Going Tactical – Ep. 11 – Target Acquisition

This drill, demonstrated by Ben Stoeger, focuses on improving target acquisition and shooting while moving by using vision barriers (barrels) to obscure targets. The core principle is to visually hunt for targets and react to their appearance, rather than fixating on the sight. Maintaining consistent shooting mechanics and avoiding over-confirmation of the sight picture are key to success.

This drill, demonstrated by Ben Stoeger, focuses on integrating movement into shooting by using vision barriers to create target acquisition challenges. The core principle is to maintain shooting proficiency while moving, emphasizing visual acquisition of the target and a brief sight confirmation rather than fixating on the sight itself. The drill aims to make shooting while moving feel indistinguishable from static shooting.

This video details the 'Grid Drill,' a handgun training exercise designed to improve accuracy, trigger control, sight alignment, and transitions. The drill involves shooting at numbered targets called out by an assistant, requiring shooters to quickly acquire and engage specific points on a small target. Instructor John G. Johnson emphasizes the importance of a clean trigger press and proper body mechanics for transitions, offering this drill as a more engaging alternative to standard target practice.

This video from Achilles Heel Tactical focuses on 'overdeveloping your index' through a precision shooting drill. The instructor emphasizes drawing the firearm and stopping it on a small, 1-inch black paster with a target reaction time of 0.8 seconds. The goal is to build extreme precision in the draw stroke and sight alignment, enabling faster and more accurate shots when a larger target like an A-zone is presented. The drill pushes shooters to their limits to enhance hand speed and efficiency, even if it means not achieving a perfect 'stop dot' at faster speeds.

This video details the 'Check Drill,' an advanced firearms training exercise designed to integrate pistol and rifle skills under pressure. It emphasizes the critical combat scenario where a rifle may become inoperable, requiring a swift transition to a pistol, followed by the ability to quickly re-establish the rifle as the primary weapon. The drill highlights the importance of safe pistol re-holstering and efficient rifle reloads, simulating real-world tactical engagements.

This drill focuses on the critical skill of transitioning from a rifle to a pistol under time pressure. The instruction emphasizes breaking hands apart, managing the rifle with the support hand while the firing hand moves to the pistol, and achieving smooth, controlled movements. The goal is to execute the transition efficiently, ensuring both shots are hits within a tight time limit, highlighting the importance of muscle memory and deliberate practice.

This guide details the dangers of 'thumbing the hammer down' on a loaded firearm, a technique strongly advised against by experts. It emphasizes that this action, which involves pulling the trigger while manually lowering the hammer, carries a high risk of accidental discharge if the thumb slips. The expert instruction highlights safer alternatives like engaging the manual safety for 'cocked and locked' carry or clearing the chamber entirely.

This guide details the advanced technique of hand stippling a 1911 firearm frame for enhanced grip, as demonstrated by a master gunsmith. It covers the precise application of texture using a punch and hammer, followed by meticulous filing to refine the edges. This process requires significant skill and attention to detail for a professional finish.

This guide details the proper technique for cycling the slide on a semi-automatic pistol, specifically the 1911, as explained by Ken Hackathorn. It emphasizes avoiding "gun abuse" by not slamming the slide on an empty chamber, which can cause premature wear. The explanation includes the mechanical reasons behind this, focusing on how the cartridge rim stabilizes the extractor and cushions the slide's action.

Massad Ayoob, a renowned firearms instructor and legal expert, details the critical post-Defensive Gun Use (DGU) protocol. He emphasizes that the most common mistake is failing to immediately call 911 after a DGU, even if no shots were fired. This action is crucial for establishing oneself as the victim complainant in the ensuing legal aftermath.