Mastering Instinctive Shooting Techniques: A Crucial Skill for Emergency Situations

In my last article, I started off the new year by helping you think of the important aspects of "Choosing the Right Firearms For Personal Defense..."  Now that you have hopefully had some opportunities to try out a few models and make a selection, it's now time to get down to the nuts and bolts of making your chosen firearm a useful tool for self defense.  In moments of crisis and emergency situations, individuals often find themselves facing high-stress environments that demand quick thinking and immediate action. For those trained in self-defense or law enforcement, mastering instinctive shooting techniques becomes a crucial skill to navigate these high-pressure scenarios effectively. In this article, we will explore the importance of training for emergency situations, delve into the concept of instinctive shooting, and discuss methods to maintain accuracy under stress.

The Importance of Training for Emergency Situations

Emergencies can strike at any time, and being prepared to respond swiftly can be a matter of life and death. Whether it's a home invasion, an active shooter situation, or any other crisis, the ability to react calmly and effectively is essential. This is where proper training plays a pivotal role.

Muscle Memory and Reflexes:

In emergency situations, individuals often experience an adrenaline rush, triggering the body's fight-or-flight response. Through regular training, individuals can develop muscle memory and reflexes that enable them to respond instinctively to threats. This level of preparedness can make the difference between fumbling under pressure and executing precise actions.

Reducing Decision-Making Time:

During high-stress situations, decision-making time is significantly reduced. Proper training allows individuals to make split-second decisions more efficiently, minimizing the risk of hesitation or indecision. Training helps in creating mental pathways that streamline the thought process, enabling faster and more accurate responses.

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Emotional Control:

Emergency situations often evoke intense emotions, which can cloud judgment and hinder performance. Training not only builds physical skills but also helps individuals develop emotional control. This emotional resilience is crucial for maintaining focus and executing necessary actions even in the face of fear or anxiety.

Instinctive Shooting Techniques

Instinctive shooting, also known as point shooting or threat-focused shooting, is a shooting technique that relies on the shooter's natural instincts and reflexes rather than precise aiming through sights. In high-stress situations, the fine motor skills required for traditional sighted shooting may degrade, making instinctive shooting a valuable alternative. Here are some key aspects of instinctive shooting techniques:

Body Indexing:

Instinctive shooting involves aligning the body with the target rather than focusing on aligning the sights. By using the body as an index, shooters can quickly point the firearm at the threat without relying on a precise sight picture. This method capitalizes on the natural pointing ability of the human hand-eye coordination.

Target Focus:

Unlike traditional shooting, where shooters focus on aligning the sights with the target, instinctive shooting emphasizes maintaining focus on the threat. By training to keep the eyes on the target while bringing the firearm into the line of sight, individuals can engage threats more rapidly and maintain situational awareness.

Close Quarters Shooting:

Instinctive shooting is particularly effective in close-quarters engagements where there is limited time and space. In these situations, the speed of response is crucial, and instinctive shooting allows for rapid engagement without the need for precise sight alignment.

Peripheral Vision Utilization:

Traditional shooting often relies on a narrow focus through the sights, limiting peripheral vision. Instinctive shooting, on the other hand, encourages shooters to use their peripheral vision to maintain awareness of the surroundings while engaging the threat. This broader field of view is advantageous in dynamic and unpredictable emergency scenarios.

Maintaining Accuracy in Emergency Scenarios

While instinctive shooting techniques prioritize speed and quick target acquisition, maintaining accuracy remains paramount. Here are key considerations for ensuring accuracy in emergency scenarios:

Regular Training:

Consistent and focused training is the foundation of accuracy under stress. Regular practice of instinctive shooting techniques helps individuals refine their skills, build muscle memory, and reinforce the mental pathways required for effective responses. Training sessions should simulate realistic emergency scenarios to better prepare shooters for real-life situations.

Dry Fire Practice:

Dry fire practice, where shooters simulate firing without live ammunition, is a valuable tool for honing instinctive shooting skills. This allows individuals to focus on their technique, body positioning, and trigger control without the distractions of recoil or live rounds. Incorporating dry fire sessions into regular training routines enhances overall proficiency.

