Retention Shooting | Private Class with Craig Douglas

This guide outlines Craig Douglas's four-step progression for retention shooting, emphasizing a crawl-walk-run methodology. Developed from 33 years of experience, including undercover law enforcement, these techniques address extreme close-quarters encounters where traditional stances are impossible. The progression moves from visual checks to relying on tactile feedback and culminates in a single command to draw and fire, prioritizing safety and repeatability.

This video, featuring Craig Douglas of ShivWorks, emphasizes the critical importance of controlling distance in close-quarters confrontations. It demonstrates that the individual initiating action at 'conversational distance' has a significant advantage, often winning 10 out of 10 times. The content highlights the near impossibility of reacting effectively to a sudden attack when maintaining this close proximity, stressing the need to break that distance to improve survival chances.

This video critiques a specific self-defense maneuver where a firearm is pinned against the chest by an attacker. The speaker, demonstrating experienced authority, explains the risky 'disengage the slide' technique, pushing the barrel back towards the aggressor. However, he strongly advises against this method, stating it's 'bold' and relies on the attacker's inaction, and emphasizes that 'better ways' exist to escape such a dangerous situation.

This guide details appendix carry (AIWB) techniques and compares its accessibility against 3 o'clock carry (IWB), particularly in dynamic scenarios like grappling. Expert instruction from DJ Shipley, a former Tier 1 Special Operations member, emphasizes safe firearm handling, integration of combatives, and high-level shooting proficiency. The video includes live fire demonstrations and practical insights into holster accessibility under duress.

This video argues that revolvers are superior to semi-automatic pistols for new shooters due to their simplicity and inherent safety features. The instructor highlights that revolvers are easier to operate, less prone to accidental discharge, and function reliably even when pressed against a target in close quarters. The discussion also touches on the perceived need for high ammunition capacity in semi-automatics, suggesting it may stem from a lack of shooting confidence.

This video emphasizes critical techniques for operating in close-quarters environments with a partner. It details how to maintain safe firearm handling, specifically focusing on muzzle awareness and positioning relative to a teammate. The instruction highlights the importance of controlled movement, communication, and trigger discipline to prevent friendly fire incidents while maximizing combat effectiveness.

This video from Warrior Poet Society, featuring John Lovell, humorously debunks the myth of Glocks being made of porcelain and undetectable by metal detectors. It references the fictional Glock 7 from Die Hard 2, clarifying that real Glocks are not made of ceramic and are standard firearms. Lovell's high authority as a professional firearms instructor is evident in his clear explanation and proper handling.

This guide outlines a method for introducing new, potentially apprehensive individuals to firearms, as demonstrated by John Lovell. It emphasizes a controlled, safe, and positive first experience, starting with small calibers and instructor-led handling, before progressing to larger platforms. The approach prioritizes building confidence and dispelling fear through expert guidance and adherence to strict safety protocols.

This video from Warrior Poet Society, featuring John Lovell, humorously illustrates that while a shooter might achieve accuracy from an unstable stance, true shooting proficiency requires a stable base for balance and recoil management. Lovell, a former Army Ranger, emphasizes that a proper stance is fundamental, not just for accuracy but for overall control and readiness. The demonstration shows how instability leads to a loss of balance after firing, highlighting the practical importance of a solid stance.

John Lovell, a professional tactical instructor, demonstrates the correct way to utilize a vertical foregrip on an AR-15. He advises against a 'gangster' grip, instead promoting a technique where the foregrip is used as a hand stop to pull the rifle into the shoulder for better recoil control. The guide also covers using the foregrip to brace against obstacles for increased shooting platform stability.