Defensive Pistol

Table of Contents......................................No page numbers.

Colonel Cooper’s safety rules..........The table of contents is hyperlinked.

Emergency Plan.............Click on the entry to jump to the correct page.

Introduction............................................................

Instructions to Students...........................................

Lesson plans

In the classroom:

Administrative Operations ........................................

Manual of Arms .................................................

Marksmanship .............................................

Platforms ..................................................

Presentation................................................

After Action ...............................................

Holstering .................................................

Reloading .................................................

Stoppage Reduction ........................................

One Handed Techniques ....................................

Tactics:  Maneuver, Positioning ...................................

Cleaning and Storage .............................................

Flashlight Techniques ............................................

Lower Positions ..................................................

Moving and Shooting.............................................

Passing a gun to someone .........................................

Don’t Shoot Yet .................................................

On the range:

Marksmanship ...................................................

Tactics ..........................................................

One Handed Techniques ..........................................

Flashlight Techniques ............................................

Ground Techniques ..............................................

Addendum

Carry condition ..................................................

Suggested reading ................................................

Lessons learned ..................................................

After thoughts ...................................................

Long range shooting ..............................................

Modern propellants ...............................................

Instructors and Assistant Instructors ...............................

Equipment Inspection ............................................

Contact information ..............................................

Appendix 1 – Dry Practice ..............................................

Appendix 2 – Presentations .............................................

Appendix 3 – Grip exercises ............................................

ISBN: 9781311454133, Copyright 2014, Smashwords Edition

https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/474513

Author Jonathan D. Low

NRA Advanced Pistol Instructor

Front Sight Firearms Institute, Line Coach (handgun)

Rangemaster Firearms Training Services, Instructor (pistol)

Defense Training International, Instructor (pistol)

Tennessee Handgun Instructor

South Carolina Concealed Weapons Permit Instructor

Riflery Coach Level 3 NRA / CMP / USA Shooting

Email:  [email protected]

Web Site for continuing education:  http://DefensivePistolcraft.com/

Thank you to my students from whom I have learned the practicum. 

Thank you to my instructors from whom I have learned the theory. 

Thank you to those who have taken the time and put in the effort to write,

from those I have learned the principles. 

Jeff Cooper's Rules of Gun Safety

RULE I: ALL GUNS ARE ALWAYS LOADED

RULE II: NEVER LET THE MUZZLE COVER ANYTHING YOU ARE NOT WILLING TO DESTROY

RULE III: KEEP YOUR FINGER OFF THE TRIGGER UNTIL YOUR SIGHTS ARE ON THE TARGET

RULE IV: BE SURE OF YOUR TARGET

RULE I: ALL GUNS ARE ALWAYS LOADED

There are no exceptions. Do not pretend that this is true. Some people and organizations take this rule and weaken it; e.g. Treat all guns as if they were loaded. Unfortunately, the as if compromises the directness of the statement by implying that they are unloaded, but we will treat them as though they are loaded. No good! Safety rules must be worded forcefully so that they are never treated lightly or reduced to partial compliance.

All guns are always loaded - period!

This must be your mindset. If someone hands you a firearm and says, Don't worry, it's not loaded, you do not dare believe him. You need not be impolite, but check it yourself. Remember, there are no accidents, only negligent acts. Check it. Do not let yourself fall prey to a situation where you might feel compelled to squeal, I didn't know it was loaded!

RULE II: NEVER LET THE MUZZLE COVER ANYTHING YOU ARE NOT WILLING TO DESTROY

Conspicuously and continuously violated, especially with pistols, Rule II applies whether you are involved in range practice, daily carry, or examination. If the weapon is assembled and in someone's hands, it is capable of being discharged. A firearm holstered properly, lying on a table, or placed in a scabbard is of no danger to anyone. Only when handled is there a need for concern. This rule applies to fighting as well as to daily handling. If you are not willing to take a human life, do not cover a person with the muzzle. This rule also applies to your own person. Do not allow the muzzle to cover your extremities, e.g. using both hands to reholster the pistol. This practice is unsound, both procedurally and tactically. You may need a free hand for something important. Proper holster design should provide for one-handed holstering, so avoid holsters which collapse after withdrawing the pistol. (Note: It is dangerous to push the muzzle against the inside edge of the holster nearest the body to open it since this results in your pointing the pistol at your midsection.) Dry-practice in the home is a worthwhile habit and it will result in more deeply programmed reflexes. Most of the reflexes involved in the Modern Technique do not require that a shot be fired. Particular procedures for dry-firing in the home will be covered later. Let it suffice for now that you do not dry-fire using a target that you wish not to see destroyed. (Recall RULE I as well.)