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Stress Inoculation:

Introducing stressors during training, such as timed drills, simulated surprise scenarios, or physical exertion, helps individuals acclimate to the physiological and psychological effects of stress. By replicating elements of real emergencies, stress inoculation prepares shooters to maintain accuracy and composure in high-pressure situations.

Shot Placement Awareness:

While speed is crucial, shooters must also be mindful of shot placement. Training should emphasize hitting vital areas of the threat to incapacitate them effectively. This requires a balance between rapid target acquisition and maintaining the discipline to place shots accurately.

Visualizing Success:

Visualization techniques can enhance shooting performance under stress. By mentally rehearsing emergency scenarios and visualizing successful outcomes, individuals can condition their minds to respond effectively. Visualization complements physical training, reinforcing the neural pathways associated with accurate and rapid instinctive shooting.

Wrapping It All Up

In emergency situations, the ability to respond rapidly and accurately is a skill that can be developed through purposeful training and a commitment to mastering instinctive shooting techniques. Understanding the importance of training for high-stress scenarios, adopting instinctive shooting methods, and consistently honing these skills are essential for individuals in roles that require self-defense or law enforcement.

The fusion of mental preparedness, emotional resilience, and physical proficiency forms the foundation for effective response in emergencies. By embracing instinctive shooting techniques and maintaining accuracy under stress, individuals can enhance their overall readiness and contribute to creating safer environments for themselves and those around them. In a world where uncertainty is a constant, the value of being well-prepared for the unexpected cannot be overstated.

Maximizing Proficiency: The Crucial Role of Airsoft Guns in Self-Defense Training

In the realm of self-defense, the importance of continuous training cannot be overstated. The ability to use a firearm effectively in self-defense is undeniably a perishable skill, one that demands regular practice to maintain and enhance proficiency. However, the high costs associated with ammunition and range time can often deter enthusiasts and individuals seeking to hone their skills for self-defense purposes.

Discover the world of airsoft guns, a revolutionary alternative offering an affordable and easily accessible way to simulate shooting maneuvers and actions. This article delves into their significance in self-defense training, shedding light on their pivotal role in skill enhancement, enabling home-based practice, and fostering overall proficiency. These innovative tools not only serve as recreations of real-life scenarios but also play a crucial role in honing precision, reflexes, and strategic thinking. Uncover the benefits of integrating airsoft and paintball into your training regimen, revolutionizing your approach to self-defense with these dynamic and practical alternatives.

In the dynamic landscape of self-defense, replicating real-world scenarios is paramount, and airsoft  guns provide a practical means to achieve this. Their capacity to mimic the weight, handling, and recoil of actual firearms allows practitioners to hone their skills without the associated risks. Moreover, the interactive nature of airsoft engagements promotes strategic thinking, reflex development, and precision.

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Home-based practice takes center stage, breaking down barriers to training frequency. With these alternatives, enthusiasts can refine their techniques in the comfort of their surroundings, adapting to various scenarios and refining their response times. This adaptability extends beyond professionals to individuals seeking personal safety skills, broadening the accessibility of effective self-defense training.

In essence, airsoft guns and paintball guns transcend mere recreational tools, evolving into indispensable assets for those committed to enhancing their self-defense capabilities. As we unravel their multifaceted benefits, it becomes evident that these innovative alternatives are reshaping the landscape of skill development and proficiency in the realm of self-defense.

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Caution: Prioritize safety when using airsoft guns for shooting practice. Always wear protective gear, use in designated areas, and treat them as real firearms to prevent accidents.

1. Cost-Effective Skill Enhancement

Ammunition costs can quickly add up, making frequent trips to the shooting range a financial burden for many enthusiasts. Air guns offer an economical solution, allowing individuals to engage in regular practice, for as little as a few cents per round, without burning a hole in their wallets.

The affordability of airsoft guns and airsoft ammunition makes it possible for enthusiasts to dedicate more time to refining their shooting techniques.  The guns themselves can be obtained for less than $200 for a Glock 19 from Umarex.  Even when adding up the costs of CO2 cartridges and airsoft ammunition combined, the cost is still only pennies per round. This financial advantage enables consistent training, ensuring that self-defense skills remain sharp and effective over time.

