4 June 03

At a LEO Program in Michigan earlier this week, we had a small-statured student who was using a department G22. He had before never shot so many rounds in such a short time.

After several hundred rounds of normal cycling, his pistol started to suffer from failure to eject. The problem grew progressively worse, until I suggested to him that he use another gun. However, all the G22s he tried soon yielded the same result.

He was stocky but had small hands and could not grasp the Glock so that the bones of his arm were directly behind the frame. That was the problem!

I suggested he switch to a G23 with a ROBAR Grip Reduction. I had one with me that he was invited to use. The increased slide velocity, combined with the smaller grip solved the problem completely, and he was able to finish the course with no further gun/funcitonal problems.

The lesson here is that equipment has to fit the individual. People with small hands invariably have trouble with double-column pistols, particularly those with light, polymer frames. They need a single-column pistol or a grip reduction. Happily, we were able to convince the department training officer, who was there also, that the existing department gun (G22) was unsuitable for this particular student.

Happy ending!

/John

5 June 03

2003 NTI, Harrisburg, PA

This year, I was only able to stay for my day of shooting/testing at the NTI. Then, Vicki and I had to drive back to MI for courses there, which is why this summary is late this time. My usual practice is to stay for the entire NTI week in Harrisburg, PA and attend the banquet on Saturday. Happily, both Vicki and I were able to participate in a panel discussion on Tuesday evening at the hotel.

Skip, Jim, and the crew did yeoman's work putting this year's event together. Most of the setup had to be done in the rain. In fact, it rained most of Tuesday when I shot the course. Everything, including all the electronics, worked, in spite of great quantities of mud, flowing water, and puddles (actually lakes!) everywhere . We were all a soaked, muddy mess at the end of the day. Good show, once again!

As always, this year's event included Simmunition drills in ASTA Village. Everything else was live fire. Included were: a "strange weapon" drill in a darkened building, two "escorted" rescue drills in building mockups, two "standard (known)" tactical exercises, and an "all by yourself" rescue drill in the 360 building mockup.

The day was fatiguing, uncomfortable, and unsettling as always. The rain and mud made it all the more intensive and exhausting. This year's challenges were the most difficult and sophisticated yet. Most of what I encountered in the building mockups was unexpected, and I had to both think AND react my way through. It is the most mentally and emotionally draining activity in which I participate all year, with the possible exception of my big game hunting expeditions in Africa. The two activities are surely on the same level.

This year, I use my G32 (357SIG), Comtec IWB holster, Rusty Sherrick shoulder holster, and my S&W M340PD for backup. I carried my usual three knives (all by Colt Steel), a Ti-Lite for speed, a Culloden neck knife for stealth, and a Vaquero Grande for serious fighting. All was concealed under my CCW Clothiers vest.

In my G32 I shot Cor-Bon 115grHP. In my snubby, I shot Cor-Bon125gr HP. Nary a hiccup from either gun. All my Glocks are stock, except for factory night sights and a (standard) NY trigger on a five-pound connector. Most other after-market modifications are "not a good idea," in my opinion. My S&W scandium snubby is completely stock.

Here are this year's lessons:

ASTA Village:

When you have multiple, potential opponents, stack them.

In one drill, I was at a gas station when I was approached by a panhandler. Assuming the interview stance, I snapped my head around and noticed a second sleazy character behind me. By the time they both drew guns, I was between them. I should have stacked them when I had the chance, keeping both in front of me. I failed to take advantage of the opportunity when it presented itself. As things turned out, I was forced to stack them during the gunfight.

Had I not made it a practice to look all around, I never would have seen the second assailant. This was the sad fate of many of my fellow participants.

Indecisive movement is scant improvement over standing still.

In this same drill, I should have moved off the line of force boldly, as soon as I smelled a mugging in the making. Instead, I dithered as I processed all the incoming information. I was moving somewhat, but my insubstantial motion communicated indecision and confusion, instead of resolve and strength.

Verbal commands and addresses need to be practiced.

If they are not, the come out garbled and indecipherable. Tape loops must be rehearsed until they flow smoothly.

Cunning criminals can easily separate a member of a group from the main congregation.

My wife and I were walking side by side. Before I knew it, two mugging suspects had grabbed her and were carrying her away, kicking and screaming. By the time I realized I had no choice but to shoot one in the back, he (and she) were already ten feet away.

Leave when things start going in toilet.

In another challenge, I was filling out a form when a person came into the same office. His conversation with the clerk started normally enough, but rapidly grew belligerent. I wanted to complete the form, but decided I needed to exit. Sometimes, it takes a while to reaffirm one's priorities. I took too long!

In a crisis, confusion rules. Emergencies need to be discussed, even rehearsed, in advance.

This year, after I thought the ASTA Village exercise was over, we were all asked to step in to a conference room to discuss the segment. Suddenly, a bomb went off! It was loud. Walls buckled, and the ceiling caved in. The room was filled with smoke. Gunshots and yelling were heard. I, for one, was taken completely by surprise. It was obvious to me that I had not thought enough about such an incident!

Don't panic. Think your way through.

One of the live-fire segments involved the necessity to use an unfamiliar weapon (a British SMLE Enfield in 303Br) which one had to use in a darkened room. My predictable reaction to mission overload is always exasperation and dread. The mud and the rain also did nothing to improve my focus! I have to force myself to take a deep breath, regain control, size up the situation, make a plan, and move out boldly.

Carry pistol and backup pistol need to be used in harmony.

In several of the elaborate, live-fire challenges, after the second magazine in my G32 ran low, I consciously holstered it with several rounds left as I drew my backup pistol. In effect, I manufactured another backup. It was surely reassuring to me that, when I ran dry, I could immediately default to another gun.

The knife/pistol technique works well when one is surrounded by people who might want to disarm him.

I used my Cold Steel Vaquero Grande to dissuade potential gun grabbers in several of the problems. Upon seeing my blade and gun in such close proximity, few would have any interest in attempting a disarm

When a building fills with smoke, I was astonished at how disoriented I became.

I couldn't remember where I had been, and I couldn't find the exit. Once again, I had to calm myself down and make a plan.

Look up and down, as well as level.

I missed several important clues, because I failed to look up and down. In any tactical circumstance, one have to be moving and looking continuously.

Move laterally upon seeing a threat.

I am always tempted to stay in place and fire the instant I see a threat, but I now force myself to move off the line of force first.

One-handed shooting is a much more important skill than most realize.

Again this year, much of my shooting was one handed, not by choice. My left hand was constantly occupied with bloody bodies, opening doors (and holding them open), and keeping myself from stumbling.

Standing targets need to be zippered.

The zipper technique (starting at the navel and working one's way up the body midline and into the thoracic triangle) routinely prevented me from getting my front sight too high too fast.

Again, all serious gunmen should try to get to the NTI. We all leave our egos at the door and lapse into "student mode." I wouldn't miss it!

/John