Rule III: KEEP YOUR FINGER OFF THE TRIGGER UNTIL YOUR SIGHTS ARE ON THE TARGET

Rule III is violated most anytime the uneducated person handles a firearm. Whether on TV, in the theaters, or at the range, people seem fascinated with having their finger on the trigger. Never stand or walk around with your finger on the trigger. It is unprofessional, dangerous, and, perhaps most damaging to the psyche, it is klutzy looking. Never fire a shot unless the sights are superimposed on the target and you have made a conscious decision to fire. Firing an unaligned pistol in a fight gains nothing. If you believe that the defensive pistol is only an intimidation tool - not something to be used - carry blanks, or better yet, reevaluate having one around. If you are going to launch a projectile, it had best be directed purposely. Danger abounds if you allow your finger to dawdle inside the trigger guard. As soon as the sights leave the target, the trigger-finger leaves the trigger and straightens alongside the frame. Since the hand normally prefers to work as a unit - as in grasping - separating the function of the trigger-finger from the rest of the hand takes effort. The five-finger grasp is a deeply programmed reflex. Under sufficient stress, and with the finger already placed on the trigger, an unexpected movement, misstep or surprise could result in a negligent discharge. Speed cannot be gained from such a premature placement of the trigger-finger. Bringing the sights to bear on the target, whether from the holster or the Guard Position, takes more time than that required for moving the trigger finger an inch or so to the trigger.

RULE IV: BE SURE OF YOUR TARGET

Know what it is, what is in line with it, and what is behind it. Never shoot at anything you have not positively identified. Be aware of your surroundings, whether on the range or in a fight. Do not assume anything. Know what you are doing.

SUMMARY:

Make these rules a part of your character. Never compromise them. Improper gunhandling results from ignorance and improper role modeling, such as handling your gun like your favorite actor does. Education can cure this. You can make a difference by following these gunhandling rules and insisting that those around you do the same. Set the example. Who knows what tragedies you, or someone you influence, may prevent?

Excerpted from:  The Modern Technique of the Pistol, by Greg Morrison, Gunsite Press, Paulden, Arizona, ISBN 0-9621342-3-6, Library of Congress Number 91-72644.

Concerning Rule III, keep your trigger finger in the register position (straight touching the frame or slide) until your sights are aligned on the target, and you have decided to shoot.  Immediately return your trigger finger to the register position when your sights leave the target.  The trigger finger must be in the register position (straight along the frame of the handgun) before the pistol is drawn from the holster.  The trigger finger must be in the register position before the pistol is holstered. 

Concerning Rule IV, you must also know what is behind your target as your bullet may pass through your intended target or you may miss.  You must be aware of persons who may run into your line of sight.  Untrained persons panic in high stress situations.  It is your responsibility not to shoot them.  You must use a flashlight to positively identify persons in low light environments.  Yes, being the good guy is orders of magnitude more difficult than being the bad guy. 

Stephen Wenger adds Rule V, MAINTAIN CONTROL OF YOUR FIREARM.  Most states have strict liability.  Which means if someone uses your gun without your permission, without your knowledge, you are civilly liable, and in some states criminally liable. 

You brought a gun to the fight.  That doesn’t mean it’s your gun.  The gun belongs to whomever can keep it.  Think about that before intervening in other folks’ problems.  When was the last time you practiced your in-hand weapon retention skills? – Greg Ellifritz

When was the last time you practiced your holstered weapon retention skills?

Raise your right hand.  Repeat after me –

As a Range Safety Officer (RSO), I swear to obey the safety rules, thus setting an example for those around me.  I swear to enforce the safety rules on all persons, no matter their rank or position.  If I cannot ensure safe range operation, I will report the safety violation to higher authority, and immediately remove my subordinates from the area. 

Yes, as a matter of fact, you are a range safety officer, and it is your duty to maintain a safe range.  Thanks to Sheriff Jim Wilson. 

You win gun fights by not getting shot. – John Holschen

***** Emergency Plan *****

Who has emergency medical training?  Who is willing to take responsibility?  Assign a person primary responsibility.  Assign a backup person.  If there are no trained students willing to take the position, inform the class that you are trained and will be taking primary responsibility, that your IFAK (Individual First Aid Kit) is attached to your belt, and the location of other trauma kits on the range.

Who has a cell phone with reception?  Assign a person primary responsibility for calling 911.  Give the person written instructions on what to say.  We had a training accident, not someone got shot.  We want a medical response, not a SWAT response.  The written instructions must have the address of the range facility, directions on how to get to the range, and instructions on how to defeat any security devices (the code to open the gate at the entrance, etc.).  Assign a backup person.

Explain where the closest (in time, not distance) emergency room is and that we will be transporting (vehicle, keys, driver, etc.) or that we will wait for an ambulance response (Assign a person to meet the ambulance at the entrance and direct the EMT (Emergency Medical Technician) to the injured party.  Assign a backup person.).  Depending on which will likely be quicker.

