(714) 680-5500 • eMail: KC.5150.HEAT@ gmail.com
(714) 680-5500 • eMail: KC.5150.HEAT@ gmail.com
Getting into a defensive mindset is a drill on its own!
The majority of those who prepare for the worst have no desire to be involved in such activities. Do you really believe I want to be trading shots with some idiot who thinks he should be able to take what he wants from those of us who work for what we have? I do not. Every morning when I put my gun into the holster, I hope I don’t have to use it.
But as Lt. Col. Dave Grossman says, “Hope is not a strategy.” We cannot simply hope that evil people will never find us. We must prepare for the worst of all scenarios. We must do so thoughtfully and we must do so with the full knowledge that our actions are the epitome of the double-edged sword. In a fight to defend an innocent life, we may be forced to harm another. The person who attacks us might die as a result of our reaction to his aggressive action.
This strange dichotomy is something we attempt to come to terms with as we get deeper and deeper into the concealed carry lifestyle. Most people should be asking the “big” question before purchasing a gun. You know the “big” question, don’t you? Can you do it? Can you pull the trigger if you need to?
All of us answer in the affirmative before we drop a wad of cash on the gun counter and start down the road toward concealed carry confidence. We all believe we can do it. And that mindset is the most important thing. You have to be willing to use force long before you will ever be able to use force. Yet the only way you will ever be willing to do so is to convince yourself that you are able to do so. The best way to do that is to gain confidence in your understanding that what you are doing is legally and morally correct. This is the foundation of your training: You must know you are doing the right thing.
Starting with that commitment, you can move forward, building the skills you need to survive an encounter and learning the rules that will keep you within the bounds of the law. You will study and you will train and you will repeat those sequences again and again. All the while, you will be hoping you never have to use your skills.
If you are like the average American gun owner, you will get through your entire life without ever using your gun in self-defense. Chances are pretty good you will never be forced to test your skills, your knowledge of the law and your decision-making ability. But that does not mean your training and your study will be wasted. On the contrary, it means your investment of time and money has provided the exact return you had hoped for. The best fight is the one you are not in.
But we don’t train for the probability. We train for the possibility. We train for that one day we hope will never come. None of us wants to use the skills we have worked so hard to hone. I think that is the right way to approach this lifestyle.
Dear Concealed Carry Woman,
I’ve seen you around. And I’ve watched you. You’re paying attention. You stay away from uncomfortable environments. You remove yourself from uncertain situations. You notice people, and you make casual eye contact. You don’t let your guard down. And even though you are a very pleasant and kind person, you are never blissfully unaware. You save the daydreaming for another time and place. You are never caught up in your thoughts or just running on “cruise control.”
You have the right mindset. And that’s truly the most important thing you can arm yourself with. You have made the determination that you will not be a victim. You make smart, conscious decisions, but you also count on those God-given, subconscious reactions. You always live in the present, but you look forward to the future, and you have learned from the past.
You are mentally prepared. And you are willing to take action.
Are you preoccupied, talking on your smartphone as you walk? Or worse, texting? Interviews with muggers and rapists confirm that those are behaviors they actively look for in potential victims.
Predators have also developed simple but surprisingly effective techniques for “closing the distance” — asking you if you know the time or if you can give them directions, all the while edging closer to you. If this happens, you have every right to put your hand up and say something like, “Stop right there. I don’t know you.”
But use common sense. Obviously, if an elderly woman in a crowded food store asks the time, or where the post office is, the odds of her being a threat is virtually nil. But the same questions from several young males in a deserted parking lot, especially at night, is a different story.
So be constantly vigilant and aware, use good judgement and be ready to react if someone approaches you uninvited — especially if your “threat detector” starts bouncing into the red zone. It just makes sense; distance really is your friend.
Perfect Practice Makes Perfect!
The Importance of both Dry-Fire & Live Fire Practice for Firearms Accuracy and Safety
First of all, shooting is a perishable skill. If you don't practice regularly, your shooting skills will diminish. It takes lots and lots of practice to be able to perform well under the tremendous stress and pressure of a violent use of force encounter. During such situations, you must be able to react instinctively, and that instinct can be developed with hours and hours of PERFECT PRACTICE... Perfect Practice Makes Perfect!
