I am a huge proponent of shooting competition, either IDPA or USPSA. They are both games, so I don’t get too hung up on which one is better as the primary benefit of shooting competition is getting to perform while under some induced pressure. Personally, I shoot IDPA as I find I can be more... Continue Reading →
Single-Hand Versus Two-Handed Draw and Shooting
Much ado is made about how important single-hand shooting is, and many articles and instructors urge concealed carriers to practice more with only the single hand on the gun. The need to practice single-hand shooting should be self-evident; there are many reasons why you may need to employ the gun with only one hand. However,... Continue Reading →
Handgun Skills: Why I Don’t Practice One-Shot Draws
Much ado is made about draw-to-first-shot speed in the shooting world. This is, indeed, an important skill, but I don’t practice draw-to-first-shot drills at all. I do practice draw to two shots, or draw to three shots, or five shots, etc…, but I don’t practice draw to a single shot. Rather, I practice draw-to-shooting. Why?... Continue Reading →
Self-Defense Training: Fantasy Band Camp versus Useful Endeavor
When it comes to self-defense training, there are many gimmicks out there, a lot of idiots with naive followers, and, of course, a lot of excellent teachers and thought leaders as well. Sifting through the entire mashup can be the foremost challenge for many just getting into preparedness and self-defense. However, even for those who... Continue Reading →
Shooting the Handgun is a Very Perishable Skill
This past week I finally made it back to the range after two months of no shooting. I usually don’t shoot at all in January as I am often traveling that time of year, but this year it has been a bit longer than usual due to some unexpected demands that have come up. In... Continue Reading →
Shooting the 5X5 Test with Real Carry Gear
IDPA seems to switch up their rules and scoring systems every year. Quite frankly, I don’t even worry about it, I just shoot the occasional match and have fun. Of late, they have implemented a 25 round course of fire as an optional qualifier match. The current standard qualifier is 70 rounds, the old one... Continue Reading →
Appearance on Modern Combat and Survival Podcast: Shooting on the Move
If interested, check out this discussion with Modern Combat and Survival on shooting on the move. We delve into some of the misunderstandings regarding this skill as it is being taught in most defensive shooting courses and how it applies to real-world self-defense. Click to Listen
Shooting Stance: It’s Not That Complicated
Proper stance is an important element of shooting but to be honest it is way over hyped and over-analyzed. This I can tell you in general: the modern isosceles stance is what the vast majority of good shooters use currently. The Weaver stance and those variations are limited in their mobility. If you currently use... Continue Reading →
Handgun Skills: Trigger Press
The manipulation of the trigger is really the core element of good shooting. Many presume it is sight alignment and sight picture. I find when I teach brand new shooters that imparting the concept of aligning the sights is relatively straight forward. Most people can put that together quite quickly. The majority of shooting issues... Continue Reading →
Tom Brady and Bob Vogel: A Perfect Example of Backwards Priorities
Now, before I proceed, a disclaimer: I like football and I like Tom Brady. I have nothing against either. With that said…. In 1457 James II of Scotland banned the sport of golf because it was taking away time and effort from the practice of archery. James considered such fascination with a worthless game a... Continue Reading →