2.5 day tactical pistol handbook

8/13/2019 2.5 Day Tactical Pistol Handbook

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SONORAN RANGERS

2.5 Day Tactical Pistol Clinic

PARTICIPANT HANDBOOK


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As a pre-requisite, please thoroughly read through this handbook before attending thisclinic. All of the workflow processes, safety and emergency procedures, topicsdiscussed, and techniques demonstrated will be based on the assumption that you haveread through this handbook. It is also strongly suggested that you get a copy and readthe following short (80 pgs) but important book before this event:

Principles of Personal Defense; Jeff Cooper; Paladin Press; Revised edition (1/1/06)

Many commercial classes covering topics taught at this event charge tuition feesaveraging $400-$700. As a way to expose this much needed training to folksregardless of economical situations, all fees have been waived. This, however, doesnot mean that the value or curriculum in what will be presented has been reduced ormodified. As a matter of fact, there is much overhead, both in money and time, to hostan event of this magnitude and we had to set a limit on the maximum number ofparticipants. Any small donation you wish to contribute will go towards the cost of eventitems such as targets, target systems, administrative supplies, medical supplies, toilet

paper, etc.

We hope you enjoy this training clinic and if you find that you would like to attend morefuture training events, please let us know. Our instructors host commercial trainingclasses on a regular bases and would love to help you achieve your shooting andpersonal protection goals.

Lastly, everyone is invited to camp out at the range for this event if they so desire.Many of the clinic volunteers plan to camp over due to the hours involved and lookforward to the camaraderie. Please check on weather forecasts and use commonsense on gear selection if staying overnight. Note, camping licenses are not necessary,but there are no facilities or running or potable water (this is an undeveloped site).

Have fun and good training!

- The Sonoran Rangers

P.S. Reminder, please do not forget to RSVP as there is a limited number of trainingslots available!


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Safety Disclosure and Waiver of Liability Agreement

As an active participant or observer in a firearms training event, you acknowledge the risks anddangers that exist in the use of any and all firearms and/or defensive tactics and techniques, yourparticipation in such and assume the risk(s) which could result in physical and/or emotional injury,paralysis, death, or damage to yourself, to property, or to third-parties. You understand that such

risks simply cannot be eliminated without jeopardizing the essential qualities of this activity. The risksinclude, but are not limited to, among other things: you or third-parties being shot by a firearm;suffering hearing loss, eye injury or loss, inhalation or contact with airborne contaminants and orflying debris, and being struck anywhere on your person (body). You also acknowledge that you canbe expected to receive bruises and slight injuries as a result of participating in these activities ofnecessity and require that you endure periods of discomfort and pain. Participation in this activity ispurely voluntary, and you elect to participate in spite of the risks.

The Sonoran Rangers is an informal group of friends that unofficially adopted this name forentertainment purposes only. The group has no formal or official organization or recognition.Furthermore, there is no asset value to this group, the group has no liability insurance, and the grouphas no legal responsibility for the safety of individuals that participate, either actively or as anobserver, in this event hosted by this unofficial fellowship of friends. Lastly the group assumes that

all participants are allowed to possess a firearm in the State of Arizona as they have no method toverify this, and will not be responsible for enforcing state or federal laws.

By participating in or observing this event I, ____________________________________, agree tothe following:

______ I HEREBY ASSUME FULL RESPONSIBILITY FOR AND RISK OF BODILY (both physicaland mental) INJURY, FINANCIAL INJURY, DEATH OR PROPERTY DAMAGE due to negligence orotherwise, while participating in or observing this event, and furthermore, agree to hold harmless andnot liable, the Sonoran Rangers, both individually or as a group, or their associates and familymembers, or other participants or observers, whether caused by negligence or otherwise

______ AS THE PARENT AND/OR GUARDIAN of a participating or observing minor or dependent, IHEREBY ASSUME FULL RESPONSIBILITY FOR AND RISK OF BODILY (both physical andmental) INJURY, FINANCIAL INJURY, DEATH OR PROPERTY DAMAGE FOR THEM due tonegligence or otherwise, while participating in or observing this event, and furthermore, agree to holdharmless and not liable, the Sonoran Rangers, both individually or as a group, or their associatesand family members, or other participants or observers, whether caused by negligence or otherwise

______ I understand that any type of firearms training can be a dangerous activity and that I freelychoose to participate and/or observe and comprehensively agree to everything disclosed by thissafety disclosure and waiver of liability agreement for myself and any dependent, if applicable

______ I understand that by participating in this event, either as an active participant or observer, IAGREE NOT TO FILE A LAWSUIT ON ANYONE AT THIS EVENT for any harm done to myself or

any dependents during the event, regardless of responsibility

____________________________________ ____________________Signature (Do not sign until instructed) Date

____________________________________ ____________________Witness (Do not sign until instructed) Date


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Emergency Contact Information Card

___________________________________________Name

In the event of a medical emergency where I am not able to communicate my desiresand wishes, please inform the following person(s) of my situation:

___________________________________________Emergency Contact

___________________________________________

Emergency Contact Phone Number(s)

___________________________________________Any Medical Allergies

__________ ____________Age Sex

___________________________________________________________________Current Rx that may affect medical treatment

___________________________________________________________________Current medical conditions that may affect medical treatment

___________________________________________________________________Preferred hospital or medical facility (optional)

___________________________________________________________________Physical limitations that may hinder or limit you to some of the techniques taught


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In the Event of a Life Threatening Medical Emergency or Death

The following procedures have been established at this event to respond to a medical emergency:

The wounded persons status will automatically change from participant/observer/volunteer, etcto patient and if conscious, will be asked not to move around

The training will stop and the range will immediately go to Cold Status all firearms shall besafely unloaded and holstered, any upholstered firearms will be placed in a secured container orthe owners vehicle

An on-site medic will triage the medical situation and review the patients needs and emergencycontact card information during a medical emergency, the medic WILL BE the primary and finalauthority of all event actions

If the medical emergency is not life threatening and can be taken care of on-site (decision madebetween the medic and the patient or patients guardian), appropriate treatment will take place inthe first-aid tent; once treatment have been completed or all medical emergencies have passed,the medic will reopen the event to normal operations

