TCA Tactical Week 7 - Pistol Level 3

08/15/2021By Redaktion

Bratislava Kurse Pistole Schießen

The last day, giving it all one more time. With a mix of joy and sadness, we head to the shooting range today, as it marks the end of this TCA Tactical Week at Bratislava in Slovakia. The group is small and manageable this day, allowing most participants to perform the drills simultaneously.

The tables are prepared again and shooting at steel targets begins right away. The distinct "Pling" provides immediate auditory feedback on hits. When shooting from a seated position at the table, it's important to pay attention not to swing the barrel over one's leg. After a short introduction and dry training, it's time for live fire. Everyone is seated at a table and on the command "Hop", they fire. The group's shooting is very accurate and the desired "Pling" can be heard from all around.

Next, the shooter stands up from the table and moves sideways to create space. The movement sequence was trained the day before, so it's just a matter of making the mental connection. The most important thing with the pistol, which may be a bit more challenging than with a rifle, is to always pay attention to the barrel direction so it points in a safe direction.

Shooting on the move was already on the agenda the previous day, but now a new component is added: shooting laterally while moving, especially at close range. Precision can be somewhat neglected in this case, as long as the direction is correct. Ideally, one also hits the designated regions.

A course helps to train the movement sequence again, and each of us goes through it in the same way. Except for one colleague who is left-handed. For him, it's the opposite, so he gets to go through the same course from the other side at the end. It shows once again: TCA finds a solution for all participants, and all shooters are welcome.

After a short break, the instructors rearrange the targets slightly. Now, a target is positioned very close by each table. Many can anticipate what comes next – a new combination. Participants must stand up, walk towards the nearby target as learned, and then hit two distant steel targets. Details like reloading, situational awareness, and others must also always be considered.

As a small group, we speed through the course content, but rest assured, there's enough repetition in live fire to solidify initial routines. Around 500 shots are fired in total in the Level 3 course. Those opting to purchase ammunition on-site always find a full box at their table to use.

Normally, it would be time for lunch now, but not for us today, which suits everyone just fine. Next up is the U-Drill. Three targets are placed side by side, and now it's time to combine everything learned. Starting from one side, participants must approach the target, pass by the targets, and then move away from the target. Paying attention to cadence, precision, and much more. The instructors, as mentioned before, ensure to adjust the difficulty to challenge the shooters, offering surprises to keep us on our toes.

Once the group finishes, the vehicle is already brought forward. After parking it, adjusting the targets, we gather once more to learn from Gabriel. It's not always straightforward – where to place your legs in the vehicle, how to draw the weapon from the holster, and engage with the targets.

We all listen attentively, hoping not to make a mistake afterwards. Thankfully, we practice the process under supervision in dry training and receive immediate corrections if anything is done incorrectly. Once each participant can handle the firearm in the vehicle safely, they load up, and one by one, they get to sit inside.

When commanded, shots are fired, and the "pling" sound is heard again. If you don't hear it, you get the info to shoot again until you hit the target. Depending on the need, magazine change and more surprises follow.

Today, no participant is spared, after all, everyone enjoys going through these scenario drills. In the stress, we sometimes forget individual steps and are reminded of them in this way. Speaking for ourselves, every time we made such a mistake, it was as if it burned into our brains. We didn't make the same mistake a second time.

After everyone has completed two runs, the car is re-parked. First, shots were fired front and sideways, now the same is done in the rear direction. Similar, but not the same. Everyone gets to try after Gabriel demonstrates it clearly. Then, shooting is done from the vehicle. It felt a bit strange during dry training, but during the drill, one hardly thinks about it and just tries to stay stable and hit the targets.

Gabriel was very satisfied with the performance of all participants. Therefore, and because we are a small group, he prepares an extra scenario drill for us. A combination of all the learning from the last three days of the entire pistol course. First, shooting from a close range sideways, then engaging two targets in front of you. Then, out of the car, around it, and behind it, engaging further targets accordingly. The head is not only spinning from the heat of the sun but now also from the many tasks, and you are already considering what you need to focus on.

Afterward, you look around at smiling and satisfied faces. It's a crowning finish, and everyone can be proud of their performance. What follows are certificates, patches, and stickers. Also for us. During the feedback session, I ask Gabriel about shooting with one hand and shooting while lying down, as you find this course content in some others earlier in the program. At TCA, these are present in the advanced and drill courses. After Pistol Level 3, many doors are now open for further training and continuation of pistol shooting. For now, we head home, take a breath, and relax.

We would like to sincerely thank the TCA team for these action-packed and especially instructive days. We take a lot of knowledge from the training in Slovakia and now feel more confident in handling our weapons. And there is still much to learn. Until next time at TCA!

THE TACTICAL WEEK at TCA

TACTICAL COMBAT ACADEMY online