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Skill Set: Handgun Use, Then and Now

Skill Set: Handgun Use, Then and Now

I have a large collection of books on the use of firearms. The other day I started counting, but stopped at 400 – not including books about psychology and such which are related to the use of firearms and teaching, but not specifically so. The oldest work I have is “The Pistol As A Weapon Of Defence In The House And On The Road,” published in 1875. The author is unknown, and I haven’t been able to find out any history on it; Jeff Cooper – who we all know – wrote the forward to the copy I have which was published in 2004 by Paladin Press.

This work was written when handguns were still evolving. Colt had just introduced their Single Action Army – the “Peacemaker” – and the Model 3 was Smith & Wesson’s latest offering. The double action revolver was still several years down the road. However, handguns were becoming extremely popular, yet the author reports that they were still seen as “… either a toy or as the weapon of the desperado.” This work attempts to correct that attitude and focuses on personal use of the pistol for self-defense. In the preface he quotes Henry Ward Beecher – a preacher, social reformer and popular speaker of the time: “No man is fit to keep house who is not fit to defend it.”

The writer begins the first chapter by explaining how “… the pistol is undoubtedly the best weapon ever invented…” for self-defense. Today, with the advances in design and the semi-auto pistol this is truer than ever. Yes, revolvers are great weapons, but only in the hands of experienced shooters. The semi auto is much easier to learn how to shoot accurately and to manipulate efficiently.

He also explains how nobody should carry a firearm unless “… he is perfectly assured of his power of self-control, and his ability to use the weapon without incurring the danger of injuring friends and innocent persons.” The same is true today. If you’re going to have a firearm for self-defense use – or any other application – you should attend training to learn how to use it safely and efficiently.

In other chapters the author discusses handgun selection, choice of ammunition, various carry methods and firearms safety. Although choices back then were limited the writer’s advice still applies for the handgun shopper of today. You have to consider all possibilities prior to choosing the weapon you need for defense of life. It’s interesting to note that even at that time the writer states, “… the muzzle shall never be pointed at any living thing whose life you do not intend to take.”

Pistols and related gear have changed a lot since 1875. Yet, this work on self-defense is still relevant. Over time the tools we use change, becoming more efficient. However, the thought process and tactics used for defending against a violent attacker are pretty much the same as they always have been. There are a lot of great works out there that may seem dated but still have application today. Turns out things haven’t changed that much.

Tiger McKee is director of Shootrite Firearms Academy

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

Skill Set: Moving

In most confrontations your response needs to include movement.  Lateral movement - a quick step left or right –– forces the threat to start reacting to you.  You move to the rear, to creating distance, or change directions to get to cover.  After the initial lateral movement you need to keep moving.  The key is quickly determining where to move next.  Movement is important, but moving without a clear idea of where to go, and why, is wasted time.

Moving in a ready position creates stability.  You can change directions as needed, and you're ready to engage a threat immediately.

A quick step to the side, lateral movement, forces the threat to react to you.  This movement resets the threat’s OODA Loop.  The threat is trying to hit, cut or shoot you – you’re moving off the “X.”  This movement buys you a little bit of time to determine what you need to do next and where you should be moving.
Your initial action – lateral movement - is immediately followed up by more action.  The goal is to keep forcing the threat to reset his Loop, never letting him get to the “Act” phase.  After the lateral step you’re moving to create distance; the more distance the less your chances of being hit, cut or shot.
If there are bystanders or family between you and the threat, you move to obtain a clear angle of fire, the ability to engage without risk of injuring others.  You move to escape; the goal in most defensive situations is to break contact as soon as possible.  You’re moving to cover and the protection it provides.  The decision on what direction to move must be made quickly.
Observing the people around you lets you spot a potential problem before it turns into trouble.  You see something you don’t like, and move to avoid and escape.  While watching people you’re also noting escape routes, areas you could easily defend and objects that provide protection – cover.  Should something happen your response time is quicker because you already have a good idea of where you need to go.

Once you determine where to go, try to decide what fighting position you'll need once you get there.

At the same time you’re determining what fighting position you may need for that location.  Whenever possible stay upright, remaining standing so you have mobility.  However, the cover may require a kneeling position.  You get lower to get behind the cover.  Knowing what position is needed before arriving at that location makes you more efficient, plus it’s one less thing you have to think about while moving.
You can move fast, in natural running mode.  Or, you move tactically.  Tactical movement is a slower shuffle type movement that maintains a fighting stance; everything from the hips and up is “ready.”  You’re moving in a low ready position.  The pistol is extended in front, muzzle down, indexed on the direction of movement or where you think the danger may come from.  With a long gun muzzle is down and the stock in the shoulder. Should a threat appear you’re ready to engage immediately, without delay, and this technique allow you to change directions as needed.
In a sudden, violent confrontation time is a precious commodity.  Decisions must be made immediately – remember, problem solving at high speed.  The more decisions you can make in advance - like what direction to move and which position you’ll need - the more efficient your response.
Tiger McKee is director of Shootrite Firearms Academy

Mindset....Tiger McKee

Skill Set: A Confident Mindset

Your “mindset” determines how you perform under stress.  This is especially true of personal combat, an extremely dangerous situation.  The weapon won’t matter much. Yes, if you carry a weapon it’s necessary to learn how to use it safely and efficiently to defeat the threat.  But, ultimately victory relies on mindset.  Confidence, the foundation for victory, is created way before the fight starts.

