The above target represents the results of a drill that I shot yesterday.  It is a drill that a good friend of mine, who he is a retired federal law enforcement agent, certified federal L E firearms instructor developed.  This drill was designed to test an individual in a more realistic venue.  It's basically a drill to test the handgun skills and efficiency for those civilians who are looking to test and sharpen their proficiency in the use of a handgun.  It is a shame to say but there are totally too many folks out there that think that they are better than they really are.  I am not putting anyone down or scrutinizing anyone but that is a fact!                                       

The drill is called "THE JERSEY DEVIL"!

It should be done drawing from concealment.  I will admit that I did not use a cover garment, but my times were fast enough to compensate for not having one on.  Sorry I did not take any pics of my times so you will just have to believe me.  Below are the requirements for the way the drill is to be completed:

2 magazines 10 rounds in each

B 8 Bullseye Target

All hits in the black

Total possible points 200/160 to pass

1st String

3 yards, 3 rds 3 sec x2

2nd String

5 yards, 4 rds, 5 sec - emergency reload at slide lock

3rd String

7 yards 5 rds in 7 sec

4th String

10 yards, 5 rds in 10 sec

I really like this drill.  It doesn't consume to much ammo, 20 rds, it's done at realistic handgun combat distances and it's a timed drill which increases the stress factor.  

You should shoot this drill cold bore just like you would, if you had to utilize your gun in a Deadly Force Incident. 

My score was a 196 out of a possible 200.  I'll take it for the first time shooting it.  I shot it with a Glock Gen 3 19.  It's the gun in the second pic from my previous post.  I know that in that post I stated that I was no longer carrying that particular gun as my EDC but that doesn't mean that I no longer practice with it. 

Remember the THREE R'S that are effective for training. The drill has to be RELEVANT, REALISTIC and RECENT.

As I mentioned in my previous post, I stated that I have reconsidered what I am now going to be carrying everyday (EDC).  I know some of you will be criticizing me on what I feel is a personal choice and what works well for me.  That's OK!  But not important.  Now allow me to explain why I have gone in the direction that I have.

I went back to a basically stock Glock Gen 3 19.  It does have some basic upgrades but none that would break the bank if the gun was taken into custody as evidence in the event that I had to shoot it in a Self Defense situation.  I have changed the sights over to a set of Mepro Lite night sights, the stock trigger over to an Apex flat trigger and added a Magpule magazine well extention. 

This particular G 19 I have shot a lot and it has never failed to fire or jam not matter what ammunition I have fed it.  It has been a very reliable firearm.  The firing pin spring and the recoil spring assembly have recently been replaced with new ones and also replaced the firing pin, even though the old one was still in what appeared to be great shape.  

Ok so now, why the change?  The only way I can explain it is that I have been shooting for a very long time.  I have spent a lot of time and money on ammo, range memberships, books and videos and of course firearms in general, training courses, and by the way have been blessed and fortunate to have trained with and under some of the very best in the shooting community. 

I own a nice assortment of various models and action types of guns which includes a couple of double action revolvers, 22 LR S&W 617 6" barrel 6 rd cylinder and 357 magnum 4" barrel Ruger GP 100.  Also, I own various types of shotguns in different action types and of course a few semi auto carbines.  Probably would own more if it were not for the fact that I live behind  the enemy line, NJ. 

OK, but the meat and potatoes for this post has to do with my choice of handguns that I carry for everyday self-defense. I am what I guess most people would call a staunch Glock disciple.  I own quite a few mostly in 9mm, buy also have a couple in 40 S&W, 357 sig, and 22LR conversion uppers in all the 9mm/40 platforms, all of which are Advantage Arms.  

I have been shooting and carrying Glock handguns for almost 30 years now.  I carried a Glock chambered in both the 357 sig and 9mm flavors when I was an active Deputy Conservation Officer for the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife and we trained and shot a lot.  Our standard for firearms training was a lot higher than what the New Jersey standard was for all of the other Law Enforcement agencies in the state.  Our Lead FI and agency training administrator, Capt. Mike Boyle did not shortcut any of our training venues, especially firearms.  Capt. Boyle is a very well known and respected firearms instructor/trainer across the country!

So now, here is the scoop!  I generally do not have any trouble hitting center mass on an FBI Q target out to 25 yards and beyond with good iron type sights.  Yes, and I will have to admit that with a red dot optic, the group will get tighter especially with my 76 year old eyes.  Hitting targets out past 10 - 15 yards max is not the reason I carry.  My sole purpose of having that gun on my person is for the protection of my family and me.  I've always considered myself to have a very good 6th sense and a great sense of situational awareness.  Based on what I just stated, I would hope that this would give me an advantage in a not too good situation.  

The gun is just a tool and hopefully the last resort in a deadly force encounter.  That thing between your ears is your first line of defense.  

The two most important things in any type of encounter are AWARNESS & WILLINGNESS.  That is not developed at the time of the event, it is something that has to be developed and is a way of life.  

Away remember the 3 P's Preparation, Practice = PERFORMACE!

My updated EDC Glock Gen 3, 19Fobus paddle holster, spare mag and pouch, Sure Fire Stellito flash light ( optional depending time of day or where I am going ), Seiko watch, and Emerson CQC 7 Tanton blade.

What I was carrying.  Glock Gen 3 19 with a custom Zev 19 carry slide, Holosun 507 C red dot, Lone Wolf fluted recess barrel, LazerMax internal recoil spring assembly, and all the same accessories as the above pic.

 75 rds from 5 to 15 yd 4" impact zone Iron sights

    

50 rds from 5 to 10 yds 4" impact zone iron sights, 

The purpose of including the pics of the targets is to enforce and stress the fact that no matter what you carry you have to be able to hit the target effectively at moderate distances.  

  I will elaborate more on this post in my next post.  For now STAY SAFE!        

+

 Joined a new outdoor range two weeks ago, but thanks to mother nature have only had one opportunity to use it.  The range is only 3.5 miles from my house so I will probably be using it a couple of times a week.  Just got a fresh supply of reloading components in so I should be able to keep my ammo supplies sufficient.  

As you can see from the attached pics the road conditions are less than desirable.  Shouldn't have a problem getting to and from the range, having both a Subaru 2025 OBW and a 2004 Jeep Wrangler.  It's just so dame cold out there.  It's going down to the low single digits tonight and the winds are brutal.  Considering all the variables not the best conditions to get in some serious range time.  

On my next visit I will take some pics and post them.  For now, Stay warm, and STAY SAFE! 

My next post will have to do with updated EDC options!