shooting Archives - Talking Guns


Mike MillsapSeptember 7, 202413min68020

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By Mike Millsap

The effects of wind on a bullet’s trajectory are crucial for accurate shooting, whether in
military, law enforcement, or competitive shooting contexts. A bullet, once fired, travels
through the air, and various environmental factors—chief among them wind—can
significantly alter its path. Understanding how wind influences a bullet’s trajectory and
how shooters can mitigate its effects is essential for precision shooting.
Introduction

The study of ballistics, particularly external ballistics, involves understanding how a
projectile behaves once it leaves the firearm and travels through the air. A range of factors
affects the flight of a bullet, including gravity, air resistance, and atmospheric conditions
like wind. While gravity is the most significant factor causing a bullet’s downward drop
over long distances, wind plays a substantial role in deflecting the bullet horizontally. Even
minor wind shifts can lead to significant changes in the bullet’s point of impact.
In this article, we will explore how wind affects the trajectory of a bullet, with a focus on
the physics behind the bullet’s flight, the various wind conditions that influence its path,
and strategies that shooters use to mitigate these effects.
Bullet Trajectory and External Factors

A bullet’s trajectory is the curved path it follows as it travels through the air. The shape of
this path is influenced by several forces, including gravity, air resistance, and
environmental conditions such as wind.

Gravity and Air Resistance
Gravity is the force that pulls a bullet downward as it travels through the air. Without the
influence of gravity, the bullet would follow a straight line. However, the Earth’s
gravitational pull causes the bullet to drop as it moves forward. The faster a bullet travels,
the flatter the trajectory, but the effect of gravity is always present.
Air resistance, or drag, opposes the bullet’s motion, slowing it down and affecting its
trajectory. As the bullet moves through the air, it compresses air in front of it, creating a
shockwave. This results in a loss of kinetic energy and causes the bullet to gradually
decelerate, particularly as it travels over long distances.

The Role of Wind
Wind is another important factor that influences a bullet’s trajectory. Wind can exert a
force on the bullet, causing it to drift from its original path. This effect is most pronounced
when shooting at longer distances, where the wind has more time and opportunity to
influence the bullet’s flight.

Wind can be categorized based on its direction relative to the shooter and the bullet’s
trajectory:

• Headwind: A wind blowing directly opposite to the bullet’s direction of travel. It
reduces the bullet’s velocity, causing it to drop more quickly. The effect is akin to
increasing air resistance, making the bullet slower and resulting in more drop.

• Tailwind: A wind blowing in the same direction as the bullet. This will increase the
bullet’s velocity, causing it to travel further before gravity causes significant drop.
However, the effect on drop is less pronounced compared to a headwind.

• Crosswind: A wind that blows perpendicular to the bullet’s direction of travel. This
type of wind can deflect the bullet sideways, causing it to miss the intended target
laterally. Crosswinds are often the most challenging to account for, especially when
shooting at long distances.

• Variable Wind: Wind that changes speed and direction during the bullet’s flight.
This is particularly difficult to predict and account for, as a changing wind can cause
unpredictable shifts in the bullet’s path.

Each of these wind conditions can affect the bullet in different ways, and understanding
these influences is crucial for accurate shooting.

The Physics of Wind on Bullet Trajectory
To understand the effects of wind on a bullet’s flight, we need to delve into the basic
physics that govern projectile motion. When a bullet is fired, it is subject to several forces
that alter its path.

Wind as a Lateral Force
Wind acts as a lateral force on a bullet. For simplicity, let’s consider a crosswind that blows
at a constant speed perpendicular to the direction of the bullet. The bullet experiences a
force that pushes it sideways, deflecting it from its intended path. The magnitude of this
deflection depends on several factors:

• Bullet Speed: Faster bullets are less affected by wind because they spend less time
in the air, reducing the opportunity for the wind to act on them. Conversely, slower
bullets are more susceptible to wind drift.

