The Bat Masterson Shoot Off*
Man on Man Competition with a Self-Loading pistol
Objective: To prevail, the shooter must demonstrate the ability to deliver accurate fire and clear stoppages in a mildly stressful scenario.
Targets: Five reactive targets per shooter set up in an identical configuration will be utilized. Targets can be falling plates, pepper poppers, clay birds or any sort of target that reacts when hit.
Distance: Targets should be set at various distances in mirror image arrays. At least one target should be set beyond conversational distance (15 yards or so) to increase the degree of difficulty. If you are using steel, make sure you have adequate distance for safety and eye protection is a must.
Ammunition Required: 6 live rounds, 4 dummy rounds
Begin Exercise: A pistol with at least a 10 round capacity must be utilized. Two shooters will be paired off facing an identical array of targets. Each shooter will load his/her competitor’s magazine in the following manner. Six live rounds will be inserted along with four inert dummy rounds. The dummy rounds may not be the last one in or the first one out. Exchange magazines, load, charge and return your pistol to the holster.
On the signal, draw and engage all the targets in your array. Clear stoppages as necessary. The first one to knock down/hit all 5 targets will be declared the winner. If all ammunition is expended before the targets have been successfully engaged, the shooter who shot down the most targets will be declared the winner. If there is a tie in the number of targets engaged, the shooter who finished first will be declared the winner.
Variations: You are only limited by your imagination! For example, if you have falling plate rack, paint 3 targets and and 3 blue. Put two free standing pepper poppers set to either side. You could also use 5 clay pigeons secured by a clip for each shooter. This is simulated gun fighting.
Don’t make it too 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.
