Tag: pistol

Concealed Carry

What Is A Press Check On A Firearm?

Mark Schneider

Understanding the Press Check: Ensuring Your Firearm is Loaded and Ready

In the world of firearms, safety and preparedness are paramount. One crucial technique that shooters use to ensure their firearm is properly loaded and ready to fire is known as the “press check.” This procedure is commonly practiced by various groups, including soldiers, marines, special forces, police officers, security guards, and civilian concealed carry holders. Let’s delve into what a press check entails, its significance, and how to perform it correctly.

What is a Press Check?

A press check is a manual method of verifying that a round is chambered in a firearm, particularly a handgun. This check is performed after loading the firearm but before it is considered ready to use. The primary goal is to visually confirm the presence of a cartridge in the chamber, ensuring that the firearm is loaded and can be fired when necessary.

Why Perform a Press Check?

The rationale behind a press check is straightforward: it is a safety measure to confirm that the firearm is in a ready state. It addresses any uncertainty about whether a round has been successfully chambered, providing the shooter with confidence in their weapon’s status. This practice is especially vital in high-stress situations where the reliability of one’s firearm is non-negotiable.

How to Perform a Press Check

Performing a press check involves a few simple steps, which, when done correctly, ensure that the firearm is ready for use. Here is a step-by-step guide:

  1. Load the Magazine: Begin by loading the magazine with ammunition. Ensure the cartridges are correctly oriented and that the magazine is fully loaded according to its capacity.
  2. Insert the Magazine into the Firearm: With the magazine filled, insert it into the magazine well of the firearm, making sure it is securely in place.
  3. Chamber a Round: Next, grip the slide of the handgun and pull it back all the way before releasing it. This action, known as “racking the firearm,” should chamber a round. The firearm is now in a condition where it could theoretically be fired.
  4. Perform the Press Check: To confirm that a round is indeed chambered, lightly grip the top of the slide and pull it back about a quarter to a half-inch—just enough to visually inspect the chamber. You should see the cartridge seated between the breech face and the chamber. This visual confirmation indicates that the firearm is loaded.
  5. Return the Slide to Battery: After verifying that a round is chambered, release the slide, allowing it to return to its forward position, known as “battery.” In some cases, you might need to nudge the slide forward to ensure it is fully in battery, indicating the firearm is ready to fire. If the slide is not all the way into battery, the firearm will not discharge.

Conclusion

The press check is a simple yet critical procedure that shooters can employ to ensure their firearm is ready for action. While it may seem like an extra step, its importance cannot be overstressed, especially in situations where readiness and safety are crucial. By incorporating press checks into their routine, firearm users significantly enhance their operational security and peace of mind, knowing their weapon is ready whenever they might need it. Remember, responsible firearm handling always begins with safety, and the press check is a testament to this principle.

Concealed Carry

The Mozambique Drill

Mark Schneider

The Mozambique Drill, often referred to as the “Failure Drill” or “Failure to Stop Drill,” is a vital shooting exercise for enhancing precision, speed, and decision-making under stress. This drill simulates a scenario where an assailant is not stopped by initial shots to the torso, necessitating a follow-up shot to the head to neutralize the threat effectively. Here’s how you can practice this drill at the shooting range to improve your defensive shooting skills.

Equipment and Setup

  • Firearm: Any handgun that you are comfortable with, preferably the one you would carry for self-defense.
  • Ammunition: A sufficient amount of live ammunition for practice. Ensure you have enough for multiple repetitions of the drill.
  • Targets: Use silhouette targets that clearly mark the chest and head areas. These will represent your assailant.
  • Range: A safe and controlled shooting range environment that allows for drawing from a holster and firing at human-sized targets.

Steps for Practicing the Mozambique Drill

  • Starting Position:
  • Begin at a distance of 5 to 7 yards from your target, which is a typical range for self-defense situations.
  • Stand in a ready position with your firearm holstered, if drawing from the holster is part of your practice, or at the low ready position if not.
  • Engagement:
  • On your command (or a timer, if you have one), draw your firearm and aim at the target’s chest area.
  • Fire two controlled shots aimed at the center mass of the chest. These shots are intended to simulate stopping the threat with body shots.
  • Assessment:
  • Quickly assess the situation as if determining whether the assailant has been neutralized. This brief pause is crucial for adding a decision-making component to your drill.
  • Transition your aim to the head of the target, simulating the scenario where the chest shots were not effective.
  • Headshot:
  • Once you’ve shifted your aim, fire one shot aimed at the head area of the target. This shot is intended to ensure the threat is neutralized.
  • Completion and Safety:
  • After firing the headshot, reassess the target briefly to ensure the “threat” is neutralized.
  • Safely lower your firearm and return it to the holster or the low ready position.
  • Take a moment to assess your performance, checking your accuracy on the chest and head shots.

