My first time - Training at TCA

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Shooting sharp with a pistol - I had never experienced that before. As an equipment enthusiast, the interest in shooting sharp becomes more and more prominent and so I decided to fire a pistol for the first time under good supervision and guidance. It was supposed to happen at the Tactical Combat Academy (TCA) in Slovakia.

In the morning I set off for the shooting training: Pistol 1. In just over an hour I reached my goal and the weather was not in my favor. It was raining and thick clouds adorned the sky. But there is no such thing as bad weather, only bad equipment. So put on a rain jacket and go to registration. There I met the first other course participants and instructors, all of whom greeted and received me warmly. Registration went smoothly and quickly, then it was just waiting until it really starts. You exchange some words with the other participants, inspect the provided equipment from a distance, and the excitement and uncertainty rise. The pulling of the trigger is certainly simple, but of course, you also want to hit the target.

Let the games begin: Glock 17 Gen 4

While he talks about how the equipment is put on and which one is best for which situations, my head is already focused on the rental weapons. It didn't take long and a Glock 17 Gen 4 with two empty magazines was handed to me. But safety comes first before the first shot. We line up, Gabriel demonstrates the Safety Drill, and we follow suit. It is repeated very often and several assistant instructors go through and carefully check if everyone is performing correctly. Only when everyone has internalized how safe handling works, the weapon is stowed away and the program continues. Before explaining a new step, Gabriel always performs a Three-Person Check, where the shooter shows that the weapon is not loaded and no magazine is inserted. Then the trainer explains the correct aiming and how to hold the weapon. The yellow marking in the background is supposed to represent the sights and how they are brought together for a straight shot. Furthermore, there are commands like "Finger In" and "Finger Out," which slowly introduce us to pulling the trigger.Action, and the movements become more and more shaky, and I make movements that my body was not used to. Gabriel, meanwhile, strolls through the lines and gives loud commands. The commands are not translated on the side. There is no need for it, as the English commands are loud, understandable, and clear. Once he is convinced that everyone has mastered the Safety Drill and the basic handling of the weapon, we move closer to the end of the shooting range. The targets are already in place, and the ammunition is spread out on the tables. These were additionally covered with pavilions because it is still raining. Sometimes heavier, sometimes lighter. Ten shots in the magazine, magazine in the pocket, and then it's time to step forward. The first shot is approaching, and it brings back memories. Gabriel explains that we will now shoot live ammunition and that the finger should only touch the trigger on the command "Finger In." Then you can shoot, and the finger stays on the trigger until the command "Finger Out" comes. Before and after that, there are, of course, specific commands that break down the entire sequence of movements into individual steps, creating a controlled environment for the first shot.

The first shot

So here I am, aiming a Glock at a target and waiting for my "Finger In." I hear it, and the finger goes on the trigger, pressing it slowly, and a bang goes off. It really surprised me, and my finger immediately went off the trigger and out of the trigger guard. Once I regained my composure, I noticed that I hit the target. Right in the middle. Either a stroke of luck, or simply a success for Gabriel's instructions on how to aim. Probably both, as I took my time and really tried to follow every instruction of the trainer as precisely as possible. Nevertheless, the finger was out without waiting for the command.

Nervously, I look at the instructor to my left, who is watching me closely and smiles at me. He seemed to be amused by my little surprise, but there was no danger coming from me and my finger at that moment. The command "Finger Out" quickly follows, and it's time to continue. "Finger In" and the next shot. Now, it doesn't surprise me as much when the shot goes off, and the finger remains on the trigger until the command "Finger Out." The adrenaline is already there, and I try to keep my head in control of my body. I carefully follow through with the commands, and before I know it, it's time to reload at the table, next group. It feels like the course is progressing very quickly. After each execution of a drill, another step is added. The sequence of movements becomes complete, so that in the end, on the command "Hop," the weapon is drawn, a shot is fired, and then reholstered. All under the watchful eyes of the instructors. There are up to five instructors present at the same time, overseeing eight people shooting simultaneously, making it seem like each participant has their own personal trainer. Through observation and personal feedback, the shooter quickly becomes confident in their actions and thrives on the increasing demands. The translations are clear and understandable, and you get used to them quickly. Gabriel is also a pro at communicating with German-speaking participants and the interpreter, so questions are expertly and promptly answered. With humor and charm, which always lightens the atmosphere. Generally, the course feels professional. You are treated respectfully, but you do not feel like a patronized child. Mistakes are allowed, but be prepared for a zero-tolerance policy for incorrect finger placement on the trigger. Anyone who has their finger on the trigger when they shouldn't, will immediately be asked to remove it. After around 100 shots, it's over. At the end of the course, you feel confident. The target is riddled, and the novice shooter is convinced that he now masters the basics of his pistol. The fingers are now slightly black from soot marks. The ground is littered with empty shells, and it's time for the debriefing. Gabriel once again addresses the shot patterns and indicates what can be improved without pointing fingers at participants. This way, I see what needs to be corrected if a shot doesn't hit where I want it to. Now there's an opportunity to take photos, says Gabriel. I follow suit and get my picture taken with my target. Note, mine is the lower one. I already feel a bit proud, as the shot pattern is much better than I initially feared. I thought my target would look like it was hit by a shotgun, widely scattered. Instead, a lot of shots landed in the middle. This makes it clear to me that it must be due to Gabriel and his team of instructors. They helped me understand how to handle a pistol and achieve a good shot pattern. At the end of the TCA Basic Pistol course, I collect my certificate and listen to the announcements of other possible dates that course participants can now attend.

Good course, solid progress

On the same day, there should be an Advanced Pistol course. Since we successfully completed the first one, I am allowed to attend this second one as well. I was hooked and wanted to do it right away.

There is an hour between the courses. Enough time for a lunch break, where you could get food from a stand not far from the facility in Bratislava. Toilets and a covered main building for cozy dining leave nothing to be desired. The weather has also improved. With the nerves dissipating, the clouds have also disappeared, and the sun shines brightly in the afternoon.

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