Course Description:

The Tactical Pistol 2 (201) is a 2-day intermediate pistol course designed to equip the modern gunfighter with shooting skills necessary for close range defensive settings. In this intermediate pistol course, students learn the essential pistol skills from 0 to 25 yards. Close range shooting will focus on speed, while distance shooting will focus on accuracy. Students regularly face challenging drills under pressure to evaluate knowledge and application. Subjects covered include combat marksmanship, holster drawstroke, gun handling and multiple threats. A major class objective for Tactical Pistol 2 is a rapid drawstroke to deliver accurate fire at close ranges, measured against time and accuracy standards. Additional subjects include shooter diagnostics, movement, strong hand only and ammunition management.

Gear & Equipment:

• Duty pistol, 9mm (red dot sight optional*)
• 1,000 rounds of training ammunition
• 5 x pistol magazines (8 magazines for single stacks)
• 5 x inert training rounds
• Range attire: long pants, comfortable shirt, athletic shoes and ball cap
• Basic loadout: rigid belt, on the waistband (OWB) holster, magazine pouches and dump pouch (optional)
• Handheld flashlight
• Multi-tool device
• Wrap around ballistic eye protection
• Hearing protection
• Water, snacks, sunscreen and appropriate inclement weather clothing
• Firearms cleaning kit and quality lubrication
• Notebook and pencil
• Open mind

*Students are welcome to use RDS equipped pistols, but must ensure they are properly zeroed. Recommended zero distance is 25 yards for optimal performance, but regardless students must know their impacts at ranges from 0-25 yards. 

Course Prerequisite:

Basic Pistol 1 or similar. The below drills are suggested as minimum skill requirements to meet the prerequisites. Shot all drills drawing from the holster. The recommended target is the TRICON TCT-MK4 available from Action Target or TRICON B8 target.

• Pistol Standard Golf; at the 5 yard line, draw and fire 5 rounds in 5 seconds for 5 repetitions. Must be below par for each repetition and score 175/250 or higher.
• Pistol Standard Bravo; at the 10 yard line, draw and fire 10 rounds (9 reload 1) in 15 seconds. Must be below par and score 70/100 or higher.
• Pistol Standard India; at the 25 yard line draw and fire 5 rounds in 10 seconds for 2 repetitions. Must be below par for each repetition and score 70/100 points or higher combined.

Registration fee does not include any associated range fees.

Want to see other classes coming up this year? Check out the Class Schedule.

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How To Best Ensure Behavioral Change

The purpose behind training is behavioral change that leads to goal or performance standard achievement. I choose to define shooting archetypes as a pattern of behavior that guides or motivates a student. It is possible to have more than one archetype, but there usually will be a dominant one and others that can be subordinate. These warlike personality traits can help explain or define the student’s motivation, fears and goals. By themselves they are not bad, they are only bad if they prevent continued growth or goal attainment. Which is why I enjoy observing students while they are learning. I’m trying to better understand them, what makes them tick so I can get the very best out of them.

The Role of Time & Focus

I’ve also seen students change over the years. One of my greatest achievements is seeing returning students. I enjoy watching them grow as a shooter. I may see a student start out in one category, but as they develop they morph or flat out change into another. I’ve also seen an almost bi-polar condition where two archetypes are competing for dominance. The experience we undergo will help shape these archetypes. For instance, if your first exposure was more “Marksmen” related, you will typically have that as a dominant force. There is nothing to say these are permanent, in fact I feel they are more a state of flux. I can recall participating in different events when my focus might have drawn out more of a certain archetype. Different from my dominant role.

So here are the five shooting archetypes along with some details to help describe them better.

The Speedster

Usually a new student will start out as a speedster where they measure their performance by how fast they complete the task. The task may not meet the standard, but achievement is based on the time it takes and not the outcome.

Desire: To shoot as fast as possible
Goal: Achieve an arbitrary time standard that has limited application
Motto: Go fast or go home

The Marksman

Usually the student who takes their time learning and wants every shot to be a perfect shot. They often are flustered when forced to rush or perform their task quickly.

Desire: To hit the X-ring no matter the cost
Goal: Shoot the tightest groups at the furthest distances
Motto: Accuracy if final

The Metro

Usually the student who is interested in looking good at all costs. They want to have all the cool gear and toys first, then learn how to use them second.

Desire: To look like they know what they are doing
Goal: Be the first with the newest piece of gear
Motto: Everyone wants to be a gangster until

The Commando

Usually the student who is only interested in the outcome and doesn’t care so much about the tools. It is all about the mission and winning no matter the cost.

