Lesson at Range Tonight

The owner of a range I shoot at let's some regulars he trusts work with a motorized target as it moves back to you from about 25' out to zero, shooting as it moves, this when the range has few or none other shooting. Though shooting only 2 years and 60+ years old I've become petty good, off-duty police and others at the range have helped me and I am one of the "trusted".

Even though I practice drawing and firing with various techniques: two hands using sights, one-handed from a crouch, shooting from the hip etc., there was only time for one technique tonight as the target (the "perp") quickly moved in on me: that was one-handed point shooting from a crouch, arm straight out, non-dominant arm held in the air or covering chest. I can draw and fire the first shot pretty quickly, about 3 seconds, but even so, the "perp" - moving at about what a run would be - was at best no more than 10' feet away as my gun was moving forward from the draw. With a two handed grip "he" was 6' and closing, and I still wasn't really set. One handed point shooting was it.

So, brought home to me what I've read about real shootings in SD situations: NO TIME usually for aimed or two-handed if someone is running at you, one handed and point shooting is the story often.

Also brought home what I don't hear discussed much when questions are asked about best first gun and what caliber etc.: the first consideration should be: get a gun that can be concealed with enough comfort to want to carry it, and in a position on the belt where you can get to it FAST; so, a gun you can deploy, shoot accurately with multiple shots or: it won't matter if it's the greatest gun on earth and the best caliber known to man. You won't have a chance to use it. A very good holster and belt I would also suggest.

My thoughts anyway for what they're worth.

I guess one last point too: if you're older you can learn to shoot well. I had an incident a few years ago while walking alone at night. I wanted to learn how to protect myself so I could still enjoy simple pleasures like an evening walk as I aged. Why shouldn't I have that right? Now I do again.

Thanks.

PS: I enclosed a photo of the two one-handed positions I use if anyone's interested: I think the "crouch" one also was recommended in a recent article I read about real shootings: because no matter what stance people learn, often their body reacts instinctively to great danger by closing up (crouching) and the arms moving out and up for protection - so learning to shoot like that might also serve best in an emergency since that's what might happen anyway to your body. Not sure about that but I am quite accurate and fast with it - works for me anyway. I shoot with snub nosed Colt Detective or Colt Cobra - alternately I carry full size Glock .45 GAP, (the 37, same duty as our State Police, New York, and really accurate). Only difference I use in "Crouch" pictured below is I keep my gun-arm pretty straight, helps with accuracy.

Thanks all for all your comments. i definitely will try some of these techniques suggested - and working with one very knowledgeable trainer would be very good - I'll see what I can do about that.

I also realize I'm lucky to have such opportunities as this range allows me. I know it's not usual. And you really need some way to bring home the realities to you. E.g., It's amazing the quote of 23Glock :

The danger zone should be considered about 21 feet. If they are within 21 feet they can close on you with a contact weapon in about 1.5 seconds, before you can effectively present.

Click to expand...

It seems at 21' with a stationary target at a range there is all the time in the world, but real life is not like that.