2. Accessibility: Practice Anytime, Anywhere

One of the primary advantages of incorporating airsoft guns into your training regimen is the ability to practice in the comfort of your own home. Unlike traditional firearms, these alternatives generate minimal noise and do not require live ammunition, making them suitable for home-based training.

This accessibility is particularly beneficial for individuals with busy schedules, as it eliminates the need to travel to a shooting range. Whether you have a spacious backyard or a dedicated indoor area, practicing with airsoft guns allows you to integrate self-defense training seamlessly into your daily routine.

3. Replicating Realistic Shooting Scenarios

While airsoft guns may not precisely replicate the recoil and noise of live firearms, they excel at simulating realistic shooting scenarios. The weight, feel, and handling of these alternatives closely resemble actual firearms, providing users with a valuable opportunity to practice drawing, aiming, and firing in a controlled environment.

By incorporating these realistic elements into your training, you enhance muscle memory and develop a fluidity in your movements. This is particularly relevant in high-stress situations where quick and accurate responses are critical for self-defense.

4. Tactical Decision-Making Skills

Self-defense extends beyond marksmanship skills; it requires sound tactical decision-making. Airsoft guns provide a platform for scenario-based training, allowing individuals to simulate various threat scenarios and practice making split-second decisions.

Creating scenarios that mimic real-life threats enhances situational awareness and decision-making skills. Whether you're facing multiple targets, navigating obstacles, or dealing with low-light conditions, these training tools empower you to develop a strategic mindset that is invaluable in self-defense situations.

5. Safe Training Environments

Safety is paramount in any form of firearms training. Airsoft guns offer a safer alternative, especially when training at home. Since these tools use non-lethal projectiles, the risk of accidental injury is significantly reduced.

This safety aspect is particularly advantageous for individuals new to firearms or those training in family environments. It allows for a gradual introduction to firearms handling without the anxiety associated with live ammunition, fostering a sense of confidence and competence in users.

Caution: Prioritize safety when using airsoft guns for shooting practice. Always wear protective gear, use in designated areas, and treat them as real firearms to prevent accidents.

6. Skill Transfer to Live Firearms

While air guns may not completely replicate the experience of firing live ammunition, the skills developed through their use can readily transfer to actual firearms. The muscle memory, hand-eye coordination, and overall familiarity with the mechanics of shooting translate seamlessly when transitioning to live firearms.

This bridge between training tools ensures a smoother adaptation to live-fire situations, reducing the learning curve and increasing the effectiveness of self-defense skills. As a result, enthusiasts find themselves better prepared to handle real-life threats confidently and competently.

7. Community and Team-Building Opportunities

Beyond individual training, airsoft also offers community and team-building opportunities. Participating in airsoft matches fosters camaraderie among enthusiasts, providing a dynamic and interactive platform to test and improve self-defense skills.

Team-based scenarios create an environment where individuals must communicate, strategize, and execute plans effectively. These experiences not only enhance self-defense skills but also contribute to a broader understanding of tactical teamwork, a valuable asset in various real-world situations.

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Conclusion: Empowering Proficiency Through Innovation

In conclusion, the role and efficacy of airsoft guns in self-defense training cannot be overstated. These innovative alternatives offer a cost-effective, accessible, and safe means to hone skills critical for personal safety. By incorporating realistic scenarios and decision-making challenges, enthusiasts and individuals aspiring to use firearms for self-defense can maximize their proficiency without the constraints of traditional training methods.

As technology advances and new training tools emerge, the synergy between innovation and self-defense becomes increasingly evident. Embracing these alternatives not only addresses the financial barriers associated with traditional firearms training but also empowers individuals to cultivate and maintain the skills necessary to protect themselves and their loved ones effectively. Through consistent, realistic, and engaging practice, the journey toward self-defense proficiency becomes an attainable and enriching endeavor for all enthusiasts.