If the injury is life threatening, the medic and specially trained assistants will place the stabilizedpatient in a vehicle designated as an ambulance and drive the patient to a meeting point torendezvous with an officially dispatched emergency response entity or go straight to the nearestfacility, depending on the instructions of the 911 operator or any other public safety official

DO NOT CALL 911 for any medical emergency during this event unless instructed by the medicor an RSO we have specially trained and assigned people who will place 911 calls to report AFIREARMS TRAINING ACCIDENT; during a time of high stress, people may not think beforethey speak and reporting a person shot to a 911 operator can be misinterpreted as violent crimeand can produce very dangerous results

Once the patient and medic has left the scene and is in transport, everyone will be asked to standdown until further notice NO RANGE TRAINING OR SHOOTING OF FIREARMS WILL BEALLOWED during the absence of a medic; depending on the situation, classroom training maytake place until the medic returns or the event may terminate

The Nogales Ranger station (local LE in charge of this area) will be notified and event staff willpass on further instructions to everyone at this time NO ONE WILL BE ALLOWED ON THERANGE until further instructions (in the event that LE may want to investigate the area for anydesired forensic evidence for example)

In the result of a training accident death: everyone will be asked to stand down and secure theirfirearms in their vehicles, the range will be closed and isolated to minimize any forensic evidencedisturbance for the benefit of LE, and everyone will be asked not to leave until you have beendismissed by LE officials (expect to be interviewed by LE as part of their investigative andreporting SOP) if a training accident death does occur, we ask that you please offer LE your

total cooperation during what would be a highly stressful and emotional time

If any participant of this training event happens to be an Arizona commissioned peace officer ormedical specialist, please apply this medical emergency section to you as you see fit; the eventstaff will not expect you to volunteer or take an official role for any emergency, however, shouldyou feel the need to offer your leadership and assistance, we will be happy to comply to anyofficial instructions provided by you (any disclosure of your LE or DR status at registration shallbe kept confidential - you, however, may disclose your identity to everyone as you wish)


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Credits and Acknowledgements

Some of the information, curriculum, drills, exercises, techniques and methods learnedand presented in this clinic have been taught, developed and or invented by thefollowing tactical instructors and organizations:

Clint Smith, Thunder RanchCope Reynolds, Southwest Shooting AuthorityJames Yeager, Tactical ResponseJeff Cooper, GunsiteCol. John Boyd, USAF (Retired)Lyle Wyatt, OPSChris Costa, Magpul Dynamics, Costa LudusTravis Haley, Magpul Dynamics, Haley StrategicLarry Vickers, Vickers TacticalPaul Gomez, Gomez Training

Massad Ayoob, Massad Ayoob GroupRob Pincus, ICE TrainingHilton Yam, 10-8 PerformanceKathy Jackson, Cornered CatChester Manning, Manning Firearms Training and Tactics

Important Note on Blackhawk SERPA Retention Holsters

Many of the commercial instructors and trainers listed above have prohibited SERPAholsters due to the need for specific training often not covered in their standard classes.There has been enough documented evidence detailing that without special SERPAholster training, usage of these products may result in a negligent discharge.

As expected, SERPA-specific training is also outside the scope of this clinic and as ageneral rule, we discourage and prohibit these holsters at our events for safety reasons.Rare exceptions can be made if a student or participant can show (ex. certificate oftraining) they received SERPA-specific training by a nationally recognized commercialfirearms training school or instructor. An exception may also be potentially made foranyone that received SERPA-specific training as part of their firearm qualificationsserving in a government agency or DoD. Our instructors and RSOs will be the finalauthority on any SERPA training exception at our events. Again, this policy has beenput in place to keep unqualified participants from shooting themselves in the leg andcausing our event to shut down.


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Sonoran Rangers Instructor, RSO, and Medic Credentials

NRA Certified RSO and Chief RSO NRA Certified Refuse to be a Victim Instructor NRA Certified Pistol Instructor

NRA Certified Home Firearm Safety Instructor NRA Certified Personal Protection in the Home Instructor USAF Small Arms Pistol Marksman USAF Small Arms Rifle Marksman USAF Police Academy, Honor Graduate USAF Air Base Ground Defense USAF Office of Special Investigations Academy USAF Air Crew Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape (SERE) US Army Certified Range Safety Officer US Marine Corps Martial Arts Program US Secret Service, Protective Service/Anti-terrorism FBI Hostage Negotiation Sacramento Police, Weaponless Defense California Fire Marshals Office, Arson & Bomb Investigations Street Gang Investigations, Rock Mountain Information Network Narcotic Investigations Techniques, Western States Information Network Advanced Handgun, Southwest Shooting Authority Tactical Handgun and Combatives, Gomez Training Defensive Knife, Suarez International Shotgun Gunfighting, Suarez International Street Survival II, Caliber Press Inc

AZ, UT, and AK CCW Training and Certifications Associate Member, Association of Defensive Shooting Instructors Member, National Rifle Association Member, Gun Owners Association Member, Arizona State Rifle and Pistol Association Member, Glock Sports Shooting Federation Member, Arizona Citizens Defense League Assistant Instructor, Kokoro Aikido EMT and CPR Certification


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2.5 Day Tactical Pistol Clinic Summary

This clinic is designed to develop and enhance both firearms safety and pistol-basedpersonal protection shooting skills for the average pistol owner. Many firearms ownershave been exposed to basic safety and marksmanship skills, however, the majority of

recreational shooters have not been exposed to the real-world tactical side ofcompetently using a pistol for personal and family protection. Our desire is that youleave this event with an accurate outlook on what it takes to be more competent with apistol when used for defensive purposes, and help you to separate TV/movie mythsfrom cold hard facts.

This clinic incorporates both classroom and range work to comprehensively expose theparticipant to a range of skillset and knowledge development. The method of learningand skills exposure is based on the concept of Crawl, Walk, Run whereby a concept,skill, technique, exercise, etc is first discussed and demonstrated. The participantswill then be asked to communicate their understanding of the topic, and then if

applicable, slowly and safely demonstrate what they observed via dry fire. Dry firing iscritical in safely developing a skill or technique and will be used extensively throughoutthis clinic. Once the instructors and RSOs feel that the participants can competentlyand safely repeat the newly taught skill, live fire will be used to verify accuracy andreproduce as close as possible real world situations. Live fire will be done by safelyshooting at paper targets.