• Wind Speed: The stronger the wind, the greater the lateral force it exerts on the
bullet. Even moderate wind speeds can have a significant effect on the bullet’s
trajectory over long distances.

• Distance: The longer the bullet travels, the greater the time it is exposed to the
wind. Therefore, wind has a more substantial effect at longer ranges.

Wind and Bullet Drop

While wind primarily causes lateral drift, it can also impact the bullet’s vertical trajectory
in certain conditions. For example, a strong headwind can increase the bullet’s time in the
air, leading to more pronounced vertical drop due to gravity. A tailwind, on the other hand,
may reduce the bullet’s drop because it increases the bullet’s forward velocity.

Mitigation Techniques for Wind Drift
Given the significant impact wind can have on a bullet’s trajectory, shooters employ various
strategies to mitigate wind drift and improve accuracy. These strategies range from
understanding wind patterns to adjusting the rifle’s sights or even the shooter’s position.

Wind Reading
One of the most important skills for a shooter is the ability to read the wind. Successful
shooters can analyze the wind’s speed, direction, and consistency to predict how it will
affect their shots. There are several methods for reading the wind:

• Observing Wind Indicators: Shooters can use flags, trees, grass, or even dust to
gauge wind speed and direction. By paying attention to how these indicators move,
shooters can get a sense of the wind’s behavior at different distances.

• Mirage: Mirage is the shimmering effect caused by heated air near the ground, often
seen in hot environments. The movement of the mirage can indicate the direction
and strength of the wind. While it’s not as accurate as other methods, mirage can
provide valuable insight into the wind’s behavior at long distances.

• Wind Flags: Many shooting ranges provide wind flags, which are placed at various
points along the shooting line to help shooters gauge wind speed and direction.

Adjusting the Sights
One way to account for wind is to adjust the rifle’s sights. Most modern sniper rifles and
long-range rifles feature windage adjustments on the scope, allowing the shooter to
compensate for wind drift. By making fine adjustments to the scope’s windage dial, the
shooter can shift the point of impact laterally, compensating for the lateral drift caused by
crosswinds.

Holdover and Holdoff
In addition to adjusting the sights, shooters can also use the technique of holdover or
holdoff. Holdover refers to aiming slightly above the target to account for the bullet’s drop
due to gravity, while holdoff involves aiming to the left or right of the target to compensate
for wind drift. This is often used when the shooter does not have time to adjust the sights
or when the wind is unpredictable.

Wind Gauge and Technology
Modern technology has provided shooters with advanced tools to measure wind speed and
direction more accurately. Wind gauges and anemometers are widely used by both military
snipers and competitive shooters to assess the wind’s behavior in real-time. Additionally,
advanced ballistic calculators and apps can help shooters predict the effects of wind on the
bullet’s trajectory, taking into account environmental factors like temperature, humidity,
and altitude.

Practical Considerations in Different Environments

Wind conditions can vary dramatically depending on the environment. Shooters must
adapt their techniques to the specific conditions they encounter.

Open Terrain
In open terrain, wind can be relatively constant, with few obstructions to disrupt its flow.
Shooters in these environments rely heavily on wind flags and other indicators to gauge the
wind’s behavior. However, wind patterns can shift suddenly, so experienced shooters
constantly monitor the wind and adjust their shooting accordingly.

Urban and Forested Environments
In urban or forested environments, wind conditions can be more unpredictable due to
obstacles like buildings, trees, and hills. These structures can cause turbulence and cause
the wind to shift direction rapidly. Shooters in these environments need to be especially
attuned to local wind patterns and adjust their shots accordingly.

Long-Range Precision Shooting
In long-range precision shooting, the effects of wind are often most noticeable. At distances
of 500 meters or more, wind drift can cause significant lateral displacement, making it
difficult to hit small targets. Shooters may need to adjust their sights multiple times during
a single shot, as wind conditions can change rapidly at these distances.

