Tag: accuracy

Shooting Techniques

The Handgun Dot Torture Drill

Mark Schneider

The Dot Torture Drill stands as a paramount test of marksmanship, emphasizing the critical skill of trigger discipline—executing a trigger press without altering the firearm’s alignment.

Achieving a perfect score, set at 100%, is the drill’s stringent requirement. Falling short by even a single shot results in failure.

Preparation involves gathering the following items:

  • A handgun
  • A holster
  • 50 rounds of target-specific ammunition
  • A minimum of one backup magazine or speedloader
  • Protective gear for eyes and ears
  • The Dot Torture target

Execution Steps:

The exercise involves 10 two-inch diameter targets, each associated with a distinct firing sequence. Starting from a distance of 3 yards, the goal is to land all 50 shots within the confines of these dots. Mastery at this initial distance allows for the challenge to be heightened either by increasing the distance or imposing a time constraint, thereby demanding faster shooting without compromising accuracy.

Detailed Course of Fire:

  • Dot 1: Draw and fire 5 shots at dot 1.
  • Dot 2: Draw, fire a single shot at dot 2, then re-holster. Repeat this step four times, totaling 5 shots.
  • Dots 3 & 4: Draw, fire once at dot 3, once at dot 4, then re-holster. Complete this sequence four times, amassing 8 shots.
  • Dot 5: Focusing on using only the strong hand, draw and fire 5 shots at dot 5.
  • Dots 6 & 7: Draw, fire twice at dot 6, twice at dot 7, then re-holster. Repeat this three times for a sum of 16 shots.
  • Dot 8: Starting from a ready position, fire 5 shots with just the support hand at dot 8.
  • Dots 9 & 10: Draw, fire at dot 9, perform a speed reload, fire at dot 10, then re-holster. Execute this sequence three times for a total of 6 shots.

This rigorous drill not only hones precision and control but also instills confidence in handling and maneuvering the firearm under varied conditions, making it an essential practice for improving shooting fundamentals.

dot-torture-targetDownload
Firearms Training, Shooting Techniques

The NRA Defensive Pistol Qualification Course

Mark Schneider

NRA Defensive Pistol Qualification

The NRA Defensive Pistol Qualification is a structured course designed to enhance a shooter’s skills in handling and firing a pistol from concealment efficiently and accurately. This qualification involves a series of drills that focus on drawing from concealment, speed reloading, and managing immediate action drills to clear potential firearm malfunctions. Here’s a breakdown of the course content formatted for clarity and ease of understanding:

Course Outline

General Requirements:

  • Holster: All shooting is conducted with the pistol drawn from a strong side hip holster, concealed by clothing.
  • Reloading: Speed reloads are to be performed during the drills.
  • Target Requirements: Use either the FBI-Q or NRA D-1 target. All shots must fall within the designated scoring area of the chosen target.

Shooting Drills from Concealment:

These drills are designed to improve accuracy and speed in drawing and firing from concealment.

  • 3 Yards: 2 shots within 4.0 seconds, for a total of 2 rounds.
  • 5 Yards: 3 shots within 4.5 seconds, totaling 3 rounds.
  • 7 Yards: 3 shots within 5.0 seconds, totaling 3 rounds.
  • 10 Yards: 5 shots within 8.0 seconds, conducted over 2 relays, totaling 10 rounds.

Speed Reload Drills:

Speed and efficiency in reloading are tested here. Firearms should be prepared as per the instructions for either semi-automatic pistols or revolvers.

  • 5 Yards: Fire 1 shot, reload, then 2 shots within 8.0 seconds for semi-autos and 10.0 seconds for revolvers, totaling 3 rounds.
  • 7 Yards: Fire 2 shots, reload, then 2 more shots within 10.0 seconds for semi-autos and 12.0 seconds for revolvers, totaling 4 rounds.
  • 7 Yards: Fire 3 shots, reload, then 4 shots within 15.0 seconds for semi-autos and 17.0 seconds for revolvers, totaling 7 rounds.

Immediate Action Drills:

These drills prepare the shooter to quickly address and clear common firearm malfunctions.

  • Setup: For semi-automatics, begin with no cartridge in the chamber. For revolvers, set up so the firearm will not fire on the first trigger pull.
  • 7 Yards: Present the firearm from concealment, perform the immediate action sequence (click, Tap, Rack, Assess), and fire 2 shots within 6.0 seconds, totaling 2 rounds.

Course Completion

By the end of the qualification course, participants will have fired a total of 34 rounds. The course is designed to simulate real-world defensive scenarios, requiring quick, decisive action and precise shooting from concealment. It’s an excellent way for shooters to hone their skills and prepare for the unexpected in a controlled and structured environment.

This course of fire is an effective method for developing the critical skills needed for defensive pistol use. Whether for personal development or qualification purposes, it challenges shooters to improve their speed, accuracy, and handling under pressure.

Shooting Techniques

The Emergency Reload Shooting Drill

Mark Schneider

Enhancing Speed and Precision Under Pressure

In the world of firearms training, mastering the emergency reload is crucial for both competitive shooters and those focused on self-defense. The Emergency Reload Drill is designed to enhance proficiency in reloading under pressure, ensuring that shooters can maintain both speed and accuracy in high-stress scenarios. Here’s a detailed look at this drill, which is both a test of skill and a building block for those seeking to improve their handling and reloading efficiency.

Overview

  • The Emergency Reload Drill is a critical component of firearms training, focusing on improving reload speed, accuracy, and safety under pressure.
  • This drill is designed to simulate real-world scenarios where quick and efficient reloading can be a matter of life and death.

Equipment and Setup

  • Shooter requires a firearm, holster, and three magazines, each loaded with two rounds.
  • Target is set up at a distance of 15 feet to simulate close-quarters engagements.
  • Shooter starts in the draw position, with hands ready at their side or in a designated start position.

Execution of the Drill

  • On Threat Signal
    • Shooter responds to the given signal, typically a command like “threat” or a buzzer.
  • Firing and Reloading
    • Shooter draws, fires two rounds at the target, and performs an emergency reload.
    • Process is repeated for all three magazines, with shooter firing two rounds, performing an emergency reload, and then firing two more rounds after each reload.
  • Safety Check and Reholstering
    • After completing the firing sequence, shooter conducts a safety check to ensure the firearm is clear and safe to reholster.

Repeating for Proficiency

  • Key to mastery lies in repetition.
  • Shooters should repeat the drill multiple times, focusing on reducing reload time while maintaining accuracy.
  • Variations can be introduced, such as changing target distance, using different targets, or incorporating movement.

Importance of the Drill

  • Enhances ability to quickly reload firearm, crucial in competitive shooting and self-defense scenarios.
  • Reinforces muscle memory for efficient actions under stress.
  • Emphasizes the importance of safety with a mandatory safety check before reholstering.

In conclusion, the Emergency Reload Drill is a vital aspect of firearms training, offering a straightforward yet effective method to improve reload speed, accuracy, and safety. By incorporating this drill into regular training, shooters can significantly enhance their handling skills, ensuring preparedness for any situation they may encounter.