It seems that there are two schools of though on priority of how one should try to get their hits in combat or self defense. Most of the argument seems to come from two types of shooters with different levels of experience. When it comes to combat shooting, it is important to not only be able to employ speed, but also to be able to take those fast shots and place them in an area that will have the best effect on target, such as the CNS(Central Nervous System). However, which one rules above the other and will be a more valuable tool to practice and build? THE TASK The task for self defense with a firearm is typically to stop the threat by means of exsanguination. This typically takes time, so the idea is to put multiple holes in the high center chest with the idea of destroying bone, blood vessels, the heart, the spine, etc. Realize that this high center target zone is not much bigger than your fist, so it is important to be capable of making well aimed shots. However, one well aimed shot cannot be counted on to stop the threat, so it is important to train for multiple follow up shots. These follow up shots are stacked up in quick succession to cause heavy and fast trauma to the threat and have three possible outcomes: -The threat chooses to stop. Also known as a psychological stop. -The threat bleeds out, also known as exsanguination. -The spinal cord or other support structures are damaged and causes the threat to be immobilized. If we think about the task that we are preparing and training for, speed combined with precision is the goal. Of course spreading out those shots some can help deliver a greater amount of damage. Since most meat moves when you shoot at it, your ability to pull the trigger at the right time will most likely ensure that the bullet impacts the target in an effective area. SPEED/FAST CADENCE When we shoot fast, typically we are going to sacrifice precision for speed. But keep in mind that the term "fast" is quite relative to whom you are talking to. Some may consider splits of 0.5 seconds to be fast while others see splits below 0.25 seconds to be fast. In reality, the size and distance of the target will dictate your rate of fire, as well as the level of precision that is needed for the task. Shooting fast is good at any range, as long as every one of those rounds is hitting the target with an acceptable level of accuracy. Just keep in mind that your job is to stop the threat and not to commit to a certain number of rounds. This means that you must hold to a certain cadence that allows you to shoot you rounds as fast as you can get them out accurately. Just keep in mind that you are accountable for target observation and making your shots count. It is absolutely possible to outshoot your own brain if you shoot faster than your eyes can pick up the super-imposed sights and register if the target remains a threat. PRECISION/ACCEPTABLE ACCURACY The definition of acceptable accuracy is up to the individual, but I classify acceptable as being within a zone that will directly affect the targets ability to inflict harm such as the CNS. The goal of a self defense shooter should be to use precision as much as possible. I would define precision as placing shots exactly where the shooter intends for them to go, such as when making a head shot and aiming to destroy the brain stem at the point that it connects with the cerebellum. There is little to no room for error in this if the aim is to take this type of shot on someone wearing a suicide vest or holding someone hostage. The size and distance of the target, along with the shooters confidence and skill, will determine the level of precision the shooter is capable of delivering. Acceptable accuracy allows you to shoot relatively quickly as long as you are controlling the general impact of your rounds to an effective area. Then there is precision, which takes more time and every shot must be accounted for. AREA OF FOCUS In order to build both precision and speed simultaneously, there are a few things that you will need to work on. Generally, splits between 0.28 to 0.33 seconds is pretty much the limit when trying to maintain awareness of the target/threat between followup shots. Keep in mind that you don't want to shoot faster than you are able to process information, which is about 0.25 seconds for the average Joe. But rest assured that 0.3 splits is actually still pretty fast at about 3 rounds a second. In order to shoot fast while maintaining precision, your grip is going to be non-negotiable. You need to work on a high and tight grip and work on retaining it while controlling the firearm under recoil. This means hand, finger, and arm strength are going to have to be applied constantly and throughout the entire firing sequence. You can help build you arm and hand strength simply by aiming your empty pistol and hanging something weighted off the end. While holding the pistol, try to keep it absolutely still for 1 minute a pull the trigger as fast as you can without moving even a tiny amount. This is one of my favorite isometric exercises. When shooting, you will need to maintain a position or stance, whether standing or kneeling. Therefore, I recommend working on your core and back stability. That can easily be done in a manner that is similar to building the arms, but by shifting positions quickly and holding alot more weight while trying to remain motionless for about 10 to 20 seconds each position. This will definitely stress out the body when it tries to move quickly only to be told to stop and hold something completely still. Start from a standing position and then work on the lean you may use when "slicing the pie" around cover or concealment. For a weight I use my entire plate carrier which is about 20lb. One of the more critical skills for shooting fast is being able to see fast too. That basically means you need to work on the speed at which your brain is capable of processing visual data. This is important for follow up shots once the sights are back on target, but also for not continuing to commit freedom seeds into the target after it is no longer a threat. The term I like to use is to "respond" to the threat instead of "react" with a standard course of action. You can train your eye in a number of ways, but one of the best ways I have found is to just spend more time on the range trying to shoot as fast as you can hit the target. CONCLUSION In conclusion, if you train yourself properly, you will be able to not only shoot fast, but also with precision. Of course laser pointer precision may be the end goal, but you can only get so close to that. Many things will affect your ability to perform such as the size and distance of the target, and if it is moving. However, the last lesson I discussed about responding to the threat quickly and end your shooting just as fast will be essential at all ranges. It pretty much comes down to your brains ability to process what your eyes are collecting and then be able to act on it in a logical manner. If you think about it, shooting is just as much of a mental challenge as a physical one, but it is the cause of most of our inaccuracy. Train the brain and you will see improvement for sure.
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