Gunfighter

Sig_Fiend · Joined: 26 Oct 2010 Posts: 1 Location: Austin, TX

Just got done with the Hoffner's Tactical Pistol 1 course out at the Impact Zone just outside of Houston, TX. This was my first training course with Hoffner's, and I had a good time.

The class had a great group of people with a diverse make-up. Guns mostly consisted of either Springfield XDs or Glocks, with one Walther P99 thrown into the mix next to an FN FiveSeven.

Video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dEX0aOF3lBg

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dgBQ1IhxJBg

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sIwedNlI7CY

Equipment

Gun
Belt
Holster
Magazines (3+)
Magazine Pouches
500 - 600 Rounds of Ammo

Day 1 - Class & Crawl

Probably the best thing anyone can learn from this course is covered right off the bat, MINDSET. Brian gives a number of real life examples on how mindset plays such a large role in fighting in general, and I was very, very pleased to see this covered in depth. In my opinion, the biggest barrier for people is committing to the fight in that situation. Brian outlines how poor decisions can make the difference in getting shot, and gaining the upper hand with tactical surprise. Other topics include the differences between reactive and cognitive mental process, and other aspects of what we are going to need on the firing line and out in public.

Following a short break the class headed out for some on the line dry fire practice. Initially Brian talks about a dug-in stance and progresses onwards to trigger pull, working it together into presentation from a low-ready all the while emphasizing a self-governed cadence. The primary focus is getting good hits during the entire class.

Towards the end of the day we finally progressed to a hot line. With our kit on we started slow with a CQB distance precision drill. Again, the emphasis being controlled single shots to keep the "flinch demon" away and really progress through the entire cycle of present, slack up, press, and bang (surprise). For newer shooters this is good practice, it makes you slow down and commit to a good shot with good mechanics.

Day 2 - Walk and Chew Bubble Gum

Day 2 was a fun step up from day 1. We spent the initial part of the day backtracking over day 1's lesson, but quickly progressed into live fire drills. Throughout the entire day we had to work with more commands, faster, and with more awareness. The instructors really worked to push the mental envelope.

We learned an admin, combat, and tactical with retention reload method, with particular emphasis on the tactical reload due to it's inherient complexity. It was nice to practice that a bit more in a faster environment.

The command structure got more and more complex as time moved on. This is something that I personally really liked. The element of confusion, having to switch off the reaction and focus on methodically working the problem. It's something that few people ever practice outside of structured training. Fire, gave way to "Up!, 6, 4, 1, Charlie!" which made the shooter speed up and slow down whilst getting good breaks, tracking the sight picture, and moving through the target order. It wasn't monotonous, it was dynamic, and dynamic is right.

The last drill is alot of fun, but I won't ruin it for you guys. You'll just have to find out what it is by taking the class.

What Hoffner's Tactical Pistol 1 is:
- Fun
- Structured
- Good Instructor to Shooter Ratio
- SAFE! (Huge Emphasis on this from Day 1)
- Informative

What Hoffner's Tactical Pistol 1 isn't:
- High Speed (Good for Beginners)
- Moving and Shooting (Emphasis on Basics)

General Comments
- Would like to see greater emphasis on proper reloading structure for combat reloads (speed reloads), namely rear to rear mag interface.

- Very good emphasis on gun safety.

- Implimentation of color on the targets. Colors and numbers seem to be more confusing.

- More mag changes! Maybe shortloading mags on purpose? (I suppose I could have brought a 1911 or J-Frame)

- Comedy, no one wants a boring stiff for a teacher, everyone seemed to have a good sense of humor and that made the class much more enjoyable.

In closing, thanks to Brian Hoffner, John Crawford, Art Starliper, and anyone else I've forgotten for the class!

Pictures: