Start Shooting Better Episode 11: Wilson 5x5 Skill Test

This episode of Gun Guys features firearm experts Bill Wilson and Ken Hackathorn discussing essential pistol shooting skills that experienced shooters should continually practice to maintain proficiency. They emphasize that while fundamentals like trigger control, reloads, and target acquisition become ingrained, continued drilling is crucial. The video highlights the importance of ongoing practice for advanced shooters to keep their skills sharp.

This video details the Basic Handgun Proficiency (BHP) Drill #1, a comprehensive test of handgun skills developed by Wilson Combat. Led by firearms legends Ken Hackathorn and Bill Wilson, the drill covers five stages: turning and reloading, strong-hand-only shooting, shooting on the move, and the Mozambique drill. It emphasizes practical application and accurate scoring, with expert insights into equipment and performance standards.

This video presents the 5x5 Skill Test, a firearm drill designed by Bill Wilson for measuring rapid fire pistol control with a low round count. The drill utilizes a service pistol of 9mm caliber or larger, a concealed carry suitable holster, and ammunition with a power factor of 125,000. It's conducted at 10 yards using a standard IDPA target, with scoring based on IDPA Limited Vickers rules for a total of 25 shots. The drill involves four strings: freestyle draw and fire 5 shots, strong-hand-only draw and fire 5 shots, freestyle draw and fire 5 shots followed by a slidelock reload and 5 more freestyle shots, and finally, a draw and fire of 4 body shots and 1 headshot. Skill rankings are provided, ranging from Grand Master (15 seconds or less) to Novice (50 seconds or less), with a cutoff for proficiency to carry a handgun.

This expert guide details 'The Bill Drill', a fundamental pistol training exercise popularized by Wilson Combat. Developed by founder Bill Wilson, the drill focuses on drawing from a holster at 7 yards and accurately placing six shots into the A-zone of a target in under 3 seconds. The instruction emphasizes proper grip, recoil control, and prioritizing accuracy over speed, with demonstrations by an experienced shooter affiliated with Wilson Combat.

This #shorts video from "The Gun Guys," Bill Wilson and Ken Hackathorn, outlines "The Shooter's Seven Sins." The content focuses on common mistakes and misconceptions in firearms handling and training, including the danger of focusing on potential over probability, neglecting weaknesses in practice, improper grip, attempting to "buy skill," prioritizing speed over accuracy, over-tuning firearms, and treating a gun as a "lucky charm." The video aims to warn shooters against these detrimental habits, with mentions of Wilson Combat's expertise and the esteemed backgrounds of both Wilson and Hackathorn in law enforcement and military training.

This video features a "Devil Drill" demonstration, a low round count shooting drill developed by Larry Vickers. Ken Hackathorn guides Bill Wilson through the drill, which involves 6 shots at 6 yards in 6 seconds, using the new SFT9 pistol. The description provides extensive background on both Bill Wilson's journey in the firearms industry and Ken Hackathorn's extensive experience as a firearms instructor for various elite law enforcement and military units. It highlights Wilson Combat's reputation for reliability, craftsmanship, and customer service, and details Hackathorn's credentials and contributions to firearms publications.

This guide details the 'Cruiser Ready' condition for home defense shotguns, as explained by Chris Baker. It prioritizes safety by keeping the chamber empty while ensuring rapid deployment. The method involves a loaded magazine tube, empty chamber, unlocked slide, and safety off, with a recommendation to load one round less than capacity to preserve magazine spring life.

This entry details the FBI's ill-fated adoption of the 10mm Auto and the Smith & Wesson Model 1076, exploring the historical context, technical challenges, and the subsequent shift to .40 S&W. It highlights the critical role of ballistics testing, the evolution of handgun cartridges, and the impact of law enforcement procurement decisions on firearm development.

This video provides an in-depth historical analysis of the Ruger Mini-14, exploring its design origins, market positioning, and enduring popularity. It highlights the rifle's M14 heritage, its success in filling a civilian market gap in the 1970s, and its evolution through various models and updates. The analysis also touches on criticisms regarding accuracy and reliability, contrasting it with the AR-15 platform.

This review provides an in-depth look at the Chiappa 1892 Alaskan Takedown lever-action rifle, highlighting its unique takedown feature, performance, and potential drawbacks. The expert assessment notes the rifle's smooth action and crisp trigger, while also pointing out cosmetic defects and suggesting practical modifications for improved handling and ergonomics. It's presented as a packable option for various outdoor applications.