Skill Set: Consistent and Efficient

Skill Set:  Consistent and Efficient

A few days ago I had a student return to Shootrite for additional handgun training. It had been a few years since he had been here, and in the meantime he had received training from a couple of other sources. “I need work on drawing and shooting,” he replied when asked what he wanted to concentrate on. We hit the range, and after watching his drawstroke it became clear we needed to focus on efficiency and consistency – which is almost always the case.

The first problem was with his stance. When drawing the pistol he had to muscle the sights on target, as opposed to his body being in a position that allowed the pistol naturally come up on target “naturally,” without having to use muscle tension to get the sight picture. The stance and body are the platform that actually aims the pistol; we use the sights to confirm we’re on the exact spot needed before pressing the trigger.
Your stance is the foundation for everything that occurs above the feet and legs. Ideally you want to establish a “natural point of aim.” This is a position that relies more on bone support as opposed to muscle tension. Obviously there is muscle tension involved, but just like with long guns the less “muscle” involved the more consistent your position will be. Consistency is the path to creating the same results, over and over again. You look at the exact place on the target you want the bullet to go and draw the pistol. With the proper stance – and of course arm position and grip – all that’s left to do is visually confirm the sight picture and press off the hit. Consistency produces the predictable results.
His draw or presentation also needed refining. It was effective, but not efficient. During training and practice he had ended up incorporated separate steps from different draw styles into one presentation. Each step of the draw – regardless of the technique used - is designed to flow from one step to another in a fluid action. It should flow from one step to the next. Mixing or blending steps together from one or more presentation techniques isn’t going to be efficient.
Effective produces the desired results, but maybe not in a timely fashion. Efficient – a well-organized sequence - is always effective, and accomplishes the task in the shortest amount of time possible without waste. In most confrontations time is precious. It’s in short supply, and there’s none to waste. Your goal is for every action to be efficient. This means using the proper technique every time – consistency – that completes the task without waste – efficiency.
Can you deviate from consistency? Yes. For example, you normally shoot using both hands. But in the event of an injury to one hand/arm or the other then you’ll need to deviate, using a different technique to achieve the same results. To do this efficiently you’ll need to practice the “modified” technique in advance. Remember, it’s difficult if not impossible to acquire new skills in the middle of the fight.
Consistency and efficiency apply to every aspect of defense. Examples of consistency are regularly carrying the same type weapon and positioning your gear in a uniform manner. You may have to experiment some to discover what “efficient” is, according to the equipment used and your anticipated application. Once you discover consistent and efficient, then it’s time to practice in order to improve. Study this well.
Tiger McKee is director of Shootrite Firearms Academy

Skill Set: Art or Tool

Skill Set: Art or Tool

As a nation as lot of us have a strong attachment to our firearms.  They are mechanical marvels.  In the beginning firearms were produced one at a time; it took a talented craftsman to build a firearm.  Mass production of firearms started the industrial revolution.  Sam Colt - not Henry Ford – was the first to apply the principles of mass manufacturing to firearms. 

Today we live in the golden age of the firearm; the options for quality, reliable firearms are almost endless.  We like to show off our newest acquisitions.  But ultimately, the majority of firearms are tools, not works of art.  It’s important to remember that a firearm is a tool.  Tools are to be used - not pampered.
A big part of a “first” firearms class is learning how to manipulate the weapon.  This includes empty reloads.  The pistol or rifle runs empty.  Old mag out, new mag in and you chamber a fresh round.  The “old” magazine, which is empty, is dumped on the ground.  Unless you’re in the military, where you won’t be re-supplied with fresh mags, that empty magazine has no use.  Retaining an empty mag takes time; getting the weapon loaded is more important. 
A lot of students have never let their empty mag hit the ground.  “But won’t it get scratched?” they ask.  The thought of scratching or adding blemishes to their equipment never crossed their mind.  The same is true when we have them ground their weapons on the deck.  They gently set them down, face grimacing as the gravel makes contact with the weapon.
Taking care of your firearms is essential.  You take them apart for cleaning, inspecting the various parts for wear or breakage.  Lubrication ensures proper functioning, and prevents rust from developing.  But don’t be worried about what the outside look like.  In fact, if you actually use it, there’s going to be some cosmetic damage.  For example, just during barricade and cover training/practice you’re going to bang and nick up your weapon.  Like any well-used tool they are going to get some “character.”
Just carrying in a holster is going to wear the finish.  When you dry practice your draw, scan and holster – which I know everyone does faithfully – more wear.  One way to manipulate your weapon during injury drills is to use objects in the environment to cycle or rack the charging handle or slide.  This is definitely going to “leave a mark.” 
I teach a “Two-gun” class, where students work with two pistols.  When one runs empty they perform a “New York reload,” dropping the empty weapon on the ground while drawing a loaded pistol.  All of these skills have to be practiced, just like every other fighting technique.  As you learn how to use your firearm it’s going to get wear marks.
A work of art is something that is to be admired and cherished.  Art is beautiful, and stirs the emotions.  A tool is used to perform a task; you don’t set it on a shelf for all to gaze upon.  Like I tell everyone, “It ain’t gotta be pretty, it just has to work.”  Plus, even though your weapon may be worn, other shooters will admire it.
Tiger McKee is director of Shootrite Firearms Academy