Level IIB, Handgun.

Scotty has just completed a new knife attack system. Basically, it's a target array mounted on tracks that charge you from 40 feet and under at realistic speeds. This device should make for an interesting study in reaction time.


We determined that the target(s) would travel between four and eight feet before the shooters hands begin to move. (lag time) The point being, even though you know it's coming it covers a fair amount of ground before you even start to move. On the street the reaction time would be even slower. We fired several different drills using the new system. One was to fire a single round to slide lock, emergency reload, and fire another round. At this speed any bobble and your done. Scotty stressed the importance of performing the skills as cleanly as possible. Smooth is fast.

After lunch we got into position shooting from 50 - 70 yards. Unbraced kneeling, braced kneeling, prone, and braced sitting with your back against support. We found this position is extremely accurate. We fired from supine at contact distance. This position places you on you back with you head facing the target. Your shooting the weapon upside down.

Follow through.

Every school has it's own flavor. ITTS has you going at light speed and then slowing way down for precision shooting. I like that format. The knife attack system moves extremely fast. I was pretty much slide shooting the target. My shot(s) would break when the target(s) were about three to five feet away. During follow through I noticed that my sights were in alignment, but it was only by following through that I realized it. The target(s) move so fast it's in your face before you realize you have sight alignment.

During a shotgun class with Louis Awerbuck @ ITTS, Louie stated that you have to believe that you will always need to shoot again. Keep your weapon locked on target, hard focused on the front sight, with the trigger prepped for the next shot.

Level IIIB Handgun.

We spent a large potion of the day working the knife attack system. Another attacker was added along with a no shoot. Scotty had one of the students run next to the attack system so we'd see the speed at which it moved was realistic. That really drove home the point.

The key is to present as clean as possible to your intended point of impact. One of the points that was stressed through out the weekend is that many people think that because they're carrying a gun they're good to go. Some found out that is not the case. Another point is that many folks "think" they know what it will be like. The thinking seldom reflects reality. We were told of a recent incident following an altercation where one of the individuals retuned to the scene and laid open two very large guys with an edged weapon. From the time this individual got out of his car, attacked, and then drove away was only a few seconds. The lesson being, that most folks simply aren't prepared for the speed and violence of action that can occur during these types of attacks.

The duration of the day was spent on speed rocks, multiple targets at close range, step backs, hostage rescue, and man on mans.

Overall, a truly outstanding week end.

HTH