Saturday morning will review firearms safety and basic marksmanship. This does notmean, however, that this class is suitable for a beginner who has never been exposedto a firearm. This is not designed to be an introduction to firearms class for someonewho has not shot a pistol before. Participants bring different levels of skillsets to thisclinic and this is the only way for the instructors to assess the safety skillset of allparticipants. The initial goal is to bring all participants to the same level of firearmssafety for the benefit of everyone. Mature and advanced shooters should enjoy thisinitial exercise as a great way to review and sharpen their fundamental skills. You cannever be too safe.

Saturday afternoon will concentrate on various presentations, malfunction clearing,situational awareness concepts, and fundamental tactical pistol skills. Saturday eveningwill cover low-light concepts, tactical flashlight manipulation, and dynamic shooting witha light. Sunday will cover more advanced dynamic pistol tactics and finish byintroducing the participant to basic pistol combatives and manipulation skills.

As the curriculum progresses, new skills introduced will build off of previously taughtones. It is critical that all participants competently perform techniques taught so thattheir knowledge and skills safely evolve with the class curriculum. All participants muststart at the beginning of the clinic. NO LATECOMERS will be allowed to activelyparticipate for the benefit and safety of everyone else. Latecomers are welcomed toobserve only.


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Key Goals for This Training Clinic

Create a safe, enjoyable, and constructive learning environment for bothparticipants and observers

Reinforce firearms safety and provide a skills baseline for responsible pistolmanipulation in various situations

Cover the common characteristics of tactical/fighting/combat/personal protectionpistols and ammunition

Cover situational awareness concepts, color codes, and OODA Loop and FASTprotocols

Provide basic exposure of the psychology of violent criminals and people

Develop competency in holstered as well as various ready/tactical pistolpresentation positions

Develop loading and reloading skills under stress

Develop shooting accuracy at different distances under stress

Develop shooting accuracy with either hand under stress

Develop shooting accuracy at different positions under stress

Develop competent pistol malfunction clearing under stress

Develop practical but safe techniques while shooting statically or dynamically

Development of after action follow through and behavior

Develop competency in static and dynamic off-line pistol manipulation

Exposure to dynamic tactical drills and drill combinations

Exposure to low-light/flashlight tactical deployment techniques with a pistol

Exposure to basic pistol combative concepts and skills

Provide examples to develop your own personal practice drills and exercises(both dry-firing and live firing)


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What This Clinic is Not

This IS NOT a commercial training class that is charging you a tuition to participate(classes that cover similar topics average $400 - $700) and the people who put this onare volunteers willing to share their personal knowledge and time to help you be morecompetent; please be mindful of this if you feel that this clinic was not up to your

standards (for those who find value in this, we will gladly accept small donations that willgo to reimburse the costs absorbed by the folks who generously gave of themselves tomake this happen)

This clinic is not suited for a beginner who is still developing basic pistol functionality,manipulation and introductory marksmanship skills (we have other classes for this)

Deep concealment techniques and accessories, snubbies, and pocket pistolmanipulation skills are outside the scope of this clinic small revolvers and pocketpistols will not be allowed in this clinic for safety reasons

This is not a gun show: SHOW AND TELL WILL ABSOLUTELY NOT BE TOLERATED please keep your firearms secured at all times unless at the safety zone or on the firingline ready to shoot; if you are caught displaying your pistol as a conversation object, yourstatus will be immediately changed to "observer" and you will be asked to leave yourfirearms in your car or leave the event; please show maturity and respect for others bynot endangering them or yourself and take offense if you are asked to hang up your gear

Although full sized revolvers are welcome, you will gain the most value from this cliniclearning with a semi-auto striker-fired pistol; pistols with hammers are welcome butplease be aware that you will not be able to perform certain combative techniques

Federal and state firearms laws and CCW legal topics are outside the scope of this clinic

Although this may be touched from time to time, psychological topics and concepts ofactive shooter situations are outside the scope of this clinic

Due to the enormous amount of various tactical accessories available, this clinic will nothave the time to cover every type of equipment people may be interested in theinstructors will happily share with you their person experiences with what works for thembut this does not mean that other accessories not mentioned have little or no value (thisis not a comprehensive class of tactical accessories) find out what works for you bydoing your own research

This clinic is being held on an undeveloped shooting range and therefore do not havethe luxuries of a maintained range please take that into consideration when it comes toyour personal hygiene needs (we will have a basic potty tent that uses trash bags as acourtesy but nothing like a real toilet)

This IS NOT A COMPETITION: please keep your eyes and comments to your owntarget and personal training needs. We can make any shooting drill more than difficultenough to turn you into a sobbing, frustrated rookie all over again be courteous ofeveryones limitations and encourage and celebrate each others successes; pleasereserve helpful criticism of fellow participants to the instructors and RSOs only


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The Ideal Student or Participant

Our belief and hope is that your participation in this clinic is founded on a serious desire tocompetently use your pistol to defend your life and the lives of your loved ones. This being said,here are some pointers of how to get the most value out of this training event:

Have an open mind you may be exposed to ideas, concepts, or techniques that younever saw before or may be unsure of or question; give yourself and the instructor thebenefit of the doubt if you find little or no value in something taught after you learn it,you dont have to use it once the clinic is over

Have a positive attitude: it magnifies your learning experience and adds to theenjoyment of everyone involved

Be a knowledge and skills sponge: absorb everything you can from the lessons taught

If requested by the instructor, volunteer for everything: see "being a skills sponge" above

TRY what is actually being taught as ACCURATELY as you can: unless there is a safetyor physical limitation issue, try what is taught - you might surprise yourself by findingvalue in something you were unsure of

Please let the instructors be the teachers: although you may be happy to help yourfellow student out, please note that everyone else came to listen and learn from theinstructors, not another student commenting on or translating the instructors teachings(this is disrespectful to the instructors and a distraction to others)

Be early for start times: you can settle in better - offer to help others load theirmagazines if you have nothing else to do and want to be useful (not everyone will bringa dozen mags or so to class)

Ask questions when Q&A opens up or if the instructor says its ok to interrupt them forquestions

