Fast Pace Shooting with a Snub or Pocket Pistol
Introduction: Given enough time, most of us can shoot our preferred carry piece with a fair degree of precision. But can we do it at speed? Unlike the practice range, a real life encounter would require you to put decisive hits on an assailant in the shortest possible time frame. While the results of gunfire are unpredictable, the best results will likely be achieved with one or more hits in the high chest. Contrary to some widely held opinions, small handguns can certainly deliver some very positive results, even at extended distance. The weak link remains the shooter. In this drill, the shooter will be firing at “game speed” from typical combat distance back to 20 yards. Can you make decisive hits beyond room distance? Assuming an active shooter scenario, how long are those aisles in your grocery store? This drill will become far more challenging as distance increases.
Objective: This drill was designed to help the shooter better assess accuracy potential when shooting at speed as distance increases.
Target: Any silhouette with a high value scoring area (IPSC, IDPA etc.) may be utilized. High value areas can be created with small paper plates, overlays or B-8 centers.
Distance: 3 -20 yards
Rounds Needed: 40
Also Needed: shot timer or an assistant with a stop watch
Begin Exercise: All shooting will be done from the ready position with the muzzle depressed and finger off the trigger. Reload as necessary.
Phase One @ 3 yards- a) 2 shots in 3 seconds b) 3 shots in 3 seconds c) 4 shots in 3 seconds d) 5 shots in 3 seconds
Phase Two @ 7 yards- a) 2 shots in 3 seconds b) 3 shots in 3 seconds c) 4 shots in 3 seconds
Phase Three @ 10 yards- a) 2 shots in 3 seconds b) 3 shots in 3 seconds
Phase Four @ 15 yards- a) 1 shot in 3 seconds b) 2 shots in 4 seconds c) 3 shots in 5 seconds
Phase Five @ 20 yards- a) 1 shot in 3 seconds b) 2 shots in 4 seconds c) 3 shots in 6 seconds
Scoring: This drill is for self-assessment. With a snub or a pocket pistol it is not easy, particularly at the longer distances. Hits should be marked after each phase. At the closer distances (3-7 yards) an expectation of 95% quality hits within the par time frames is not unreasonable. A hit will be deducted from your total number for any shots taken over the par time. Only hits in the high value area count! But how are we doing at longer distance? Has our hit rate gone up on the rocks? Remember, only high value hits count. Are you satisfied with 80 %? How about a 50 % hit rate? Most armed confrontations unfold inside of conversational distance but you may be the exception to the rule. With a commitment to training, reasonably fast hits at extended distance are well within the realm of possibility. Twenty yards is the distance between the pitcher’s mound and home plate. Suck it up and practice. Train hard, win easy!
*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.