Conclusion
Wind is one of the most significant environmental factors affecting a bullet’s trajectory, and
its influence increases with distance. Understanding how wind interacts with a bullet’s
flight path is crucial for shooters, as even small wind changes can result in significant shifts
in the point of impact. While compensating for wind can be challenging, shooters have
developed a variety of techniques and tools to mitigate its effects, including wind reading,
sight adjustments, and technological aids. By mastering these methods, shooters can
increase their accuracy and precision, even in the most challenging wind conditions.

References
• Hatcher, J. S. (1935). Hatcher’s Notebook: A Manual of Firearms Knowledge. Stackpole
Books.
• McCoy, R. A. (2002). Modern Exterior Ballistics: The Launching of the Bullet. A. S.
Barnes.
• Sigler, R. L., & Giesen, D. S. (2012). Wind Effects on Ballistic Trajectories. National
Defense Industrial Association.
• Frank, G. (2017). Ballistic Trajectory Prediction for Long-Range Shooting. Journal of
Military Ballistics, 19(2), 223-231.



Erik WenzelMay 18, 20203min112192
Legendary firearms instructor and subject matter expert, Dr. Wes Doss is now the victim of a series of medical incidents, including Malpractice and Negligence, that is almost too ridiculous to believe. The worst part is that this incident continues to Spiral out of control and now Wes’ health, future and the continuation of his life is complete unknown at this point.
This is a Call To Action for anyone who can Spread the Word about this Injustice.
Dr. Wes Doss is an internationally recognized firearm, tactics and use of force instructor with over 30 years of military & civilian criminal justice experience, as well as significant operational time with both military & law enforcement tactical operations & protective service organizations.
Wes holds specialized instructor certifications from the U.S. Army, the U.S. Marine Corps, Arizona POST, the Smith & Wesson Academy, the Sig Sauer Academy, NRA LEAD, FEMA and the Department of State.  Wes holds a Master’s degree in Criminal Justice Administration and an upper level Doctorate in Psychology, with an emphasis on sports and performance.

#army #veteran #help #helping #hospital #medical #doctor #emergency #stroke #wesdoss #calltoaction #clicklinkinbio #linkinbio #link #gofundme #charity #police #policeofficer #cops #cop #statetrooper #statepolice #trooper #deputy #deputysheriff #sheriff #law

Audio and Video by Caleb Lash and Mike Kovacs



Jim SanfordFebruary 4, 20204min163060

Brian and Erik rumning the new Atlas 40cal Nemesis, Concealed Carry 9mm Nyx, and 9mm Athena from Atlas Gunworks.
Check out our full review on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
Instagram – @talkingguns
Facebook – @talkinggunsmedia
Twitter – @gunstalking
Video by Joe Lutrario Audio By Caleb Lash


Jason McdonaldJanuary 28, 20201min127040

Mantis X Shooting System

The newest way to improve your shooting skills and follow up shots, while using your phone or tablet, all while not driving to or spending money on ammunition at the range.

The detailed readings the Mantis gives you, can help improve techniques of even the most experienced shooter!

****** This interview was voted best Mic placement at Shot Show 2020 ******

 

 

 

 

Video by Jason Mcdonald

Audio by Mike Kovacs

#mantis #mantisx #improvement #improveyourself #improvements #improved #improveyourlife #selfimprovement #focus #understanding #understand #details #detail #analysis #data #datascience #talkingguns



Tony CieroJanuary 13, 20201min445240

Sneak Peak at Blackwater’s new 2011 pistol line up

These new 2011 weapons from Blackwater will be totally manufactured in house and loaded with some of the best features available.

Blackwater states ” Our goal is to provide a superior handgun than whats currently available, at a competitive price!”

Look for more info and a complete video review from www.talkingguns.net exclusive shot show coverage.