If a skill or technique taught makes you uncomfortable or may be intimidating, pleasepull the instructor or an RSO aside privately and share with them your concern theyare there to help you, not put you on the spot

Take the new material you have just learned or been exposed to and add it to yourexisting skillset tool box - the new info may not apply to everything, but it still may bevaluable even if you somewhat disagree with its suggested applications

Do not talk about topics of controversy at the event everyone is here to learn, notdebate; create a positive environment for everyone (some people don't want to hear it,even if they agree with you)

GET A GOOD NIGHT SLEEP the day before class and HYDRATE Youll need it


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Event Agenda and Timeframes

This curriculum timeframes can be modified anytime by the instructors or RSOs depending on the safetyskillset and speed of competency development of the participants

* Denotes Classroom Training

Saturday 12/7

06:00 06:30 Event Staff Check-in07:00 07:45 Participant and Observer Check-in and Registration07:00 07:45 Firearm and Shooting Gear Safety Inspection08:00 08:30 Event Welcome Message, Range and Safety Overview

08:30 09:30 * Marksmanship Review, Tactical Pistol, Ammo, and Wound Ballistics Topics09:30 10:30 Marksmanship Drills, Workspace and Conservation of Movement Concepts10:30 12:00 Holstered and Various Pistol Presentation Drills, AAD

12:00 12:45 Lunch Break, Policing of Brass (good time to update your class notes)

12:45 13:00 * Personal Defense, Situational Awareness, Color Codes, OODA Loop, F.A.S.T.13:00 13:15 * Participatory (Social) vs. Predatory Violence13:15 14:00 Malfunction Types and Clearing Drills14:00 15:00 Single Hand Pistol Manipulation15:00 16:30 Various Shooting Positions16:30 17:00 Combat/Speed Reloading17:00 18:30 Off-Line Tactical Concepts and Drills

18:30 19:15 Dinner Break (good time to update your class notes)

19:15 19:30 * Low-Light/No-Light Concepts, Tactical Flashlight Concepts19:30 21:30 Low-light Tactical Drills

22:30 06:30 Campsite Light and Noise Discipline Enforced(Dont forget to update your class notes)

Sunday 12/8

07:45 08:00 Policing of Trash and Brass08:00 08:30 * Review of Yesterdays Training Topics08:30 09:00 Tactical Warm-up Drills09:00 12:00 Dynamic Drill Combinations

12:00 12:45 Lunch Break, Policing of Brass (good time to update your class notes)

12:45 13:00 * Gunfight Surviving Concepts, De-Escalation and Distraction Concepts13:00 14:00 Close and Zero Distance Shooting Techniques and Drills14:00 15:00 Sheepdog Shooting Concepts and Drills15:00 16:00 Range Q&A, Clinic Review

16:00 17:00 Range shutdown, Range and Camp Cleanup, Policing of Brass17:00 End of Training Clinic (good time to update your class notes)


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Training Equipment and Gear

Mandatory list to participate as a student:

A printout of this handbook for class usage

A signed waiver of liability agreement and completed emergency contact sheet

A notepad, pen, sharpie, and a hard clipboard or something similar to write on A tactical or defense-oriented pistol At least three magazines (label them we always find unclaimed magazines after classes)

At least three speed loaders (if you are using a revolver) A hard (ex. kydex) OWB pistol holster (SERPA holsters will NOT be allowed for safety reasons) A sturdy magazine pouch capable of holding at least one magazine two preferred A sturdy belt to secure both your holster and magazine pouches Proper fitting eye and hearing protection

A baseball style cap or Boonie style hat At least a gallon of drinking water per day and a way to consume it

Necessary meals and snacks as you body requires for both days (no food vendor available) Outdoor clothes (BDUs, hunting, activewear, etc long pants and shirt strongly recommended) Solid protective footwear (boots and hiking shoes strongly recommended) Tactical handheld flashlight (momentary rear button style preferred weapon mounted light not a

substitute for handheld light)

A couple of large trashbags (multiple uses)

Suggested additional gear list to enhance your training experience:

Sunscreen and bug spray

High energy snacks Camelbak or similar water dispensing device Couple of different outerwear outfits and extra layers (for different temperature ranges) Proper fitting broken-in work, shooting, or tactical gloves Elbow and knee pads

Shemagh or large handkerchief (hot brass down your shirt sucks) Dump pouch (for water bottle or empty mags)

Backup pistol and magazines (in the event of primary equipment failure) Extra ammo (in the event there is time to shoot more)

A portable chair for the classroom portions of the class A pistol cleaning kit, patches, and cleaning/lubrication chemicals

Rain gear or poncho (we will shoot regardless of weather conditions except during lightning) Extra footwear and socks Small garbage or WAG bags or a similar way to deal with bathroom issues

First aid (boo boo) and snakebite kit, and IFAK trauma (blow out) kit

Suggested camping gear list:

Tent or tarp system to sleep under (unless you plan on sleeping in your vehicle) Extra warm clothes and sleeping gear (it will be the first week of Dec)

Flashlight with a tactical filter (red, green or blue) A way to warm food and drinks (small camp stove and metal cup for example)

Baby or personal hygiene wipes to freshen and clean up (trust us, you will be glad you have themafter the first night)

Portable table, trash can, and other camping gear Personal hygiene overnight kit


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FAQs

Ive shot handguns before, how do I know if I am ready for this clinic?Are you uncomfortable shooting and loading your pistol without supervision? Are you still intimidated withyour pistol? Do you struggle hitting a 6 bullseye (small dinner plate) at 5 yards consistently? If you saidyes to any of these questions, you are not ready for this class.

I do not know if my pistol is allowed in class, how do I find out?The recommended firearms for this clinic are striker fired semi-auto pistols (Glocks, S&W M&P,Springfield XD, etc.). Full sized revolvers will be allowed, however, you will need to demonstrate yourcompetency in loading and unloading your revolver during inspection as no portion of this clinic will bededicated to specifically loading/unloading revolvers. You will also be required to perform all drills indouble action mode only. Semi-auto pistols with decockers will be allowed and may start drills in eitherdouble action mode or cocked and locked if your pistol comes with a separate safety. You will berequired to demonstrate your competency with your decocker/safety at inspection. Single-action onlysemi-auto pistols will be allowed but you must begin all drills cocked and locked. You will be required todemonstrate your competency with your pistols safety at inspection. Pistols with safeties will be requiredto have them engaged (on) at all times unless shooting. After every shooting exercise, safeties must bere-engaged before holstering. For safety reasons, small pocket pistols and revolvers will not be allowed.