Desire: To meet the standard while using the least amount of effort
Goal: Mastery of everything so as not to be the weak link
Motto: Fuck it, we’ll do it live

The Gunfighter

Usually the student who is accurate and fast but competes for tactical realism, even when there is none to be had. They are burdened with statistics and knowledge in an effort to control an uncontrollable event.

Desire: To be tactically sound at everything
Goal: Act in the most statistically advantageous manner
Motto: This is the way

I love teaching and I love learning about how to reach students better. We talk about how important it is to know the different adult learning styles, but have we thought about the archetypes as well? Everyone processes and learns new information in different ways. There is no way to get around hard work or effort, you have to put in the time. Being somewhat more aware of these shooting archetypes might help reach a student who is struggling or provide a pathway towards improvement. There is always more than one way to skin a cat.

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Course Description:

In the Advanced Concealed Carry students will work from realistic defensive settings. Close range marksmanship will be the primary focus, with heavy emphasis on speed. Extended range marksmanship will be emphasized to display capability and opportunities. Main subjects covered include, combat marksmanship, shooting on the move, shooting from cover and shooting strong hand only. A terminal objective for the class is the rapid engagement of multiple rounds at close range versus multiple targets while on the move. Additional subjects where time permits include drawing from a seated position, reduced targets, hand transfers, shooting weak hand only, and shooting positions.

Gear List:

• Defensive pistol (9mm recommended)
• 3x pistol magazines minimum
• 500 rounds of training ammunition
• Range attire: long pants, comfortable shirt, athletic shoes and ball cap
• Sturdy belt
• On The Waistband (OWB) holster or In The Waistband (IWB) holster
• Single or double magazine pouch
• Ballistic wrap around eye protection
• Ear protection
• Firearms cleaning kit and quality lubrication (optional)
• Water, snacks, sunscreen and appropriate inclement weather clothing
• Notebook w/pencil
• Open mind

Course Prerequisite:

The below drills are suggested as minimum skill requirements to meet the prerequisites for the Advanced Concealed Carry. All drills are shot using primary carry pistol from the holster (unless otherwise specified) in an open carry condition. The recommended target is the TRICON TCT-MK4 available from Action Target or TRICON B8 target.

Registration fee does not include any associated range fees.

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Course Description:

In the Shooting Micro Pistols Fast & Accurate students learn how to shoot the Micros faster by improving recoil control through grip adaptations and modifications. Then shoot more accurately by understanding acceptable sight picture and fine trigger control. Close range drills are designed to test and expose weaknesses in the crush grip as well as emphasize rough trigger control and consistent follow through. Long range drills are designed to test and expose weaknesses in the aiming process as well as define fine trigger control. Subjects covered include combat marksmanship, sighting systems, crush grip and TDE theory. The course goal is to provide the shooter the experience on shooting fast when necessary, but metering speed when accuracy is the priority. Additional subjects where time permits includes reduced targets, shooting under high stress and shooter diagnostics.

Gear List:

• Micro Compact pistol (9mm recommended)
• 3x pistol magazines minimum
• 500 rounds of ammunition
• Range attire: long pants, comfortable shirt, athletic shoes and ball cap
• Sturdy belt
• On The Waistband (OWB) holster or In The Waistband (IWB) holster
• Single or double magazine pouch
• Ballistic wrap around eye protection
• Ear protection
• Firearms cleaning kit and quality lubrication (optional)
• Water, snacks, sunscreen and appropriate inclement weather clothing
• Notebook w/pencil
• Open mind

Course Prerequisite:

The below drills are suggested as minimum skill requirements to meet the prerequisites for this Shooting Micro Pistols. All drills are shot using primary carry pistol from the holster (unless otherwise specified) in an open carry condition. The recommended target is the TRICON TCT-MK4 available from Action Target or TRICON B8 target.

Registration fee does not include any associated range fees.

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Course Description:

The Advanced Pistol 3 (301) is a 2-day advanced pistol course designed to test modern gunfighter’s skill level. In this advanced pistol course, students are tested on both speed and accuracy from 0 to 50 yards (where available). The curriculum is largely made up of graded drills both with prescribed group standards and self-paced standards. Subjects covered included sight tracking, shot calling, self-evaluation and baselines. A major course objective is recognizing the individual elements or micro tasks that make up an activity and focus on perfecting them through concentrated effort. Additional subjects include shooter diagnostics, performance dissection, soft vs. hard focus and drill design for improved performance.