Assign gear guards to secure the range and weapons.

Safely disarm the injured parties before the EMTs arrive, or before transporting the injured.

If the 911 dispatcher says they will be sending a helicopter, give the dispatcher the location of a clear landing zone.  Give landmarks and GPS coordinates.  Assign someone with a powerful flashlight to guide the helicopter in. 

***** Introduction *****

This is a defensive (As opposed to offensive.  The Marine Corps has offensive training, if you are interested.) pistol course designed for civilian concealed carry for self-defense (primary objective is to escape).  This is not a competitive target shooting class (racing to win the game).  This is not a hunting class (stalking, trailing, tracking).  This is not a law enforcement class (duty to pursue and arrest).  This is not a military class (responsibility to initiate lethal force assumed by high authority, mission to destroy the enemy by fire and maneuver, and if necessary, to destroy the enemy by fire and close combat). 

Competence with a pistol is a survival skill, as is swimming, and we will teach this class as such.  We are not teaching a sport, though you may use the skills learned in this class in sports such as IDPA (International Defensive Pistol Association) matches.  We are not teaching a hobby, though if this should become a hobby of yours, that’s great.  We applaud your healthy shooting addiction.

This course will consist of approximately 20 hours of theory in the classroom, 20 hours of practicum on the range, 6 hours of tactical scenarios, 8 hours of law of self-defense, 8 hours of judgment exercises, 4 hours of force-on-force exercises, and 8 hours of Tactical Emergency Casualty Care.  We won’t move any faster than the slowest student in the class.  So, this course may take longer than scheduled.  I (Jonathan Low) will take you through parts 1 to 3.  We will bring in experts to teach parts 4 to 7.  You may do parts 8 to 12 on your own.

Part 1  Theory—Safety, administrative operations, manual of arms, lectures on use of lethal force and mind set, etc.

Part 2  Practicum—Marksmanship, maneuver, tactics, flashlight techniques, etc.

Part 3  Tactical exercises—IDPA match in daylight.

Part 4  Self-defense law.

Part 5  Video simulators—no-shoot / shoot judgment exercises.

Part 6  Tactical Combat Casualty Care.

Part 7  Force-on-force—with Simunitions.

Part 8  IDPA match in the dark with flashlight.

Part 9  IDPA match in the cold wearing gloves (Don’t remove your gloves or coat before it’s your turn to shoot.  That defeats the purpose of the training.)

Part 10 IDPA match with reversed chirality (Right-handers shoot left-handed.  The only new gear you need to get is a left-handed holster.  Everything else should be ambidextrous.) 

Part 11 IDPA match, one handed, firing side hand only.

Part 12 IDPA match, one handed, support side hand only.

Combat skills are perishable skills, so you must practice on a regular basis. 

You will need to bring 1000 rounds of factory new ammunition (800 for the live fire exercises and 200 for the IDPA match).  If you will be using our guns, bring 45 ACP ammunition.  (45 ACP has much less recoil than a 40 S&W.) 

Reservations are required.  Contact Jonathan Low at [email protected]

Please read the lesson plans before the course to prepare for the course.  Please read over the lesson plans after the course to pick up all the things you missed in the course.  Please practice the techniques you learned in class before the next class.  So, we don't have to spend time reviewing what we learned in the last class.  Everything taught in the class is in this document.  So, you don't need to take notes during the class.  If you are writing in class, you are not paying attention to what the instructor is saying.

It is possible to feel overwhelmed and exhausted during the course.  Feel free to sit down and rest whenever you need to.

The techniques may seem difficult and complicated.  That is because you have never done them before.  With practice, the techniques will become natural and comfortable.  Later, you may wonder why you bothered to take a class that taught you things that were so easy and obvious.  When you start teaching your friends and children, you will understand.

The world is a dangerous place.  Not because of those who are evil, but because of those that look on and do nothing. – Albert Einstein

***** Equipment that students will need to bring *****

Please bring your normal every day carry equipment and clothing to our class.  Bringing specialized equipment and clothing for our class defeats the purpose of the class.  If it doesn't work in the class, it's not going to work on the street.  If it doesn't work fast enough in the class, it's not going to work fast enough on the street.  You need to find out what doesn't work and what needs to be fixed in the class, so you can replace or fix it.  Discovering that some piece of gear or some technique doesn’t work during combat is a real problem.  We avoid this problem by using our normal carry gear in a training class and multiple practice sessions. 

The Pistol –

A modern self-defense pistol in good working order.  Revolvers are inappropriate because in combat, they take too long to reload, are too difficult to reload, and require reloading too often.  Revolvers are old technology.  Revolvers are less reliable than modern semi-automatic pistols.  If you have heard otherwise, they