...and then we moved closer in. Another guy showed up (not on CFF, I think), and we all tried the Wizard drill. Now, let me explain what that is for a minute.
Four distances. 2.5 seconds allowed for each distance. Intended to be a drill for you to use your EDC and draw from concealment. The course:
1. 3 yards, one shot to the head, one handed
2. 5 yards, one shot to the head, freestyle
3. 7 yards, one shot to the head, freestyle
4. 10 yards, two shots to the body, freestyle
Again, 2.5 seconds allowed...includes drawing from concealment, and yes only 2.5 total for the two final shots. The other guy (drawing a blank on his name) goes first, shooting a 9mm...not sure what it was, as I was more focused on the process. Fred goes next with a double-action revolver. Both of them were using belt holsters...I know Fred's was OWB and I'm not sure on the first guy since I was on his other side.
Billy goes next with a G43, front pocket carry. I believe the rules state for pocket carry you get to start with your hand in your pocket. Billy's fast. Be ready.
I go next. As background, I've never shot in a competition of any kind. I've never shot when drawing from a holster, whether concealed or not. And I've never shot using a timer. I spend most of my range time just shooting junk, instead of practicing any useful skills. So...to say I was a bit intimated by the thought of trying this drill, with spectators (including my son), is quite the understatement. But no way I could take a pass on it.
So I go through the thought process of clearing my shirt, drawing the pistol (and making double sure not to put my finger on the trigger too early) and firing. Take a couple deep breaths and finally say "yes" to the shooter ready? question. I don't recall my times on all shots. The first was a hit, and I think it was 2.35 or so? The second and third was a combine one hit and one miss the miss actually hit the target stand, about 2" to the left of the head. Had it been slightly lower it would've hit his shoulder. So, a miss, but not way off. One of those two shots was something like 2.51 or 2.55? Not sure if the other. Last distance was two hits, 2.80 seconds. So...I would've failed the test. 4/5 hits, but only 1 or 2 of them in the alloted time...yet none over 3 seconds.
For the record, I was shooting a G23 from my OWB leather from Jason and my Fat Boy from Curt. Shot the JHPs that were loaded in it. It does have a Crimson Trace grip on it, but I only recall seeing the dot on one shot...lots of sunshine today.
I was very pleased. Had no idea what to expect. Definitely gives me a good base to build on. It's a drill I'd gladly try on my own. And I know it's not the same as IDPA (or whatever the initials are), but it lets me know that meeting up with
@Butter or
@Mike Overlay or
@FatboyFlash might not be as terrifying as I've been thinking.
Then we let my son give it a shot. We modified the rules a bit and let him start at a low ready instead of drawing from concealment. He was more focused on the time than shot placement on the first run and I think he came in under 2.5 on 3/4...but only hit 1/5 shots. He was using a G43 Billy loaned him. Later he tried it again with a red dot equipped Ruger Mark something and did 4/5. Most of the time in the 2.5-3.0 second range. Very proud of him. He said he spent most of the time trying to find the dot. I think an open RMR style sight might be better for this drill.
Here are some shots of Lucas running the drill, and a short video (I didn't record one stage for some reason?). First pic caught him after the shot, and you can see where he hit the guy in the shoulder instead of the head. You can also kinda see my shot on the bar directly above where he hit.
(He does have plugs in...we were doubled-up for the AK, but he didn't put the muffs back down for the drill)
And a video showing 3/4 stages:
Overall we had a blast. Couldn't ask for nicer hosts. Really looking forward to the M&G. I saw the setup for the competition, but didn't want to attempt it ahead of time. Gonna be fun to watch everybody try it.