The purpose of this drill is to concentrate on development and improvement of your Combat Shooting Skills and begin using movement in your shooting drills. In this article we will be expanding on the last article Point Shooting & Concealed Carry Drills, by adding the kneeling shooting position and moving to cover.
What is cover? Cover is anything that a round can not penetrate. Concealment is any thing that can conceal your movements, while rounds could pass through it. While cover is the better choice to get behind, don’t underrate concealment and the advantages it can offer you.
This training drill is set up to be done without a time limit. The drill requires a minimum of 21 rounds. If a shooter wants to use a stop watch or shot timer to gauge their own speeds this could be done, but is not required. The target I suggest using is a full size silhouette.
For instructions on how to build a base to hold either a target backer or simulated barricade for this training drill please visit Schlueter Firearms Instruction on Facebook.
Considerations with Movement & Safety:
The lateral movement in this drill is described as taking a step laterally to the side. The movement will take you behind the simulated barricade. When behind cover it is important for the shooter to stay back far enough; their pistol does not touch the barricade. Remember when moving during this drill the shooter shall remain facing down range. If you are moving with your pistol drawn, it is required you keep it pointed down range.
The kneeling position used in this drill can be both knees on the ground or one knee on the ground. When using this position in the drill, you should draw their pistol prior to assuming the kneeling position; in addition the shooter shall not holster their pistol while in the kneeling position. You will need to assume the standing position while keeping your pistol pointed down range. Once you’re standing you can holster the pistol. The reason for this is if a person were to attempt to draw or holster while in the kneeling position the shooter could muzzle sweep their body in several places. If a negligent discharge did occur it would be possible for the shooter to inflict severe injuries on themselves.
When getting ready to practice this drill, it is recommended you first practice the movement phase with a dummy gun or training pistol. This dry practice should be done until you are comfortable with the movement phase. When you are ready, you could move onto using your pistol and live ammo. I cannot emphasize enough if you are having troubles during dry practice, you should not move onto live fire, but seek out a certified instructor for assistance.
Points to remember when practicing:
- Start out slow, speed will come with time and practice.
- Concentrate of forming a good grip on your pistol each time.
- Practice your draw stroke the same way each time
- Practice using your combat shooting skills.
- Practice movements prior to live fire exercises with a training pistol or dummy gun.
- During the stages using the kneeling position remember to: Draw your pistol prior to assuming the kneeling position. After firing from this position do not holster your pistol till you are in the standing position. While moving from one position to another you shall keeping the pistol pointed down range.
- When moving laterally to get behind cover, the shooter shall remain facing the berm and any unholstered pistols pointing down range.
First stage of fire:
Starting position will be facing the target 5 yards away, with the pistol being holstered and concealed.
1st string – Starting position the shooter will be facing the target 5 yards away with their pistol being holstered and concealed. On the signal to fire, the shooter will draw from concealment, go to a kneeling shooting position, and engage the target with two rounds, using combat shooting skills.
2nd string – During this sting of fire, the shooter will take one step to the right, moving to cover, going to the kneeling shooting position from behind cover. During the lateral movement, the shooter shall remain facing the berm. On the signal to fire, the shooter will draw from concealment, move to cover, and going to the kneeling position, and engage the target with two rounds, using combat shooting skills.
3rd string – During this sting of fire, the shooter will take one step to the left, moving to cover, going to the kneeling shooting position from behind cover. During the lateral movement, the shooter shall remain facing the berm. On the signal to fire, the shooter will draw from concealment, move to cover, and going to the kneeling position, and using combat shooting engage the target with two rounds, using combat shooting skills.
Second stage of fire:
Starting position will be facing the target 5 yards away, with the pistol being holstered and concealed.
1st string – During this sting of fire, the shooter will take one step to the right, moving to cover. During the lateral movement, the shooter shall remain facing the berm. On the signal to fire, the shooter will draw from concealment, move to cover and engage the target with two rounds, using combat shooting skills.
2nd string – During this sting of fire, the shooter will take one step to the right, moving to cover. During the lateral movement, the shooter shall remain facing the berm. On the signal to fire, the shooter will draw from concealment, move to cover and engage the target with two rounds, using combat shooting skills.
3rd string – During this sting of fire, the shooter will take one step to the right, moving to cover. During the lateral movement, the shooter shall remain facing the berm. On the signal to fire, the shooter will draw from concealment, move to cover and engage the target with three rounds, using combat shooting skills.
Third stage of fire:
Starting position will be facing the target 5 yards away with the pistol being holstered and concealed.
1st string – During this sting of fire, the shooter will take one step to the left, moving to cover. During the lateral movement, the shooter shall remain facing the berm. On the signal to fire, the shooter will draw from concealment, move to cover and engage the target with two rounds, using combat shooting skills.
2nd string – During this sting of fire, the shooter will take one step to the left, moving to cover. During the lateral movement, the shooter shall remain facing the berm. On the signal to fire, the shooter will draw from concealment, move to cover and engage the target with two rounds, using combat shooting skills.
3rd string – During this sting of fire, the shooter will take one step to the left, moving to cover. During the lateral movement, the shooter shall remain facing the berm. On the signal to fire, the shooter will draw from concealment, move to cover and engage the target with three rounds, using combat shooting skills.
Disclaimer:
It is important to remember shooting drills with movement can be dangerous. If you have doubts about your physical capabilities or shooting skill levels, and you want to integrate movement into a shooting drill, I recommend you seek out an instructor for professional training before attempting any shooting drill with movement on your own.
Shooters who choose to practice this drill are encouraged to check with their local range rules to ensure this drill does not violate any of their local range rules. Shooters who choose to practice this drill assume all liability for any injuries that could occur during this concealed carry drill.
View the other articles in this series:
Concealed Carry Drill Part Three
Point Shooting & Concealed Carry Drills