Perceived Penalty For a Miss

A phrase that we often use in firearms training is the concept known as the “perceived penalty for a miss” (as in missed shot).  This idea of the perceived penalty for a missed shot can apply to any scenario in which you use a firearm, be it home defense, self-defense while out and about, or even while shooting targets at the range.  But for the context of this article, I will concentrate mainly on firearm use in home defense.

I am regularly on the lookout for news articles where firearms are used to save lives and protect property.  I recently came across an article about a man who shot a home invader, but then ended up accidentally shooting his wife as well.  This unfortunate incident clearly illustrates that in the course of defending our homes, not only are we responsible for the safety and protection of our families, but that we are also responsible for what happens as a result of our using deadly force as part of our home defense strategy.

Let me be perfectly clear about my own personal philosophy in this matter: Firearm ownership is an individual right that calls for individual responsibility.  I do not endorse in any way, shape, or form the legislating of every single aspect of firearm ownership.  Training, firearms storage, and safety are our individual responsibility as gun owners.  We already have thousands of laws governing firearms ownership – we don’t need any more.  They can’t even enforce the ones we have. 

We are individually responsible for taking it upon ourselves to maintain marksmanship proficiency with our firearms, and being able to simultaneously and quickly think past the front sight of that firearm when we choose to engage a threat.  In other words, we need to be able to quickly engage and stop a threat, as well as make sound decisions about that engagement based on risks and possible outcomes.  Once that bullet leaves the muzzle, it can’t be called back.  There will be consequences resulting from the defensive use of our firearm, and the final resting place of that bullet.

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Something that we emphasize in firearms training over and over, and that I also see very heavily emphasized in the advanced tactical training I have taken to keep up my own proficiency, is the idea that this concept of a penalty for a missed shot is very closely related to a fundamental firearms safety rule.  The rule basically instructs you to know your target, know what is between you and the target, and know what is beyond your target.  If you understand and apply that basic rule, you will better understand and apply good decisions based on the amount of perceived penalty in case you miss your target.

Firearms and self-defense expert Rob Pincus of I.C.E. Training mentions that the perceived penalty for a miss translates to how worried you are that you will miss, or what happens if you miss.  What happens if you miss can be a factor of where you are in relation to the threat, in relation to everything else.  Are there other people, either seen or unseen, that can be in jeopardy?  What is behind that threat?  Can you move so that if you shoot at the threat, you shoot towards a more solid backstop where there is less of a chance of over-penetrating into a soft wall and hurting unknown people behind that wall?  This is an example of how training is an important factor in helping with decision making and will be discussed in part 2 of this series.  But I wanted to give an example of the types of things that come into play when thinking of the perceived penalty for a miss.
 

As I mentioned above, there will be consequences (outcomes), positive and negative, resulting from the use of deadly force in protecting your home.  For all of the scenarios below, a violent criminal enters your home with the intent of doing you and your family harm.  You are armed and intend to exercise your natural and legal right to defend your home.  So let’s take a look at just a few of the possible outcomes.

Scenario 1:  You engage the threat, your bullets hit their intended mark, and the threat is stopped.  No other people are hurt or property damaged.  The police come to investigate.  You are found to be a victim of a home invasion who successfully and lawfully protected yourself and your loved ones.

Scenario 2:  You engage the threat; your bullets hit their intended mark, but over penetrated and went through a wall.  Or some of your bullets missed the bad guy altogether and went through an interior wall of your house.  Another family member or pet may or may not have been on the other side of that wall – you didn’t know that when you fired the shot.  You later find out that you also wounded a family member.  The police come to investigate.  You may or may not be charged with negligence, but you will forever be emotionally scarred knowing that you hurt someone you love.

Scenario 3:  You engage the threat; you panic and shoot wildly hoping to hit the bad guy.  Your shots miss and go through some interior walls and some outer walls of your house, go into a neighbor’s house, and wound a neighbor.  The police come to investigate.  You are found to have negligently discharged your firearm and are arrested to face possible charges.

