Rifle And Pistol Minimums

People ask me all the time my thoughts on what is a minimum competency level with a handgun or rifle.

For starters, let's look into what is really important when it comes to self defense with a firearm. The following criteria are absolutely not negotiable. These things must be understood.
1. You must be able to hit what you are aiming at.
2. You must be able to remedy stoppages.
3. You must be able to bring your gun to bear fast enough to make a difference.
4. You must be able to do 1 through 3 smoothly.

Definitions.
You will need to know these definitions for the following competencies.
* Muzzle down - also known as position Sul, this is where your rifle muzzle is pointing down, about a half meter in front of your own feet.
* Low ready - this is where your muzzle is pointing just below the feet of a potential target in front of you.
* Minimum - this is the very minimum requirement. It does not indicate proficiency.
* Proficient - this is the amount that demonstrates proficiency. It does not indicate mastery.


Pistol
1. Hit an actual size target (such as an IDPA target) from 25 yards. 
Minimum - 6 out of 10 shots.
Proficient - 10 out of 10 shots. 

2. From low ready, fire one shot, "tap-rack-bang" a second shot.
Minimum - 6 seconds or less. 
Proficient - 3 seconds or less.

3. Draw from concealment and fire one shot in a vital zone target from 21 feet.
Minimum - 2 seconds or less.
Proficient - 1.5 seconds or less.


Rifle
1. Hit an actual size target at 300 yards.  Just you and your rifle (no outside support).
Minimum - 6 out of 10 shots.
Proficient - 10 out of 10 shots. 

2. From Low Ready, fire - "tap-rack-bang" fire again.
Minimum - 6 seconds.
Proficient - 3 seconds.

3. From position Sul, make ready and fire from 21 feet. 
Minimum - 2 seconds.
Proficient - 1.5 seconds.


Happy training!