Do I really need a hard or Kydex-based OWB holster?A significant portion of drills begin using a holstered presentation and a hard or kydex holster wil l makethis clinic much easier on you. Soft holsters made from nylon cloth may collapse during re-holstering andyou will get frustrated. They can also be a safety issue, and therefore will not be allowed. SERPAholsters from Blackhawk uses a special retention mechanism to keep a pistol from being maliciouslytaken or accidentally falling out. Some SERPA owners have had a history of improper usage that haslead to negligent discharges. Proper SERPA holster training is beyond the scope of this clinic andtherefore for the safety of all, will not be allowed.

I can load my pistol very quickly, do I really need multiple magazines or speed loaders for thisclinic?The need for multiple magazines are not just for rapid round count shooting but for incorporating tacticaland speed loading manipulation drills of backup magazines and speed loaders. You can also have

primary magazine damage or failure and it would be wise to have several back up units to keep you upand running. Keep in mind that during speed loads, empty magazines get dropped on the ground andthere is a small chance that cheaply made magazine may dent and deform. When in doubt, bring adozen.

I am a woman, can I participate in this clinic?Women are extremely welcomed at this clinic. If you can answer no to the first question on this FAQ list,you will probably do just fine. Our instructors fully understand that women often get overlooked in thismale dominated community and you are just as important as any male getting trained. There are certainissues that typically affect women and our instructors are trained to help you overcome these issues in asensitive and respectful manner.

Can my teen participate in this clinic?

If your teen can answer no to the first question in this FAQ list and they can follow directions at an adultlevel, then they are more than welcomed to participate. Just make sure to properly fill in the waiver ofliability agreement section for guardians of minors

What calibers can I shoot at this clinic?If you can competently control it, you may shoot it. For safety reasons, no centerfire rifle/carbine calibersor shotgun rounds will be allowed. Here are some suggestions: .22LR, .32ACP, .380ACP, 9x18Mak,9mm, .357Sig, .38Spl, .357Mag, .38Super, .40S&W, 10mm, .44Spl, .45ACP. If you have more questionsabout this topic, please ask.


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What are the check-in and registration procedures?Please arrive as close to 07:00 as possible to give yourself the most time to settle in and get readywithout having to rush. EVERYONE who plans to either participate in the training clinic or be an observermust completely fill out a Safety Disclosure and Waiver of Liability Agreement form, an EmergencyContact Information Card, and provide a photocopy of an official government picture ID (ex. driverslicense). Minors do not have to fill out a waiver form or provide a photocopy of a picture ID (as long asaccompanied by a guardian). The guardian, however, must fill out a waiver form under themselves onthe minors behalf. The minor will also need to have an emergency contact card properly filled out onthem. Once you are registered, you will be given two name tags to be placed on both the front and backof your torso. Once you have your nametags, you can go to the safety zone to have your gear inspected.

What happens to my personal information once the training event is over?Once the training event is over AND no one sustained any injury that needed official public safetyintervention OR died due to a training accident, your photocopied picture ID, waiver agreement, andemergency contact card will be handed back to you for privacy reasons. We have absolutely no desirenor want the responsibility to keep your personal information on record whatsoever.

What happens during gear inspection at the safety zone?Before you show up to the safety zone table for inspection, please make sure your firearm is unloaded.Please bring your unloaded pistol and at least three empty magazines or speed loaders as well as your

magazine pouches, belt, holster and safety equipment (eye and hearing protection). Our safetyinspectors will instruct you to demonstrate safe firearms handling as well as performing an administrativeloading with an empty magazine. You will also be asked to engage the decocker and safety if your pistolhas these control mechanisms. Lastly, the inspectors will qualify the safety level of your eye and earprotection, holster and belt. If you plan to train with more than one pistol, please bring it for inspection aswell. For everyones safety, you will not be allowed to participate in the clinic if you do not pass the safetyinspection.

What is the classroom training portions like?During the classroom training portions, the instructors will go over parts of your handbook and may useprops to explain certain concepts and techniques. You may stand but you will also be allowed to bring aportable chair to make the experience as enjoyable as possible. It is strongly advised that you bringsomething hard to write and take notes on such as a clipboard as classroom tables will not be available.

Can I bring a family member or other guest as an observer?You may bring anyone you wish as long as they agree to the rules and safety policies of this event. Theywill also need to fill out all of the required forms and bring a photocopy of an official government picture IDas stated above. Please be mindful that they should be able to police themselves without yoursupervision as they will see very little of your personal time. Remember, this is a training clinic that willtake up almost all of your time for two days. The ideal observer is a new or veteran shooter that wants toprepare themselves for a future training class similar to this one.

I have some physical limitations, can I still participate?Please contact us directly to answer this question thoroughly. While most people with limitations may beable to take away significant value and training skills by attending this clinic, we cannot provide a blanketstatement that you will be able to do all of the drills and techniques safely. In general, you should be able

to see close to 20/20 vision with or without corrective lenses, be able to safely draw your pistol from ahard holster, be able to shoot with each hand safely, be able to walk without assistance, kneel and getback up without assistance, lie prone on the ground on both your back and stomach and get up withoutassistance, and can rapidly walk forward, sideways, and backward on uneven rocky ground without losingyour balance or tripping.

Can this training clinic qualify or substitute for official AZ CCW permit training?No.


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Ammo is hard to get and is very expensive, how much do I need for this clinic?You will probably shoot around 400 rounds at this clinic but it is always smart to bring extra. If possible,empty all of your ammo cardboard boxes into one large container this minimizes range rubbish andspeeds up your magazine loading. Dry firing has been incorporated to significantly keep ammo countlow, but nothing can fully train you for recoil recovery and marksmanship accuracy like live fire drills. Ifyou need help finding ammo for this class, please contact us for assistance.