Practice firing the OCSD California qualification course, often. Use it as a drill to maintain and build your marksmanship skills at the Live Fire Shooting Range. Its also a great idea to practice firing the OCSD CCW Qualification drill as a Dry Fire drill. There are many other qualification courses that are good. Pick a few drills you feel fit your situation and rotate through them. Record your results in your Shooter's Training Log and have someone else witness it, if possible. An Internet search may turn up various state qualification courses. Keep in mind Perfect Practice Makes Perfect!
A practice plan should be based on some baseline skill set that you think is appropriate to your situation and needs. For California, Orange County CCW License holders your initial go too training drill should be the OCSD's concealed weapons qualification course, and alternatively, a local police qualification course, a test you learned from a shooting class, or any other performance standard you think is appropriate.
Example: Orange County CCW Practical Application Shooting Examination for State of California Concealed Carry License.
Course of Fire
The course of fire utilized by the Sheriff’s Department is as follows:
The live fire course will utilize standard silhouette B-27 scoring targets placed 3, 5 and 7 yards from the shooter.
OCSD Qualification Directive:
The first handgun qualification will consist of shooting a complete 72 round qualification course of fire with a checked* handgun that will be listed on your
CCW License:
All subsequent handgun qualifications will consist of a 20 round qualification course of fire. Handguns must be checked prior to qualification and being listed on your CCW License.
A passing score of 70% is the minimum on this live fire course using the same weapon(s) that will be listed on the applicants CCW License. This updated handgun course of fire will be applied to both initial & renewal qualifications.
We need to use them well when we practice shooting just as in any aspect of our lives. Practicing shooting at an indoor gun range can make this a challenging task. Indoor ranges often have restrictions that outdoor gun ranges don’t. Indoor ranges also tend to be used by busy people in urban areas, who really need to use their time as effectively as possible. However, it’s common to see shooters come to an indoor gunrange and not use their resources efficiently while they are there.
There are several ways to maximize the benefits of our indoor range time:
The single biggest mistake people make when going to any indoor or outdoor gun range is not having a practice plan when they get there.
Case-in-Point: The SCUBA saying: plan your dive and dive your plan is equally appropriate in shooting.
Without a plan, most shooters typically just fire a few hundred rounds down range and have no idea whether they have improved their competency or even achieved any useful result.
Practice firing the OCSD California qualification course, often. Use it as a drill to maintain and build your marksmanship skills at the Live Fire Shooting Range. Its also a great idea to practice firing the OCSD CCW Qualification drill as a Dry Fire drill. There are many other qualification courses that are good. Pick a few drills you feel fit your situation and rotate through them. Record your results in your Shooter's Training Log and have someone else witness it, if possible. An Internet search may turn up various state qualification courses. Keep in mind Perfect Practice Makes Perfect!
A practice plan should be based on some baseline skill set that you think is appropriate to your situation and needs. This should be OCSD's California concealed weapons qualification course, and alternatively, a local police qualification course, a test you learned from a shooting class, or any other performance standard you think is appropriate.
When you first start practicing methodically, shoot your baseline evaluation and record your results. Note what your weaknesses were and develop your future practice plans to identify and improve your weaknesses as well as maintaining your strengths.
It's a common human tendency to work on things we're good at. We also need to include relevant tasks that we aren’t as good at in our training plan.
This is a good string of fire chosen as a single drill that provides some good practice and also includes a suggested standard of achievement as a goal. Its easy to adapt as a dry-fire or S.I.R.T. Laser Pistol & L.A.S.R. Target system.
The Setup
Place three standard IPSC targets on the firing line. The targets should be evenly spaced with approximately one yard of clear space on either side of each target. Shooter stands 10 yards from the targets.
The Drill
Start the timer. On the signal, shooter draws from concealment and fires 15 rounds, as follows:
1. one shot at Target 1
2. two shots at Target 2
3. three shots at Target 3
4. four shots at Target 2
5. five shots at Target 1
Reload as needed during the string, but do not stop the timer while reloading.
The Results
All shots should hit the A Zone, (center mass). Your goal is to fire all 15 shots, including your reload(s), in 20 seconds or less with good hits every time. If you can’t, it means you need more practice!
An Addition
After you have mastered the basic 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 drill, and if your live fire range allows, you may choose to extend your learning by moving forward smoothly from the 10 yard line to approximately 5 yards, then smoothly back to 10 yards, while you are shooting. This does not simulate any tactical scenario; it simply allows you to practice shooting while moving both forward and backward. The time constraint remains the same.