2011s will be available soon from www.blackwaterammo.com

 

Photos by Caleb Lash and Mike Kovacs



Architekt JessJanuary 10, 20197min178031

If you’re anything like me, you came up in an All-American family that hated anything those commie scum over the pond would produce, from trade-goods, to guns, to foreign policy. You were accustomed to the bad guys in every 80’s and 90’s action movie being a generally terrible human, sporting some kind of AK variant. Then, if you took the next step and joined the military, you would notice the enemy killing your brothers and sisters with these same weapons. AK’s are cheap to buy, cheap to fire, mass-produced, and function nearly anywhere, making them obvious choices for warfare. Lets just say there was no love lost on AK’s in the eyes of myself, and many of the people I came up with in the Marines.

 

Fast forward a few years out of the Marines, the “All-or-Nothing” Marine mindset starts to fade and I start to get curious as to why these weapons are so widely used. What really makes them so popular when so many newer weapon systems have been developed since the inception of the AK? I also start to think that if we ever get invaded on our own turf, it might be a good idea to have a weapon chambered in the enemy’s rounds on hand, as well as a lot of practice functioning and manipulating such a weapon. So I called up a good friend of mine, Brian Kovacs and told him I was on the hunt for a AK-47, I didn’t know what was quality and what wasn’t at that point but I knew he did and I trust his judgement. He agrees to keep an eye out for a quality one, but then says to me, “47’s are great, but have you ever heard of a AK-74?”. That conversation was the start of a serious love affair (Not just with Brian, but also these weapons) and ultimately led to the collection of my (Closet) favorite weapon, the AK-74.

 

Sparing you all the weapon specs you can find in a quick google search, I’ll get into a little bit of its history, and why I love this weapon. It was the next evolution of the AKM and what many call Mikhail’s answer to the M16. It was fielded in the Afghan War by Soviet Special Forces initially, and once Americans started to hear rumors of a Russian AK with “poisoned” bullets that could hit nearly anywhere and still kill, the race was on to get a hold of one. The AK-74 uses smaller 5.45x39mm rounds, with a higher velocity, with less recoil and more speed. This means lighter combat loads with more rounds per soldier, more penetrating power, and more accurate automatic fire capabilities. All while keeping the rugged reliability of the AK platform. All these reasons are why I had to try it out, plus the rounds look absolutely wicked, I mean come on.

 

As soon as I fired the first round I was blown away (right?!). The recoil was less -or at least felt less- than nearly any AR platform weapons that I had fired. Muzzle-rise is non-existent, and the factory trigger surprised me, not only on the first shot, but the following shots as well. The weapon breakdown is that of any AK, super simple, and tool-less, which I find an amazing feat in itself. The shots were surprisingly accurate, even standing, walking the shots out from 50m to 100, then 200 and so on. I could not believe I had just been given a Commie weapon that felt this great to fire and was basically an “Out-of-the-Box” example. I was amazed, and instantly fell in love. It felt so damn dirty to love a gun produced from the enemy so much, but I did, and I do. I hand refinished the wood, sanding it, restaining it, and sealing it over the next week. I cleaned it meticulously and went on the hunt for heaps of ammo for it… I knew I would keep this weapon, it made the cut.

 

My time in the military had produced a short list of “Must haves” in a weapon. High on that list is the trust that the weapon will fire every time you pull the trigger. Reliability, it seems, starts to outweigh things you thought would be more important like accuracy over 500m, a staple in the Marine mindset through training. Other things like worldwide access to ammo, parts, and ease of maintenance, especially when short on tools or time are also pressing concerns. This is one of those weapons that checks all the big boxes, and most of the little ones. If you ever find yourself in the market for an AK, I’d suggest you start with one of these weapons, but only if you’re OK with falling in love with the enemy.