Practice and Repetition

  • Repeat the Drill: Practice the Mozambique Drill multiple times, focusing on improving your accuracy, speed, and fluidity of motion. Remember, the goal is not just speed but also making each shot count.
  • Vary the Distance: As you become more proficient, vary the distances to challenge your accuracy and adaptability.
  • Incorporate Movement: To add complexity, incorporate movement into the drill, such as stepping to the side as you draw, to simulate evading return fire.

Safety and Consideration

  • Always follow the four fundamental safety rules of handling firearms.
  • Ensure your practice is in line with the range’s rules and guidelines, especially concerning drawing from a holster and rapid firing.

Practicing the Mozambique Drill at the shooting range can significantly enhance your defensive shooting capabilities, preparing you for the unlikely event of a self-defense scenario. Remember, the key to this drill is not only speed but also the ability to make decisive, accurate shots under pressure.

Concealed Carry

The FBI Pistol Qualification Course

Mark Schneider

The FBI’s revised pistol qualification course, updated in 2019, is designed to evaluate an agent’s proficiency with their firearm across various scenarios, distances, and techniques. ThA Benchmark for Concealed Carriers and Armed Professionals

The FBI’s revised pistol qualification course, updated in 2019, is one of the most respected handgun qualification drills in the U.S. While designed for federal agents, this course is also an excellent benchmark for CCW holders, armed guards, and anyone who takes defensive shooting seriously.

The course consists of 50 rounds fired at a QIT-99 silhouette target. Hits inside the bottle-shaped outline score 2 points each, with a maximum score of 100. A passing score is 90 points (45 hits).

What You’ll Need to Know:

Before we get into the course, here are two important shooting terms used in the FBI qualification:

  • From the Holster: This means the drill starts with your firearm holstered. On the timer, you must safely draw your firearm before firing. This simulates a real-life defensive draw under pressure.
  • Low Ready Position: This is a ready position where your firearm is pointed downward at about a 45-degree angle, with your arms extended and your sights off target. It’s used to stay ready without aiming directly at someone until justified.

Breakdown of the FBI Pistol Qualification Drill

3 Yards

  • From the holster, strong hand only: Draw and fire 3 rounds – 6 seconds
  • Support hand only: Switch hands and fire 3 rounds – 6 seconds

5 Yards

  • From the holster: Draw and fire 3 rounds – 3 seconds
  • From low ready: Fire 3 rounds – 2 seconds
  • From low ready: Fire 6 rounds – 4 seconds

7 Yards

  • From the holster: Draw and fire 5 rounds – 5 seconds
  • From low ready: Fire 4 rounds, reload, then fire 4 more rounds – 8 seconds
  • From low ready: Fire 5 rounds – 4 seconds

15 Yards

  • From the holster: Draw and fire 3 rounds – 6 seconds
  • From low ready: Fire 3 rounds – 5 seconds

25 Yards

  • From the holster: Draw and fire 4 rounds from standing, drop to kneeling, then fire 4 more rounds – 20 seconds

What This Course Tests

This is more than a paper-punching drill. It’s built to pressure test your defensive skills:

  • Speed Under Pressure
    You must draw and shoot fast—and still make your hits.
  • One-Handed Mastery
    Shooting strong hand and support hand only helps you prepare for injury or restricted movement in a fight.
  • Reloading Under Stress
    You’ll need to reload and re-engage under a tight clock, just like you would in an extended encounter.
  • Adaptability and Movement
    Going from standing to kneeling while maintaining accuracy reinforces dynamic shooting fundamentals.

Final Thoughts

Most people—yes, even experienced shooters—fail this test the first time. And that’s okay. It’s meant to challenge you. The FBI qual is a great way to measure your real readiness for a defensive shooting situation. Whether you’re a CCW holder, security guard, or law enforcement officer, it’s worth trying.

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