5 Day Pistol Course - Lesson 9

Type: Practice (live ammunition)

Time: 1 hour

Venue: Title: Basic Pistol Course- Lesson 9

Range

Students: 12

Student Equipment: 12 X Pistols

36 X Pistol magazines

180 X pistol rounds per student

Instructor Equipment:1 X Pistol

3 X Pistol magazine

50 X pistol rounds

Assistant Instructors (AI'S): 2 (Names)

PRELIMINARY ACTIVITIES:

Prior to arrival of students:

- Write lesson title on board.

- Set up classroom chairs.

- Layout 1 X pistol, 3 x magazines and 180 rounds under each chair if students are not providing their own.

- Safety check all weapons.

- Inspect all magazines, no live rounds/ensure working.

- If used, load/check PowerPoint.

On arrival of students:

- Safety declaration, check no live rounds.

- Seat.

CONDUCT OF LESSON

This lesson, Pistol-Lesson 9, Shooting on the move, Moving Targets and Shooting moving targets on the move. I am the primary instructor (if first time with students, give name and background) and I will be assisted by (introduce the assistant instructors).

Introduction

EXPLAIN- In the highly fluid environment of the gunfight, it is highly likely that at some point during the encounter, you will be presented with a non-stationary target that is shooting at you. You may well be on the move yourself as this happens. These are the potential realities of the gun fight vs the static environment that is often the range.

Objective

EXPLAIN- At the conclusion of this lesson, you will be able to demonstrate shooting on the move, shooting at moving targets and shooting at moving targets while moving.

Review

EXPLAIN- The previous lesson, Lesson 8, covered Shooting at adverse angles, Shooting positions and Use of Cover.

Here are some questions for you:

Explain a key aspect of accurately shooting targets at adverse angles?

Name the two types of cover.

Shooting on the move

EXPLAIN & DEMONSTRATE – The very act of walking or running creates unwanted movement in our sight alignment and sight picture. To help us return to a stable shooting platform we need to minimize upper body movement by moving with the knees bent acting as shock absorbers. This will assist in keeping the upper body isolated from moving up and down during travel.

• The drill can be conducted on paper or steel targets. There are no mandatory maximum or minimum shots for this drill.

• The student should keep engaging during the entire time of movement. When using steel targets start the drill at 20yards with forward movement ending on the 7yard line. On conclusion repeat in reverse. When using paper targets, start the drill at 15yards, ending at the 3yard line.

• The student should be firing continuously throughout the drill and maintaining accuracy.

• When running a group of students simultaneously, ensure that all students remain "in line" even when clearing a malfunction in order to maintain the safety of the drill for the others in the relay.

• Once shooting on the move going forward and backwards is mastered the instructor can incorporate shooting at adverse angles while on the move. Have students perform this drill in both directions noting how much easier it is one way versus the other.

• The student should start at 15yards and move across the range engaging targets at adverse angles while on the move. The drill will finish at the 7yard line for steel targets.

• Do not let the student engage any targets that he or she has passed or at a 90degree angle.

• Start all drills at the walk and increase the pace until the student can successfully engage targets on the run.

Ask if any questions

Moving Targets

EXPLAIN & DEMONSTRATE – There are two main methods for engaging moving targets, lead (follow) the target and static (ambush) the target. Both will achieve the same objective so choose what works for you.

• Lead: The student will acquire a sight picture and maintain it while matching the speed target. Where you establish your point of aim will depend on the speed of the target. Ideally the aiming point will lead slightly forward of the centerline of the target in the direction the target is moving. The faster the target, the more the lead.

• Static. The student will select an "ambush point" ahead of the target. Once the leading edge of the target is flush with the front sight, the student will engage the target. Again the faster or farther the target, the more the hold off.

This drill can be shot on paper or steel at varying distances. Students should be given time to practice both methods in both directions and fully understand how much lead is needed in correlation to the distance and speed of the target.

Ask if any questions

Shooting moving targets on the Move

EXPLAIN & DEMONSTRATE – Shooting at moving targets while on the move is as challenging as it sounds. It is conducted by combining the two previous drills.

• Movement is reduced by bending the knees and using the legs as shock absorbers to minimize upper body movement while leading or ambushing the target.
• The drill should be performed at varying distances moving both forward, backwards and obliquely in both directions.

Ask if any questions

PRACTICE AS MUCH AS TIME PERMITS

Ask the students questions for final confirmation

Summary

EXPLAIN- If we are not in cover we should be moving and if we are moving we are generally exposed. Being able to return fire with a degree of accuracy, while crossing open space to a place of cover, will minimize the chance of us getting shot.

Look Forward

EXPLAIN- Your next lesson is Lesson 10, Shooting strong and weak handed, shooting moving targets strong and weak handed, strong and weak handed malfunction drills and unconventional shooting positions.

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