Jim SanfordDecember 9, 20188min50410

Movement
People have been shooting hand held weapons since the 13 th century, and the weapon has been moving
ever since. You’re going to move when you shoot – whether you’re using the Isosceles, Weaver,
offhand, or any other stance – the pistol will not be stable during the shooting sequence. Our goal
should be to not ADD to that natural movement by disrupting sight alignment or using poor trigger
control. Shooting within your natural movement will produce tight groups well within the capabilities of
almost any modern weapon. Let’s accept that the pistol is moving, and deal with what we can control.
Sight alignment

Pistol sights are on the weapon to align the point of impact with the point of aim. We are all familiar
with the various types, but regardless of type, keeping them consistently aligned during the shooting
sequence is priority #1. Whether you’re shooting IPSC or International Free Pistol, the first thing to
practice and perfect is your grip. The pistol must be comfortable (my Free Pistol has Bondo all over the
grip to create a perfect match for my hand), correctly sized, and naturally form a straight line from
forearm/hand/barrel of weapon. Any kind of physical discomfort, whether due to injury (my friend
broke his dominant wrist and has an unorthodox grip) or unnatural positioning will result in the body
resisting that position, which will cause subconscious movement away from it. This subconscious
movement away from a natural position causes added variation to our group…which is bad.
Some people love the 17° angle of the 1911, others love the 20° angle of a Glock, and all variations in
between. Be comfortable in your grip. The pistol should be an extension of your arm. It should raise
and be aligned without effort. If it isn’t, you won’t be able to consistently shoot with precision.
Here’s your first practice lesson to maintain sight alignment: put a full-size target on a frame backwards
so that the white of the target is facing you. No bullseye, no silhouette, nothing but a white sheet
staring at you. Holding your pistol at the ready position (45-degree angle toward the ground), raise the
pistol quickly while looking down at the sights, and fire ONE round at the center of the blank white
background, and return to the ready position. Repeat this exercise 50 times – one full box of ammo.
You’ll be surprised at the size of group you shot…all without an aiming point.
Trigger control

Since 1288, when that first guy tried to hold onto his hand cannon while stuffing a lit match down a hole
in the barrel, people have been trying to release rounds downrange without inducing more movement
in the pistol. Triggers have come a long way since then, from Matchlock’s in the 16 th century to today’s
ultra-precision two-stage set triggers and digital triggers, but one thing is the same: anticipation of a
shot still creates flinching, jerking, and movement of the pistol during the firing sequence and induces
MORE variability in our groups.

The first order of business is to make sure your pistol has a great trigger. Whether this is a trigger job
from a gunsmith, or an aftermarket trigger, or a combination of both, your pistol has to have a trigger
that is free from creep, roughness, or excessive pull weight. For tactical applications it is prudent to
have a heavier trigger pull of greater than 4 pounds, while precision shooting allows for much lighter
trigger pull within the rules of the discipline. In either case, a crisp clean trigger break is mandatory for
shooting with precision.

In releasing a shot, the trigger must be touched from the front and pulled backward toward the aiming
eye. It may seem simple to mention this, but you’d be surprised how many people I see on the range
with half their finger inserted in the trigger guard, pulling the trigger with the meat between their first
and second knuckle on their index finger, or barely touching the trigger with the very tip of their index
finger. Both of these mistakes induce sideways movement (right and left, respectively) and add
movement to an already moving pistol.

The area of your index finger between the tip and the first joint is a very sensitive instrument, and when
you place it against a trigger and start pulling, you’ll be able to quickly tell how much effort you’re
exerting. Pulling the trigger should be a steadily increasing application of pressure, rather than a one-
time flick of the finger. Simply add pressure slowly until you’re surprised that the shot has gone off.
Releasing the trigger is one of the most difficult things a shooter can learn. It must be practiced over
and over thousands of times – whether on the range or dry firing at home – until it becomes
subconscious.

