Ruger Forum

jlh820 · October 29th, 2012, 08:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 100shots1kill

For work I have to qualify from 2 yards to 50 yards. 2 yards is one handed: draw, "aim" empty the gun in under 6 seconds. 50 yards is five shots, two hands, twenty seconds. Obviously a mix of skills at the ranges inbetween, but give those a try. It's much different drawing and firing (especially from a concealed holster under a shirt) and getting quick shots off than it is taking your time and aiming with a nice stance.

At 2 yards my shots "walk" right as I shoot. At distance I'm often high and to the left. I see alot of people practicing on b-27s at 5 yards, slow fire - not that difficult to get good scores, even if you're hanging upside down.

I like 15 yards, two handed for 'showing off' at the range, but if you can't draw and empty your 6 or 8 rounds into center mass, one handed, from "push off distance", that may be a good place to practice.

It's been over 30 years since I was in the academy, but I think our starting position was 10 seconds, 5 feet, 12 rounds with our 4" model 19's holstered. Throwing a reload into the middle was kind of strange at that distance, but it was the best stage to test our reloading abilities since we had plenty of time at the other stages. We all carried speed loaders though they weren't issued. We got a gun and paid for everything else ourselves. Got a uniform allowance once we were on the force… something like $12 a month. Of course this was the late 70's back when McDonald's really did give you change back from your dollar.

Tracer · November 5th, 2012, 05:37 PM

Now take this to heart OK! NO MUGGER is going to stand off 20 or 30 ft to get your money period. Now I practice at 5 to 12feet NOT even using the pistols sights, really not necessary to do that, just point the front of the barrel and fire 3 times at each target quickly (Slow at First OK) then you can speed up later as you get more accurate. It is important to get the pistol drawn and on target FAST and fire the 3 shots or more. YOU will hit the target! This is not important to shoot tight little groups, just hit the vitals with your shots. Later you want to practice moving at a 45 degree angle away from the threat as you FIRE your weapon, it will make it harder for the "mugger" to hit you with a shot.

Now for target shooting of paper, I would start out at say 20 feet at first, then as you learn to keep the sights in line on target more steady, move further back to 30, 40 and 50 ft. As you get to where you can cover your shots on target at 50 ft with the palm of your hand, then perhaps you will attain the confidence to shot out to 20, 30 and 40 yds.

jlh820 · November 5th, 2012, 05:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tracer

Now take this to heart OK! NO MUGGER is going to stand off 20 or 30 ft to get your money period. Now I practice at 5 to 12feet NOT even using the pistols sights, really not necessary to do that, just point the front of the barrel and fire 3 times at each target quickly (Slow at First OK) then you can speed up later as you get more accurate. It is important to get the pistol drawn and on target FAST and fire the 3 shots or more. YOU will hit the target! This is not important to shoot tight little groups, just hit the vitals with your shots. Later you want to practice moving at a 45 degree angle away from the threat as you FIRE your weapon, it will make it harder for the "mugger" to hit you with a shot.

I try to do that, but my indoor range doesn't allow holstered drawing and shooting. But I will lay it on the table, point and shoot waist high. It is a VERY good way to practice... but don't miss and hit the ceiling or the floor. Ranges tend to frown on that. Mine has a price list posted for fixing things!

shaneshot · November 5th, 2012, 07:57 PM

Do a lot of target shooting and practice precision at varying distances. I try to practice some sd type shots if at the river or lease. What's fun and works skills is to set out some clay pigeons out in front at a fairly close distance. Quick draw, moving sideways, moving back, etc. You can get pretty good hitting them, but more importantly is getting close and working quick fire and mechanics. Do practice drawing with similar clothing and how you would carry. Is amazing how difficult a normally easy draw can be under duress.

100shots1kill · November 6th, 2012, 12:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jlh820

It's been over 30 years since I was in the academy, but I think our starting position was 10 seconds, 5 feet, 12 rounds with our 4" model 19's holstered. Throwing a reload into the middle was kind of strange at that distance, but it was the best stage to test our reloading abilities since we had plenty of time at the other stages. We all carried speed loaders though they weren't issued. We got a gun and paid for everything else ourselves. Got a uniform allowance once we were on the force… something like $12 a month. Of course this was the late 70's back when McDonald's really did give you change back from your dollar.

Ahhh...the good 'ole days. A reload at 5 feet = classy. Those re-loads in the middle can throw a wrench into anybody's qualifying run. Sounds like I should be asking YOU for for SD advice.

jlh820 · November 6th, 2012, 06:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 100shots1kill

Ahhh...the good 'ole days. A reload at 5 feet = classy. Those re-loads in the middle can throw a wrench into anybody's qualifying run. Sounds like I should be asking YOU for for SD advice.

Those were indeed the good 'ole days. I was 23 back then and knew a lot more than I know now!

Range time was my favorite part and I led the whole class all the way. There was a LEO match that each of the 3 current academy classes were entered into. I represented our class and took first prize. We got trophies at the end of the academy for the best in several categories and kept track of everyone's progress throughout the academy. I led in several other categories too and was assigned the task of picking out and purchasing the trophies. It was a big joke that I was buying them all for myself. But come graduation, not one single trophy. I lost top academic by 1 lousy point. Thought I had most improved in physical tactics. But, we had one girl in the class and even though my score improved the most, she got the award. And top shot was changed from top score to most improved.

It seems our DI thought it would be unfair if one guy got all the trophies. What he didn't realize was that he took my name off all of the trophies!

He felt bad but I was crushed. One of the hardest nights of my life. My folks had thrown a little celebration for me, thinking I was bringing home the gold. My DI came and joined us as a consolation prize. That meant a lot to me.

It was a good introduction into LE. It's not a fair job... just like life isn't fair. But it is what it is and I'm glad I was trained the way I was.

Here's my only photo from those times. That's me on the lower right, sitting down.

terry_p · November 6th, 2012, 07:27 AM

jlh820
What was your service handgun back then?

RRT27 · November 6th, 2012, 07:54 AM

Our academy qualification was 3, 7, 15, and 25 yards. That was the qualification test. However, during training we would practice drawing point blank, firing and shuffling backwards and to one side while still firing and putting distance between you and suspect. This is not something that you can really do at a private/public range. I never really use my sights inside of 15 yards if I'm practicing for defense.