Advance Pistol Gear:

• Defensive pistol (9mm recommended)
• 1,000 rounds of factory ammunition (500 rounds minimum)
• 5 x pistol magazines (8 magazines for single stacks)
• 5 x inert training rounds
• Range attire: long pants, comfortable shirt, athletic shoes and ball cap
• Basic loadout: rigid belt, on the waistband (OWB) holster, magazine pouches and dump pouch (optional)
• Handheld flashlight
• Multi-tool device
• Wrap around ballistic eye protection
• Hearing protection
• Water, snacks, sunscreen and appropriate inclement weather clothing
• Firearms cleaning kit and quality lubrication
• Notebook and pencil
• Open mind

Pistol Course Prerequisite:

Combative Pistol 2 or similar. Students should be able to score an 80% or better on the following drills

• TRICON 455 Test; from the holster, 5 rounds at 5 yards in 5 seconds for 5 repetitions vs. B8 repair center. 250 points possible, must score 200 points or higher and be below par for each repetition.
• TRICON Test; from the holster, 10 rounds (9 reload 1) at 10 yards in 12 seconds vs. B8 repair center. 100 points possible, must score 80 or higher and be below par
• TRICON Bullseye Qual.; from the holster, 5 rounds at 25 yards in 10 seconds for 2 repetitions vs. B8 Repair center. 100 points possible, must score 80 or higher and be below par for each repetition.

Registration fee does not include any associated range fees.

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Course Description:

The Professional Development (099) or ProDev is a semi-private day long seminar. Participants will get first hand knowledge on the methodology Jeff uses to train; which includes essential skills identification, minimum performance standards, degree of difficulty and degree of atrophy. It starts by laying out the practice plan, goals and drills to be used. The session centers around his monthly live fire training so each seminar is unique and will be different. Each of the drills are briefed, demonstrated and shot individually for score. The standards are further defined for the various skill levels and how to properly document performance to evaluate progress. Due to time constraints and safety, all drills are shot from open carry strong side. The ProDev Seminar is ideal for shooters with an intermediate skill level and a desire to know how to build their own training program based off proven results.

Skills Test:

Participants must be able to meet a minimum standard on the Entry Level Skills Test. Failure to do so could result in dismissal from the seminar for safety and time considerations. The test is shot cold with no warm up for best results. You will need the following: defensive pistol, holster, 10 rounds of ammunition, timer and NRA B8 or similar target. The test is performed twice. Each test has a maximum of 50 points possible. Individual scores are totaled for final score.

• Task: On the signal, draw and fire five (5) rounds, perform twice.
• Condition: From the 15 yard line versus a bullseye target within a 10 second par time
• Standards: 80% or higher combined score.

Gear List:

• Defensive pistol (9mm recommended)
• 500 rounds of factory ammunition
• 3x pistol magazines minimum
• Range appropriate clothing
• Rigid belt, quality holster and magazine pouches
• Wrap around ballistic eye protection
• Hearing protection
• Firearms cleaning kit and quality lubrication (optional)
• Water, snacks, sunscreen and appropriate inclement weather clothing
• Notebook and pencil
• Smartphone
• Open mind

Course Prerequisite:

Tactical Pistol 2 or similar, see entry level skill test for admission.

Registration fee does not include any associated range fees.

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Course Description:

The Advanced Pistol 3 (301) is a 2-day advanced pistol course designed to test modern gunfighter’s skill level. In this advanced pistol course, students are tested on both speed and accuracy from 0 to 50 yards (where available). The curriculum is largely made up of graded drills both with prescribed group standards and self-paced standards. Subjects covered included sight tracking, shot calling, self-evaluation and baselines. A major course objective is recognizing the individual elements or micro tasks that make up an activity and focus on perfecting them through concentrated effort. Additional subjects include shooter diagnostics, performance dissection, soft vs. hard focus and drill design for improved performance.

