We refer to the draw stroke as the presentation at Gunsite. It’s a better explanation than simply “drawing” the pistol, because it describes the act of presenting the pistol from the holster to the target or threat. In our “basic,” five-day pistol class we expect students to present the pistol and make hits on targets from 3 to 7 yards away in 1.5 seconds. Most students can do this in two or three days of training.
What’s the difference between a tactical reload and a speed, or emergency, reload? We teach both at Gunsite and, while I hope you never have to perform a speed load in a gunfight, I’m pretty sure you’re going to do tac loads routinely as part of your regular practice or even day-to-day carry.
Evolution can be defined as any process of growth or development. Applying this to a training doctrine, we have seen a continual evolution of the Modern Technique since Jeff Cooper came down from the mountain and introduced it to the world through the training program at a place now referred to simply as Gunsite.
Back in the Dark Ages, we called it a speed rock, a name that came from the FBI, as I recall. At Gunsite, we call it shooting from retention; shooting one-handed at very close range with the pistol tucked back in along the rib cage.
We use head shots for a couple of reasons in our classes at Gunsite. The tactical reason is the need to shut an attacker down, instantly, by delivering a well-placed shot to the central-nervous system.
As far as I can tell, ammunition remains expensive and in short supply, so here’s another drill that consumes only 10 rounds. But there’s a problem: It’s a bit addictive and you may want to shoot it several times and with several variations.