Recently I was asked about active shooter preparation and specifically how to deal with long shots one might encounter. A quick study of active shooter incidences and we can see many of them happen in “gun free” zones such as malls, schools and big box stores. In these environments, distance is an alley. But, if there is a responsibility to move towards the sound of gunfire to stop an attack is that doable. How proficient is one shooting at the maximum effective range of a pistol.
Defining the Long Shot
Let’s all agree we are not talking about personal attacks that typically occur at close range if not extreme close range. We are talking about a gunfight at 35, 50 or 75 yards; maybe even further or the maximum effective range. Many are already bemoaning the need to take a shot at these ranges and they are not be wrong. Again, if what if the mission is the safety and security of these locations. What if the mission was to engage the bad guy at these extreme ranges in an effort to shift their mindset to survival mode. Many in law enforcement can find themselves in this situation as school resource officers or if they are the first responding officers on the scene of an active shooter. While first responders may have access to a rifle, school resources officers must deal with the attack from a “come as you are” war mindset. Meaning the rifle is secured in an office space away from the attack site and of little value.
An Origin Story
I’ve been in situations where distance was common, whether it was intentional such as an approach to a target or unintentional, being caught in bad situation and needing to beat feet. As a result, years ago we created and taught a class called Pistol Distance Shooting to address the issue of maximum effective range to units and organizations with a similar skill set requirement. It was the genesis of being in some tight spots and needing to push beyond the normal pistol shooting ranges. In the one day class we shot pistols out to 25, 35 & 50 yards standing. Then 75, 100 & 200 from prone. It was a great class on truly understanding marksmanship principles. Some argue it is not realistic and again they would be right. Unless there is an attack while in a mall, school or store with terrain greater than your normal training distances. What training and standards exist for this mission. To be honest, there really are none. It could be reckless, maybe even irresponsible to not at least practice to better understand the challenges of these extreme ranges.
Understanding the Distance Challenges
What is the secret to shooting at these extreme ranges? There are two buckets, gear and skill. To do this well will require the right gear. Back then, I ran those classes with a high-end full size 1911 with adjustable sights. My zero was 35 yards and it allowed me to hit out to 100 yards relatively easily. That’s where the fun ended. Beyond that and it is extremely difficult. But, what about in today’s environment with red dot sights (RDS) on pistols? I’m not saying it is easy, but it is more likely to be achievable for shooters with less than advanced skills. This is where gear has narrowed the playing field. Each year I shot out to 100 yards with my pistol more as a reminder of humility than preparedness. In the process it has greatly improved many other facets of my skill set. Match ammunition is an option, but to be honest I doubt it will help without the use of a RDS. A match grade pistol is also not entirely necessary. I have some really high end match pistols that I love, but my annual humbling is with my carry pistol. That is sometimes my P365 xl or xMacro, both with short barrels.
It’s All About Technique
Taking a stand falls in the realm of skill and capability. Here, I break it up into two smaller buckets; freestyle and supported. Freestyle being standing and supported being prone or some other supported position. Both will require a higher than average attention to detail. The RDS really shines in this regard. At these extreme distances I’m doing less thinking about sights and more thinking about trigger control. Really understanding the sear wall is a huge benefit. The next skill to develop is using holds. To get a good hit on a target at 50, 75 or 100 requires adjusting the point of aim. There are too many variables to list, but suffice it to say aim higher. This is where practice provides the insight and skill to be effective. For those wondering, a sub 2 inch group at 25 yards will generally produce a 6 inch group at 50 yards and 10 inch group at the 100 yard. I’ve attacked this problem from several different angles, but this seems to be a good rule of thumb. All bets are off if holding a decent group at 25 yards is not possible. Even with no true mission requirement for this skill set, I still encourage all decent shooters to play with the 50 yard line as their maximum effective range. The first time I put a decent group at the 50 yard line was a true watershed moment for my capabilities.
Getting to the 100 Yard Range
How to train at these extreme distances requires a little preparation. Without knowing the bullet’s flight path, use a flyer sheet. This is the sheet of paper used to collect the data on a missed shot. To do this, I invert one of our TCT Mk4 targets so the head is at the bottom. Then affix it to the hanging target with glue to give me 36 inches of vertical drop. If my point of aim is off the primary target, the flyer sheet will catch it and I can make an adjustment. The flyer sheet is really not needed until maybe 75, but 100 and further for sure. My biggest complaint is not having convenient access to more than 100 yards for pistol work. Most of the time, if I’m going to a 100 plus yard facility, I’m working on my rifle. The last pro tip to fast track learning is to collect data. So, create a DOPE log or Data On Previous Engagement. For me, what I do is take a picture of the target with the point of aim along with the point of impact. This allows me to start my newest session without repeating some of the past mistakes. I don’t spend too much time here, maybe a total of 50 rounds from 35-100 yards. I will admit it is challenging, but also very rewarding.
To those who must defend our national treasures, I hope there is the means to improve the gear and skill.