Advance Pistol Gear:

• Defensive pistol (9mm recommended)
• 1,000 rounds of factory ammunition (500 rounds minimum)
• 5 x pistol magazines (8 magazines for single stacks)
• 5 x inert training rounds
• Range attire: long pants, comfortable shirt, athletic shoes and ball cap
• Basic loadout: rigid belt, on the waistband (OWB) holster, magazine pouches and dump pouch (optional)
• Handheld flashlight
• Multi-tool device
• Wrap around ballistic eye protection
• Hearing protection
• Water, snacks, sunscreen and appropriate inclement weather clothing
• Firearms cleaning kit and quality lubrication
• Notebook and pencil
• Open mind

Pistol Course Prerequisite:

Combative Pistol 2 or similar. Students should be able to score an 80% or better on the following drills

• TRICON 455 Test; from the holster, 5 rounds at 5 yards in 5 seconds for 5 repetitions vs. B8 repair center. 250 points possible, must score 200 points or higher and be below par for each repetition.
• TRICON Test; from the holster, 10 rounds (9 reload 1) at 10 yards in 12 seconds vs. B8 repair center. 100 points possible, must score 80 or higher and be below par
• TRICON Bullseye Qual.; from the holster, 5 rounds at 25 yards in 10 seconds for 2 repetitions vs. B8 Repair center. 100 points possible, must score 80 or higher and be below par for each repetition.

Registration fee does not include any associated range fees.

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Aim For Being Multifaceted

Those of us born into the blade, know training never ends. You are never “good enough”, you only reach new plateaus. You strive to improve the smallest facet of the overall skill set. I often comment about the importance of being well-rounded. No one and I mean no one can say definitely what type of trouble will befall you. All they can do is give you their best guess. Remember that, burn that into your training psyche. I’m not saying to disregard their opinions. I’m saying step back and assess. Through this lens we should see an unknowable, unknown event. That is the basis for any good training methodology. The goal is to be multifaceted, with a diverse set of experiences and abilities.

Setting Good Goals

The quest for being multifaceted starts with self assessment. Know thyself, strengths and weaknesses. The common mistake is to work on strengths only, forgoing improving weaknesses. The first goal of the new year is to identify and improve areas of weakness. Goal setting is not hard, but it is often done poorly or flat out incorrectly. Once the area of improvement is identified, assign a time period for completion. This first step is commonly omitted or poorly completed. Whatever the time period, it will be inaccurate. By that, I mean too short. Anything of value is measurable, so to is the goal. Establish an observable and repeatable standard to identify progress and or completion. The last step is identifying any obstacles that would interfere with goal completion. These are also often overlooked or ignored. One other suggestion is to reassess. Whatever the time period, establish a halfway point to review the progress. It may be necessary to adjust or adapt your goal. Armed with the recent experience adjustments to the time period and standards become more accurate.

Check The Ego at the Door

Getting outside the comfort zone is another worthy goal. Doing something new or different helps create better neural engagement and elasticity. Shooting courses are great examples. Taking courses from reputable instructors is a sound tactic. Those worth their salt will challenge personal growth and self discovery. No matter the subject, if there is no growth or discovery it is more likely ego driven as opposed to goal driven. If the goal is personal growth it will involve some failures and disappointments. Without failure, growth is stunted. Push outside the established comfort zones. Learn to fail quickly and fail often. Use the experience to grow. I’m no different than anyone, I don’t like to fail…at anything. I also know myself, if I’m not pushing or reaching for the next level I will become complacent. True growth happens at the outer limits of current abilities. Plus, it is fun.

Be A Good Rival

I’m a big fan of having a support group or training partners. The better my training partners, the better my performance. If you cannot find someone local, consider coordinating virtual training sessions with friends or family members across the globe. With today’s technology, there is no excuse. Find a good training partner who will push you. By the same token, be a good training partners to those below you. We all started as beginners, think back to the early stages of your training. Remember the frustration, anxiety and fear we all had. Use the experiences to help others. Share the hard earned knowledge, consider it a right of passage. Mentoring is a great way to see new self-improvement.

I love this time of year and the future opportunities. I know I will miss the mark on some of my goals, but I miss all the shots I don’t take.

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Course Description:

The Tactical Rifle 2 (203) is a 2-day intermediate rifle course designed to equip the modern rifleman with shooting skills necessary for close range urban defensive settings. In this intermediate rifle course, students learn essential rifle skills & standards from 5 to 50 yards. Close range shooting will focus on speed, while mid-range shooting will focus on accuracy. Students will constantly be exposed to challenging drills designed to shoot under pressure. Subjects covered include: proper zeroing procedures, shooting positions, gun handling and combat marksmanship. A major objective for the Tactical Rifle 2 is the ability to mount the rifle quickly to deliver effective fire at urban distances measured against time and accuracy standards. Additional subjects include shooter diagnostics, surgical shots, movement, use of cover and ammunition management.

