Objective: In a fast paced scenario, the shooter must apply the principles of practical marksmanship, efficiently reload and use cover.
Ammunition Requirement: 12 rounds
Targets: Paper or cardboard silhouettes with a realistic size high value scoring area (examples, IPSC/IDPA). You can create your own high value targets on any silhouette with small paper plates or overlays. T1@ 7 yards, T2@ 5 yards and T3@ 6 yards. Separation between targets is 1 yard.
Range Prop: High Cover
Begin Exercise: The shooter will load 5 rounds, index the cylinder and holster. Two additional reloads will be available. The first will be a full reload, the second may be a partial or full reload. On signal draw and fire 2 rounds to T2 and 3 rounds to T3. Move 3 steps left behind high cover and RELOAD. Fire 1 shot to T2 and 4 shots to T1. The shooter must change position firing from cover before engaging the next target! RELOAD and fire 1 head shot to T2 and 1 head shot to T3.
Scoring: Duck of Death= 20 seconds or less, Master Blaster= 25 seconds or less Satisfactory Performance= 30 seconds or less. A 1 second penalty will be awarded for each hit on the target but outside the high value area. Missed head shot= No-Go
Layout: T1@7 yards T3@ 6 yards
T2@ 5 yards
Shoot Box A—— Hi Cover
Notes: Is this realistic? Perhaps not, but it remains a good test of reloading skills. With armed citizens the absolute need to reload is extremely rare. However, some recent footage taken from security video suggests that there is a high likelihood of more than one participant in armed robberies that unfold in liquor stores, bodegas, gas stations etc. You may be the anomaly. Even if the situation plays out with just a few rounds fired, you want to return your handgun to full compliment as soon as it safe to do so. Remember, the bad guy sets the stage and you will not be given any handicap points if you brought a low capacity handgun. Use the gear you actually carry (speedloader, 2X2x2 pouch, strips, dump pouch, moon clips) your spare ammunition in. Prepare for the worst, hope for the best.
Mike Boyle is a retired law enforcement officer and has been active in use of force instruction for over 40 years. He has been a police academy assistant director, instructor, Rangemaster and is the author of 2 books, 3 training videos and hundreds of magazine articles on firearms, training and tactics. Mike served 21 years on the Board of Directors of the International Association of Law Enforcement Firearms Instructors. Mr. Boyle can provide instruction on various firearms disciplines including handgun, shotgun and low light threat management. He can be reached at mboyle308@gmail.com.