There are many other possible scenarios, and I won’t presume to know or report them all here.  But the above illustrate just a few of the very real and possible outcomes.  Again, minimizing risk while protecting your family member’s lives is what it’s all about.  The ultimate goal is for your family to be safe, and NO lives put in jeopardy.  Of course, when the criminal invader chose to enter your home and commit a violent crime, he or she made the decision that they were willing to take the risks of injury or death in doing so.  That’s a risk mitigation that is out of your control.  But what IS in your control is the ability to decide whether or not to engage the threat with deadly force, and if so to hit your intended target by building marksmanship and proficiency, and making sure that you know your target, what is between you and the target, and knowing what is beyond your target.

Now that you have an overview of the concept behind the “perceived penalty for a miss” and the background behind the thought processes for reducing this risk, we will now discuss getting back to basics and remembering the fundamentals of firearms safety.  In particular, the rule of knowing your target plays a big part in minimizing the risk of causing harm to others in a defensive incident.  

SHAMELESS DISCLAIMER: The strategies and scenarios depicted in this article are not all encompassing.  There are many possible scenarios and strategies – I do not presume to know them all.  Your own situation and environment will certainly vary, so you have to use common sense and be able to think through your strategy for yourself.  In other words – everything you read here is based on opinion derived from my most diligent research possible, and my own ability to think critically. I am not responsible for other people’s inability to use common sense or sound decision making skills. I and NCFST are not responsible for the actions taken by the readers of this article series.

 So having said all that, here are some suggestions for reducing the risk that a missed shot may cause unintended harm.  You need to think these through for yourself, and apply them in a way that makes sense for your own unique situations.

 

Know and APPLY The Fundamentals of Firearm Safety:  Think about and constantly remember those basic rules you learned when you were first introduced to firearms.  Then, actually APPLY those rules every time you handle firearms.  Whether you are going to the range, carrying concealed while out and about, or just having a ready firearm to defend your home, you are responsible for applying these common sense rules.  In case you need a refresher, here they are again:

• Always assume that every gun is loaded
• Always keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction
• Always keep your finger OFF of the trigger until ready to shoot
• Always know your target, what is between you and the target, and what is beyond the target.

Know Your Home and What is Around Your Home:  Think about all the possible places where a home invader will enter and travel throughout the home, as well as what they might be looking for.  Think about where your family members will likely be in proximity to these places, and where you will be in the course of defending your home and stopping the attack.  Walk through your house and think about each of the walls – what is behind those walls?  Don’t forget floors and ceilings – what’s on the other side of those?  A basement, a bedroom, a bathroom, or other frequently inhabited area?  Think about those exterior walls.  What’s on the other side?  Are the houses in your neighborhood close together?  Do you live in a townhouse or apartment with a neighbor just on the other side of that wall?  What are the walls made of?

Know Your Plan of Action: What will you and your family do if you hear or suspect a break-in or the intrusion alarm goes off?  Can you all get to a safe room, or will family members be in areas scattered all throughout your home?  Can you all stay barricaded in one place until the police arrive, or will you be forced to go on a “room clearing mission” so that you can secure other family members?  “War Game” possible scenarios and think about how to get all of your family members to a safe room in case of an emergency.  If that’s just not possible, then think of where you would position yourself in any of your rooms in case you have to shoot.  Think of how you can reposition yourself in relation to the invader’s position in order to take a better and safer shot.  You need to be aware of your entire home and environment in order to minimize the risk of a bullet missing and going into an area where people may be.

Know Your Defensive Ammunition: Is the defensive ammunition that you use in your home defense strategy going to stop the threat, but also over-penetrate and go where you don’t want it to go?  Now is the time to think about other types of ammunition that are possibly better choices for home defense, such as frangible or “safety slug” ammunition.  Glaser Safety Slugs, for example, provide optimum penetration, yet fragment very quickly to prevent over penetration.  These rounds are a popular home defense round, and are available in many common handgun and rifle calibers.  Using a home defense shotgun with a shell containing non-lethal rubber balls as the first round, followed by rounds of bird shot or #4 buckshot is another popular choice.  You have to decide what types of ammunition and home defense firearms you are comfortable with.