What should I wear as a participant or observer?Active outdoor wear such as military BDUs, 5.11 products, hunting wear, etc work well for these typesof training environments. Jeans work well as long as you dont care that your knees and butt will get dirtyor might rip due to certain movement drills. High cut shirts are a must as hot brass burns leave nastycleavage scars. Neck wraps such as a large handkerchief or shemagh helps to significantly reduce brassburns on the neck and upper torso. A ball cap or Boonie hat reduces the chance of hot brass landingbetween your safety glasses and your face. It is strongly suggested that you wear layers due to thetemperature range of the day. Expect nights and mornings to drop to the mid 30s and the day to get upto the high 80s. Also expect to sweat profusely and you will want to bring extra clothes to change intoafter each day. If you plan to camp over, please bring clothing and sleeping gear appropriate for the longcold evenings. Lastly all participants are required to keep their safety equipment with them at all times(both eyes and ears) and never take your eye protection off till after the event. Observers are asked tokeep eye and hearing protection on during the event but it will be your discretion. Please use common

sense and do not approach the range without your safety gear. Note that you will need clear safetyglasses or goggles for the low light training portion (Home Depot for approx. $12).

Can I take video or pictures of the event?You are welcomed to take pictures or video of yourself all you want. Please show common courtesy andget permission to take photos of others.

Can I bring pets or very young children to the event as part of my camping entourage?You can do what you want but most common-sensed folk will consider you irresponsible and borderlinenegligent for doing this. Small children and pets have sensitive ears and cannot comprehend what ishappening around them. Please do not do this. Enough said.

What do I need to know if I plan to camp over at the range?

Here are the things to know: Please be courteous to those camping around you dont spread out as the range camping area

is small to begin with

Show up early to get preferred camping spots its your fault if you have to walk a distance to therange area

Please keep noise and artificial light to a minimum between the hours of 22:30 and 06:30 people will be exhausted and need as much rest for day two as possible

Two portable potty tents will be setup for your use please bring WAG bags or small garbagebags for you own personal use (the bags must be able to fit completely around the mouth of a fivegallon bucket); once you are done, please remove your bag and dispose of it in your ownpersonal garbage receptacle (and not a community garbage can)

If you make a fire, please make sure to do it safely and you must supervise your fire at all times

I only have a small compact 2-wheeled drive car, can I drive to the range safely?The last 1/2 mile to the Sonoita range is undeveloped but has been recently graded and just about allcars can make the drive safely. The range is approx 30 minutes from the intersection of Kolb and I-10.

Can I bring an RV or trailer to camp in?A vehicle with a trailer or a large RV will not fit at the range. A van-sized RV would be the largest vehiclerecommended to bring to the range. There is a parking spot a quarter mile away from the range if youwant to bring anything larger bring a golf cart for the daily commute between your RV and the range.


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How do I deal with bathroom issues?You may use our provided tent potties if you bring your own WAG or small garbage bags. You can alsobuild your own slit trench if you enjoy getting close to Mother Nature. Just make sure any holes ortrenches made are done a distance away from the campground.

What is the alcohol policy for this event?This FAQ was added to save a couple of you from embarrassment. Are you serious about asking thisquestion? When would you ever believe that shooting and alcohol mix?????? Sorry officer, I was justbuzz shooting.. The same goes for any other controlled or behavior-affecting Rx or substance.

What are the plans for all of the brass left on the range?Some participants actively reload. In the past it was a nightmare trying to have people police their ownbrass at training events of this size. To keep everyone safe and minimize the temptation of fighting forbrass, all shells whether brass or steel, will go into collection buckets and kept by the Sonoran Rangersto do with what they will. Hey, we could have charged a tuition fee..

Is there anything we as participants can do to help with this event?Thanks for asking. We could sure use your help at the end of each day helping to pick up all of the brassand steel shells laying around and place them in the collection buckets. We plan on doing this a coupleof times to keep the shells from burying themselves into the ground due to people stepping on them. If

you see others needing help with their mags, offer to help load their mags with them. Lastly, offer to helptake down target systems and police camp trash at the end of the second day before you leave. We havebeen given the blessing of the Nogales Ranger Station in using this range primarily because we keep thisarea clean.

Do I need to worry about critters?You will be in the desert so critters do come around. Please secure all of your trash especially if itcontains any organic matter. Watch where you step, do not leave food items out in the open, and keep allof you car windows up and doors secured. The last thing you want to do is to bring home a new pet,especially one that crawls or slithers.

Will you have prescription or OTC medication at the first aid tent?We will not officially provide anyone with any medicine, prescription or otherwise, unless ordered by a

qualified person acting in an official medical capacity. Please make sure you have some in your personalfirst aid kit before coming to the event if you think you will need it. If you havent exercised in a while,some of the drills may be strenuous and an OTC pain reducer or NSAID such as ibuprofen or naproxenmay be of value. Please consult your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

When can I load my pistol?You will be notified during the clinic when it will be appropriate to load your pistol. For consistency andthe safety of everyone, you will be expected to show up to the beginning of class each day with anunloaded pistol. At the end of the day, please point your firearm downrange and clear and unload yourpistol before walking off the range. During class breaks and meals, you may leave your pistol loaded butyou will be expected to leave you firearm in your holster. If you need to inspect or perform maintenanceon your pistol, please walk onto the range after making sure it is available, announce loudly that you areclearing your pistol, point it down range and unload it (DO NOT shoot it as your unloading method). After

you remove all ammunition from your person, you may use the safety zone table to perform anyinspection and maintenance you consider necessary.

Where can I set my pistol if I am fatigued from carrying it and need a break?You may place your unloaded pistol in a bag or case and secure the gear in your vehicle. This is veryimportant especially if you need to remove your pistol when using the restroom. You dont know theconcept of embarrassing until you have a negligent discharge with your pants around your ankles.