Desire to become responsible drives you to training.  Training and research educate you as to the “how, when and why” of self-defense.  “Why” is most important.  Desire motivates you to practice.  Repetition – practice – is when the real learning occurs.
Through practice you improve, but also identify weaknesses.  Understanding what you can do is important; knowing what not to do is equally if not more important.  You discover the braced kneeling position isn’t stable for you.  Now you know not to use it, and what to use in its place.  Eventually you reach the point you can solve the problem efficiently using “your” skills, as opposed to mimicking someone else.  Confidence – a mental attribute – can only be obtained by understanding your limitations.
You attend Force-On-Force training, using “real” weapons against living, breathing and thinking threats.  This tests your skills.  You figure out what skills need additional practice.  FOF also acclimates you to the stress associated with fighting off an attacker.
Now you’re developing true confidence, which isn’t based on things going perfectly.  This is critical, because your self-image and performance are always equal. When doubt is present your performance suffers.  Sometimes people express uncertainty about their abilities because their performance is never “Perfect” – and yes that’s with a capital “P.”
You will never be Perfect – capital or small “P” - on the range nor in a fight.  In fact, the quest for “Perfect” destroys progress.  People get caught up in their mistakes, become frustrated and stop practicing.  They’ll keep training, attending classes because it’s fun, only lasts a few days and doesn’t require dedication.  But progress - which relies on practice - comes to a screeching halt.  Mentally you must be dedicated and disciplined, focused on progress instead of perfect.  Progress produces confidence.  Knowing you can effectively respond to an attack allows you to stop the threat.
Faith is another important component.  Having faith in your skills and abilities is important, but it’s nothing compared to the confidence created through a solid religious foundation.  I have faith that I will win.  I don’t have to fret over the outcome of the battle.  If it is my Lord’s will that I should personally be defeated then I am assured it’s still a victory - towards a greater glory.  I cannot lose.  Faith creates confidence.
I have all my students write this down: I will win the fight.  Then they sign and date it making it official.  The only acceptable outcome is victory.  No matter what happens – the unexpected occurs constantly in a fight – you must win.  Victory is only achieved by cultivating a confident, “winning” mindset.  This is done before danger arrives.
Tiger McKee is director of Shootrite Firearms Academy

Skill Set: Performance – Three Elements....Tiger McKee

Skill Set: Performance – Three Elements

Performance in the “tactical” arena is based on three elements – hardware, physical ability and the mental aspects.  You need the right gear.  Having a certain amount of physical stamina is important.  Of the three elements the mental part is the most important.  The right mental approach ensures you’ll have the hardware and physical covered.  Mental repetition is necessary to learn the skills necessary, and developing the proper mindset prepares you for the fight.
Hardware is gear, all of it.  You must have a reliable weapon that fits your body size and the intended application.  For example a long barrel, heavy .44 magnum revolver is not for concealed carry.  After choosing a weapon you collect the gear you need.  Everything – belt, holster, magazines and pouches, flashlight, ammunition or anything else – is just as important as your choice of weapon.  Consider your options well.  Some holsters work great for carrying the pistol.  But, they may not have the shape and strength necessary to use for hooking the rear sight of the semi-auto on in order to cycle the slide during injury drills.  Choose your gear wisely, then test and evaluate to ensure it does everything you need.
That said, don’t get too caught up in the “hardware” game.  A lot of shooters are constantly trading, buying or swapping weapons while what they already have does the job well.  It’s hard to learn how to shoot accurately and manipulate the weapon properly when bouncing between a single action with a thumb safety, a double/single action with a decocker and then a striker-fired weapon without either.  Get something good, reliable that fits your hands and learn how to operate it really well.
The physical part gives people trouble.  This is about much more than just going to the range and firing off a few rounds at a target.  You’ll need to be physically able to put in time for training and practice.  If you’re not in decent shape it’s going to be difficult to participate in these actions, especially tactics like moving, using cover and shooting.  Moving with stability, especially over long distances, requires muscle control – it’s physically demanding.  Using cover requires body strength – you may need to get into and out of a kneeling position or lean out from behind cover to engage the threat, exposing the least amount of your body necessary.  The better shape you’re in physically the less the stress of being in a life-threatening situation is going to affect you.  The physical also affects the mental; the more tense the body gets the more stressed the mind becomes, which in turn makes you tense up more physically.  It’s a big circular thing going on.  Make sure you’re physically up to the task, plus this is just a good “healthy” choice.
The mental part is the most critical, and heavily influences the hardware and physical components.  As mentioned, having the right mindset keeps you on track with hardware.  The right frame of mind motivates you to exercise, creating a healthy and strong body.  To learn the skills needed to respond to danger you’ll need the right mental approach.   Ultimately, responding to danger is problem solving, usually at high speed.  You’re mind has to be “right” in order to do this.  So, stay tuned, next week we’ll explore the mental side of preparing and responding.
Tiger McKee is director of Shootrite Firearms Academy