cocking handle if you will) because in the "heat of battle" (instructors words not mine) it will be harder to hit the bolt release. . . but as you said practice. I used to be the same way, but after some 10,000+ rounds through the platform I've gotten rid of some of those annoying habits I used to have. Sadly I've picked up a few others. . . oh well just means I need more range time.
Some play in mine, but nothing big enough to get a piece of paper in there.
There are advantages and disadvantages. The magwell hold still has it's place.
Canadian soldiers training.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J11yGeiNpIM
Check out .54 second mark. Canadian Soldiers.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DIAfS0HNUVU&feature=related
Lots of magwell holds here with SASS and Marines.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=01v0sUra-yg&feature=fvwrel
Russian with SVT40 holding the line:
STG44
STG44
Never mind the metal handguard that gets extremely hot, but also notice where the magazine release is located. If you are using a mag well hold, your thumb is resting very close to the magazine release, it would become very natural to release and remove the magazine with one hand, likely to put the magazine somewhere you wouldn't loose it. With a firm insertion of the magazine, your hand is directly below the charging handle, with a brief movement, you're ready to fight again and already have returned your grip to the magwell. The STG44 is one of the best designed fighting rifles, in my limited opinion.
The other thing that I've noticed with holding the magwell, is that it is a natural position, especially after shooting pistol. For my body build, my wrists are uncomfortable when gripping anywhere along the forward handguard, but with magwell hold my wrists do not get sore. After a few hundred rounds, with my M14 (maghold), or a few hundred with my 20" Hbar, I will admit my arms start to get fatigued and usually at that point I move my hands further down the forward handguard to get get my sway back under control. Honestly though, my right arm takes the most abuse, supporting the majority of the rifles weight during magazine changes. After 15 or 20 mag changes, I start to have to tuck the butt under my arm to help support the rifle. After about 30 changes, I take a break and shoot pistol for a bit.
ColassalEntry
Regular
- Location
- VANCOUVER!
I heard this too, but as one instructor told me...well yelled...
"you don't push the mag release, you palm that mother####er and try to crack the reciever!" I got a good laugh.
- Location
- Foothills, AB
Just getting used to it, but so far it seems great. I shoot at TSE so if there's ever any issues with it, I'll just go straight back to source - same as with the NEA itself.
2 great products, warranties and dealer support/advice where I shoot - can't get better than that IMHO.
- Location
- Foothills, AB
Yeah a wee bit of play - It doesn't feel 'loose' in any way and I don't think it's anything to worry about. I've put about 300rnds through it, no FTF/FTEs and it's pretty accurate so I'm guessing no problems.
From my understanding there's always a little movement, which is why I guess you can buy plastic widgets to wedge between the upper and lower.
I'm new to ARs so still learning - perhaps a more knowledgeable member can advise on this?
Bolivar
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
I would do that too, (at was taught that by one instructor) but the illumination control on my optic is in the way. I would have to bend my hand backward to hit the release with my palm.
I tend to tuck my fore finger under the delta ring and swing my thumb up to hit the release. Seems to happen pretty naturally but I also focus my eyes on what I am doing so it is not totally unconscious.
wherermykeys
Regular
- Location
- Whitby, ON
I believe (could be wrong) that for some the SOP is to always use the charging handle on reloads. I don't cause every once in a while my hands move faster than my brain....or my brain works slower than my hands. In that case if I mistakenly hit the bolt release during a tactical reload there is no problem, nothing happens. If I mistakenly rack the charging handle, then I dump a precious live round.
It's kind of like learning to play your slice. I know I am kind of dumb sometimes so I practice to be dumb proof
What kind of messed up drills are you running where you're doing a tac reload under time constraints?
Bolivar
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
Pairs Zombie defence man. Two shots left, two shots right, tactical reload and prepare for the next pair of brain eaters. LOL
Bolivar
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
I use the Draw at the Beep timer found here:
w ww.predatortactical.com/cart.php?m=knowledgebase_detail&id=5
I set the timer for three seconds and work at getting the mag change complete with the next round off, in 3 seconds.
I say work at it.....not do it, (at least consistently)
Bolivar
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
I don't know. I know I can't run them on my BB. Perhaps contact the source web site?
Footnote: Credit - I got the web site info from Canadian Reload Radio, specifically mmatt. Handy tidbits from three hosers with guns
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I must be abnormal. My magwell looked well used on my AR before I ever even put the first round through it. When I got it and my PMAGs, they didn't drop freely. They do now.
Are yo ureferring to the MAG catch or the BOLT release?
