California changed the minimum requirements needed to be a concealed carry (CCW) instructor, and Primal Response Training Group stepped up to the challenge by opening up their CCW Instructor class to qualified non-law enforcement trainers. I took their 2 day class at the Escondido Police training range on December 5/6 with 17 other students.
Wayne and Jesse tell us their CCW training is "draw heavy" since that is what concealed carry is all about. Once your firearm is displayed, it falls back to simple marksmanship. The 2-day class focuses on building blocks, starting with drawing from concealment from a relaxed position, and continues through other positions, such as surrender (hands up), cover garment already grabbed, one shot draw (clear cover garment and draw with the same hand), then multiple shots to the same and different targets. Most drills are run at 7 yards. The first building block, one shot into the A zone with hands relaxed, has a goal of 1.5 seconds. If you cannot draw from concealment and get a shot off in 1.5 seconds, you most likely won't make the goal times of the other exercises. In seconds, the other goals are: Surrender - 1.75, Shirt grab - 1.25, Strong hand - 3, Shoot 1, Reload, Shoot 1 - 5, Bill Drill - 3.5. Splits (time between shots) need to be at .35 seconds.
The fastest shooter in the group managed to complete every drill in less than half the goal time. I learned a ton of new skills and was given plenty to work on.
As I said earlier, you need to be able to draw from concealment and get a shot off in 1.5 seconds.
I had a great time in class and have many new tools in my bag of tricks. These targets are available online if you look. read more