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Range and Clinic Orientation

This range is a run as a HOT RANGE: expect all weapons to be loaded at all times;firearms manipulation is only allowed on the range or at the safety zone

Range Safety Officers (RSOs): Safety personnel making sure that participants use safe

firearms manipulation and shooting techniques as well as enforcers of and the finalauthority of range rules and policies

Instructors: Personnel responsible for the content and instruction of course material andtraining topics they are also RSOs

Range: Developed or undeveloped shooting facility that firearms will be used to engageand shoot targets

Downrange: Area and direction of the range used to safely shoot firearms

Left Limit and Right Limit: Shooting borders on each side of the range

Shooting Direction: The direction you are allowed to engage and shoot targets

Backstop/Berm: Objects on the perimeter of ranges designed to safely stop bullets

Safety Zone: Only area that allows for weapons being manipulated other than the range,used to inspect, troubleshoot, and repair firearms NO LIVE AMMO IS ALLOWED inthe Safety Zone (please clear your weapon on the range before using the Safety Zone)

Backfield: Non-shooting area of the range directly behind the Downrange Area usedfor observation, staging and other non-shooting activities no firearms manipulation isallowed in this area (other than demonstrations presented by instructors and RSOs)

Target System: Device that secures and displays targets to engage and shoot alltarget systems will be located at the backend of the Downrange Area

Barricade: Device that creates a symbolic obstacle to use for cover/concealment as wellas to maneuver and shoot around

Terrain: The unique landscape structure and characteristics of the range this rangehas terrain features that may provide natural obstacles that can be used to help developsituational awareness; these obstacles can also be a hazard if you do not pay attention

to the immediate ground around you

Camping Area: The area of the backfield that people may safely setup a camp site


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Safety Topics and Range Commands

The five enhanced firearms safety rules:

1. Treat all firearms as if they are loaded

2. Never point your firearm at anything you are not willing to destroy or kill

3. Keep your finger of the trigger and straight out on the side of the frame until youare ready to shoot

4. Know your target and what is in front and beyond it

5. Retain your pistol at all times, with the exception if it is falling do not try to grabfor it

RSO Range Commands

Range is Hot Range is available for shooting

Range is Cold Range is not available for shooting, all shooting must stop andfirearms must be secured (safety on and placed back in holsters)

Cease Fire Everyone stops shooting immediately and secure all weapons

Begin, Fire, Threat, Fight, etc Immediately begin shooting your designatedtarget or targets

Range Emergency Command

Cease Fire, Cease Fire, Cease Fire - Everyone stops shooting immediately,secure all weapons, look around for the emergency and take the appropriatedirect action: NOTE, anyone is allowed to call this command if you observe adangerous event or injury

Other Range Safety Topics:

Do not pick up mags, speed loaders, or anything else you dropped until theexercise is done, range goes cold, and you are given the command to do so


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Tactical (Gunfighting) Fundamentals Overview

This is a gunfighting-centric class. The topics, skills, and techniques covered in thisclinic uses gunfighting concepts as their foundation.

Marksmanship vs. Gunfighting

Classic marksmanship is the art and science of precision shooting

Marksmanship still plays an important part of gunfighting

Gunfighting is fighting expect to get hit, wounded, stabbed, shot, etc

Gunfighting distances are often very personal (ambush attacks common)

Many effective advanced gunfighting techniques conflict common square rangesafety rules

Gunfighting Safety

Gunfighting is dangerous sensory overload, stress-driven loss of focus

Be acutely aware of your surroundings, environment and those around you

Finger and muzzle control above everything else

Take advantage of your platforms unique safety features

Slow is Smooth, Smooth is Fast

Gunfighting often times breaks traditional firearm safety rules

Realistic gunfighting training/practice is usually not allowed at square ranges


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Marksmanship Concepts Review

Range and firearms safety is ALWAYS part of competent marksmanship training

Dominant Eye Using the proper eye

Regular and Southpaw issues relationship to your dominant eye

Stance Classic vs. Fighting stances

Grip Two-handed, one-handed, grip position, finger position, kinesiology

Sight Picture and Sight Alignment

Breath Control Respiratory pause

Trigger Control Finger position, trigger manipulation, grip adjustment

The Tactical Pistol

When using a pistol for personal protection, it can be said that you are using your pistolas a tactical tool. Any pistol can be deployed as a tactical tool. Certain characteristicsmake some pistols more suitable for tactical usage over others however.

Extremely reliable from the factory

Stock platform satisfies most users needs

Still extremely reliable after replacing worn parts with OEM parts (no gunsmithingnecessary)

Extremely reliable in harsh conditions and environments (ruggedness)

Simple and easy controls (decrease learning curve)

Potential modification legal issues keep it stock

Uses very common and affordable defense quality ammunition and calibers

Easy to clean and maintain (usually without special tools)


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Defense Ammunition and Wound Ballistics Topics

Any ammunition can be used to defend yourself. Certain characteristics make someammunition more suitable for tactical and personal protection usage.

Pistol ballistics will always suck when compared to a rifle or shotgun

FBI gelatin ballistics and penetration tests (stopping power)

How pistol ammo creates wounds and stops an attacker

Bullet design, weight, and speed (the modern hollow point defense ammunition)

Hand loads and legal precedence issues


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Conservation of Movement - Successfully deploying your firearm and stopping a life threateningevent using the least amount of extra steps or body movement which tactically translates tousing the least amount of time to potentially stop a threat

Quickest path between two points is a straight line

First to deploy weapon, accurately put rounds downrange, reload, reset

Get small minimizes extra movement

Intensity of motion be deliberate in your actions

Natural Workspace The invisible space directly in front of your view that is used for tacticswhile observing a life threatening event

Marksmanship Drills

Pistol Presentation Concepts

Holster Ready

Low Ready

Admin/Chest/Retention Ready

High Ready (Really High Ready - Charlies Angels)


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Five Count Holster Presentation and After Action Behavior

Movement of both hands at position 1

Positions 3, 4, and 5 are shooting positions

No bonus points for speed re-holstering

Follow through

Off line after action movement (Search & Assess), Sul Position (crowd and range safety)

Admin and Tactical Reloading

Personal Defense Topics

Personal Defense Goal Successfully surviving a violent criminal attack by one or morepersons

Tactics Specific actions taken or implemented to achieve a specific goal

Mindset It is that state of mind which insures victory in a gunfight. It is composed ofawareness, anticipation, concentration and coolness. Above all, its essence is self control.Dexterity and marksmanship are prerequisite to confidence, and confidence is prerequisite toself-control To anticipate generally, the shooter must train himself into a state of mind inwhich the sudden awareness of peril does not surprise him. It is essential for the man whowears a gun to react to a sudden threat with the knowledge and confidence that he can handle

it. His response should be not 'Oh my God, I'm in a fight!' but rather 'I thought this might happenand I know what to do about it.'- Jeff Cooper

Gunfighting - Combining Marksmanship with Tactics and Mindset


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Fighting Mindset Concepts

Never Give Up, Never Quit When in doubt, move (do something)!