Gear List:

• AR15/M4 rifle/carbine
• Adjustable rifle sling
• Red dot sight or low powered variable optic
• Defensive pistol
• 1,000 rounds of factory rifle ammunition (500 rounds minimum)
• 50 rounds of factory pistol ammunition
• 5 x rifle magazines minimum
• 5 x inert/dummy rifle training rounds
• 2 x pistol magazines
• Range attire: long pants, comfortable shirt, athletic shoes and ball cap
• Elbow/knee pads or shooting pad (optional)
• Basic loadout: rigid belt, on the waistband (OWB) holster, magazine pouches and dump pouch
• Chest rig capable of holding 4 rifle magazines
• Handheld flashlight
• Multi-tool
• Clear/tinted wrap around ballistic eye protection
• Hearing protection
• Water, snacks, sunscreen and appropriate inclement weather clothing
• Firearms cleaning kit and quality lubrication
• Notebook and pencil
• Open mind

Course Prerequisites:

Basic Rifle 1 or similar. The below drills are suggested as minimum skill requirements to meet the prerequisites. All drills are shot starting from the low ready position of at least 45 degrees downward. The recommended target is the TRICON TCT-MK4 available from Action Target or TRICON B8 printable target.

• Rifle Standards, Alpha: at the 25 yard line, fire 10 rounds (9 reload 1) in 15 seconds or less. Must be below par and score 70/100 points or higher.
• Rifle Standards, Hotel: at the 25 yard line, fire 4 rounds standing to the body, then drop to kneeling and fire 2 rounds to the head in 10 seconds or less. Must be below par and score 70/100 or higher.
• Rifle Standards, Juliet: at the 50 yard line, fire 10 rounds from any position in 60 seconds or less. Must be below par and score 70/100 or higher.

Registration fee does not include any associated range fees.

The post Tactical Rifle 2 appeared first on Trident Concepts.

Course Description:

The Tactical Rifle 2 (203) is a 2-day intermediate rifle course designed to equip the modern rifleman with shooting skills necessary for close range urban defensive settings. In this intermediate rifle course, students learn essential rifle skills & standards from 5 to 50 yards. Close range shooting will focus on speed, while mid-range shooting will focus on accuracy. Students will constantly be exposed to challenging drills designed to shoot under pressure. Subjects covered include: proper zeroing procedures, shooting positions, gun handling and combat marksmanship. A major objective is the ability to mount the rifle quickly to deliver effective fire at urban distances measured against time and accuracy standards. Additional subjects include shooter diagnostics, surgical shots, movement, use of cover and ammunition management.

Gear List:

• AR15/M4 rifle/carbine
• Adjustable rifle sling
• Red dot sight or low powered variable optic
• Defensive pistol
• 1,000 rounds of factory rifle ammunition (500 rounds minimum)
• 50 rounds of factory pistol ammunition
• 5 x rifle magazines minimum
• 5 x inert/dummy rifle training rounds
• 2 x pistol magazines
• Range attire: long pants, comfortable shirt, athletic shoes and ball cap
• Elbow/knee pads or shooting pad (optional)
• Basic loadout: rigid belt, on the waistband (OWB) holster, magazine pouches and dump pouch
• Chest rig capable of holding 4 rifle magazines
• Handheld flashlight
• Multi-tool
• Clear/tinted wrap around ballistic eye protection
• Hearing protection
• Water, snacks, sunscreen and appropriate inclement weather clothing
• Firearms cleaning kit and quality lubrication
• Notebook and pencil
• Open mind

Course Prerequisites:

Basic Rifle 1 or similar. The below drills are suggested as minimum skill requirements to meet the prerequisites. All drills are shot starting from the low ready position of at least 45 degrees downward. The recommended target is the TRICON TCT-MK4 available from Action Target or TRICON B8 printable target.

• TRICON Rifle Test (Alpha): at the 25 yard line, fire 10 rounds (9 reload 1) in 15 seconds or less. Must be below par and score 70/100 points or higher.
• TRICON Rifle Bill Drill (Hotel): at the 25 yard line, fire 4 rounds standing to the body, then drop to kneeling and fire 2 rounds to the head in 10 seconds or less. Must be below par and score 70/100 or higher.
• TRICON Rifle Slow Fire Test (Juliet): at the 50 yard line, fire 10 rounds from any position in 60 seconds or less. Must be below par and score 70/100 or higher.

Registration fee does not include any associated range fees.

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