The Skills:
This drill will help refine your draw process through repetition. It will decrease the time it takes to get that ever-important first shot on target.
The Details:
Begin by facing the target with your pistol in the holster from approximately 3 to 5 yards away. Your firearm should be loaded with 15 rounds (or you should have 15 rounds loaded into the number of magazines your firearm will require). This is not a timed drill, so it should be completed at a controlled pace. Accuracy is more important than speed. Speed will inherently come through repetition. Each string of fire starts from the holster and will require you to draw, acquire the target and put the designated number of rounds accurately on target. Start out slowly and gradually increase the speed of your draw and rate of fire. Accuracy is key.
String #1: Draw and fire one round on target; reholster.
String #2: Draw and fire two rounds on target; reholster.
String #3: Draw and fire three rounds on target; reholster.
String #4: Draw and fire four rounds on target; reholster.
String #5: Draw and fire five rounds on target; reholster.
After completing each sequence of five strings (15 rounds), push yourself to increase draw speed and decrease the amount of time between shots when firing multiple rounds. If rounds begin to land outside of the desired target area, you must slow down until all rounds are back on target. Shoot the course of fire three times for a total of 45 rounds.
Safety Considerations:
Not matter whether this is a dry-fire or live-fire drill the course of fire should be completed only while adhering to the four universal safety rules as well as any range-specific rules. This drill requires the shooter to draw from the holster between each string of fire. Exercise extreme caution whenever drawing from the holster and reholstering your firearm. Ensure your finger is clear of the trigger during both processes. Tuck in any baggy clothing that may get caught within the trigger guard and cause a negligent discharge. Employ the help of a good instructor to assist and provide the necessary training to accomplish this drill safely. As always, eye and ear protection are required for all live-fire training.
The Skills:
The 5-Point Draw Drill will help you follow a specific sequence of events while drawing your firearm and will also reiterate the importance of scanning your surroundings following a violent encounter.
The Details:
Start with your cleared firearm or training pistol in the holster and your arms in a relaxed state. Get into a good stance that favors balance of movement, with your feet approximately shoulder-width apart and your strong-side foot slightly back.
The five-step presentation:
Step 1: Grip the firearm in the holster; this is your master grip and should not change throughout the shooting process.
Step 2: Clear; pull the firearm straight up out of the holster (high enough that the muzzle is free of the holster).
Step 3: Rock and lock; orient the pistol toward the target (shots on target can be made from this position). The firearm should be slightly canted away from the body so the slide is free to move.
Step 4: Smack; your support hand comes across and meets up with your firing hand, smacking tight up under the trigger guard. Make sure your thumbs are up in the flagged position.
Step 5: Extend your arms toward the target, acquire the sights and fire.
Next is the 360-degree scan and assess. After stepping either left or right to get out of the possible line of fire or attack, slightly lower the muzzle from your line of sight to give you a clear view of your attacker, ensuring he is no longer a threat. Now begin your scan to the left and the right, following the muzzle with your eyes. The scan should be slow and deliberate. To scan behind you and get a full 360-degree view of your surroundings, pull the firearm back in to your chest and come to the “Sul” position. “Sul” (which is “South” in Portuguese) is a non-firing position in which to hold your firearm while scanning without pointing it at non-threats. As you pull your firearm in, your trigger finger goes straight onto the frame, your thumbs join together, your support hand goes flat against your body (palm side in) and the slide is over the top with the muzzle at about a 15-degree angle so you don’t muzzle your feet. In this position, rotate your body to one side, checking behind you, and then to the other side, completing a full 360-degree scan.
Safety Considerations:
Be sure to follow the four universal safety rules at all times. Dry-fire drills help build muscle memory in shooting but also in how you manipulate and handle your firearm in regard to safety. Before starting, visually and physically check to make sure your firearm is clear and unloaded. All live ammunition must be removed from the area in which you are training.
The Setup:
Pick a kitchen chair, living room recliner, couch or whatever you sit on in your house. Choose a target across the room (preferably a target that is 6 to 8 inches in diameter to simulate the thoracic cavity): a lamp shade, a kitchen cabinet or even just a sheet of paper taped on your wall. For this drill, we used a SIRT training pistol, but your cleared/empty personal defense pistol will work well too. Lastly, you will need a holster, preferably the one you use for daily carry.
