Train All Day. Too Tired To Party All Night.

Early morning day two at the range.

This past weekend John and I traveled to Orange County to participate in the NRA’s Personal Protection Outside of the Home course.  In OC they are passing permits out like candy, unlike SB County.  This course satisfies the training requirement for a CCW permit.  Needless to say, it doesn't do us a lot of good to take the class and not receive the “reward” or the permit.  However, more training is just that.

Big city range. We were shooting in the bay on the far end.

 The two day course (max 16 hours) was incredibly valuable.  I have trained with TJ Johnston previously, but John had not.  This was his first class with TJ and his first formal training opportunity (after our basics class last year).  As he said in the “was the course what you expected” portion of the class, all I told him was that it would be challenging and you would have to work for it.  All true.  Even in my case, having a good idea of what was to come, I had to work for it.

John working on the low light drill before lights out.

We learned numerous skills including drawing from concealment, retention shooting, point and shoot, shooting from different positions (turning completely around, turning from right and left, kneeling), barricades (tall and short), some prone shooting, movement, low retention, and low light shooting.   The course reinforced much of what I have already been trained to do with some modifications or application.  Each additional skill was challenging.  A huge benefit prior to this training was completing the CCLSC Advanced 2 course.  This was a huge help that solidified my skills.  The new skill I learned was low light training.  It should be clarified that “low light” in this instance, was really pitch black with flashing lights, gunfire and complete disorientation.  The random on/off lights did provide a flash sight picture when shooting, since you were able to see a ghost image of your target.  This was not a comfortable feeling.  What I did realize is, with a little practice, you can hit a small target with the flash of your torch at 5 yards, one handed.  Difficult, not impossible.

Overall what did I come away with?  Let’s make a list.

Safety is always first.  It can’t be said more often, that safety is crucial.  Know where your muzzle is pointing.  I have had my own unaware moments that I hope to never repeat.  It was the resulting shame and ridicule along with a few choice curses that remind me to stay aware of the safe direction.  The problem is when you deny that you aren't being safe.  Another student in the course was completely unaware and unable to acknowledge that he was flagging the class, safety officers and instructor.

Taking care of business requires focus and training.  Your mental state in a high stress situation is essential to your success.  And how do you maintain a clear and level head?  The will to fight and more training.  Then more training.  Follow up with perfect practice.  The muscle memory you acquire through practice is a critical part to achieving success.

 Know your weapon.  If you are unable to manage your weapon, its malfunctions and fix them fast you will get into trouble in a gunfight.  I had a few instances of my own weapon running dry and twice a failure to return to battery.  It is critical to be able to fix these problems fast and under stress.   You won’t always have the luxury of a New York reload.  The range safety officer on our side of the firing line commented to John that I am incredibly fast at recovering my weapon and still getting a shot off.  On the opposite end of the spectrum, another shooter hadn't seated his magazine completely and when he drew his weapon it fell out on the ground.  He didn't notice the situation and was pulling the trigger, not knowing why his handgun wasn't firing.  He looked around not knowing what was wrong or what to do.  This will get you injured and at the worst, killed.

*NOTE: The failure to return to battery didn't occur again after I cleaned it back at the hotel.

Strengths and Weaknesses.  I had a good idea of what my strengths and weaknesses were prior to this weekend.  I’ll name a few weaknesses first.  Shooting from retention, remembering to scan the area for additional threats, and acquiring a clear sight picture.  Frankly I suck at shooting from retention.  If you’re up in my business, you can’t help but hit the target.  However, move that target 3, 5, or 7 yards out and it is a different story.  Shots are wide, off target and just all over the place. The issue was identified as not having my handgun parallel to the ground.  It will take practice for me to shoot accurately at those distances from retention.  Remembering to scan the area will just need to be a conscious effort to remind myself.  Getting on target quickly and accurately.  Again more practice is needed to get this one down.

My strengths included barriers and moving while shooting.  What I didn't realize was I am very good at shooting while moving and from behind barriers.  No missed shots on either during training and I received compliments for my success.  It is a good feeling when you’re doing it right.  I didn't have experience with shooting in low light as I mentioned previously.  We had three options to choose from.  FBI was a big no, completely useless for me.  I can see the application, but terrible shots.  I couldn't get my light on target to see anything worth shooting at.  I've said before, targets don’t lie and only hits count.  The Harry’s position and neck index were way better; I hit the black (in the black) during my first mag on each.

More training, more practice.  Training and practice are essential to ensuring that your lowest level of mastery is high.  In turn, the expectation of your success is will also be high.  When it’s your life, don’t you owe it to yourself to do all you can to prepare yourself to succeed?

So what’s next?  More training and more practice.  I do have a short list of what I need to work on.  In my opinion when you finish a course, it is a waste of time if you don’t have something to work on afterwards.  After the start of the New Year, I plan to certify as an instructor in PP Outside the Home as well as Shotgun and Rifle Instructor courses.  I would highly recommend this course for anyone who already has mastered the fundamentals, shoots consistently on target, and has the basics of drawing from a holster.  It is a challenging course and worth your time and money.