Natural Workspace = Tactical Workspace

Situational Awareness

Jeff Coopers Color Codes

OODA Loop and F.A.S.T.

Important Habits to Develop

Always tactical reload at the minimum after any active shooter situation

Always scan and assess your surroundings before you hang up your guns

Situational Awareness - The ability to maintain a constant, clear mental picture ofrelevant information and the tactical situation including friendly and threat situations aswell as terrain

Jeff Coopers Color Codes

White - Unaware and unprepared. If attacked in Condition White, the only thingthat may save you is the inadequacy or ineptitude of your attacker.

Yellow - Relaxed alert. No specific threat situation. Your mindset is that "todaycould be the day I may have to defend myself". You are simply aware that theworld is a potentially unfriendly place and that you are prepared to defendyourself, if necessary.

Orange You observed a specific alert. You shift your primary focus todetermine if there is a threat. Your mindset shifts to "I may have to shoot thatperson today", focusing on the specific target which has caused the escalation in

alert status. In Condition Orange, you set a mental trigger: "If that person does"X", I will need to stop them". Your pistol usually remains holstered in this state.

Red - Condition Red is fight. Your mental trigger (established back in ConditionOrange) has been tripped. "If 'X' happens I will shoot that person" - 'X' hashappened, the fight is on.


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OODA Loop A learning proand USAF Colonel John Boy

Observation What is unfoldi

Orient What does your pastcommunicate what is about t

Decision - Consider options acourse of action

Action Implement your chos

Once the result of the action i

Note that in combat, you wanenemy, hence, it is a loop.

F.A.S.T. Protocol (Wyatt Prot

FIGHT Until the direct threa

ASSESS - Do I need to fight

SCAN - Do I need to fight anTOPOFF Perform a tacticalor wounded if necessary

esses concept that was developed by milit

ng in front of you and around you

experience, skill-set, knowledge, wisdom,probably happen (recognition of familiar si

nd their probable outcomes, and select a s

en decision

s completed, you start over by observing th

to cycle through the four steps faster and

col) by Lyle Wyatt from OPS:

t is terminated

nymore? Has the threat been stopped?

one else?

reload and: Take cover, Treat wounds, Tal

ry strategist

t aluation)

bsequent

e outcomes.

etter than the

to authorities


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Participatory (Social) vs. Predatory (Asocial) Violence

Men are disproportionately affected by violence, both as criminals and as victims.According to the FBIs Uniform Crime Reports, 90% of known murderers are male and77% of their victims are male. What does this have to do with mindset lectures in the

defensive handgun training classroom? Everything! Women are less often the targetsof criminal violence. But when women areassaulted or killed, they are far more oftenthe victims of predatory, asocial violence than they are of participatory, social violence.This has huge implications for how both men and women can effectively avoidvictimhood and for how we should prepare to defend ourselves. It has even biggerimplications for the defensive firearms instructor giving a mindset lecture to a mixedclass of students. Kathy Jackson

Participatory Violence Road rage, bar fight, etc

Much more common against men

Establish dominance and superiority (social status challenge)

Unplanned event

Social-based, predictable, and readily avoided (easy to de-escalate)

dont do stupid things, at stupid places, with stupid people

Predatory Violence Robbery, rape, stalking, etc

Much more common against women

Non-existent social status challenge

Dehumanization of victim common

Usually instant act of violence to quickly subdue victim

Ambush behavior common (planned attack)

Cannot de-escalate: FIGHT!!!


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Firearm Malfunction Types and Clearing Drills

Type 1 Failure to Feed/Fire (gun goes Click instead of Bang) Round does not chamber properly

Empty chamber (gun not loaded)

Inspect, Tap, Rack, Re-Assess

Defective magazine Eject, Load, Rack, Re-Assess

Type 2 Failure to Eject Stovepipe or similar high brass shell behavior

Inspect, Tap, Flip, Rack, Re-assess (this will also work for Type 1)

Type 3 Feedway Stoppage Failure to Extract or similar low brass behavior

Doublefeed

Most difficult type of malfunction to clear

Inspect, Lock, Strip, Rack Rack Rack, Load, Rack, Re-Assess

Various Shooting Positions

Standing Isosceles (square), Weaver Variations (fighting/staggered)

Kneeling (one/two knee variations and rice paddy/squat)

Supine, Fetal, Upside Down (unorthodox)

Single Hand Manipulation

Use your natural pointing action to orient your pistol

Weak hand transition

Offline movement variations

Strong and weak hand loading


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Combat/Speed Reloading

Empty magazines/speed loaders go on the ground

Reloading combination drills

Low-Light Tactics

Important skill that is rarely practiced

Human night vision physiology

Flash sight picture, silhouette sight picture

Tritium sights, lasers, and other helpful devices

Tactical flashlight manipulation (Harries Technique)

LIE Concept (locate, identify, engage)

MOVE!!!!

Real world scenario Bump in the Night

Applied Dynamic Tactical Drills

Shooting WHILE moving

Various foot movement techniques

Stacking drill combinations

Stress creating training tools timers, noise, unorthodox positions, stacking, etc

Gunfight Surviving Concepts

Perception-creating de-escalation behavior

Distraction techniques and behavior (body language, voice inflection)

Cover vs. concealment (slicing pies and angles of death)

Targets - Thoracic Cavity, Ocular Cranial Cavity, Pelvis, Spine


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Close and Zero Distance Shooting

Counter ambush techniques

Shooting off the attacker (position 3)

Combining distraction/stunning techniques (combatives)

Your voice as a weapon

Use everything to your disposal to win the fight

Sheepdog Concepts

A lifestyle that calls for incredible organization, maturity, and selflessness

Highly perishable skills

Easier with other Sheepdogs

Prepping and Readiness

Healthy Fear vs. Paranoia

Train for realistic scenarios

2.5 day tactical pistol handbook

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