The Skills:
Most people, whether on the range, in the backyard or in the home, practice shooting from a standing position. Unfortunately, this isn’t always practical. Since life finds you in a myriad of different positions, it’s good to practice drawing from those in which you often find yourself. (I typically find myself sitting in a recliner either watching TV or reading.) Knowing the most efficient way to draw while seated will help fill training gaps left from only practicing in a live-fire range environment.
The Details:
Each of the four seated positions in the video begins with the same initial steps:
Step 1: Reach down with your non-shooting hand, pull your shirt up out of the way of your firearm and hold it high and tight to your upper chest. As you’re pulling your shirt up and out of the way, secure a firm grip on your firearm with your shooting hand.
Step 2: Unholster your gun by pulling it straight up out of the holster.
Step 3: Orient your body toward the target, extend your arm and press the trigger.
Chair/Target Orientations
Position 1: Target 180 degrees behind you
Position 2: Target 90 degrees to your right
Position 3: Target directly in front of you
Position 4: Target 90 degrees to your left
Safety Considerations:
Even though this is a dry-fire drill, be sure to follow the four universal safety rules at all times. If you are using your daily carry firearm in lieu of a training pistol, visually and physically verify that it is unloaded and that there is no ammo in the room in which you are training.
One of the most basic, pervasive, and common problem areas is that of timing. Most untrained shooters have no concept of timing, which is critical to successful defensive shooting.
Most shooters only seem to be capable of shooting at one speed. Regardless of the target size or the distance, their firing cadence sounds exactly the same. This, of course, means that most of the time they are shooting at the wrong speed for the target presented. What they usually wind up doing is shooting slower than they have to at close range, but shooting too fast to get reliable hits at extended ranges.
Obviously, the actual goal is to hit your target, whatever size it is, however far away it is, as quickly as possible. It’s not possible to hit a target too quickly, especially if it poses a threat to your life. On the other hand, one cannot miss fast enough to catch up! So, the goal is to always shoot as quickly as you can get a hit, but no faster.
The shooter’s mantra must be, “more target = less time; less target = more time.”
The bigger and closer the target is, the easier it is to hit, therefore, the faster we can shoot and get hits. On the other hand, when the target becomes smaller or more distant (the same problem, either way), we must slow down and refine our sight picture and trigger control, which takes more time.
FBI statistics say that 70 percent of all lethal encounters happen at night or low light, duration of 3-5 seconds, 5-6 feet, and 6-8 rounds per person.
For those citizen who carry concealed, these are key points used in training and practice drills. The important factors of choosing drills that you can do at the local shooting range is to work around the restrictions of the facility and know what is the correct drill to spend time on that relates to the issues of concealed carry. Or, seriously consider deploying a Dry-Fire training regimen.
Getting into a defensive mindset is a drill on its own! Is it realistic practice to shoot once and then peek over the sights to see where you hit, get back into position and shoot another one, then peek again and so on? No! No! No!!!
When one or two shots may not stop an attacker, we need to recognize that situation and react appropriately…
You have to get comfortable with your grip, stance, sight alignment, and trigger control (consult an instructor to make sure you are doing it correctly) and then challenge yourself to complete the drills before you do a self-evaluation. The reason I like this drill is it builds muscle memory for shooting accurately one handed and allows practice of a speed reload.
In a situation where you are being attacked, there is a high possibility that you could be restrained or injured and will have to stay in the fight with only one hand, most likely your “weak” hand. When one or two shots may not stop an attacker, we need to recognize that situation and react appropriately; along with practicing one and two shot drills, we practice six consecutive, well controlled, accurately placed shots.
Exercise:
Distance:
Timing:
You don’t need a timer to complete this exercise, you will know based on the location of hits on the target if you are shooting too fast and are compromising your grip, trigger control, or sight picture. You can repeat the drill faster the next time if all hits are in the designated hit area.
Goal:
ORANGE COUNTY - CARRY A CONCEALED WEAPON (CCW)
This course is designed for those who are applying for, or already have been issued, a concealed weapon permit by the Orange County Sheriff's Department. This course covers the sheriff's terms of license, sheriff's policy, use of deadly force, firearm fundamentals, and more.
Students are allowed to qualify with as many firearms as they want. 72 rounds of ammunition is required for the first handgun and 20 rounds for each additional handgun. Handguns must be registered to the student. This will be verified by the sheriff's department.
Although not required, students are encouraged to obtain conditional approval prior to attending class.
