Every time an event like this happens, if you are like me, you get so pissed you want to punch the wall, and yes, sometimes I do (well, I actually punch a bag several times…I got tired of patching my own walls). But after working thru the obvious anger, it is also a chance to LEARN how we can be (1) Better ARMED CITIZENS, because like it or not, this kind of thing is now our REALITY and (2) How to better effectively KILL our enemies that are trying to KILL us. If this language shocks you, GOOD. Getting SHOCKED awake now is better than getting KILLED later because of laziness or a “It could never happen to me” attitude.
Overview
The shooter jihadist fired a total of 13 rounds from a 9mm Glock 17, beginning to fire at around 8 feet (with both hands mind you) and ending up at virtually point blank range. Only 3 of these rounds hit Police Officer Hartnett, all in the left arm. Officer Hartnett, although being wounded, manages to exit the vehicle and begin firing at the fleeing suspect one handed with no support, hitting the suspect in the buttocks. Read that story HERE.
A few things of note:
- 13 rounds fired (by perp) using a two-handed grip and he scores only 3 hits at a distance of under 8 feet. The window was down in the vehicle, so there was no glass barrier to penetrate, and I don’t see any rounds impact the door frame. (The shooter actually sticks his arm into the vehicle at :02)
- Accuracy with a handgun can be summed up in 3 words: TRIGGER, TRIGGER, TRIGGER, regardless of the amount of rounds you fire or the distance you are from the target.
- After being hit, the officer exits the vehicle and manages to fire at his attacker ONE HANDED (with his right hand) and wound him in the buttocks.
Consider: The Perp at 8 feet to point blank range using a two-handed grip could only hit his target 3 out of 13, while the Policeman, using a one handed grip, hit a moving target (not sure the number of rounds the Cop fired at the perp)..all of this while being wounded and while moving! So take heart, Practice does not make perfect, but it does make permanent! Skill with a firearm is perishable, drill frequently and realistically!
Question: How many of your pistol drills involve not just shooting one-handed but sh ooting one-handed while moving? How many of your pistol drills are ambidextrous? If right handed, can you shoot with your left hand, unsupported and make reasonable hits? The same Left-handed?
Statistics prove the likelihood of you getting wounded in a self-defense shooting, particularly in the hand or arm is relatively high. Add to this the fact that we spend a large amount of time in a vehicle commuting to work, so this very same scenario could happen to any of us; All the more reason then to practice these types of scenarios.
Something to consider next time you hit the range to SERIOUSLY drill to DEFEND your life and the life of your loved ones.
Stay Alert, Stay Armed and Stay Dangerous!
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