Know and Constantly Improve Your Own Skills:  Being proficient is a huge responsibility, and perhaps the most important of all of these strategies.  Becoming highly proficient in firearms deployment for defensive uses may take a lot of your time, but the effort expended is beyond measure in its worth.  Do you regularly practice your marksmanship?  Do you regularly practice defensive skills such as drawing from a holster or shooting on the move?  When was the last time you took advanced formal training beyond just the basics?  Continuous training is extremely important.  Maybe participate in IDPA or defensive pistol matches on a regular basis.

Wrapping it All Up:

The penalty for a missed shot can be huge if you don’t prepare and you will never completely eliminate all risks.  The best you can do is to mitigate the risks to the extent possible, use due diligence in your preparation, and use some common sense in your actions.  Armed defense is an individual right, but with rights such as this come great individual responsibility.  Prepare, practice, and be sure to get back to those fundamentals from time to time.  Know and apply the basic safety rules of gun handling, know your environment, know your plan, and know your equipment.  Always strive to improve them.

Be sure to visit the NCFST blog where I have also posted this article series in its entirety.  You can also learn more about the use of firearms in home defense by visiting the new sister-site to the US Concealed Carry Association, the Home Defense Association of America. 

Be informed, be protected, and be safe!

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Getting Off The "X" - The Need For Tactical Training

I recently had the opportunity to go back for some excellent tactical training - low light pistol operator course at The Makhaira Group.  Excellent course - I highly recommend it.  So anyway - I’m not sure exactly what prompted the comment, but I recently mentioned to someone that I had just taken some formal tactical firearms training to refresh my own skills.  That prompted the comment: “Tactical training?!  Why in the world do you need tactical training?  You’re not a police officer or a member of the military special forces!”  That’s true.  I’m neither of those things.   And I’m pretty sure I won’t be gearing up to storm a hardened complex or rescue hostages any time soon.  But I am a “Sheepdog” - a concealed carry permit holder who loves his fellow citizens, and knows that I may very well be present someday in a crisis situation.  If I am present in such a situation (and the police are not), I want to make a difference and help preserve innocent life while waiting for the police to arrive.  Because of my commitment, I carry a concealed firearm for self-defense nearly always (except at work and when I’m in the shower).  I have made the commitment to protect my family, my neighborhood, and the members of my church.  That being said, I then also have an obligation to be proficient and have the ability to be as effective as possible if the opportunity for using my firearm in self-defense presents itself.  And to be honest, standing on a line in front of static paper bulls-eye targets in no way represents the types of situations encountered in real-world self-defense crisis situations.

The obligation: First, let me say this about the requirement for training: I do not believe it should be mandated by law.  The obligation to be proficient in firearms handling is a moral obligation, and each person needs to make the decision for themselves as to what level of training they think will give them the proficiency they need for their particular circumstances.  But if I am going to be a "Sheepdog" - one who is willing to be present in a crisis situation and I am armed, I then I feel that I have the duty to not be the cause of harm to others or myself.  If I freeze up, hesitate, or simply don’t know what to do, my chances of causing more harm are much greater.  This can lead to a whole variety of legal implications for me, or even more serious physical and emotional implications for all those present at the scene.  My goal then is to render aid to others, preserve life, protect the innocent, stop any imminent violence by the bad guys, and be an effective resource for the police who eventually arrive to investigate.  Again, I submit that performing proficiency training that involves standing on a line and shooting at static paper targets in no way prepares me to do any of the above.  But if I am engaged in a training regimen that teaches the concepts of moving, shooting, communicating, and making sound, decisions, my ability to be effective and prevent further harm greatly improves.  Tactical training provides just that environment, plus it provides a multitude of "stresses" that static target shooting does not provide.

"The sheep generally do not like the sheepdog. He looks a lot like the wolf. He has fangs and the capacity for violence. The difference, though, is that the sheepdog must not, can not and will not ever harm the sheep. Any sheep dog who intentionally harms the lowliest little lamb will be punished and removed. The world cannot work any other way, at least not in a representative democracy or a republic such as ours." - LTC Dave Grossman, "On Sheep, Wolves, and Sheepdogs"

Enter a piece of terminology we in the self-defense circles fondly refer to as “getting off the X.”  If someone is attacking you, and you stand there like a statue, you will get injured or worse - shot.  It’s as simple as that.  But if you move and make quick, decisive actions, your chances of winning the fight and avoiding injury are greatly increased.  And if you can get the bad guy to “stand on his X,” then you further increase your chances of winning and stopping the attack.  The “X” is the place that gives an adversary static predictability.  In that case the person on the X might just as well be a paper target – easy to hit, and sure to be injured.  Your goal is to stay off of your “X” and put the bad guy back on his.