Pre-requisites: None
Other Fees: $25.00 Range Fee
Note: There is no additional charge for additional firearms.
REQUIRED ITEMS FOR CLASS:
1. Each firearm qualifying with (these will be listed on your license). Each firearm must be registered to you (this will be verified by the Sheriff's Department).
2. 72 rounds of ammunition for the first firearm and 20 rounds for each additional firearm.
3. Note taking material.
INITIAL CLASS
This is a one day course.
$180.00 + Range Fees
INITIAL CLASS (EVENING)
This is an evening course held over a 3 evening period from 6pm-10pm.
$180.00 + Range Fees
INITIAL CLASS (ONE-ON-ONE)
Private session
$525.00 (Includes Range Fees)
RENEWAL CLASS
This is a 4 hour class for current CCW holders who need to renew their license.
$120.00 + Range Fees
AMENDMENT
This is a range only class.
$40.00 + Range Fees
SIGN UP HERE!
Academy of Public Safety
(866) 455-6118 Main Office
(949) 305-4867 Firearm Sales
If you are an Orange County resident, follow these simple steps:
1. Visit the Orange County Sheriff CCW page at www.ocsd.org/ccw (click on CCW application on the left of the screen).
2. Apply online by clicking on "NEW CARRY CONCEALED WEAPON LICENSE.
3. You will eventually need to complete a Live Scan (electronic fingerprint background) and take a course approved by the Orange County Sheriff's Department. You can do this before your interview but we encourage you to wait until you get conditional approval to move forward with the process. Taking the course and live scan will speed up the process and in many cases the CCW will be issued at the time of interview.
UPDATE: CHANGE IN OCSD CCW TERMS OF LICENSE.
Effective 03/15/2018, the terms of the Orange County Terms of CCW license have changed. We created a quick reference sheet to compare previous terms to current terms. Click the button below to see the new changes.
ATTENTION ORANGE COUNTY RESIDENTS:
The Orange County Sheriff's Department has released its new online CARRY CONCEALED WEAPON PORTAL. To apply for a new license, renew a license, or amend a license, visit https://ocsd.permitium.com/ccw/start
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Practice does not make perfect. Only perfect practice makes perfect. Vince Lombardi
Many people don't realize it, but firearm marksmanship and safety are perishable skills that must be continuously renewed and reinforced through “proper” practice and training. Every expert firearms instructor recommends regular range time or dry-fire training to both improve and maintain safe, speed & accuracy and the skills needed to ward off deadly attacks... Check back often!
Concealed Carry Fundamentals is a comprehensive course for anyone considering owning or carrying a firearm for self defense. In this class you will learn conflict avoidance, situational awareness; shooting fundamentals; the physiology of violent encounters, legal aspects of using deadly force (including knowing what to do in the aftermath); and a complete guide on gear, gadgets, and ongoing training. Following the course, training and live-fire exercises are conducted on the range.
This course is designed to give participants an entry level understanding of handguns and how to utilize them in self-defense situations. The curriculum is divided into four modules, each with several chapters. Classroom and Laser Pistol simulator time. Each participant will receive an excellent textbook: Concealed Carry and Home Defense Fundamentals. Intro to Laser Pistol training. CCW, CONCEALED CARRY Classes: Shall Issue, May Issue & Constitutional Carry firearms academy ccw classes Brea
USCCA, Home Defense Course, is a comprehensive course for every skill level that focuses on firearms as a tool for home defense. Ultimately, the goal is for students to develop a home defense plan. Plus, many more useful subjects! Intro to Laser Pistol training.
Each participant will receive an excellent textbook: Concealed Carry and Home Defense Fundamentals.
Women’s Handgun & Self-Defense Fundamentals covers the basics — along with the fun, seriousness and importance of being a responsibly armed female. The basics of shooting will be introduced, reviewed & built upon, while also exploring universal safety rules, situational awareness, common types of handguns, ammo types, marksmanship skills, advanced firearms handling/defensive essentials & the use of deadly force. Intro to Laser Pistol training.
Certified NRA Police Firearms & Tactics Instructor & Range Master - Prior to my retirement from law enforcement I served as a Police Firearms & Tactics Instructor and Range Master with Brea Police Department since 1992.
CCW - Concealed Carry Fundamentals Course... This is an EXCELLENT course!
Concealed Carry and Home Defense Fundamentals is a comprehensive seminar for anyone considering owning or carrying a firearm for self defense.
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