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  • Ian T. Mena-Wieland

Self Defense Practice


This set of standards was developed by Ken Hackathorn, a longtime firearms trainer and founder of IDPA.

Round count: 30 rounds

Target: IDPA (1)

Distance: Variable

The instructions below assume that you are using a semi-auto pistol, for wheel-gunners replace magazine changes with speed loader reloads.

Remember to observe and practice the four rules of gun safety.

1. From 5 yards, allowing 1 ½ seconds, beginning at "low ready" one shot to head. Repeat 3 times.

2. From 5 yards, allowing 2 seconds, beginning with gun holstered, one shot to head. Repeat 3 times.

3. From 5 yards, allowing 2 seconds, beginning at "low ready," strong hand only, two shots to body. Repeat 2 times.

4. From 7 yards, allowing 2 seconds, facing 90° to left of target, gun holstered, two shots to body. One time only.

5. From 7 yards, allowing 2 seconds, facing 90° to right of target, gun holstered, two shots to body. One time only.

6. From 7 yards, allowing 2 seconds, facing target, gun holstered, two shots to body. One time only.

7. From 7 yards, allowing 4 seconds, while backing to 10-12 yards, three shots to body. Repeat 2 times.

8. From 10 yards, allowing 3 seconds, beginning with gun on target and round in chamber, change magazine and fire one shot to body. Repeat 2 times.

9. From 10 yards, allowing 3 seconds, beginning with gun on target and slide locked back, change magazine and fire one shot to body. One time only.

10. From 15 yards, allowing 2 ½ seconds, draw and fire one shot to body. Repeat 5 times.

Head shots only count if you hit the A zone of the "head" of the target. Body shots count if you hit the A, B, or C zones of the "body" of the target. It is best to do these exercises with the same sidearm you intend to carry and with the same holster you plan to use. For most of us, this will be a concealed carry sidearm and concealment holster. Also wearing a shirt or vest that properly conceals the weapon is also recommended as the idea is to practice what you will do should you ever need to use your CCW piece in self defense.


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