Master Class featuring Ken Hackathorn – Ep. 04: The 1 to 5 Drill

This video discusses the historical shift in firearm caliber preferences, particularly the move from .45 ACP and .40 S&W towards 9mm. It emphasizes that shot placement and shooter skill are paramount, regardless of caliber. The discussion also delves into the process of customizing firearms, differentiating between essential needs and desirable wants, and considering factors like trigger pull, sights, and ergonomics.

This interview with Ken Hackathorn delves into the history and impact of Gunsite Academy and its founder, Jeff Cooper. It highlights Cooper's pioneering role in combat shooting, the development of the Gunsite 250 course, and the enduring legacy of the 1911 pistol. The discussion also touches on the survivalist movement's influence and the importance of professional firearms training for self-defense.

This guide details the 2-2-2 skill drill as demonstrated by Ken Hackathorn, a highly experienced instructor. The drill focuses on low round count practice for concealed carry proficiency, emphasizing transitions between freestyle, strong hand only, and weak hand only shooting within a 9-second par time. It's designed to be performed cold, simulating real-world readiness with limited ammunition.

This guide details the Comprehensive Handgun Proficiency (CHP) drill, developed by Bill Wilson and Ken Hackathorn. It's designed to test critical handgun skills like target transitions, shooting on the move, and emergency reloads. The drill involves 14 rounds fired at varying distances on IDPA silhouette targets, with specific par times for scoring. Instruction comes from Bill Wilson, Founder and CEO of Wilson Combat, demonstrating expert-level application.

The Wizard Drill, as presented by Master Instructor Ken Hackathorn, is a rigorous five-round skill assessment for concealed carry proficiency. It tests accuracy and speed across four distances (3, 5, 7, and 10 yards) with specific targets and par times, emphasizing the critical importance of precise shot placement under pressure. This drill is designed to objectively measure a shooter's competency with their chosen carry firearm and ammunition.

This YouTube Short features firearm experts Bill Wilson and Ken Hackathorn discussing the importance of structured practice in firearms training. The video touches upon their past experiences that influenced the creation of the IDPA (International Defensive Pistol Association) and their current favored shooting activities. Bill Wilson, founder of Wilson Combat, and Ken Hackathorn, a highly experienced instructor and trainer for various law enforcement and military units, share insights from their extensive backgrounds in the firearms industry and competitive shooting.

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.