Here’s your practice lesson to master trigger control: using a revolver with a nice trigger, do what is
called Ball and Dummy practice. Have your range buddy load your weapon for you using 2-3 rounds of
live ammo and 2-3 rounds of spent brass. Don’t watch him load the weapon. Once he hands it to you,
start at the ready position, cock the weapon (shooting single action only), and raise it quickly to the
center of mass of your target and release the trigger. The pistol should not move if the hammer falls on
a chamber without a live round. If the pistol moves at all, any visible movement, continue practicing the
exercise until it doesn’t. This could take years (kidding) but I guarantee that it’ll take years to master
and to make subconscious.

The pistol is going to move – accept that fact. By making sure you don’t ADD to that movement by
inconsistent sight alignment and poor trigger control you’re going to start shooting with precision,
regardless of discipline. In our next article we will start talking about conscious versus sub-conscious
shooting – when shots should break and why.



Architekt JessApril 2, 20188min27940

Let me sound off first by saying I have never been a tactical wizard with pistols. Hell, we
barely even trained with them in the Marines until you were an NCO or above, or in MARSOC.
My first professional training with a pistol was the Beretta M9 on an impromptu range in the
middle of the artist formerly known as Khorasan. It was weird because Marines train and qualify
with the M9 and MSOB (Marine Special Operations Battalion) were running 1911’s in the field. I
guess that’s what happens when you are the brand new bastard child of the Special Operations
Community… Adapt and overcome. Anyway let’s get back to the point: I originally had minimal
pistol training or pistol systems exposure until later on in life, and I still consider myself a student
in pistol work. However, I do have enough experience now to bring you a stellar pistol
recommendation that I’ve seen dropped into a novice shooters hands that made them shoot on
the next level.

My first pistol purchase out of the Marines was what I was familiar with, so I picked up a
1911 chambered in .45. I later swapped the 1911 for a Glock 21, keeping that old mindset that
you need .45 for stopping power. I began to really enjoy the reliability and magazine capacity of
the Glock, and was glad I made the swap. Around this time I started to look into different
calibers more, as a by-product of training with more serious shooters. I began to grow
accustomed to the idea of the 9mm, having more rounds in the mag, similar ballistic capabilities
of .45 (with proper rounds), and ultimately less recoil, allowing for quicker follow-up shots.

So I picked up a Glock 43 for concealed carry initially and began to train draws from concealed, as
well as multi-target drills. At that point, I was ready to make the swap to 9mm on all my pistols
because nothing the .45 offered outweighed the bonuses of running 9mm in my opinion.
Once I had made my decision on caliber, the next step was to look for a full size carry
weapon to go with my kit. My Ole Lady was a police officer at the time and we got her a Glock
34 to run on duty, so naturally I used it to train drills in the off time with her as well. Although I
was becoming a better shot, I still wasn’t great. Then one day while training pistols I was offered
to try out a buddy’s H&K VP9, so we swapped holsters and weapons and got to work. I drew
from holster and fired a perfectly centered up head-shot at 25 meters on the first shot. Not a feat
by any means, but what I’m getting at is this gun is so natural to fire, that on the first shot I hit
exactly where I wanted, without ever touching the gun prior. I surprised myself, and knew in that
same moment, that this was the pistol for me.

First off, the VP9 is an H&K so toss your worries aside about its quality because it has all
the qualities. I have short thumbs so I always had to rotate to the side of any pistol to release
the mag, which almost always un-seats a good deep, high grip for firing. This weapon rectifies
that problem and then improves upon it with an ambidextrous mag release lever that you push
down. That means you can release the mag with your pointer or middle finger without
compromising your grip at all. It also feels more natural pointing a lever downward, where you
want the mag to go. The grip is absolutely the most ergo grip of any pistol I have ever held,
period. Not only does it feel great with the default grips installed, but there are six side panels

and three back straps you can interchange out in ANY combination in order to fit your personal
grip better.

