COLD START OF THE MONTH: JANUARY

Published on January 10, 2026
Duration: 15:39

This video details the January 'Cold Start' training drill, focusing on shooting on the move with both pistol and rifle. Participants practice advancing under fire, engaging targets at different distances and zones, and executing mandatory reloads. The drill highlights the challenges of shooting while moving, especially with a rifle, and introduces the concept of 'makeup shots' as a training aid for self-correction.

Quick Summary

The January 'Cold Start' drill involves shooting on the move with pistols and rifles, including target transitions and reloads. Shooting on the move with a rifle is more challenging due to its weight and multiple contact points, while a pistol offers greater stability. The drill incorporates 'makeup shots' for self-correction.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to January Cold Start Drill
  2. 00:10Drill Course of Fire Explained
  3. 00:33Introducing the Team
  4. 01:59First Cold Start Run - PJ's Feedback
  5. 03:01The Concept of Makeup Shots
  6. 04:14Brian's Performance and Feedback
  7. 05:34Mojo's Run and Observations
  8. 06:28Transition to Rifle Drills
  9. 08:10Rifle Shooting on the Move Challenges
  10. 09:17Rifle Reload Difficulties
  11. 10:07Brent's Rifle Drill Experience
  12. 10:33Pistol vs. Rifle Shooting on the Move
  13. 11:10Technical Breakdown: Handgun vs. Rifle Stability
  14. 12:09Mojo's Rifle Run and Magazine Issues
  15. 12:59Strategic Approach to Moving Drills
  16. 13:42Discussion on Support Hand Shooting
  17. 14:42Value of Training Difficult Skills
  18. 15:09Overall Performance and Weather Conditions
  19. 15:15Concluding Remarks and Future Training

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the 'Cold Start' drill?

The 'Cold Start' drill is a monthly training exercise designed to test shooting skills at the beginning of the year. It involves a specific course of fire that includes shooting on the move, target transitions, and reloads, often conducted in challenging conditions like cold or wet weather.

Why is shooting on the move with a rifle more difficult than with a pistol?

Shooting on the move with a rifle is harder due to its greater weight, multiple points of contact (hands, shoulder, cheek), and how body movements are amplified. A pistol, being lighter and having fewer contact points, allows for more independent manipulation and less impact from gait and body sway.

What are 'makeup shots' in firearms training?

'Makeup shots' are an optional shot taken to correct a miss during a drill. This practice, often borrowed from competitive shooting, helps shooters develop shot-calling abilities and encourages self-correction by allowing them to fix errors on the follow-up shot.

How does weather affect firearms training?

Inclement weather, such as cold and rain, significantly impacts firearms training by making equipment handling more difficult, affecting shooter comfort and dexterity, and potentially introducing issues like slippery grips or fogged optics. Despite these challenges, training in such conditions builds resilience and adaptability.

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