(Example Tactical Training Course Activities)

So what is out there in the way of tactical training, and what does the term “tactical training” actually entail? Tactical firearms training, hand-to-hand (or “empty hand”) training, and sporting competitions all lend themselves well to this idea of tactical training to address immediate threats. The word “tactical” simply implies trying to make decisions to help meet an immediate or short term goal. The immediate goal in this case is that of stopping a bad series of gravely harmful events. Tactics nearly always involves movement, quick decisions, and having contingencies. Tactical training does not always mean donning forty-five pounds of web gear and playing Rambo. Receiving tactical training means training for a variety of events and environments, and with a variety of methods, skills, and tools.

Tactical Firearms Training: If you’re going to carry a gun for self-defense, you need to be able to deploy it beyond the paper targets at the pistol range. This can (and should) involve a variety of formal training environments where actual experts in this field of study are there to give you real-world insights. In Northern Colorado, we have one excellent resource at The Makhaira Group. Gunsite Academy (located in Arizona), Front Sight (located in Nevada), and Suarez International (various training venues) are all excellent examples of well-renowned and affordable firearms training venues to help you sharpen your tactical skills. The key here is formal training from experts in their field. Get a professional set of eyes (not your well-meaning buddy) on your techniques and use the guidance of a disinterested third party to improve your tactics through professional instruction, and honest criticism and opinion.

Hand-to-Hand Training: Often referred to as “open hand” training. You may not be able to draw your gun, you may not have your gun with you (shame on you!), or the firearm may just not even be the appropriate level of response. Tactics involves a variety of tools. Knowing how to stop an immediate threat through a variety of means, even your own body, is an important aspect of being willing to be that “Sheepdog” in a crisis situation. If you’re going to step up to help out in a crisis situation, you’re going to get hurt. That’s a fact. This type of training will not only help build skills to employ various empty handed defenses, but will help condition your body to be ready and will help make it “hurt” less. See your local health club, self-defense school, or other types of activities in your area. There are a variety of video courses that you can take, but the actual physical practice is irreplaceable.

Shooting Competition Activities: There are a wide variety of firearms recreational and sporting activities that lend themselves well to the idea of thinking on your feet and practicing tactical movements. IDPA, defensive pistol, and even steel challenge competitions fit right in with this category of training. Many shooting ranges even offer “combat leagues” and other dynamic events. Here in Northern Colorado, the Northern Colorado Rod and Gun Club hosts International Defensive Pistol (IDPA), Defensive Pistol, and Steel Challenge matches monthly. Participation is open to the public, and participation fees are minimal (usually $10 dollars). Not only are these events dynamic, but they are well attended, and you can meet many others who are trying to build up their skills and you can share ideas.

Professional Reading: You heard me right! I know reading doesn’t sound very “tactical.” Do some homework and find out what’s going on out in the real world. All those “armed citizen” reports and such are chock full of real-life examples where someone defended themselves successfully (or tragically not), and have some very detailed descriptions of what was done right, what was done wrong, and lessons learned for improvement. Learn from others. Monthly magazines from professionally written sources such as the US Concealed Carry Association (USCCA) and the National Rifle Association (NRA), for example, have sections devoted to reporting on these incidents and can provide valuable insight into what others went through. Those publications also have a plethora of well written articles that talk about holster and concealment techniques, equipment suggestions, and additional training ideas.

Regardless of how you choose to do it, you need to “get off the X” and make additional training an ongoing endeavor. Tactical skills tend to diminish rapidly as they are largely a matter of muscle memory and ingraining behavior so that it becomes second nature. To keep skills sharp, you need to continually practice and get training in updated techniques. Getting off of your X may mean being able to putting bad guy back on his X in a crisis situation. There are no points for second place in this game – you need to be in it to win it.