It is a striker-fired pistol, which most people complain about the trigger pull on striker
fired pistols but let me tell you, H&K has done wonders on this one. The pre-travel is a flat,
consistent pull and the break and reset are crisp and pronounced. The slide has front and rear,
aggressive milling for grip, as well as what they call charging supports near the rear. These are
great for when you have a weak grip or were unable to obtain a positive grip while charging the
weapon. They will stop your hand from slipping back off the slide, allowing for charging in less
than desirable conditions. The factory night sights are ridiculously bright, surpassing many of
the aftermarket sights I’ve used on other pistols, which makes for one more thing you don’t have
to worry about after your purchase. It comes with quality, P30 steel 10 or 15 round magazines
from the manufacturer and finally, a picatinny rail for accessory mounting.

In my opinion no other pistol I have tried on the market has the VP9 beat on overall
quality, ergonomics, or function. I cannot give this pistol enough praise. However, I have found
that pistols -more so than rifles- are not a one-size-fits-all. I had to go through shooting multiple
pistols from multiple manufacturers before I found something that felt natural for me to shoot. So
while I suggest the VP9 as a great place to start your hunt for the perfect pistol, it may not be
what you end up using when it’s all said and done. Please do yourself a service and try as many
different pistols as you need, to find the one that fits your style of shooting and tactics. Do not
under any circumstances let yourself be chained to a platform or manufacturer by blind loyalty
when there may be another option out there that takes your shooting to the next level.



Kate KruegerMarch 15, 20185min26290

I’ve often watched my husband Jim Krueger, a natural lefty who can shoot ambidextrous (with either hand), and wished that I could do that too.  I mentioned it to him one day and the response I got back was “Well try it!!”   That chance came when we went back to Gunsite a number of years ago.

Due to an error in communication regarding pre-requisites we needed to start from the beginning with their 250 Tactical Pistol course.  “Well”, Jim says, “this is the perfect opportunity for you to learn how to shoot left handed!  Since we have to start from the beginning you may as well have them teach you the right way!”  There were other reasons voiced in favor of this as well:  “You’ve had lefty’s in your classes wouldn’t it be nice to know how to instruct them!” and “Think about tactics and how this will help overcome some of the day to day obstacles.”  Needless to say after a few more good reasons I went off to Gunsite with my Glock 19, a left handed rig and 1000 rounds of ammunition ready to learn.

At first it was a little confusing for me but after awhile it began to make sense.  Think about it!?!?  Normally you use your strong hand to hold the gun and pull the trigger then you use your weak hand to do all the dexterous tasks.  For example, racking the slide, handling the magazines during tactical and speed loads and in some cases working the safety. But when you work with your offhand you are now doing all the dexterous tasks with your strong hand and the only thing that you have to worry about doing with your offhand is holding the gun and squeezing the trigger.  Makes sense, huh??

Well it continued to make more sense after the first shots were fired.   From the leather, 2 shots to the center of mass … bang! bang!  Right in the middle and right next to each other.  Then again, and again… Results the same.  As we moved back I continued to be pretty impressed but of course I have to admit that this was not timed and my focus was pretty intense.  You see when you try something new like this you automatically go back to the basics:  front sight, trigger squeeze, breath control, grip, stance and safety… safety… safety!! Your focus is incredible.  If it isn’t it SHOULD BE!

As the week went along it became much harder but I never even considered switching over to my dominant hand to complete the course.  The challenge and the learning experience were awesome!  Through the week we ran speed drills and I was actually able to draw and fire 2 rounds from the leather faster with my left hand than my right… 1.6 seconds!  My tactics were slower but not bad and in tactics slow (cautious) should not be a bad thing.  Overall my performance wasn’t too bad and I was very pleased to have successfully completed this type of course.  One of my earlier instructors suggested that “…everyone striving to be an instructor should try taking an entire course with their offhand to put themselves in shoes of a new shooter … it can be a humbling learning experience”.

Besides realizing that I could shoot left handed I also learned how important good and patient instructors are.  With the right coaching, solid basics and a lot of patience this was one of the best training activities that I have put myself through.