rhino
September 3, 2006, 04:48 PM
High Intensity Tactical Training: Handgun/Handgun
with Louis Awerbuck
Boone County, Indiana - 17 August, 2006
Copyright © 2006 by [email protected]
This year’s High Intensity Tactical Training (HITT) with Louis Awerbuck www.yfainc.com was for handgun and “backup” handgun, just like last August. Unfortunately this year the pre-enrollment was too small to justify the full three day class, so it was reduced to one day, with the tuition reduced accordingly. On the other hand, since there were only four students, it was actually a more intensive course than with a full roster, as all four of us were on the line the whole time. That meant we got more individual scrutiny!
The class itself (as I assume is common to the HITT classes) was somewhat more like a tutorial than a more conventional handgun class with a more rigid curriculum. That allowed Louis to focus on those skills where we needed the most work, and less on those others which we could perform better.
As always, “only hits count,” so the marksmanship demands were always high. Given that, we spent the most time working on the details and skills related to handling, manipulating, and moving with two pistols. For those who have not attempted to maneuver with more than one handgun, there are probably some things you’ve not considered. I know that I learn something new each time!
It was also a great opportunity to learn more about shooting with either hand, unsupported. Depending on the situation, you may have to shoot with either hand, equally well. You also have to be capable of getting the gun into your hand and performing the fundamental manipulations.
Some of the elements were:
• Drawing and presenting the secondary gun
• Transitioning to the secondary gun AFTER having presented the primary gun
• Drawing the secondary, then transitioning to the primary
• Incorporating movement into the transitions, including shooting on the move
• Maneuvering at close quarters, then creating distance with both
• Maneuvering at close quarters, then creating distance including transitions from one to the other
• 180° pivots, eventually with all of the above
Toward the end of the class, we spent time applying the skills above to the laterally moving target (the one that tracks from side to side on a wheeled cart as mentioned in a previous review). All four of us had significant difficulty with this target (this time), which once again drove home the importance of follow through and of not “over-thinking” the shot.
One of the more valuable things I take home from this class is experience that will help me determine how I want to carry the gun(s) I choose to carry on a daily basis. Based on this class and what I learned, I have altered my daily carry set-up slightly, and I think it will further enhance my ability to properly respond in an “emergency.”
Due to the time constraints, we did not have time to cover as many topics as last year. Some of the more important were the drills to help develop one-handed manipulations such as reloads and clearing malfunctions using either hand. In a full three-day class, that would have been a significant block of time, and I’m glad I was exposed to it last August. We also did not get to do a night shoot in this class, which is unfortunate as handling a flashlight while transitioning from one pistol to another is not something people typically practice. Even more difficult are the night time drills where one hand is considered incapacitated, so the student has to handle the gun, shoot, reload, and handle the flashlight all with one hand. It can be ... challenging!
Overall, it was an intense and thoroughly rewarding experience. The one day format was good because the small class allowed for more one-on-one interaction with the instructor. On the down side, being on the line for most of the class meant less time for me to rest as well as less opportunity to observe other shooters. An observant student can learn as much by watching a second relay shoot as he can from being on the line himself. I doubt if I could have “survived” three days of it!
with Louis Awerbuck
Boone County, Indiana - 17 August, 2006
Copyright © 2006 by [email protected]
This year’s High Intensity Tactical Training (HITT) with Louis Awerbuck www.yfainc.com was for handgun and “backup” handgun, just like last August. Unfortunately this year the pre-enrollment was too small to justify the full three day class, so it was reduced to one day, with the tuition reduced accordingly. On the other hand, since there were only four students, it was actually a more intensive course than with a full roster, as all four of us were on the line the whole time. That meant we got more individual scrutiny!
The class itself (as I assume is common to the HITT classes) was somewhat more like a tutorial than a more conventional handgun class with a more rigid curriculum. That allowed Louis to focus on those skills where we needed the most work, and less on those others which we could perform better.
As always, “only hits count,” so the marksmanship demands were always high. Given that, we spent the most time working on the details and skills related to handling, manipulating, and moving with two pistols. For those who have not attempted to maneuver with more than one handgun, there are probably some things you’ve not considered. I know that I learn something new each time!
It was also a great opportunity to learn more about shooting with either hand, unsupported. Depending on the situation, you may have to shoot with either hand, equally well. You also have to be capable of getting the gun into your hand and performing the fundamental manipulations.
Some of the elements were:
• Drawing and presenting the secondary gun
• Transitioning to the secondary gun AFTER having presented the primary gun
• Drawing the secondary, then transitioning to the primary
• Incorporating movement into the transitions, including shooting on the move
• Maneuvering at close quarters, then creating distance with both
• Maneuvering at close quarters, then creating distance including transitions from one to the other
• 180° pivots, eventually with all of the above
Toward the end of the class, we spent time applying the skills above to the laterally moving target (the one that tracks from side to side on a wheeled cart as mentioned in a previous review). All four of us had significant difficulty with this target (this time), which once again drove home the importance of follow through and of not “over-thinking” the shot.
One of the more valuable things I take home from this class is experience that will help me determine how I want to carry the gun(s) I choose to carry on a daily basis. Based on this class and what I learned, I have altered my daily carry set-up slightly, and I think it will further enhance my ability to properly respond in an “emergency.”
Due to the time constraints, we did not have time to cover as many topics as last year. Some of the more important were the drills to help develop one-handed manipulations such as reloads and clearing malfunctions using either hand. In a full three-day class, that would have been a significant block of time, and I’m glad I was exposed to it last August. We also did not get to do a night shoot in this class, which is unfortunate as handling a flashlight while transitioning from one pistol to another is not something people typically practice. Even more difficult are the night time drills where one hand is considered incapacitated, so the student has to handle the gun, shoot, reload, and handle the flashlight all with one hand. It can be ... challenging!
Overall, it was an intense and thoroughly rewarding experience. The one day format was good because the small class allowed for more one-on-one interaction with the instructor. On the down side, being on the line for most of the class meant less time for me to rest as well as less opportunity to observe other shooters. An observant student can learn as much by watching a second relay shoot as he can from being on the line himself. I doubt if I could have “survived” three days of it!